New to motorhome fun but old to rvoc

[R RV]

- I’ve just joined motorhome fun but been a member of rvoc for 5/6 years

I'm in a state of flux at the moment and thought I’d seek some inspiration and ideas so that I can try to make a decision.

As background to my predicament- I bought a fleetwood revolution back in 2014 and since then I’ve been restoring, improving and adding to it. I put literally 100’s of hours renovating the inside of my beloved rv - ripped out walls and reinstalled them - new carpets new Elec blinds (they were brilliant) new shocks new airbags etc etc etc ... it was nearly a new rv.

I’d just collected my rv from a caravan and motorhome specialist who carried out, what I thought would be the final piece of the jigsaw, a full overhaul of the electrical system using victron equipment. This included many other items and carried with it a total cost of just over £30,000.

A few weeks after collecting RRV, and after finding a huge number of issues with the installation, SADLY RRV burnt to the ground. A total and catastrophic loss of everything. and to add insult to injury my good friend had parked his RV next to mine and that also went up in flames. Along with 3 cars, 2 trailers, a summerhouse and all the front windows in the house!

Anyway - to the point of this post: Neither Tina or me would want to buy another RV and go through this again. Also neither of us, I don’t think, would be happy sleeping in an rv because of the ferocity and speed at which it went up.

so I’ve been looking at buying a motorhome but to be honest I don’t know much about the different makes and standards etc.

we were going to go full time in RRV but these plans have now changed completely. So the new motorhome will be used for some track days with our little robin hood 2b car, regular weekends away and some longer trips to Europe for 2-4 weeks once I manage to retire. Mainly with just the 2 of us.

id really like to hear your thoughts and ideas about what to buy, what to avoid and any-other snippet of brilliants you guys and girls may have

I look forward to hearing from some of you

 

[RubyOptics]

I'm so terribly sorry to hear your story. My heart goes out to both you and your wife. I take it from the fact you had an RV that the C1/HGV licence isn't a problem and neither is your confidence in driving such a large vehicle. Whilst I can't think of a single European motorhome that can rival an American RV for sheer space, I would think that one of the larger German A-class motorhomes would certainly be the closest. They would also be rather luxurious!!
One thing to think about would be if you want RHD or LHD? LHD is a bit easier in Europe but a bit more of a pain in the UK, but does open up more models as well as a bigger potential pool of vehicles to consider if you wanted to buy on the continent.
On any van you consider buying, ensure you have a full habitation check done by someone reputable. They will check not just for damp but also the electrical and gas systems on the van and advise you of any problem areas.
It's a bit difficult to recommend brands without knowing your budget, but in general some of the more high-end brands would be Niesmann and Bischoff, Morello (deep pockets required!) and Concorde...down maybe a rung would be brands such as Hymer, Burstner, Dethleffs, Eura Mobil and Pilote. All these manufacturers do A-class motorhomes which, at least from your initial post, are what I would suggest looking at.
I hope that gives you something to go on but please list any other ways in which we can be of help. Good luck and welcome to MHF.

 

[R RV]

BEFORE

DURING

AND AFTER

 

[RubyOptics]

Bloody hell, that's simply terrible. The only consolation is that nobody was hurt and that you are safe.

 

[R RV]

Bloody hell, that's simply terrible. The only consolation is that nobody was hurt and that you are safe.

Not one of our better nights. Still can’t believe it’s happened :-(

thanks for your reply - I think I need to physically go round and take a proper look at some of the different types and makes. I like to look of the Kon-Tiki black tag axle but I’ve never been in one.

RRV with the trailer and car measured nearly 17 meters (55’ in old money) so I’m not worried about size. We’ve been up and down the alpes quite a few times - even been to Devon and Cornwall (which I think were much worst than the alpes )

and yes my licence is class 1 so I could drive pretty much anything. I just don’t know what to do next - probably because my dreams have been shattered and I’ve just got to get over it

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[Eggs]

Man alive! I really don't know what to say, you must be choked.

 

[R RV]

Man alive! I really don't know what to say, you must be choked.

GUTTED comes to mind - absolutely gutted

 

[RubyOptics]

Not one of our better nights. Still can’t believe it’s happened :-(

thanks for your reply - I think I need to physically go round and take a proper look at some of the different types and makes. I like to look of the Kon-Tiki black tag axle but I’ve never been in one.

RRV with the trailer and car measured nearly 17 meters (55’ in old money) so I’m not worried about size. We’ve been up and down the alpes quite a few times - even been to Devon and Cornwall (which I think were much worst than the alpes )

and yes my licence is class 1 so I could drive pretty much anything. I just don’t know what to do next - probably because my dreams have been shattered and I’ve just got to get over it

Going and looking really is the best thing you can do, as I'm sure you did when you were deciding on an RV. There are so many slight variations on the different layouts that it can be a minefield. We are actually looking around for a new van as well and even though we are pretty certain of what we want, we are still finding that the way the different manufacturers put their own "spin" on it can have a really huge impact on the van overall. Here's an example of what I mean...We are pretty convinced we want a 7 metre low profile. Separate rear beds for the kids and an electric drop down for us over the lounge. When the kids aren't with us, we'll turn the rear twins into one huge double for optimum lounging/being lazy! BUT...we've looked at about 5 manufacturers so far...all this same layout on the same length van and it's crazy how different they are. The Dethleffs we really like...but the under bed wardrobes are just tiny and no top access which is just stupid in my opinion. The Eura Mobil is beautifully made with top notch materials used, but the payload is pretty tight as it's a double floor design. The same is true (with different variations) for all the others. So it isn't just the layout to look for as each will be a bit different sometimes in some unexpected ways.

 

[sedge]

Holy sheet, Batman.

Utterly gut wrenching indeed.

If you want a little run out, and a look round, Hayes Leisure (Chausson & Pilote) is not too far away from Leics and Bill Hayes and his wife are an absolute mine of info - and tell the truth. Straight as a die.

 

[R RV]

You’re right - too many choices and too many different layouts. But everything is a compromise.

Oddly enough I didn’t look at any other rv as, as soon as I saw the revolution I fell in love with it and bought it. I literally bought it via eBay, flew up to Scotland for £28 and drive it back !!!,


Biggest mistake I’ve ever made as well as being the best decision I’ve ever made. If that’s possible

we’ve had some fantastic experiences and amazing memories with RRV and she’ll be sadly missed

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[old-mo]

Hi John & Tina.... ...

Not been over other side for a few weeks.... been a bit busy.... So missed your sad news...

Gutted for you both.... how does one get over THAT...? But at the end of the day you are safe, which is all that matters...

Been down a similar route to you regarding what to buy...

We started many years ago with Eurovans... then RV`s and onto 5th wheels and back to RV`s for a good few years.... Last one was a 2010 Damon Daybreak with all the toy`s, and only a few months old with hardly any mileage on the clock..

We had nothing but trouble with that from day one............ So started looking at reasonable size Eurovans...... and a newish Rapido 1001 tag axle, with loads of extra`s and no mileage caught our eye... Did a part X with the Damon and had some fabulous trips abroad dragging a 4wheeled trailer with a collection of various cars on the back all over Europe and the UK..

Lovely well built Motorhome (I think.) ... But was wasted on us through lack of use towards the end... so reluctantly sold it on...

This was us some where abroad....

Have a good look around at various makes and models, and choose one that you hope and think that will do what you want/need... There are some dodgy ones out there... and there are some nice ones...

Take your time and get it right...

Biggest problem you will have is where is Tina going to stow all of her shoes and dresses and coats... having had an RV....

Good luck Mate with whatever you both choose....

 

[Mikey RV]

Hi John, I still can’t believe what happened to your and Steve’s RV. With you being used to LHD I think your best bet would be to look at going to Germany to buy an A class although I don’t know how Brexit has effected prices etc. What is nice and better than an American RV is that the big A class models have a nice garage. Plenty of advice on this site. Good luck with whatever route you take.

 

[Chris]

That’s awful. I am so sorry

 

[Bustup15]

Gutted for you.

Suggest a trip to Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf (October I think). You can see every major manufacturer and each with a large selection of their model range. Much easier than hopping from dealer to dealer and if buying new much cheaper to purchase through a German or Belgian dealer than the UK.

 

[R RV]

Holy sheet, Batman.

Utterly gut wrenching indeed.

If you want a little run out, and a look round, Hayes Leisure (Chausson & Pilote) is not too far away from Leics and Bill Hayes and his wife are an absolute mine of info - and tell the truth. Straight as a die.

Gutted for you.

Suggest a trip to Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf (October I think). You can see every major manufacturer and each with a large selection of their model range. Much easier than hopping from dealer to dealer and if buying new much cheaper to purchase through a German or Belgian dealer than the UK.

Thanks for that - I’ll look into getting over there as I’ve pretty much written off doing anything / going anywhere this year so it might be a good time to buy - cheers
John and Tina

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[gus-lopez]

Hi and welcome. Sorry to hear about your disaster.

 

[R RV]

Hi John, I still can’t believe what happened to your and Steve’s RV. With you being used to LHD I think your best bet would be to look at going to Germany to buy an A class although I don’t know how Brexit has effected prices etc. What is nice and better than an American RV is that the big A class models have a nice garage. Plenty of advice on this site. Good luck with whatever route you take.

In know - I’m gutted for Steve as he’s gone through enough already. - really feel fir him xx

 

[irnbru]

Oh that must have been awful for you. Do you think it was the electrical work that was carried out that caused the fire. Thank goodness no one was in it and luckily your house didn't go up in flames too. Hope you find something suitable soon.

 

[R RV]

Oh that must have been awful for you. Do you think it was the electrical work that was carried out that caused the fire. Thank goodness no one was in it and luckily your house didn't go up in flames too. Hope you find something suitable soon.

Well the guy who did the work has been asked to come here Friday !
But he did everything- new microwave, new fridge, new heating system, new water heater, wired all the 9 solar panels, rewired every plug socket, changed all the ceiling lights , put in a new fuse board, changed the generator, changed the batteries to lithium , changed the engine batteries- there wasn’t anything he didn’t replace, change or fiddle with.

worst of it all was I had a huge list of issues that he’d not done properly and in one of my emails I even said “you’ve left my Rv in such a dangerous state that could have caused a catastrophic fire” IRONIC !!!
And you’re right we were lucky on one was in the RV’s at the time as I don’t think we’d have got out.
And if it wasn’t for the firemen getting here so quickly we would have lost the house
And! If it wasn’t for my neighbour up the lane we would have probably lost everything as we used his swimming pool water to put out our fire - 18,000 gallons apparently

 

[Popeye]

Gutted for you two too. That will take some getting over for sure

If size is important as it is to me then please look at Frankia range. Our Platin Plus is close to £200k new now but it really does have all the bells and whistles. If you are down in the New Forest you'd be more than welcome to look over mine.

I really wish you well in your search.

Griff

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[Trev45]

Absolutely gutted for you but as others have stated luckily no one was hurt . It is at times such as this that you find out how good your insurance company / companies are . Hopefully they don't try and wriggle too much.

 

[R RV]

Gutted for you two too. That will take some getting over for sure

If size is important as it is to me then please look at Frankia range. Our Platin Plus is close to £200k new now but it really does have all the bells and whistles. If you are down in the New Forest you'd be more than welcome to look over mine.

I really wish you well in your search.

Griff

Thanks griff - I may take you up on that - once we’ve sorted our cars out - they’ve written Tina’s off and mine can’t go into repair until after the forensic guys finished

 

[Carpmart]

That really is a bloody awful set of photos and a terrible event to event to have experienced.

May I suggest you can have the best of both worlds, which is my approach to Motorhome. I view my 9.2m RS Endeavour as a large Motorhome with all the advantages of being a Motorhome not an RV, many people I encounter view it as an RV due to size, features, payload and size. It’s almost the perfect hybridisation between RV and MH. Could this work for you too?

 

[R RV]

Absolutely gutted for you but as others have stated luckily no one was hurt . It is at times such as this that you find out how good your insurance company / companies are . Hopefully they don't try and wriggle too much.

To be fair the Nfu have been brilliant so far - but I haven’t had the settlement for the Rv yet !!!

 

[R RV]

That really is a bloody awful set of photos and a terrible event to event to have experienced.

May I suggest you can have the best of both worlds, which is my approach to Motorhome. I view my 9.2m RS Endeavour as a large Motorhome with all the advantages of being a Motorhome not an RV, many people I encounter view it as an RV due to size, features, payload and size. It’s almost the perfect hybridisation between RV and MH. Could this work for you too?

View attachment 498403View attachment 498404View attachment 498405View attachment 498406

That look fabulous- I’ll take a closer look at these.
Thanks John

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[Larrynwin]

Hi, I’m also an RVOC member but infrequent poster now and saw your post and thread on this terrible fire and it’s effect on you all but thank goodness no one physically hurt.
Having had RVs and been a member on RVOC for some years I was forced to drop to 3500kgs six years ago following an eye op.
Since then have had two Hymer a class and love them although miss the space of the RVs.
In the U.K. we a frame a Kia Rio behind our 6.5m van so we can pitch up and explore in the car. When we head over the water we take bikes on the back and use aires and sites.
We have found the smaller unit extremely flexible for accessing tighter situations but with the layout of our B544 still have adequate lounging space and seating for around eight people and because of its size often use it as a day van for short local trips from home.
With your licence you will have few restrictions if any of what to drive so the choice is wide.
Best wishes for the future and I hope all works out ok with insurance etc .

 

[Trev45]

To be fair the Nfu have been brilliant so far - but I haven’t had the settlement for the Rv yet !!!

I have heard nothing but praise for the NFU insurance so looks like you made the right decision choosing them . Not the cheapest but probably the best for paying out.

 

[StephandJohn]

My goodness. What an awful thing to happen.
Hope you get it all sorted out with the electrics guy and maybe can enjoy looking for something different that suits you.

 

[sallylillian]

Wow that is some fire, and a Revolution too, a stunning machine. I had a Country Coach; the Steve you refer to wouldn't happen to be the same Steve that bought my Allure from Empire?

The conversion process from Yankee to European electrics is a testing one, easily done but I never did feel comfortable. I converted from the Xantrex to Victron but always felt twitchy, what was running what voltage.

We sold our CC to get something more manageable on EU sites and went to a NiBi Flair at 9.2m in 2015. However the space loss from nearly 12m and 4 slides was a big shock! So we now have a Morelo Palace Liner with one slide, its only 9.0m on a MB 12t chassis but it has a slide which goes someway to mediating the space loss from the CC but at the same time has the shorter truck wheelbase and length so tight sweet little sites are still not precluded.

Good luck on your route out of this.

Michael

 

[irnbru]

Oh that specialist motorhome dealer needs avoided. Can you give us a clue as to which area of the country where the work was carried out?

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