Looking to buy our first camper van

[Sula]

Hi everyone,
Me and my husband are soon to purchase our very first campervan. We've done a whole lot of talking about what we would like and our needs. What we want is to be able to sleep as two single beds and not just a double as we have different sleeping times! We want a toilet in a cubicle and not particularly bothered about either having either an oven or just hob and of course a fridge. We've been looking at auto sleepers on line and were quite taken with them and then noticed the Swift Mondial which also seemed to tick the boxes. However, we've now seen the Citroen Romahome Dimension which again seems to tick the boxes and also has the benefit of 2 extra forward facing belted seats which we would really like as the others only have three belted seats in total. As you can imagine, we're now getting confused although veering towards the latter because of the seat belts. Can any of you help with any advice at all?? We only want this sort of size and around a 2 litre diesel engine for reasons of economy. We're looking at a budget of £15000 maximum. We will be using it in France and Spain but not bothered about having a left hand drive. I'm sure many of you professional camper/motorhome people have tons of experience and maybe there's something we haven't thought about?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Riverbankannie]

The Romahome Dimension seems to have a very similar layout to our first camper, an Autosleeper Topaz. We had it for 8 years and loved it.
It’s a great way to start out.

 

[Sula]

Thanks for your quick reply and you sound positive towards our favourite choice. I don't know the Autosleeper Topaz but we were looking at the Autosleeper Dorset. As I said it's the 4 seat belts that's clinching it at the minute. Thanks again.

 

[TUCANO]

@Sula
I am unable to help as I know nothing about camper vans but I would suggest spending time in whatever van you fancy and imagine going through the motions ! pun intended, of an everyday life in a confined area.
Check the sleeping, cooking, washing facilities as thoroughly as possible, all vans are compromises you just have to decide what exactly you are prepared to compromise on.
Enjoy the hunting around as it is part of the fun, don't rush into it.

 

[RogerThat]

Can any of you help with any advice at all??

Hire one for a weekend, or a week

Find one with as close a layout as you think you're after and try it

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[Sula]

Thanks for that and yes, we will go through the the motions some good advice you've given because, as you say, you have to decide about compromises and what's important to us. We've never been inside one so really need to do just that now and really get the feel. Friends of ours who have had camper vans in the past have said that you learn to live differently because you have to and that you soon realise what you definitely do and don't need. We have been campers for many years and have also put a mattress in our VW transporter so we know what 'roughing it' means but as we're now in the 'growing up club' need a bit more comfort!! Thanks again.

 

[Sula]

Yes, RogertThat, someone else advised us to do that. Thanks.

 

[TheBig1]

The autosleeper duetto also ticks all the mentioned boxes. Lovely vans and based on the last generation ford transit (in your budget) parts are available everywhere

 

[Sula]

Thanks TheBig1 I'll have a look

 

[Rapido925M]

You mention having 4 seats: does that mean you WILL be taking passengers or you want the option?
IF you are taking others, is it for a day trip or as part of your holiday plans?

These will have a bearing on how much payload you will require, which is always a big issue with smaller MHs.

Gordon

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[Sula]

Hi Gordon, yes we are thinking that 4 seats would be handy if we are going out for the day and want to take family or friends but it will only be us travelling proper in it. Can you explain more about the payload as I've seen weights related to this but don't really understand. Would having 2 passengers cause a problem? Thanks for your help.

 

[Rob and Val]

Hi, Sula. As a subscribed member of MHF you are eligible to download 'The Motorhome Buyers Guide' from the Resource section (see tabs at top of screen). The guide gives you excellent info on payload as well as info on buying which could save you making expensive mistakes.

 

[Simon Select]

With the Romahome R30, you will get 400KG of payload.

 

[busby]

Think the main think i would not do without in a camper is a proper toilet,,porta poti or a loo behind a curtain would not be acceptable. BUSBY.

 

[Sula]

Yes, Busby, totally agree with you. That is the bottom line as far as I'm concerned.

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[TheBig1]

strange people these motorhome folk. they poo in a plastic toilet in a wardrobe fitted to a delivery van

 

[Sula]

that's funny TheBig1. I should fit in well then