Hi all, I would appreciate help on brands or coach builders to avoid?

[Tobytastic]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

 

[Conrad J]

Thanks for that, I currently have a Portuguese licence with 4250 kg, i guess that gives me a few more options.

Yes but......not sure what the rules are if you stay in the UK, how long can you keep using your Portuguese licence before you have to get a UK one? and I expect you will then be issued with what is now the standard, which has a 3500kg limit.

 

[GeeCee]

Is the Hobby worth a look?

Our last van was a Hobby with twin beds (convertible to a double) and a garage underneath. Liked the styling and was happy with most of the functionality. However there were a few niggles and thsi is really important - when there are niggles and things that need fixing under warranty you need a reliable dealership near you that can do the work. Every time I took it back to the dealers to fix one thing it would come back with that fixed and something else broken. The dealer I bought it from was 80 minutes drive away (no motorways) which turned out a bit of a mish every tiime something needed fixing. The dealer I ended up taking it to, because it was only a 40 minute drive away, was the incompetent one. But them having casued the follow on problems I had to take it back to them to fix them.

So yes narrow down your choice based on what fulfils your needs best, but also make sure you get it from a good, ideally local, reputable dealer. And by the way, that applies not only to the manufacturer but also to the cab maker (Fiat, For, Peugeot, Merc, etc). I've had real problems with Fiat servcing/repairs using the nearest Fiat dealership for warranty based work.

 

[bigwood]

For my own personal reasons when looking for our first motorhome I set my mind on a Ford base vehicle.
Another simple thing was being able to sleep comfortably, I am 6ft tall. One dealer insisted the beds were 6ft long. According to my tape measure the bed was 5ft 8.
After attending shows and visiting dealers for nearly six months we finally chose an Autosleeper Duetto. The layout was right for us and the interior was well built. We have another Autosleeper now and it’s just as well built.
Not every one has good things to say about the newer Autosleepers but ours suits us.

 

[The Coops]

Our last van was a Hobby with twin beds (convertible to a double) and a garage underneath. Liked the styling and was happy with most of the functionality. However there were a few niggles and thsi is really important - when there are niggles and things that need fixing under warranty you need a reliable dealership near you that can do the work. Every time I took it back to the dealers to fix one thing it would come back with that fixed and something else broken. The dealer I bought it from was 80 minutes drive away (no motorways) which turned out a bit of a mish every tiime something needed fixing. The dealer I ended up taking it to, because it was only a 40 minute drive away, was the incompetent one. But them having casued the follow on problems I had to take it back to them to fix them.

So yes narrow down your choice based on what fulfils your needs best, but also make sure you get it from a good, ideally local, reputable dealer. And by the way, that applies not only to the manufacturer but also to the cab maker (Fiat, For, Peugeot, Merc, etc). I've had real problems with Fiat servcing/repairs using the nearest Fiat dealership for warranty based work.

Same problems we had we even ended up taking the van back to Fockbeck in Germany to get the problems *fixed* which they were not and were not alone see post about another Hobby same model same problems and they had been back TWICE to Fockbeck. The bottom line is great design but don't buy a Friday afternoon/Monday morning van We had 5 years and 5000 miles of taking it back to the dealership and when the service manager left got rid.................however someone got a bargain as almost all of the interior had been replaced/repaired. Would I get another Hobby? Yes if the same service manager was there when he left we got shut ( we even send him birthday/christmas cards as he became a good friend doing his best for us!)

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[Michael Rennison]

Great advice from everyone. It's 5 years since we bought ours and apart from the exit from the fixed bed, it's a keeper. A few problems along the way: loo not flushing due to muck in the solenoid (fixed by Dometic under warranty) , new kitchen sink mixer tap after fuse blown (they are in the tap evidently so virtually impossible to repair without replacing the tap) , badly fitted tv in the lounge and insect blind in the skylight above the cab sorted under warranty by Lowdhams. Oyster satellite now refuses to go up properly, leaving the boom attached to the dish so I use a wooden spoon from the Heki above the fixed bed - a right squeeze to get my arm and shoulder out of the rooflight . All part of life's rich tapestry. Enjoy the experience of researching and buying. You'll then have something you will be happy with.

 

[mikeandmary]

Welcome to the forum and consider location of your chosen dealer. Bound to be teething issues and you may find only your supplying dealer will fix.

 

[Aireworth]

We bought an Elddis 120 as our first motorhome exactly a year ago. A couple we are friends with already had another small Eldiss. Subsequently 2 more friends have bought motorhomes - all Elddis (not all 120s). We've spent 50+ nights away in ours, one of our friends will have done more, the other 2 a bit less. 3 of the 4 motorhomes were new at purchase. Of the 4, only one has had to return to the dealer for a fault, and that turned out to be blown fuse on an aftermarket alarm. So although Elddis are obviously lower end of the market, not every one needs multiple visits to the dealer to keep it on the road.
Looking at more expensive makes, its obvious that Elddis are lower quality. Probably part design, part materials, part workmanship. But they use the same or similar aftermarket parts ( Dometic, Thetford, Whale, Fiamma) and the same base vehicles as the better marques. Its just the bits that hold these components together that are built to a price.
Now already we've come across a limitation that means we'd like to change. Currently we've near £4000 worth of bikes hanging off the back of the MH. I'd like something with a big garage where we could put them away out of sight. Although there is an Elddis model that fits the bill, we are looking at other makes - it would be nice to have a better finished vehicle. But hard to find one with the parallel/facing lounge we'd like, and at least £15k more. We may buy Elddis again

 

[AndyPK]

We bought an Elddis 120 as our first motorhome exactly a year ago. A couple we are friends with already had another small Eldiss. Subsequently 2 more friends have bought motorhomes - all Elddis (not all 120s). We've spent 50+ nights away in ours, one of our friends will have done more, the other 2 a bit less. 3 of the 4 motorhomes were new at purchase. Of the 4, only one has had to return to the dealer for a fault, and that turned out to be blown fuse on an aftermarket alarm. So although Elddis are obviously lower end of the market, not every one needs multiple visits to the dealer to keep it on the road.
Looking at more expensive makes, its obvious that Elddis are lower quality. Probably part design, part materials, part workmanship. But they use the same or similar aftermarket parts ( Dometic, Thetford, Whale, Fiamma) and the same base vehicles as the better marques. Its just the bits that hold these components together that are built to a price.
Now already we've come across a limitation that means we'd like to change. Currently we've near £4000 worth of bikes hanging off the back of the MH. I'd like something with a big garage where we could put them away out of sight. Although there is an Elddis model that fits the bill, we are looking at other makes - it would be nice to have a better finished vehicle. But hard to find one with the parallel/facing lounge we'd like, and at least £15k more. We may buy Elddis again

Our last two ‘vans have been Marquis/Elddis specials (120 and 155) and, apart from a couple of issues, they have served us well. They may be ‘lower end’, but suit us admirably! (Does that make us ‘lower-end’ too, I wonder…..? )

 

[Aireworth]

Our last two ‘vans have been Marquis/Elddis specials (120 and 155) and, apart from a couple of issues, they have served us well. They may be ‘lower end’, but suit us admirably! (Does that make us ‘lower-end’ too, I wonder…..? )

Surely not!

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[cyberyacht]

I previously had a Marquis/Elddis 125(2016). Nice van and a garage that took two folding bikes. Did have the kitchen floor replaced under warranty at three years old but otherwise it was OK.

 

[GeeCee]

We bought an Elddis 120 as our first motorhome exactly a year ago. A couple we are friends with already had another small Eldiss. Subsequently 2 more friends have bought motorhomes - all Elddis (not all 120s). We've spent 50+ nights away in ours, one of our friends will have done more, the other 2 a bit less. 3 of the 4 motorhomes were new at purchase. Of the 4, only one has had to return to the dealer for a fault, and that turned out to be blown fuse on an aftermarket alarm. So although Elddis are obviously lower end of the market, not every one needs multiple visits to the dealer to keep it on the road.
Looking at more expensive makes, its obvious that Elddis are lower quality. Probably part design, part materials, part workmanship. But they use the same or similar aftermarket parts ( Dometic, Thetford, Whale, Fiamma) and the same base vehicles as the better marques. Its just the bits that hold these components together that are built to a price.
Now already we've come across a limitation that means we'd like to change. Currently we've near £4000 worth of bikes hanging off the back of the MH. I'd like something with a big garage where we could put them away out of sight. Although there is an Elddis model that fits the bill, we are looking at other makes - it would be nice to have a better finished vehicle. But hard to find one with the parallel/facing lounge we'd like, and at least £15k more. We may buy Elddis again

See what you mean about the bikes. I assume a decent bike cover wouldn't work for you. I tried putting our two bikes in the garage but being the shape they are they take up a lot of otherwise usable room and it can be a right faff getting to things you need with the bikes in the way. I guess it depends how patient you are when it comes to things like that.

 

[Aireworth]

See what you mean about the bikes. I assume a decent bike cover wouldn't work for you. I tried putting our two bikes in the garage but being the shape they are they take up a lot of otherwise usable room and it can be a right faff getting to things you need with the bikes in the way. I guess it depends how patient you are when it comes to things like that.

I'm fairly relaxed about most possessions, not really risk averse, happily leave things lying around, and I've only ever had one notable thing stolen (a laptop) - other than bikes. I've had 10 bikes stolen over the years, so I'm getting a bit paranoid about it. A good cover will/does help, and I currently chain them to the chassis when they're on the rack. They're insured so ultimately I'd not be out of pocket, but if you're talking about faff, then claiming for bikes on insurance must be up there with the worst.
But yes, I accept although a garage appears ideal, there will be compromises with that as well.

 

[TonyEmm]

Definitely try laying on any bed first - they do not all accommodate taller folk like you!
Will you need to add any assistance aids for your SIL?
Drop-down beds also tend to be quite high, so may not be practical.

We’ve had 2 Hymers with drop down beds and they had clear sitting up room in them. That can’t be said of many British built overcabs!

 

[Tony50]

Ok, I like the Eriba and Chausson. We want a permanent double bed, Garage would be nice, I am guessing that only comes with the high double bed option?

With the Chausson 718 xlb we had a double island bed that you raise or lower ,quite a large garage

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[Tony50]

Hi and thanks we are looking at an older motorhome, 2003 to 2007 is our likely range.

We had a 2007 Rapido A class on a Mercedes ,proper auto gearbox not Sprint shift ( model 999 I think) could easily overload axles, but the engine and gearbox was superb , the Rapido bit not faultless but reasonable

 

[Tony50]

Welcome to the forum and consider location of your chosen dealer. Bound to be teething issues and you may find only your supplying dealer will fix.

Why should we have teething troubles, if they built correctly, PDI'd correctly any extras fitted correctly, we are primed over the years by the Dealer's in our minds to expect and except faults, after all ( although it seldom happens ) you would expect your bank account to be wrong .

 

[AndyPK]

Why should we have teething troubles, if they built correctly, PDI'd correctly any extras fitted correctly, we are primed over the years by the Dealer's in our minds to expect and except faults, after all ( although it seldom happens ) you would expect your bank account to be wrong .

No….but just being realistic wrt Motorhomes…….

 

[minesapint]

Then once you have thought through price, size, layout, configuration, weight
damp maybe high on the list to look at.

Our first MoHo was a ten year old Dethleffs, it gave very little trouble, apart from a crack in the shower tray which was easily fixed by removing the tray and fibre glassing the underneath. Apart from that many miles in Spain and France, without any problems. We have since had a Hymer it was also trouble free. Then we bought a new Swift, got rid of it after just over a year. We now have a Burstner, which has had a few problems. May go back to Dethleffs..

 

[Peter Goadby]

I have a Chausson and it is perfect for us. Garage takes two e-bikes, separate shower and toilet and a full size double bed that lowers down from the roof. As others have said, choose a configuration that suits you. We have had ours for three years from new and have had only one problem which was with the heater and that was all sorted under warranty so no complaints so far on build quality or reliability of our Chausson.

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[Essgeebee]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

Based on my experience, Autotrail make quality, good-specced, solid if perhaps not desperately exciting vehicles. I’d be wary of Swift if the build-quality and components are similar to their caravans. My 2018 Swift caravan has a great layout and good spec but is let down by cheap fittings and some shoddy assembly.

 

[Blue Knight]

Based on my experience, Autotrail make quality, good-specced, solid if perhaps not desperately exciting vehicles.

The quality-thing you speak of was the case for pre-2006 vehicles but the new stuff is not good at all, hence the reason why Autotrail is the only manufacturer in the world with its own 'Unhappy Owners Club'.

 

[Essgeebee]

The quality-thing you speak of was the case for pre-2006 vehicles but the new stuff is not good at all, hence the reason why Autotrail is the only manufacturer in the world with its own 'Unhappy Owners Club'.

Mine is a 2019 Tracker, bought after much research, close inspection and eight months of pleasure. It’s not perfect but it’s hard to find fault with its functionality and build quality. While there will undoubtedly be unhappy Autotrail owners - as with all other makes - your generalisation about the ‘quality-thing’ doesn’t bear up. What suits one person may not suit another. I just speak as I find which I’m sure the OP would want.

 

[Blue Knight]

While there will undoubtedly be unhappy Autotrail owners - as with all other makes - your generalisation about the ‘quality-thing’ doesn’t bear up. What suits one person may not suit another. I just speak as I find which I’m sure the OP would want.

With so many horrendous stories about new leaky Autotrails these days I'm really chuffed that your nearly new Autotrail has served you well - and long may it stay like that since the last thing anyone
would want for their mental health is a 90% damp reading as so many other AT owners have achieved recently; with huge stories of heartache and a constant stream of van rejections being reported.

Hymer group (as an example) build huge numbers of vans, when compared to the small numbers of AT and yet they've not got an unhappy owners group so, therefore, my generalisation is not so much a generalisation as such but an actual picture of the current state of quality from that converter.

Good luck with your AT and I honestly do hope that you get many years of fun from your van.

 

[Essgeebee]

Maybe I got an Autotrail made on a good day and of course there’s plenty of time for things to go wrong. I didn’t have to wait long for them in my Swift caravan and that rarely fails to disappoint. This week it was a disconnected kitchen sink drain pipe that flooded the place with dishwater.

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[Al n Val]

The quality-thing you speak of was the case for pre-2006 vehicles but the new stuff is not good at all, hence the reason why Autotrail is the only manufacturer in the world with its own 'Unhappy Owners Club'.

Another fact that simply is not true , do they make motorhomes or are they just an RV manufacturer, not sure tbh

Unhappy Jayco Owners

Unhappy Jayco Owners. 2,486 likes · 1 talking about this. Jayco is a market leader in RVs in Australia. The problem is that their quality control and construction materials can leave a lot to be...

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[Bucket]

Another vote here for Chausson. We have owned ours for 10 years now (2nd owners, 2007 model) it's the one and only one we have ever owned. Over the years I've looked at alternatives and have never found anything in my price bracket that is better. A big deal breaker is the exceptional storage space it has, capacious lockers all round, spacious wardrobe, good kitchen drawers and a big underbed 'boot'.
Yes there's a few things I'd change of course but none of them essential, just nice to have.
Anything that's needed fixing can be put down to age and wear and tear.
Ours is a Renault Master base, Good 3 litre engine that delivers 30 mpg when driven with care.

 

[Tobytastic]

Another vote here for Chausson. We have owned ours for 10 years now (2nd owners, 2007 model) it's the one and only one we have ever owned. Over the years I've looked at alternatives and have never found anything in my price bracket that is better. A big deal breaker is the exceptional storage space it has, capacious lockers all round, spacious wardrobe, good kitchen drawers and a big underbed 'boot'.
Yes there's a few things I'd change of course but none of them essential, just nice to have.
Anything that's needed fixing can be put down to age and wear and tear.
Ours is a Renault Master base, Good 3 litre engine that delivers 30 mpg when driven with care.

Thr Chausson does appeal to me, there are a few around within our budget.

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks for all your replies is there more wriggle room out of season?

 

[Tony50]

Thr Chausson does appeal to me, there are a few around within our budget.

Watch out for water ingress 2027 onwards, as for faults, sink pipe fell off in Spain, hello re placed damp in garage (2017 model ) upper cabinet handles broke ,led light packed up , 1 week after delivery , water gauge useless, shower drains disintegrated , apart from that we liked the van , would we have another Chausson ?!!
Let's say we have sold it to a Dealer at least the next Owner should have some warranty,

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[Tobytastic]

Ok, I have just sold a hobby caravan and that had bathroom problems due to my wife using bleach.