Any Motorhomes to avoid?

[masterbutch09]

Hi all, we have just started looking for our first Motorhome, I’ve heard several horror stories regarding build quality and lists of problems even with new Motorhomes.
So with that in mind, are there any brands in particular to avoid please? Or any favourites which we should be looking at?
Thank you for any help and advice.

 

[lorger]

I’m sure both list will have a number of vans on them so it might be an idea to mention what interest you, is it new or secondhand as some make have got better while some have got worse.
Welcome to fun.

 

[masterbutch09]

Hi and thanks for your reply, we are looking for a fixed bed model, with quite a bit of room, just the two of us and a couple of small dogs.
Probably looking at second hand max £50k ish!

 

[Clivefog]

Once you found one ask away. I'd suggest you also ask about where you are buying from as that can be a big can of worms!

 

[lorger]

£50k will give you a good choice, if it’s fixed bed then it will more likely be European van and not U.K. as the tend to have rear lounge although some are changing. Damp is the biggest issue with Motorhome’s so check it and check it again, a lot of vans are now made wood free.

Layout is really important and the thing you need to get right, we have fixed bed but they are singles or a large double. We found having to transverse double was comfy but not great if one needs to get up during the night.

Go and look at some vans and imagine yourself living in it, try everything for size including the loo, someone bought a van but couldn’t close the loo door when sitting down

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[63720]

Don't forget payload, often overlooked.

 

[TerryL]

Hi and Your question is probably the most asked by newbies and has just as many answers - which you will still get anyway.

There is no such thing as a list of motorhomes to avoid, well not by manufacturer or model anyway. Every manufacturer has it's "Friday" vans and yes there are horror stories about. But remember we only hear about the odd few with problems, nothing about the thousands that have no, or insignificant, problems.

That said, the most important consideration is layout, layout and then layout. Get that wrong and it could spoil it all for you. You need to do lots of research and inspect as many different types and layouts that you can, imagining you are stuck in the middle of a field in pouring rain and how you are going to cook, use the loo/shower, make the beds etc. Of course this is not so easy at the moment due to a dearth of used vehicles but hopefully this will slowly improve. Please DON'T spend your £50,000 on the first shiny van you see that "seems to fit the bill". Actually don't spend £50,000, there are enough vans around at much less than that around as long as you do your research.

Subscribe to the forum and download Jims excellent publication about buying a motorhome. When you think you've maybe narrowed your choice down a bit try to hire something similar for a few days to try it out. If it's wrong it will quickly become apparent and you will have saved a boatload of cash. then come back on here and you'll get more specific advice.

Above all, don't rush into the market - it's likely to be the largest (or maybe second largest) purchase you ever make in your lives.

Good luck in your search.

 

[grumps147]

Any model can have damp issues (though not all do even of same model), if buying new look for reviews and search on your model. If second hand buy yourself a damp meter and go all round, especially in cupboards and garages.

 

[Figaro]

Great advice from TerryL
Download the buyers guide from resources, it'll keep you occupied for a few days and give you things to think about that hadn't even occured to you yet

 

[PaulC70]

I bought my first one in June, 4 berth (but 2 seatbelts) perfect for me, the wife and 2 dogs. No overhead bunk as don't like that style, fixed rear french bed and the 2 front benches can be turned into another bed but we don't have the need to be fair. Also, lovely layout as the shower and toilet are all the way across the width of the motorhome at the back which gives lots of room and very versatile!

Bought new for £55,000 so once you decide on your layout you should easily find one within your budget.

It's a Bailey Alliance SE 76-2 if you want to google it.

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[Guffy60]

Welcome.

one think about hiring the layout you fancy to see if it works.

two, try out the facilities, for example can you fit on the toilet!

good luck

 

[Stag man]

As a newcomer to motorhoming 6 to 7 years ago, I think the above comments are spot on and should start to point you in the direction of what to look for (regardless of make/model)
In particular, I like the suggestion of hiring.
We did this twice, first around Scotland and then again around Kent and the SE.
Steep learning curve, but 2 things stood out
1. we really liked motorhoming and the people who did it
2. we were happy in each other’s company for quite lengthy periods
Good luck and happy travels

 

[larchtree]

Hi
Lots of great advice above, my experience-
- decide on a budget
- decide what is the best layout for you - view as many options as possible
- be aware of weight/payload
- decide on the size you need particularly length
- be aware of C1 licence

Think about the internal space you will need and the fact you have to drive/park etc!

And then enjoy

 

[Keep Right On]

Hi all, we have just started looking for our first Motorhome, I’ve heard several horror stories regarding build quality and lists of problems even with new Motorhomes.
So with that in mind, are there any brands in particular to avoid please? Or any favourites which we should be looking at?
Thank you for any help and advice.

One important thing is where you are getting it from! Dealer, private, auction site etc etc. Dealers are supposedly better in view if rights of recourse, warranty etc but the dealer we bought our first MH from (based in Glossop, naming no names) had not carried out the PDI so the water heater not working on a new van was not picked up. After a brief diagnosis over the phone, it was a case of "you will have to take it to an approved repairer then".
Since then, emails to the workshop, admin manager and general manager have not even been acknowledged.

 

[Bessy765]

Might be worth looking at a two or three year old one. Hopefully any snags will will have been sorted. Make sure it has had its hab checks. I would look at buying privately as what you save on the dealers mark up you could cover quite a few niggles with the savings.

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[DerryW]

Hi and welcome. As others have suggested, before you invest your hard earned, try and find an hire company with your preferred layout, and hire for a week or if you can mange it 2 weeks. It's not until you use/sleep in a MH you realise what your priorities are. The hire cost could be the best money you ever spend.

 

[Grasmere9]

Welcome from Cheshire east ....get yourself a fine tooth comb!!! And go over every van you look at like you're inspecting for fleas ...have fun looking!!

 

[Chris137]

Do a history check not just a HPI, search the VIN number on Companies House to see if there's a Chattel Mortgage registered. We bought a second hand Chausson and found it was once owned by a hire firm (Unbeatable Hire) which went bust and the investors are now trying to claim the vehicle 2 years later. If buy through a dealer you will pay more but will have more protection.

 

[RubyOptics]

Another good idea (to add to those given above) is to look at any owners groups/forums/facebook pages if you start finding a manufacturer that you are interested in. We have done this and found it to be a very helpful community with some very good advice and tips given out frequently.

Don't be blinded by flashy gimmicks as well! You can have all the under-counter ambient LED lighting in the world, but if you can't stand up in the shower, it might not be the right van for you!

 

[Grasmere9]

DVLA mot history check is also useful I found! Some vehicles had masses of advisories that may or may not have been done and also some had pretty serious defects...

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[Wabs]

I think you’ve already achieved the biggest step, and that was coming on the MF site,,the gang here have helped me hugely since I joined( which is the best 20 quid you will ever spend) everything I’ve learned thus far has been from here and it’s made my MH journey so much easier and really enjoyable,,good luck with your quest