Which MH?

Moto GBR

Moto GBR

Joined
Apr 12, 2021
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Race Van
Hi all,

Been looking for my first proper MH and think I have it down to 3ish. I am dwelling over Elddis Encore 250, Bailey Autograph 70-4i and Swift Escape 694. Any pointers good or bad on these vans? Ideally I want 4 Berth, Alde heating, Island Bed, Separate shower? Large fridge.
There are so many out there so I'm a newbie when it comes to choice. Would appreciate any input on pointing me in the right direction.

TA Steve;)
 
If buying from a dealer new or preloved consider the practicality of taking it back to them for warranty repairs.
 
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We were determined to get an island bed because we hate climbing over each other to get in or out AND we didn't want to have to make up beds at night time and also wanted a drop down electric bed in the front, over the dining table/lounge area, for the grandchildren.

HOWEVER, we viewed an Adria with two singles aswell as the drop down in the front. It meant the bathroom goes all across the back. It works perfectly for us and the two singles can be used as an overspill lounge area if needed.

Bailey do a new model called Adamo which has an island bed ?
 
Swifter said:
Basically the British made vans tend to be of a lower build quality in general.
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Yes I'm sure you are right ! but people do have mixed experiences I have had 2 Chaussons and both have had problems in particular damp issues which for me is the most serious ! Loved both vehicles but alas they had to go piles of crap

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Moto GBR said:
Would you like to enlighten me?
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Like everyone some on here will tell you not to buy a British Van as the build quality has become more questionable over the years. Many will tell you the opposite, they drive British and there is nothing wrong with the build quality. Historically European vans especially German makes were regarded as top of the pile. Lately many have also complained about the build quality of these vans. In my opinion all vans will have problems, sadly they are built by humans and not robots. Picking the right dealer is very important, so not if but when a problem arises it gets sorted. There are many threads on here covering the question you have asked. Vans are expensive, do your homework before handing over your hard earned cash. Shows are generally good places to compare vans. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Moto GBR said:
Can anyone recommend MH that would suit my needs?
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Go to NEC and visit every second hand or new dealer near to your home that you can and crawl all over every van you can find both new and older. Then decide on layout and move forward from there. I bought British BUT it was from a maker renowned for sturdy construction even though the brand was swallowed up by Swift in later years and therefore was 19 years old.
 
Jev88 said:
Go to NEC and visit every second hand or new dealer near to your home that you can and crawl all over every van you can find both new and older. Then decide on layout and move forward from there. I bought British BUT it was from a maker renowned for sturdy construction even though the brand was swallowed up by Swift in later years and therefore was 19 years old.
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I have visited a few and decided on the spec I put in the OP. This is why I am asking for any advise on which model? ...TA
 
All i will say is my 3 year old Bailey 794 went back to the dealers with a total of 56 faults from new some were repaired 3 times and i just lost faith ended up buying German 10 months old now no faults good luck .

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Jenka said:
All i will say is my 3 year old Bailey 794 went back to the dealers with a total of 56 faults from new some were repaired 3 times and i just lost faith ended up buying German 10 months old now no faults good luck .
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yet my bailey 2013 was absolutely faultless, though it wasnt new when i bought it. sometimes its better to buy a pre loved MH as any issues should have been resolved by then.
 
MisterB said:
yet my bailey 2013 was absolutely faultless, though it wasnt new when i bought it. sometimes its better to buy a pre loved MH as any issues should have been resolved by then.
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Fair point but even my dealer put it to trade.
 
I think you have asked a question that will have numerous answers on Brit/ German/ European builds,,personally i would look at something that suits YOU, not the other way round,,,you have a healthy budget,not weight limited, look at as many as you can and do loads of homework, maybe even rent one of your final choices,,,good luck in your choice and just enjoy the experience,,that’s what it’s all about👍👍👍👍

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Our first MH was a Swift. We were novices, so didn’t really know much. It was a disaster from start to finish. We’re so happy with our Carthago. :Grin:
 
138go said:
Our first MH was a Swift. We were novices, so didn’t really know much. It was a disaster from start to finish. We’re so happy with our Carthago. :Grin:
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Massive price difference between the two though,,
 
What suits you does not suit the next man and so on. You really need to sit in the van for an hour or two and work through all the things you will need from the van. The biggest word is .....COMPROMISE!!!

There is no such thing as the perfect van for everyone

As to your list, Swift build quality and customer dis-service after sales is diabolical to say the least

Bailey, a few have had issues but better

Elddis is low end but fairly well put together

Personally I would see what your budget would buy from Rapido, Hymer or Deffleths, or maybe Burstner
 
It is sad that the British built vans have been inclined to build to a price rather than quality. The latest Swift vans seem better designed and visually more pleasing, however while in a main agents showroom I noticed a large panel accross the front was falling off a new van. I think it was secured with Velcro but looked bad. I am on my 4th none British van now and would not buy another British motorhome, well perhaps an Autosleeper but they do not build motorhomes with garages;
I am sure you realise that Alde, which is superb, tends to be fitted to more expensive vans as original equipment, your target price I guess would be £45000 plus (second-hand).
It is not so much the equipment you need to care about but the layout. If you like to be social, space to sit may be a priority. If cooking is important, storage of utensils is important. If you intend to be independent, a decent shower where dropped soap can be picked up. As someone else said, climbing over your partner in the night can become a nuiscance and for us a good reason to have an island bed. I wish truly that the british would build better quality vans, perhaps now Hymer own Elldis, they will change for the better

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For £50k you’ll get a good quality secondhand van, take your time looking and really work out what you want.
As said the 3 vans you mentioned are entry levels vans and will do a job but once you look in a quality van you’ll see the difference.
 
Any ideas which German 2nd vans would meet my description and budget? There are so many out there to choose from. I have been looking for over a year now and still undecided on choice.

TA S
 
We are currently looking to change our Motorhome after almost 6 faultless years (Dethleffs Trend 7057 DBM) - the build quality is great. However, I am staggered at the cost of even budget MHs, especially since the beginning of Feb - they have all shot up.
Looking at a new Chausson 630 Titanium Premium. It’s a great design and the individual drop down beds would suit us with a double bed underneath if needed. The trouble is the offer on our Dethleffs is disappointing but I have always been wary of private sales. No final decision yet but still interested.
 
My priorities would be layout first and payoald second.

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