Seeking Motorhome Recommendations Within Budget

[Steve and Pam]

Well I've been on here since 2013 and due to life not going according to plan now is the time to get a motorhome I quite like the look of the Bailey Approach Advance 615 - compact, the option to leave the bed up If we get sick of making it every night but the extra lounging room if the weather is bad, also the extra belted seats so we can take the grand kids out for the day occasionally (there is 9 to chose from . Is there any other makes / models worth looking at, and I know Bailey have not got the best reputation but hopefully after 11 years on here I can use my head and not my heart. All comments welcome. Thanks Forgot to say budget £40K-50K

 

[bobnick]

Have a look at a Bailey 78-4T see if it would suit you.
If so i have one for sale that will be about £7 or £8k LESS than what you see them on the dealers lot.
7-8k is a lot to keep in your pocket to put a bit of trim back that has fallen.
And mine is still under warranty both with Bailey AND Peugeot

 

[Googlebot]

I would check the payload, you might get away with 2 of you, the grandkids and associated kit will probably mean you are overweight.

We discounted a Bailey because of the payload.

 

[Carol]

Good luck and after your wait I hope you find the best one for you.

 

[bobnick]

Have a look at a Bailey 79-4T see if it would suit you.
If so i have one for sale that will be about £7 or £8k LESS than what you see them on the dealers lot.
7-8k is a lot to keep in your pocket to put a bit of trim back that has fallen.
And mine is still under warranty both with Bailey AND Peugeot

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[Steve and Pam]

Have a look at a Bailey 78-4T see if it would suit you.
If so i have one for sale that will be about £7 or £8k LESS than what you see them on the dealers lot.
7-8k is a lot to keep in your pocket to put a bit of trim back that has fallen.
And mine is still under warranty both with Bailey AND Peugeot

Thanks but it's a bit to big and the fact that a 2 berth suits 1 of the grandparents perfectly LOL

I would check the payload, you might get away with 2 of you, the grandkids and associated kit will probably mean you are overweight.

We discounted a Bailey because of the payload.

Yes that's one thing on my list to check, thank you.

Good luck and after your wait I hope you find the best one for you.

Thank you I hope so too.

 

[bobnick]

Thanks but it's a bit to big and the fact that a 2 berth suits 1 of the grandparents perfectly LOL

Yes that's one thing on my list to check, thank you.

Thank you I hope so too.

Never have and never would have more than the two of us overnight.
Never used the 3rd and 4th seat either.

 

[Pausim]

Get the motorhome weighed before you buy it. It is the only way to know how much payload there really is, the advertised figures should not be believed.

 

[Steve and Pam]

Get the motorhome weighed before you buy it. It is the only way to know how much payload there really is, the advertised figures should not be believed.

Yes that's one of the things I have picked up on off here, I'm just hoping that someone can list similar layout compact motorhomes or tell me the made up bed is uncomfortable due to the made up cushions etc.

 

[1967bowesj]

Yes that's one of the things I have picked up on off here, I'm just hoping that someone can list similar layout compact motorhomes or tell me the made up bed is uncomfortable due to the made up cushions etc.

Made up beds are uncomfortable!

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[1967bowesj]

Steve and Pam
On a more serious note made up beds become tiresome.
Small washroom needs drying every time it’s used, are grand kids ok to use themselves
Are you both ok climbing over each other for those night visits.
For us we finally found an older van but has massive storage, think things to entertain kids!, separate shower in separate bathroom, fixed but single beds, front lounge big enough for 4-6.
I know you put up a 6m van for size but they are all the same from the front or when driving, length is only an issue for parking.
I’d go looking round lots of vans and sit in them, try to act as though you are doing every day things and see how you get on. Then post back, I’m sure someone will have thoughts or what to watch for from the van or even the dealer!

Good luck with your journey

 

[Burge]

Love Ours

 

[Verteuil Man]

Hello. You have not said (or I have missed it) whether you still hold C1on your licence. This would restrict what you look for if you don't have it.
Depending on what you are going to use it for would also help you choose. If it is for just long weekends or short breaks the Bailey short be fine, but you may fine it a bit cramped on longer trips or wet days with the grand kids. At 6 mts long and a fixed bed there ain't much room.

 

[MisterB]

Four belted seats seem to have a bigger market when reselling pre loved motorhomes.

We have two single fixed beds, an electric drop down bed and a lounge that converts into another single, however they're rarely used. So in our circumstances any replacement motorhome won't need to have the additional drop down bed but would need a minimum of four seat belts just in case.

If you wanted additional beds for the grandchildren on the odd occasion, look at the Carabunk. We recently bought one and the gk's were more than happy with them rather than sharing the electric double drop down ...

 

[Steve and Pam]

Steve and Pam
On a more serious note made up beds become tiresome.
Small washroom needs drying every time it’s used, are grand kids ok to use themselves
Are you both ok climbing over each other for those night visits.
For us we finally found an older van but has massive storage, think things to entertain kids!, separate shower in separate bathroom, fixed but single beds, front lounge big enough for 4-6.
I know you put up a 6m van for size but they are all the same from the front or when driving, length is only an issue for parking.
I’d go looking round lots of vans and sit in them, try to act as though you are doing every day things and see how you get on. Then post back, I’m sure someone will have thoughts or what to watch for from the van or even the dealer!

Good luck with your journey

A 6m van will fit on the drive any loner we would be looking at storage. The size of the washroom is a concern.

Love Ours

Hoping we could stay at 6m

Hello. You have not said (or I have missed it) whether you still hold C1on your licence. This would restrict what you look for if you don't have it.
Depending on what you are going to use it for would also help you choose. If it is for just long weekends or short breaks the Bailey short be fine, but you may fine it a bit cramped on longer trips or wet days with the grand kids. At 6 mts long and a fixed bed there ain't much room.

Yes I have a c1 but hoping to manage under 3.5T, as for the fixed beds that's why we thought made up rear lounge for when we want extra room.

We have two single fixed beds, an electric drop down bed and a lounge that converts into another single, however they're rarely used. So in our circumstances any replacement motorhome won't need to have the additional drop down bed but would need a minimum of four seat belts just in case.

If you wanted additional beds for the grandchildren on the odd occasion, look at the Carabunk. We recently bought one and the gk's were more than happy with them rather than sharing the electric double drop down ...

Good idea about the Carabunk I will have a look because if they did stay for the VERY odd night lol that may work.
Thanks for the replies, maybe an electric drop down bed over front lounge with rear wash room. I just need a starting point to go and sit in and try, decisions, decisions lol

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[Burge]

A 6m van will fit on the drive any loner we would be looking at storage. The size of the washroom is a concern.

Hoping we could stay at 6m

Yes I have a c1 but hoping to manage under 3.5T, as for the fixed beds that's why we thought made up rear lounge for when we want extra room.



Good idea about the Carabunk I will have a look because if they did stay for the VERY odd night lol that may work.
Thanks for the replies, maybe an electric drop down bed over front lounge with rear wash room. I just need a starting point to go and sit in and try, decisions, decisions lol

Our Burstner is 6.99 mtrs just fits overlaps footpath on front by a foot

 

[TheMachMan]

Best to go around a few dealers and see them in the metal.

 

[Steve and Pam]

Our Burstner is 6.99 mtrs just fits overlaps footpath on front by a foot

Unfortunately if we want to park at home 6m is the limit.

 

[Molly A]

Well I've been on here since 2013 and due to life not going according to plan now is the time to get a motorhome I quite like the look of the Bailey Approach Advance 615 - compact, the option to leave the bed up If we get sick of making it every night but the extra lounging room if the weather is bad, also the extra belted seats so we can take the grand kids out for the day occasionally (there is 9 to chose from . Is there any other makes / models worth looking at, and I know Bailey have not got the best reputation but hopefully after 11 years on here I can use my head and not my heart. All comments welcome. Thanks Forgot to say budget £40K-50K

If you want to stay stay at 6 metres and have a fixed bed, a Hymer Exsis 414I could work for you. Cons: wet room is a bit cosy , dining area snug for any more than two people.
Pros: massive payload, comfortable fixed double above the garage and a double drop down one above the driving area, should you not want to be that cosy. The A class screen makes the whole living area feel much bigger , garage is a great size for all your gear. Easy to drive and park.
Probably not the best van for fractious, energetic grandchildren mid winter, but in the summer you are outside most of the time so it could work.
A second hand one can be acquired for your price range.

 

[Tony50]

Best of luck with purchasing, take a Damp Meter with you and I'm being serious

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[Steve and Pam]

If you want to stay stay at 6 metres and have a fixed bed, a Hymer Exsis 414I could work for you. Cons: wet room is a bit cosy , dining area snug for any more than two people.
Pros: massive payload, comfortable fixed double above the garage and a double drop down one above the driving area, should you not want to be that cosy. The A class screen makes the whole living area feel much bigger , garage is a great size for all your gear. Easy to drive and park.
Probably not the best van for fractious, energetic grandchildren mid winter, but in the summer you are outside most of the time so it could work.
A second hand one can be acquired for your price range.

Van looks good with as you say a very good quoted payload the problem being they seem to be like hens teeth within budget lol, I can only find one up until now.

 

[1967bowesj]

Van looks good with as you say a very good quoted payload the problem being they seem to be like hens teeth within budget lol, I can only find one up until now.

Have played with all the options on autotrader, length price seatbelts etc. You can narrow it a bit then look to see if any really strike your eye. Then look on here as you will usually get an honest seller you will give you the good and the bad!

 

[Sasbo]

Have a look at the Chausson 530 or 520, huge lounge with seatbelts, separate washroom with shower and a drop down double bed in the lounge roof space but importantly all in 5.99 metres long.

There is also the option to make the lounge seats into a further double bed for grumpkids, should it be necessary.

We have a 530 so if you have any further questions, just ask.

 

[The Wino]

Have a look at the Chausson 530 or 520, huge lounge with seatbelts, separate washroom with shower and a drop down double bed in the lounge roof space but importantly all in 5.99 metres long.

There is also the option to make the lounge seats into a further double bed for grumpkids, should it be necessary.

We have a 530 so if you have any further questions, just ask.

I was going to suggest chaussons as well.

 

[Fun with Arni]

Well I've been on here since 2013 and due to life not going according to plan now is the time to get a motorhome I quite like the look of the Bailey Approach Advance 615 - compact, the option to leave the bed up If we get sick of making it every night but the extra lounging room if the weather is bad, also the extra belted seats so we can take the grand kids out for the day occasionally (there is 9 to chose from . Is there any other makes / models worth looking at, and I know Bailey have not got the best reputation but hopefully after 11 years on here I can use my head and not my heart. All comments welcome. Thanks Forgot to say budget £40K-50K

Well I've been on here since 2013 and due to life not going according to plan now is the time to get a motorhome I quite like the look of the Bailey Approach Advance 615 - compact, the option to leave the bed up If we get sick of making it every night but the extra lounging room if the weather is bad, also the extra belted seats so we can take the grand kids out for the day occasionally (there is 9 to chose from . Is there any other makes / models worth looking at, and I know Bailey have not got the best reputation but hopefully after 11 years on here I can use my head and not my heart. All comments welcome. Thanks Forgot to say budget £40K-50K

Hi steve and Pam I've been the owner of my Dethleff for about 5 years. Fixed bed and 4 seat belts are a winner and with a larger kitchen and bathroom. DETHLEFFs are solid and comfortable good payload too. Let me know if you want pics of my layout too. Yes you have to be careful of payloads so always weigh empty so you know your starting weights.

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[Molly A]

Van looks good with as you say a very good quoted payload the problem being they seem to be like hens teeth within budget lol, I can only find one up until now.

Yeah, they don't come up often, we had to fly over to northern Ireland as we were coming out of COVID lockdown to get ours, but she has been well worth the effort.

 

[cyberyacht]

Marquis Majestic 125 (Elddis Accordo with extras). 6M, usually plated to 3300Kg so uprated to 3500Kg and loads of payload. Transverse rear double over lowish-level garage. Reasonable sitting area for two. Also has occasional 3rd berth for the agile.