Motorhome Dealers Reputations (1 Viewer)

May 13, 2012
383
171
West Mids
Funster No
21,018
MH
Bailey Advance 6-2
Exp
since 2012
Apologies if this isnt the done thing but I want to ask if anyone can offer an opinion or generally comment on a MH dealer I am thinking of buying a used Hymer from?

Its AMC motorhomes in sussex

Thanks
 

rainbow chasers

Free Member
Oct 30, 2009
3,680
1,725
Mid Cornwall
Funster No
9,132
MH
Various
Exp
9
Give trading standards a call. See if they have come up on their radar at all. It is the first place unhappy customers will complain to after the dealer. If there are numerous logs, it would suggest a bad dealer - the odd one may be troublesome customers, but will give you something to ask about.

Not any reviews on review sites, which could be seen as a good thing - obviously not upset anyone that badly as nowadays that is the chosen attack method for unhappy customers.
 

JeanLuc

Free Member
Nov 17, 2008
3,304
2,199
Warwickshire
Funster No
4,952
MH
Hymer B630 Star-Line
Exp
Since 2007
Is it the 'Swing' you are looking at? If so, I can see a couple of things. The front seats have been reupholstered - nothing wrong in that so long as you like the two-tone effect of blue against the original grey. There appears to be a darker patch in the corner of the shower room floor - make sure it has not been caused by a crack leaking.
If, on the other hand, you are looking at the B584, two points there also. I note you have two adult children; I believe the B584 has only three belted travelling seats. It has a Gaslow (or other refillable lpg) system fitted but the filler nozzle has been fitted in the opening gas locker door. This is contrary to Gaslow's recommendation as it can put stress on the filler pipe.

I know nothing of the dealer but good luck with your search. I guess you know there are other dealers specialising in second-hand Hymers if that is what you are looking for; might provide you with more options to consider.

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Last edited:
OP
OP
BigClick
May 13, 2012
383
171
West Mids
Funster No
21,018
MH
Bailey Advance 6-2
Exp
since 2012
Is it the 'Swing' you are looking at? If so, I can see a couple of things. The front seats have been reupholstered - nothing wrong in that so long as you like the two-tone effect of blue against the original grey. There appears to be a darker patch in the corner of the shower room floor - make sure it has not been caused by a crack leaking.
If, on the other hand, you are looking at the B584, two points there also. I note you have two adult children; I believe the B584 has only three belted travelling seats. It has a Gaslow (or other refillable lpg) system fitted but the filler nozzle has been fitted in the opening gas locker door. This is contrary to Gaslow's recommendation as it can put stress on the filler pipe.

I know nothing of the dealer but good luck with your search. I guess you know there are other dealers specialising in second-hand Hymers if that is what you are looking for; might provide you with more options to consider.

Thanks for the response, it is the B584 we are looking at, what do you think of the asking price?

Yes we have twin girls aged 22 and they do their own thing so its more for the occasional passenger really, we have hired this layout a couple of times now and we are happy.

The gas low system seems a bit odd though, maybe its because its more transferable that way? Can we get it retrofitted correctly?

Thanks again
 

maz

Jan 26, 2011
4,445
7,666
Bizeljsko, Slovenia
Funster No
15,094
MH
N+B Arto
Exp
Since March 2011
The gas low system seems a bit odd though, maybe its because its more transferable that way? Can we get it retrofitted correctly?

Ideally the filler wouldn't be in the door but in the case of my van there was no other realistic place to put it - believe me, we tried! :Smile:

My gas locker door hinges at the top and the filler is in the top left hand corner so there is hardly any movement of the steel hose. The hose is long enough to allow movement and located so that there is nothing inside the locker that it can chafe on. If you look in the Gaslow installation instructions leaflet, the example they show of door fitting is extreme and certainly wouldn't be a good idea. However, although not ideal, a safe compromise can often be worked out. Have a look inside the gas locker of the Hymer you're interested in and see how the hose is installed. :Smile:
 

maz

Jan 26, 2011
4,445
7,666
Bizeljsko, Slovenia
Funster No
15,094
MH
N+B Arto
Exp
Since March 2011
Interestingly, I've just had a quick look for an online version of Gaslows installation instructions to show you, and their latest version now includes a method for fixing the filler in a door rather than just saying don't do it.

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Apr 29, 2009
1,193
725
West Sussex
Funster No
6,505
MH
Burstner Nexxo T740
Exp
since 2008
I had a Gaslow System fitted in the door and the pipe broke. Gaslow replaced it FOC and I fitted the right angled connector and all was well after that. (Incidentally I have the part spare now as it wasnt required for our new motorhome and I am faiirly local to Peacehaven if you did go ahead and needed it)
Price looks about right - but if you have no PX you should be able to get a discount.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
BigClick
May 13, 2012
383
171
West Mids
Funster No
21,018
MH
Bailey Advance 6-2
Exp
since 2012
I had a Gaslow System fitted in the door and the pipe broke. Gaslow replaced it FOC and I fitted the right angled connector and all was well after that. (Incidentally I have the part spare now as it wasnt required for our new motorhome and I am faiirly local to Peacehaven if you did go ahead and needed it)

Thats very kind of you, thanks. I will let you know if I buy this one.
 

JeanLuc

Free Member
Nov 17, 2008
3,304
2,199
Warwickshire
Funster No
4,952
MH
Hymer B630 Star-Line
Exp
Since 2007
It looks as though it is in good condition (within the limits of the photographs of course) and I would have thought the price is about right. I presume the dealer is offering some warranty on it - hopefully 12 months.

I'm pretty sure this model is built on an Alko double-floored chassis - make sure the rear axle has been lubricated annually. To do this, the axle has to be supported on stands so the wheels hang free and then grease must be pumped into nipples at each side. If this procedure is not carried out it can lead to torsion bar failure. Sometimes this service element can be overlooked as some motorhome dealers only concern themselves with the habitation part and some auto engineers don't think about the Alko chassis as it's not part of the original Fiat base. It's not a huge problem, just check whether the job has been done.

Concerning the Gaslow filler point, you could easily have it re-sited to the grey side skirt, but will then need a transfer kit - probably in black to look better against the grey. These are available from Gaslow - Link Removed.

Since you are in the West Midlands, there are some Funster fitters who can sort out any Gaslow issues for you, should you go ahead.

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OP
OP
BigClick
May 13, 2012
383
171
West Mids
Funster No
21,018
MH
Bailey Advance 6-2
Exp
since 2012
It looks as though it is in good condition (within the limits of the photographs of course) and I would have thought the price is about right. I presume the dealer is offering some warranty on it - hopefully 12 months.

I'm pretty sure this model is built on an Alko double-floored chassis - make sure the rear axle has been lubricated annually. To do this, the axle has to be supported on stands so the wheels hang free and then grease must be pumped into nipples at each side. If this procedure is not carried out it can lead to torsion bar failure. Sometimes this service element can be overlooked as some motorhome dealers only concern themselves with the habitation part and some auto engineers don't think about the Alko chassis as it's not part of the original Fiat base. It's not a huge problem, just check whether the job has been done.

Concerning the Gaslow filler point, you could easily have it re-sited to the grey side skirt, but will then need a transfer kit - probably in black to look better against the grey. These are available from Gaslow - Link Removed.

Since you are in the West Midlands, there are some Funster fitters who can sort out any Gaslow issues for you, should you go ahead.

Cheers for that advise.
It has a 6 month RAC warranty - Apparently I can extend it for £300 to 12 months, again a slight worry there for me because it looks like an insurance policy rather than the dealer "standing" behind the Van. Appreciate further comments and opinions if anyone has them?
 
Apr 27, 2008
11,788
13,942
Eastbourne East Sussex
Funster No
2,327
MH
Hymer low profile
Exp
Since 1972
Only problem I found with one of these when we had one is that the drop down bed is quite high to climb into and the washroom is a wet room (as they usually are on this size of van) and so needs quite a bit of drying out when you use the shower. Unless yours is in a different place from ours, the washroom light switch is not in an obvious place so find it before it gets dark.::bigsmile:
 

JeanLuc

Free Member
Nov 17, 2008
3,304
2,199
Warwickshire
Funster No
4,952
MH
Hymer B630 Star-Line
Exp
Since 2007
I think a lot of dealers use an insurance-based warranty. When we bought our B630 it came with a 12-month insurance warranty which I extended for a second year. In fact, we have just bought our second Subaru car - this time second hand with a 'Subaru Approved' warranty and even that is a form of insurance, albeit from Subaru Finance.
Going back to the motorhome, I saw the warranty as cover for major mechanical failures rather than minor issues with the motorhome conversion. I would expect a dealer to put right any simple things. After a couple of months, ours needed a replacement waste pipe for the bathroom sink and the dealer simply fitted it FOC.
Any van can have problems but Hymers are generally well made. Provided the B584 has been well looked after, the previous owners will have encountered any early niggles (if any) and hopefully sorted them out.
Concerning the drop-down bed, I guess you have tested it, but we do not find it too high. It pulls down a lot lower than any over-cab luton bed I've seen. In fact we rarely use ours (we use the rear transverse bed over the garage) but on the odd occasion we have, it has been very comfortable and easy to get into.
A lot of vans have a 'wet room' shower. I find it very easy to run over the surfaces with a window squeegee followed by a microporous cloth - dry in no time.

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Stephen & Jeannie

Free Member
Aug 27, 2008
4,174
3,265
Gobowen near Oswestry !!
Funster No
3,842
MH
Sold and bought a Caravan
Exp
9 years !!!!
It looks as though it is in good condition (within the limits of the photographs of course) and I would have thought the price is about right. I presume the dealer is offering some warranty on it - hopefully 12 months.

I'm pretty sure this model is built on an Alko double-floored chassis - make sure the rear axle has been lubricated annually. To do this, the axle has to be supported on stands so the wheels hang free and then grease must be pumped into nipples at each side. If this procedure is not carried out it can lead to torsion bar failure. Sometimes this service element can be overlooked as some motorhome dealers only concern themselves with the habitation part and some auto engineers don't think about the Alko chassis as it's not part of the original Fiat base. It's not a huge problem, just check whether the job has been done.

Concerning the Gaslow filler point, you could easily have it re-sited to the grey side skirt, but will then need a transfer kit - probably in black to look better against the grey. These are available from Gaslow - Link Removed.

[HI]Since you are in the West Midlands, there are some Funster fitters who can sort out any Gaslow issues for you, should you go ahead[/HI].

Dave Newell in Telford !!!:thumb::thumb::thumb:
 
OP
OP
BigClick
May 13, 2012
383
171
West Mids
Funster No
21,018
MH
Bailey Advance 6-2
Exp
since 2012
It looks as though it is in good condition (within the limits of the photographs of course).

Well photography can sometimes mislead and as I was working in Guildford yesterday I added another 120 miles on to my journey to go and have a look.

Before I set off I had asked the dealer if there were any chips on the screen as this gets my wife's OCD started and he said no, guess what? there were two chips only small but bad enough to notice.

The off side of the VAN has suffered a lot of sun damage and is faded quite badly considering its only 8 years old, the mastic around the locker door has run and re-set and is quite ugly.

Underneath the frame and dampers have a covering of surface corrosion not bad but a bit off putting.

The roof light housing has a crack (sun damage?) and the toilette floor looks like it has been removed in the past for some reason, I assume this because the seal isn't against the wall in one of the rounded corners.

The front door is yellow with age and the plastic skin of the door and driver window frames are cracked and a small sections near the handle on the front door has come away. The driver window is seized shut with a nice mossy culture growing in it.

The habitation door has a "black shadow" on the seal (Water damage?)

The table is broken and the slide out is stuck in the half open position. The wooden supports underneath have split with wooden shards exposed

The fly screen at the back is tatty and there was a box of rat poison in the storage locker.

I thought in general it hadn't been that well looked after, even with the impressive list of extras I don't think its worth the asking price.

My main groan is that he said the windscreen was good and it wasn't. Further, when I asked about the defects I was told that when they sell a van they put it in the workshop and make evrything work properly. Why not do that before they put it up for sale?
 

alfandM

Free Member
Mar 12, 2012
1,065
1,174
sweden
Funster No
20,123
MH
A
Exp
1992
Hi, after reading your disappointed journey,i would recommend you to stay away from that purchase, and wish you good luck on your next search, one thing that's good is, its a good learning curve for you , :thumb:

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ehuplad

Free Member
Feb 9, 2009
504
93
North Yorkshire
Funster No
5,589
MH
Hobby 600
Exp
6
My main groan is that he said the windscreen was good and it wasn't. Further, when I asked about the defects I was told that when they sell a van they put it in the workshop and make evrything work properly. Why not do that before they put it up for sale?

Most dealers do this they do not spend money on the van until it has sold,
 

bernardfeay

Free Member
Nov 18, 2009
613
1,191
Bolton
Funster No
9,391
MH
hymer exsis
Exp
10 years
Your question was about experience with Hymer dealers. I had to take mine to court before they settled.
They would like you to believe that they give the MH a thorough going over to fix everything prior to you taking delivery. Put simply, they don't. They let you take the vehicle, run it, test it, find faults and then take it back.
Their guarantees are virtually worthless and you have to be persistent with your complaints. They will give you a guarantee with lots of pages and small print. You probably won't read the small print.
In my case, I sent several text messages outlining my expectations. Similarly, I wrote a letter to them telling them what I expected from a guarantee on the wear and tear parts.
They went all the way to the court steps before they admitted that they told me air con was fitted when it wasn't. I even had a text from them telling me where the switch was and assuring me that their pre delivery inspection had recharged the system. That's pretty reassuring for an air con system that isn't there in the first place. Engine and leisure batteries were both worthless, steering system leaked badly, taps leaked; quite a list of poor performance on their part.

In conclusion, write down your expectations and nag, nag, nag.
 

JeanLuc

Free Member
Nov 17, 2008
3,304
2,199
Warwickshire
Funster No
4,952
MH
Hymer B630 Star-Line
Exp
Since 2007
If you are keen to find a Hymer, here are three dealers you might consider. The first is where we bought ours and we found them helpful, knowledgable and good to deal with; the second is probably the foremost non-franchised Hymer expert in the UK - we have had work done by him and he is highly regarded (see both sales and commission / private sales in the left hand navigation panel); the third is an import specialist - I have no knowledge of them but have read good reports. It's worth letting all of them know what you are looking for so they can contact you if something suitable comes up.

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Good luck with your search.

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