Any advice on these types of MH's

[fredamens]

Hello all

First real post following my initial post where I introduced myself.

Looking for our first motorhome and I am looking at lots of different layouts. What is catching our eye is the smaller vans (6m - ish) with either a French or elevating bed. Also like the look of the MH's that have the 'Luton Top' giving a smaller van but decent size living space which is what we want. A few MH's we have seen (you tube) are the following - I appreciate there may be newer models but you get the idea:

Bailey Autograph 75-4
Autosleeper nuevo EK ES LT
Adria Matrix 590 ST 2.3

Does anyone have any experience with these MH's and if so would you recommend. If not what would you?

Also what is the general feeling about new vs used. assume used (in good condition/low mileage) would have most of the issued ironed out. Lastly I need to know about rattling? are the any MH's to avoid - although I appreciate most MH's will make some noise during travel.

Thank you kindly for any advice given.

Fred

 

[lorger]

Had an Adria Matrix different model but the van was very well built and would have another, saying that I when looking I thought the newer ones weren’t quite as good quality wise.

 

[Shrimp]

LHD or RHD?
Try an older Hymer, drop down bed over driving seats gives you basically all of the van to use with bed down.
Rattles, all down to finding them and sorting them, Grip mat is good, felt saucepan separators work well.
An older Hymer is very well built & solid.
Have fun finding your van!

 

[MartinandBev]

Adria all day long from that list, I’m a tad biased as we have a Sonic, but of the four MH we have had the Adria is the best by far and we still have it after 3 years

 

[fredamens]

Sadly, mine doesn’t have the over cab bed. My previous van did which was lovely but limited headroom if you like sitting up reading.

Sitting up in bed, that’s a good point thank you

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[fredamens]

I have a Bailey 745. Just the layout and equipment we need. Huge fridge freezer, French bed, no overcab. I’ve added 560w Solar and loads of lithium aas well as an inverter.
Most everything except cooking runs off 12v now.
Induction hob, Nespresso and air fryer.

All just as we want it but built quality is dire and support an insult.

I can’t even get a wiring diagram so mods become difficult.

Tony

Wow that’s not good. Brit build vans not that great then. Lots to consider. I really do need to see them in the flesh.

 

[fredamens]

I'd agree with this.

Having looked at loads and rented three, we limited our search to German MoHo's only.

They are mostly solidly built, are usually fully winterised, and do not use wood in the construction.
We further limited our search by saying that if we are going for a German top, we will go for a German bottom as well, therefore a Mercedes based, German built motorhome.

Our spec was:
The budget.
German built, German quality
Fully winterised
Mercedes base vehicle
Conventional 'van' cab (No A class or similar)
Minimum Euro 5 engine.
A max length of 6.99m
Decent payload (400kg minimum)
Twin beds (that can be a massive double) over a large rear garage.
A bathroom with a door that means it can be shut off from both sleeping and living area
An oven
4 seatbelts
Ability to carry two bikes

Obviously some things can be a little more flexible than others, for example had it been a fully winterised French Fiat based and just over 7m with the right layout we would have looked at it. But other things such as the Euro 5 or 6 engine,the van cab and the payload were not negotiable.

That’s me starting a list then. I think the Adria was our favourite so on to the right path.

 

[BobbyJ]

I think the Adria is the only one worth considering, I wouldn't touch a Brit built van. Loads of good German vans out there.

100% agree!

 

[fredamens]

Not always of course, but quite often in my experience talking with owners, your first camper van or motorhome often gets sold within the first few years as you find your idea of the best layout isn't quite what you need, big bathroom taking up masses of space when you mainly stay on campsites and use their facilities, that bunk-bed layout at the end because 'the grandkids will love it' but it turns out they grow up and don't want to come with you, the drop down double which seemed such a good idea is a struggle when your knee gets dodgy and your partner need to keep climbing over you in the night to use the loo.
I'd sugest buying used so the previous owner has taken the devaluation hit and most of the issues have been ironed out. You may well sell it after a couple of years when you have a few trips under your belt and have a better idea what works for you in reality rather than a shiney looking one and a smooth talking salesman.

Great advice thank you

 

[GMLS]

From your list I'd only consider an Adria.Some of the smaller Burstners should also fit your requirements

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[Orion]

I think the Adria is the only one worth considering, I wouldn't touch a Brit built van. Loads of good German vans out there.

My experience of using the moho has been that the winterisation in our Adria Compact SC is very good indeed. Especially the flooring, where I wondered, while installing the refillable gas system and rear air, if I was ever going to get through it due to the thickness of the insulation.

 

[Jabstatt]

Expanding my comments on my Bailey, nothing has “broken” or “fallen off” but I do stay watchful if things loosen, fix then. Simples.
The panel fit, door fit, trim fit is poor. Doors crooked and one side out further. It’s all probably fixable, but why?

Biggest complaints are spares prices, ridiculous, and Bailey help which doesn’t exist.

Pm me if you want.

We has a Burstner before this!!!

Tony