First Motorhome never done this before

[marky7seven]

Hello all,

We have been looking at purchasing a Motorhome, we have been around a few dealers and the show last week, but the best van we have seen is a 9m used Kon-Tiki, which had a twin/double bed in the back, double over cabin bed, then chairs that turned into a bed. Plus a massive garage, and some serious of grid capabilities.

Couple of concerns.
1/ Its alot more than we was going to spend, but it ticked more boxes than anything else we have seen.
2/ Its massive, I do have the licence to drive one, but would be the biggest thing I've drive. It is a tag axle.
3/ Are there any limitation with having such a big van

I understand the whole concept is about compromise, and working out what you can do without.

Key aspects.
a/ 2 Adults, 2 children and 2 dogs
b/ when we go without the dogs, there will be 4 e-bikes, due to the weight only two can fit on a bike rack, so a big garage is important for paddle boards and just stuff to keep kids entertain
c/ will be mainly used in the uk, not so interested in stopping at parks ex, its more been able to stop anywhere you legally can
d/ the odd trip to France, Spain and possible nordic countries

I've had a VW camper before, it was way too small but was good for days out. My original plan was to convert a crafter myself, but this has now grown into a motorhome, which as intern grown to a 9 meter monster.

We do plan to rent one in a few weeks time, doubt we can find a massive one, but at least if the experience is a good one this time of year, it will be happy days. My kids are 15 and 11, so we might not be taking our daughter when she is old enough to stay at home and she thinks mum and dad aren't cool.

Thank you
Mark

 

[enark]

We saw the Burstner range at the show, but couldn't view due to the amount of people on the stand. Suppose that is a good sign.

In my experience of Burstner, i would say yes…also understand new Burstners now have a five year warranty……dont know of other manufacturers who do this yet?

 

[starquake]

Apolgies Imisread the calmac -> for a motorhome without a trailer, 12m is the length when commercial rates apply (I misread the caravan section!). However it is charged at per metre for under 12m, or at > 8m if you towing so crucially longer is more expensive. The towing point being key as may mean they charge for a towbar bike mount or if you towing a car commercially rather than as a domestic (and many motorhomers even the radfords have a towcar they use sometimes).. Worth throwing the sizes into calmac on a sample journey so you can see price impact -> if you plan to go to scottish islands at least.

Air suspention these days is apparently quite good, and it also saves you needing levelling ramps in it's main advantage other than the avoiding ground out one. Roll up to a site, press a button and you'll be level. That said, I've only needed levelling ramps on about a third of places we've visited this year as the sites we've been to have been quite level, or we've been lucky where we've parked.

 

[enark]

Apolgies Imisread the calmac -> for a motorhome without a trailer, 12m is the length when commercial rates apply (I misread the caravan section!). However it is charged at per metre for under 12m, or at > 8m if you towing so crucially longer is more expensive. The towing point being key as may mean they charge for a towbar bike mount or if you towing a car commercially rather than as a domestic (and many motorhomers even the radfords have a towcar they use sometimes).. Worth throwing the sizes into calmac on a sample journey so you can see price impact -> if you plan to go to scottish islands at least.

Air suspention these days is apparently quite good, and it also saves you needing levelling ramps in it's main advantage other than the avoiding ground out one. Roll up to a site, press a button and you'll be level. That said, I've only needed levelling ramps on about a third of places we've visited this year as the sites we've been to have been quite level, or we've been lucky where we've parked.

Only levels by 40mm either way…..so may still need the ramps.

improves ride though, but arguably so does a tyre change for under a tenth of the cost?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Just had a big argument with our 41 year old, I want the new van with cupboards instead of the dropdown bed, she has convinced mum we need the bed so her and the grandchildren can come with us.

Don't forget the seat belts.
Think you may need at least 6.
4 enertia reel type and 2 lap belts, all forward or rear facing, with no sideways belts.
That may certainly have a bearing on your layout choice.

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[Lenny HB]

Don't forget the seat belts.
Think you may need at least 6.
4 enertia reel type and 2 lap belts, all forward or rear facing, with no sideways belts.

When daughter does occasionally join us she comes in her car.

 

[VXman]

The one I'm looking at is a Kon-Tiki 675, the 884 is the newer version I think. Wife is selling me on the idea that I can go to the F1 across europe and Goodwood.

Le Mans is the place to go in a motorhome. 10 days of motor racing bliss.

 

[VXman]

Yes, thats why we mentioned it - Radfords have had air suspension added after this I believe to allow the rear of motorhome to be lifted to fix.

That and many others additions. Hydraulic levellers, mega solar, lithium, inverter system, 360 view cameras, safe and more. I'd love to know how much than van has cost. (Although I'd guess they didn't pay retail price for a lot of it)

 

[Reevsie]

If you have got it, it's yours to spend. Let the kids earn their own.

I recon on top of the van they must have spent an extra 20-30K on top of the price of the van. Good luck to them. They seem to work hard being self employed and they spend it on what they love and make great memories with the kids. Which you cannot put a price on.

 

[jdk62]

We saw the Burstner range at the show, but couldn't view due to the amount of people on the stand. Suppose that is a good sign.

We are very happy with ours…

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[VXman]

We saw the Burstner range at the show, but couldn't view due to the amount of people on the stand. Suppose that is a good sign.

In my experience of Burstner, i would say yes…also understand new Burstners now have a five year warranty……dont know of other manufacturers who do this yet?

Unless it has changed since 2021 the Burstner warranty is 2 years on habitation and 10 years on damp. However, you need a damp check by a dealer every year to keep the damp warranty valid and they are getting more expensive. £150 for my last one. Generally only the dealer you purchased from will do warranty work so if you are the second owner this could be a problem. The dealer who does my damp checks and spotted my issues refused to do the work to fix it. Other dealers won't do the work as the Burstner labour rate is too low for them. Camper UK in Licoln are the only exception I know of.

I don't think this means Burstners are any better in terms of damp. Mine has had issues and I have heard a a few others too.

We are very happy with ours…

While I am happy with my van now it had a LOT of issues from new. It took 2 years to sort them. Now my warranty is out other problems have appeared but I will just have too live with them. The shower tap which was replaced once still doesn't work properly, the led lighting in the bedroom has stopped working, the led lights on the awning are getting dim at one end and 5 cm of them do not work at all. The front badge has disintegrated from sunlight damage for the 2nd time. And this is a 2 and a half year old van.

I like the van over all but the build quality is poor and Burstner are not a great company in terms of support. Getting a good dealer on your side helps.

I don't think they warrant their reputation, certainly not in the last few years. I hear of lots of issues on the Burstner Facebook group.

 

[enark]

Unless it has changed since 2021 the Burstner warranty is 2 years on habitation and 10 years on damp. However, you need a damp check by a dealer every year to keep the damp warranty valid and they are getting more expensive. £150 for my last one. Generally only the dealer you purchased from will do warranty work so if you are the second owner this could be a problem. The dealer who does my damp checks and spotted my issues refused to do the work to fix it. Other dealers won't do the work as the Burstner labour rate is too low for them. Camper UK in Licoln are the only exception I know of.

I don't think this means Burstners are any better in terms of damp. Mine has had issues and I have heard a a few others too.



While I am happy with my van now it had a LOT of issues from new. It took 2 years to sort them. Now my warranty is out other problems have appeared but I will just have too live with them. The shower tap which was replaced once still doesn't work properly, the led lighting in the bedroom has stopped working, the led lights on the awning are getting dim at one end and 5 cm of them do not work at all. The front badge has disintegrated from sunlight damage for the 2nd time. And this is a 2 and a half year old van.

I like the van over all but the build quality is poor and Burstner are not a great company in terms of support. Getting a good dealer on your side helps.

I don't think they warrant their reputation, certainly not in the last few years. I hear of lots of issues on the Burstner Facebook group.

https://www.southdownsmotorhomecentre.co.uk/

this looks like a five year warranty?

not had any damp probs with mine….

 

[jdk62]

At my last visit to Southdowns earlier this year for my damp check, they advised I no longer had to have it done every year to maintain my 10year damp warranty. The van was new in 2019.

 

[cyberyacht]

at least with the Dartford crossing, as its a motorhome they only charge £25.0 each way.

What were you doing? Buying the freehold? Does that apply to 'all' motorhomes?

 

[BikerGraham]

What were you doing? Buying the freehold? Does that apply to 'all' motorhomes?

hadn't realised I had up-plated it that much ....

of course i meant £2.50 each way. £5.00 return trip. thanks for pointing out the error of my ways

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[starquake]

hadn't realised I had up-plated it that much ....

of course i meant £2.50 each way. £5.00 return trip. thanks for pointing out the error of my ways

It's worth getting a pay on demand account and just putting the family vehicles on it (we share one account across us, both fathers) as they allow 10 vehicles with the online account management (without you needing to bother with uploading excel sheets of cars).

£2 each way, and given we cross several times (we live in south east) a year it's well worth the small hassle. It's £1 a time saving on a round trip, these things add up quickly when you cross once a week as we average over the year.

Should add it also stops you forgetting to pay assuming you setup auto top up too.

 

[BikerGraham]

It's worth getting a pay on demand account and just putting the family vehicles on it (we share one account across us, both fathers) as they allow 10 vehicles with the online account management (without you needing to bother with uploading excel sheets of cars).

£2 each way, and given we cross several times (we live in south east) a year it's well worth the small hassle. It's £1 a time saving on a round trip, these things add up quickly when you cross once a week as we average over the year.

Should add it also stops you forgetting to pay assuming you setup auto top up too.

they do a similar thing with the Tyne Tunnel for which I have an account and all our cars and kids cars on the account. Much easier. I find its a really good system. The app is handy to use to top up account and downlaod the recipts for work related journey's.

only use the Dartford crossing once, maybe twice a year and only since getting the van last year.
December holiday to Spain is via Portsmouth so a different route.

 

[Graham Mew]

Hello all,

We have been looking at purchasing a Motorhome, we have been around a few dealers and the show last week, but the best van we have seen is a 9m used Kon-Tiki, which had a twin/double bed in the back, double over cabin bed, then chairs that turned into a bed. Plus a massive garage, and some serious of grid capabilities.

Couple of concerns.
1/ Its alot more than we was going to spend, but it ticked more boxes than anything else we have seen.
2/ Its massive, I do have the licence to drive one, but would be the biggest thing I've drive. It is a tag axle.
3/ Are there any limitation with having such a big van

I understand the whole concept is about compromise, and working out what you can do without.

Key aspects.
a/ 2 Adults, 2 children and 2 dogs
b/ when we go without the dogs, there will be 4 e-bikes, due to the weight only two can fit on a bike rack, so a big garage is important for paddle boards and just stuff to keep kids entertain
c/ will be mainly used in the uk, not so interested in stopping at parks ex, its more been able to stop anywhere you legally can
d/ the odd trip to France, Spain and possible nordic countries

I've had a VW camper before, it was way too small but was good for days out. My original plan was to convert a crafter myself, but this has now grown into a motorhome, which as intern grown to a 9 meter monster.

We do plan to rent one in a few weeks time, doubt we can find a massive one, but at least if the experience is a good one this time of year, it will be happy days. My kids are 15 and 11, so we might not be taking our daughter when she is old enough to stay at home and she thinks mum and dad aren't cool.

Thank you
Mark

I say this again, what is the point in having a vehicle if you can’t stop and park it anywhere.

 

[corconx]

Hi all, thank you for all the replies, will go though them all again in more detail. My biggest concern is driving it on the road, and maneuverability, especially with my first motorhome.

Also any recommendations on vans with a big garage that sleeps 4, but my kids will need there own bed, this is why we have been concentrating on 6 berths.

I recall a huge double page, spread in a main paper called leaky Kontiki, room for six, but it had no payload to carry the people and their equipment.

The comment, another poster made about tag Axle, we came across when in Ireland touring, They were totally against it. But if you aren’t planning on Ireland maybe it’s not so bad here.

In our time back in the early 90s, we owned a 33 foot American RV, we had intended to tow a car, but in the end, I just drove it separately, because the one thing you find it is very difficult to park anywhere near a town or city that you may want to go and see, we always thought at that time it was a great vehicle for a full timing, but at the end of the day we realised it didn’t suit the type of Motorhoming. We did for the next 30 years.

My advice, therefore, as others have said, is look for a vehicle in the 7.5 to 8 meter length, and you won’t have any problems.

Best of luck, whichever way you go, the alternative is to get us more tent that the teenagers can sleep in!

Carol

 

[garymumford]

I'd rent at least 2-3 motorhomes before you buy, as a 9m monster may be a couple of meters longer than you really need.
In summer you will spend a lot of the day outside the van.

Personally, having rented several motorhomes before we bought, one was a 36' (11m) American RV, another was a 8m Euromobil, and another was a 6.7m Hymer.
We then wrote the spec for what we wanted, we set the max length at 7m, as well as a long shopping list of 'must have' and 'nice to have' and 'do not want'.
(But we dont have two small kids and two dogs)

Ultimately it a weigh up of layout vs budget.

Interesting to read all the comments. I too have my first campervan this year which is a long wheel base MB Sprinter self build. I have just come back from 7 weeks in France and we did not spend 5 minutes inside the van apart from to sleep so we do not need cooking/ water/ toilet facilities inside our van. Unnecessary hassle/ moisture risk and weight for us. Just highlights how each couple have different needs and you need to work out what you want your home on wheels for.
We rented first- as suggested, then built ours to suit.
Ours is for warm weather and outdoor living only. Don’t fancy skiing trips with it. And can’t.

As for size, too long is too long and too wide is too wide. The one we hired was useless in Cornwall because it didn’t fit down the roads. So B we opted for panel van width for our needs. Coach built gives much more living width but does come at a small price in terms of access.
Ideally have one of those amazing American things that stretches out when you need it too

Great advice above and interesting to read everyone’s comments

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[TTDBYD]

Hi Mark
After looking at converted sprinters, I ended all the way up at an Autotrail Comanche tag axle at 9m. You'll probably hate the first 500 miles, till you get used to it. The extra meter does make a huge differnce on getting round tight corners and into tight pitches. That said, after our trip through France and Spain, I wouldn't go to a shorter one. Having the internal room is just so worth it. We thought it would be too long to also tow, but we've now bought a tow car - whcih is fine behind it.

We're the oposite to you though. Mainly want to use in Europe, (not too keen on sites in the UK TBH, but we wnat the wormth mainly). Even sites that say they don't take ags usually don't even mention it when yiou rock up. Your main issue will be access - even in saites that will take you. Most site roads are simply tight. You just [ersevere, learn from experience and find out where you can and can't go. I thought the Autotrail Comanche had a much better build quality than the Kon Tiki, but I guess others may argue different. All the componentry is the same suppliers at the end of the day - and it's the bits you get problems with, heaters, frdges electrics etc.

I'd be wary of thinking you can wild camp in a beast this big though, so good luck with that. I also think theives think, "big van, means has money, so worth breaking in". So, I'm not keen on leaving my van anywhere except on a good site. I get around 24mpg as well, (about 2 less when towing), so not too fuel hungry. Mountain roads are tricky and steep hills worrisome, as it's a lot of weight for the engine.
All in all, I'd do it again.

 

[Kevin R]

Renting a similar motor home is a worthwhile investment before shelling out on a vehicle that practically isn’t right for you.
When my children were teenagers, they considered their to be very uncool. However, they were more than happy to have free holidays.

 

[Saucer]

We are looking at something less than 7m but it seems that a lot of the vans with the layout we prefer are now around the 7.4 m length , especially on the Ford cabs. We did hire (having never owned a MH) an Adria twin at 6.4m. Easyish to park but too small inside for us. How much harder do people think a full with 7.4m mh will be to park, vs the Adria?

 

[Rocano21]

Hello all,

We have been looking at purchasing a Motorhome, we have been around a few dealers and the show last week, but the best van we have seen is a 9m used Kon-Tiki, which had a twin/double bed in the back, double over cabin bed, then chairs that turned into a bed. Plus a massive garage, and some serious of grid capabilities.

Couple of concerns.
1/ Its alot more than we was going to spend, but it ticked more boxes than anything else we have seen.
2/ Its massive, I do have the licence to drive one, but would be the biggest thing I've drive. It is a tag axle.
3/ Are there any limitation with having such a big van

I understand the whole concept is about compromise, and working out what you can do without.

Key aspects.
a/ 2 Adults, 2 children and 2 dogs
b/ when we go without the dogs, there will be 4 e-bikes, due to the weight only two can fit on a bike rack, so a big garage is important for paddle boards and just stuff to keep kids entertain
c/ will be mainly used in the uk, not so interested in stopping at parks ex, its more been able to stop anywhere you legally can
d/ the odd trip to France, Spain and possible nordic countries

I've had a VW camper before, it was way too small but was good for days out. My original plan was to convert a crafter myself, but this has now grown into a motorhome, which as intern grown to a 9 meter monster.

We do plan to rent one in a few weeks time, doubt we can find a massive one, but at least if the experience is a good one this time of year, it will be happy days. My kids are 15 and 11, so we might not be taking our daughter when she is old enough to stay at home and she thinks mum and dad aren't cool.

Thank you
Mark

Hi Mark, was in a similar position you are now, a year ago and once I rented a MH for the Nc500 I found what I thought I wanted, I didn't. You'll learn loads when you get the rented one and you may change your original thoughts on what you need, dont need etc. Good luck as we're loving it.

 

[Donkster]

Just go for it, you only live once

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[ronboyracer]

Hello all,

We have been looking at purchasing a Motorhome, we have been around a few dealers and the show last week, but the best van we have seen is a 9m used Kon-Tiki, which had a twin/double bed in the back, double over cabin bed, then chairs that turned into a bed. Plus a massive garage, and some serious of grid capabilities.

Couple of concerns.
1/ Its alot more than we was going to spend, but it ticked more boxes than anything else we have seen.
2/ Its massive, I do have the licence to drive one, but would be the biggest thing I've drive. It is a tag axle.
3/ Are there any limitation with having such a big van

I understand the whole concept is about compromise, and working out what you can do without.

Key aspects.
a/ 2 Adults, 2 children and 2 dogs
b/ when we go without the dogs, there will be 4 e-bikes, due to the weight only two can fit on a bike rack, so a big garage is important for paddle boards and just stuff to keep kids entertain
c/ will be mainly used in the uk, not so interested in stopping at parks ex, its more been able to stop anywhere you legally can
d/ the odd trip to France, Spain and possible nordic countries

I've had a VW camper before, it was way too small but was good for days out. My original plan was to convert a crafter myself, but this has now grown into a motorhome, which as intern grown to a 9 meter monster.

We do plan to rent one in a few weeks time, doubt we can find a massive one, but at least if the experience is a good one this time of year, it will be happy days. My kids are 15 and 11, so we might not be taking our daughter when she is old enough to stay at home and she thinks mum and dad aren't cool.

Thank you
Mark

Good luck with your endeavours.

 

[marky7seven]

Thank you everyone for the advice, done alot of viewing this weekend. And starting to narrow down now we have throught more about what we want to use it for.

 

[StephandJohn]

I've read all of this and its very interesting because we have a 6.6m Swift Firebrand which we lived in full time for 3 years. There's only the two of us so I can't comment on your quest except to say a couple of things; we've travelled many tiny roads and parked in town centre car park, campsites, aires etcs quite easily with our much smaller van.
The other is the question of your wife driving. I didn't realise until recently that if you have someone listed as second driver and when it comes too it they don't want to/can't drive it it your insurance won't help you out with recovery etc.
John was taken ill in Germany a few years ago and I'd never driven it so had to learn quickly on the 'other' side of the road. Scary but I did it.
I'll be looking with interest at what you decide to do.
Of course the other thing you could do is nor have the fixed bed (we make the bed up every night and don't find it much bother). This means you can reduce the size of the van. Get a good size awning equipped with a kitchen. Of course I don't think this would be good if you're only staying somewhere for a day or two. When you park up everything that is in the way can go in to the awning. You can even have a separate tent to use as a shed for quick stops.
We haven't been able to get away this year due to illness but will certainly be off for at least three months next year if things progress as well as they are now.

 

[Dashe]

Ha ha there's always one (or in this case 2)!!

OK the car is 3.7m so in total 11.1 plus we'll say a roughly a metre between van and car so 12m approx!!

Bloody hell didn't realise it was that long!! Not sure I want to drive it anymore!!

Parking is the issue with 9m. And also some sites you may find problems with from experience, as 9m is beyond a "standard" pitch size too -> As long as you know this and fact there are "less" pitches that accomodate your size I think you good. (CAMC and CACC standard pitch is 8m by 5m so you know). 9m is a "Jumbo" pitch in both sites..

Personally I'd try to stick to motorhomes in the standard "site" dimensions to have more choice of pitch, as Jumbos both cost more, and also there are "less" of them to book in first place.

Tag-axel also although popular with many motorhomers, also has from our understanding a linkage with the Irish traveller community -> it's not uncommon for some sites to ban tag-axels.

Above is just for your understanding as these are things that came into our mind when considering then discounting a tag axel we liked in our motorhoming search.

Only other thing is if you going offgrid for multiple days with 4 occupants using the onboard facilities, both water tank storage and an extra cassette should be considered possibly essential. With 2 occupants we only manage 2.5 days max offgrid mostly due to the single cassette we have today (we can go near 5 days on the water tanks).

There are English “traveler communities” too … just saying

 

[marky7seven]

Thank you for all the advice, we deposited on a Carthago Chic C-Line XL 5.5 LE at 8.1m yesterday. So o will be starting a thread regarding updates once it arrives.