Want to buy a Motorhome but which one??? (1 Viewer)

[TerriSpirit]

Hi there,
My husband and I have a Pennine Pathfinder at the moment but are thinking we would like to upgrade to a motorhome now we are approaching 60.
We really need your expert advice on the pitfalls, things to look for and ones that you would really recommend. We want to take our 2 grandchildren away occasionally as well, so we need safe seats for at least 4 . Ideally we would like fixed bed/s for 2 people?
I would love to hear your thoughts?

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[Dan and Jan]

Hello and welcome from Scotland. 1st bit of advice, take your time and pick the right layout first time, it saves heartache later on. Good luck.

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[wigster]

 

[TheBig1]

i recommend you pay to subscribe and this gives you access to download the motorhome buyers guide written by @Jim

 

[Kingham]

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[MC 55 FUN]

& , something that is often overlooked is sufficient payload, with four people aboard I'd suggest you need at least 500kg.

 

[Spidey]

We used to have a pathfinder Great bit of kit but wouldn't go back to one after the ease of a motorhome. We have a fixed bed with a lounge that makes into another bed. There are so many layouts, my suggestion would be to go to a big show like the NEC one in October. Have a look around all the types of layouts, but check payload figures very carefully. I saw a 6 berth motorhome weighing 3400kg plated 3500! The salesmen didn't seem phased by the 100 payload.

Welcome to Fun

 

[Beacons]

Hi welcome to fun happy and safe travels.

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[TerriSpirit]

We used to have a pathfinder Great bit of kit but wouldn't go back to one after the ease of a motorhome. We have a fixed bed with a lounge that makes into another bed. There are so many layouts, my suggestion would be to go to a big show like the NEC one in October. Have a look around all the types of layouts, but check payload figures very carefully. I saw a 6 berth motorhome weighing 3400kg plated 3500! The salesmen didn't seem phased by the 100 payload.

Welcome to Fun

Thanks for replying everyone and for the suggestions! Really pleased to hear someone else gave up the Pathfinder for a motor home! It gives me confidence we are on the right track! What make of motor homes are your favorites and which ones should we avoid. I've stopped looking at available ones now as you have made me see we need to work out what we need first. Thank you everyone.... you seem like a lovely bunch of people! xx

 

[buttons]

Hi and Welcome......

 

[magicsurfbus]

Layout and payload.

Think very carefully about where you want the beds to be and why. Can you still move around conveniently if one of the beds is occupied? Can you still stay up and watch TV or chat if the kids are tucked up in bed?

Payload - just two of us with basic kit, plus water, fuel etc struggled to stay within the 395 Kgs payload allowance of our 3.5 tonne MH so we've up-plated to 3.8 tonnes. We couldn't fit two extra people plus belongings in legally without up-plating, despite the vehicle being sold as 4-berth. However, at age 70 you will have to be re-tested to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. Be sure to read any small print where your new vehicle's available payload is calculated - you'll soon eat into it, mainly with the various liquids you have to carry.

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[Rosies21]

Layout and payload.

Think very carefully about where you want the beds to be and why. Can you still move around conveniently if one of the beds is occupied? Can you still stay up and watch TV or chat if the kids are tucked up in bed?

Payload - just two of us with basic kit, plus water, fuel etc struggled to stay within the 395 Kgs payload allowance of our 3.5 tonne MH so we've up-plated to 3.8 tonnes. We couldn't fit two extra people plus belongings in legally without up-plating, despite the vehicle being sold as 4-berth. However, at age 70 you will have to be re-tested to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. Be sure to read any small print where your new vehicle's available payload is calculated - you'll soon eat into it, mainly with the various liquids you have to carry.

Still very much in early stages of research ourselves...did I read somewhere that your doctor can write a letter or something on approaching 70, so retest wasn't needed. Or was that just a hopeful dream

 

[TerriSpirit]

Layout and payload.

Think very carefully about where you want the beds to be and why. Can you still move around conveniently if one of the beds is occupied? Can you still stay up and watch TV or chat if the kids are tucked up in bed?

Payload - just two of us with basic kit, plus water, fuel etc struggled to stay within the 395 Kgs payload allowance of our 3.5 tonne MH so we've up-plated to 3.8 tonnes. We couldn't fit two extra people plus belongings in legally without up-plating, despite the vehicle being sold as 4-berth. However, at age 70 you will have to be re-tested to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. Be sure to read any small print where your new vehicle's available payload is calculated - you'll soon eat into it, mainly with the various liquids you have to carry.

Thanks for all this really helpful information. I'll take note of everything you say and make sure we do our research. Thank u