Do A Class Motorhomes Have Noisy Cabs?

[Sidders]

Evening Fellow Funsters,
Following on from my previous post re possibly swapping out our C class Laika for an A class (we fancy a bigger screen as our jolly’s are mainly into the highlands of Scotland where the view enroute is a massive part of the journey), I went a meander today to a dealer that had a few in stock.
I’m pretty fussy and most of the coachbuilts that I couldn’t help having a nosey at really made me appreciate what we’ve already got.
Onto the A Class’s, there was the below Itineo (which was the reason i was there as liked it on paper).

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However a quick look round it and it was discounted, wasn’t impressed with the build quality….the trim around the screen was delaminating badly, old damp stains inside, shower with no external wooden door, and the screen didn’t seem much larger than my C class.

What did catch me out was the below Pilote, I’ll confess I’ve never been much of a fan of that era of them as they look a bit well…old. But looking around it, it really impressed me (also had the Fiat 3L engine). Took it a drive and loved the view out the screen, found it easy to place on the road but…..I was surprised at the level of noise and creakiness in the cab area - is this normal? Is it the bed?
I did mention this to the sellers and we checked the bed area but it was all nice and tight - they did mention ‘they all do that’

My question is - do they?

Our Laika makes no noise in the cab other than some engine noise.

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[GMLS]

We had had 3 coachbuilts (all 2.3litre Fiats of slightly different power outputs) before our current 2.2l 160bhp A class Rapido.All have been new and the current vehicle is the quietest by some margin but it might be due to the improvement in engine spec.

 

[varaizian]

And two rear leaf springs not one!

It is so long ago I have absolutely no idea what held the back end up!

 

[Sidders]

An Itineo is probably not the best A Class for a first look it's very much a cheap budget van.

Generally A Class cabs are better insulated so quieter and warmer.

I don't understand Brains comnnents probably because he has never owned an A Class. Generally service and mechanicaal work is the same cost as a standard cab, we have never been charged extra.

Thanks Lenny HB, that’s confirmed my suspicions about its build quality

 

[Sidders]

Pilote G600 and the bed does rattle a little but we are used to it now, I did tighten the lowering mechanism bolts but then found it difficult to pull the bed down.
Most annoying rattle comes from the plastic covers of the screen blind, I can't really remember how much noise my first van made as my last three have all been 'A' class, being a little deaf has its advantages at times though, more noise than sitting at home but the scenery is much better.

Yes I have a feeling the blinds were rattling as well as the bed which perhaps didn’t help

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[Northernraider]

Yes I have a feeling the blinds were rattling as well as the bed which perhaps didn’t help

I find everything rattles . So a good stereo is a must.

Trying to make a hands free phone call though is nigh on impossible

 

[funflair]

Is there any chance of reduced airflow and overheating the engine Martin?

Not supposed to be a problem Paul and ours has been on for over three years now, they certainly work though as a noise meter will confirm.

 

[Guigsy]

It really does depend on the roads. Our squeaky overhead bed is quite annoying. But in Europe, we pretty much forget about it because it's so rarely heard. We can talk without raising our voices. Then we get off the train in Dover and immediately it's back to rattling and squeaking.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

The Le Voyageur LVX (aka posh Pilote) does not creak mainly because there is no overcab bed.

 

[Rogerwyn]

It really does depend on the roads. Our squeaky overhead bed is quite annoying. But in Europe, we pretty much forget about it because it's so rarely heard. We can talk without raising our voices. Then we get off the train in Dover and immediately it's back to rating and squeaking.

Cured our squeaky bed by lubricating the joints with a small amount of bearing grease, been 2y with out a squeak, now got find a way of keeping the Mrs quiet for a peaceful drive

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[MichaelT]

For those with squeaky overhead beds do what I did and follow Lenny HB idea to loosen all the bolts and screws on the drop down mechanism and spray with silicone then adjust the bump stops so there's no up and down movement.

Solved it completely on the new van by having cupboards fitted instead, now it's practically silent.

 

[Pixies]

Our A class Hymer drop down bed was a bit creaky, but the dashboard was very squeaky as well. The garage who replaced our timing belt said it was a real pig to get access to and did charge more for the hours it took. Windscreen was about £4000, wing mirrors £400, light fittings were gold plated. So we decided to go back to a semi integrated. But having looked around for one for ages, we’ve ended up with a Carthago A class. No drop down bed so no rattles or creaks. But still wouldn’t like to replace any of the expensive bits, and will raid the kids inheritance when it comes time to have the timing belt done.

 

[MichaelT]

No, not really, all I can hear is a growl from the mighty 3.0L Iveco engine and a constant whine from the passenger seat

I've got the same whine, also seems to affect the car so must be a common problem not just a motorhome one

 

[peterc10]

The cab in our Hymer A classis is much quieter and warmer than our previous Adria C class.

 

[Wh05apk]

We've had 2 a classes and have just changed to a coachbuilt hymer, the difference is night and day, the coachbuilt is so much quieter and refined, it may just be because it is newer, or the mercedes base, but we have no regrets (and fuel consumption is currently about 20% better, despite still having a tight engine)

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[WESTY66]

Our A class Hymer drop down bed was a bit creaky, but the dashboard was very squeaky as well. The garage who replaced our timing belt said it was a real pig to get access to and did charge more for the hours it took. Windscreen was about £4000, wing mirrors £400, light fittings were gold plated. So we decided to go back to a semi integrated. But having looked around for one for ages, we’ve ended up with a Carthago A class. No drop down bed so no rattles or creaks. But still wouldn’t like to replace any of the expensive bits, and will raid the kids inheritance when it comes time to have the timing belt done.

Yeah don’t smash the windscreen, about 6k or hit the mirror £1300 inc fitting but that’s with ALL the trims. There’s a few hymer to Carthago defectees on here

 

[VXman]

That's bolocks never had an issue with our local Fiat professional garage.

I have one issue with any Fiat professional garage I've been to.....their prices!

 

[Sidders]

Our A class Hymer drop down bed was a bit creaky, but the dashboard was very squeaky as well. The garage who replaced our timing belt said it was a real pig to get access to and did charge more for the hours it took. Windscreen was about £4000, wing mirrors £400, light fittings were gold plated. So we decided to go back to a semi integrated. But having looked around for one for ages, we’ve ended up with a Carthago A class. No drop down bed so no rattles or creaks. But still wouldn’t like to replace any of the expensive bits, and will raid the kids inheritance when it comes time to have the timing belt done.

Gosh, 4k for the windscreen
How much was the timing belt if you don’t mind me asking?
Maybe I should stick with my C class for now

 

[Sidders]

Yeah don’t smash the windscreen, about 6k or hit the mirror £1300 inc fitting but that’s with ALL the trims. There’s a few hymer to Carthago defectees on here

 

[Baggydave]

Nope, I did put an engine blanket on mine that made it a bit quieter but it wasn’t overly noisy before.

Can I ask what’s an engine blanket? Our a class 2001 is a bit noisey so it might help.
Thanks

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

Can I ask what’s an engine blanket? Our a class 2001 is a bit noisey so it might help.
Thanks

One of these

Noisekillers Limited

Noisekillers Limited

www.nkgroup.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

For those with squeaky overhead beds do what I did and follow @Lenny HB idea to loosen all the bolts and screws on the drop down mechanism and spray with silicone then adjust the bump stops so there's no up and down movement.

Saved me mentioning it, I actually used a PTFE spray it's been absolutely silent since.

 

[Diabalo]

Gosh, 4k for the windscreen
How much was the timing belt if you don’t mind me asking?
Maybe I should stick with my C class for now

It's not just the cost you need to worry about as that should be covered by your insurence, it's the availability, some folks have waited weeks for a replacement, a C class screen would probably be available very easily.

 

[MichaelT]

I have one issue with any Fiat professional garage I've been to.....their prices!

Of course they charge full retail price for parts but last time we went it was about £85 an hour labour which wasn't too bad compared to many and in line with other garages, but they have all the diagnostic stuff and any specialist tools needed.

I think also if you use fiat professional if you have problems later even out of warranty you are more likely to get help from Fiat for an obvious defect.

 

[MichaelT]

Saved me mentioning it, I actually used a PTFE spray it's been absolutely silent since.

Ah yes so did I GT85 if I remember correctly now.

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[Lenny HB]

The garage who replaced our timing belt said it was a real pig to get access to and did charge more for the hours it took

Didn't know what they were doing as most of the work should be done from underneath, we paid the same as if it was a standard CB.

Windscreen was about £4000,

Does it matter you only pay the £75 excess same as a standard CB.

light fittings were gold plated

Agree with that on Hymers but most other A Class use standard Hella units.

But having looked around for one for ages, we’ve ended up with a Carthago A class.

Good choice better build quality, spares are ½ the price of Hymer but delivery is often a lot longer.

wing mirrors £400,

Standard Fiat one is £400

 

[Lenny HB]

Gosh, 4k for the windscreen
How much was the timing belt if you don’t mind me asking?
Maybe I should stick with my C class for now

Windscreen doesn't matter you only pay the excess.
Timing belt about £800 exactly the same as a CB.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

For those with squeaky overhead beds do what I did and follow Lenny HB idea to loosen all the bolts and screws on the drop down mechanism and spray with silicone then adjust the bump stops so there's no up and down movement.

Solved it completely on the new van by having cupboards fitted instead, now it's practically silent.View attachment 904032

Yep, the Le Voyageur is like that. Loadsa room

 

[Lenny HB]

It's not just the cost you need to worry about as that should be covered by your insurence, it's the availability, some folks have waited weeks for a replacement, a C class screen would probably be available very easily.

10 days to get a genuine OEM one for our Hymer.

 

[Casper46]

We have really bad wind noise on our Carthago C Tourer. It is coming from drivers side somewhere above the lift up bed. We have insulated the ‘walls’ around the bed. Carthagos idea seems to be if you can’t see it why bother. It has dulled the noise a little but it’s still aggravating.

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[Cavs]

We have really bad wind noise on our Carthago C Tourer. It is coming from drivers side somewhere above the lift up bed. We have insulated the ‘walls’ around the bed. Carthagos idea seems to be if you can’t see it why bother. It has dulled the noise a little but it’s still aggravating.

Have a look on the outside at the trim on the offside of the windscreen. On mine, it was lifting off slightly at the top and making a noise that varied with the wind direction and speed. Apparently it's easy to fix, although I didn't do it so I can't tell you how.