I'm New Here

[siwhitehouse]

Hi folks

Thanks for letting me join the forum. I'm currently looking around for my second motorhome or van. I previously had an Auto Sleepers Duetto (N Reg) and this time around I'm looking for something, well, a bit newer anyway. Other than that I'm reading through The Motorhome Buyers' Guide and trying not to get too anxious =0)

I'm hoping to go and look at some vans over the next few weekends. Any hints and tips gladly received.

 

[David and Sally]

 

[Odd-no-more]

Hi and welcome, I had a duetto, a nice little van but small. My recommendation is look at a lot of vans, and think carefully about the compromise you are willing to make
The main thing is size, bigger is better, until you try to park it, and get along narrow roads. Good luck and ask as many questions as you need, there's always someone to help

 

[scousebird]

 

[The Old Man]

Welcome and have Fun.

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[Puddleduck]

Layout is King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

 

[Go_buddy_go_]

 

[mackeellan]

Hello, enjoy

 

[Gina M]

 

[Janine]

Welcome to the Fun

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[Jim]

Hi Si,

Welcome to the fun

 

[Jev88]

See as many vans as you can and then settle on Layout, layout, layout

 

[Chris]

Hi and welcome to the forum

 

[gus-lopez]

 

[siwhitehouse]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone.

One thing I learnt from having the Duetto was that I found making up the bed a real hassle and so I'm considering either a fixed or over-the-cab bed. I like the space you get with over-the-cab, but I wonder how comfy they are.

What do people think about habitation reports provided by trade sellers? Because I'm going to be buying an older van I'm wary of damp. Would you always insist on getting your own habitation report done?

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[Shango]

Welcome to the group.

I purchased my MH in 2008 and my sister won one (yes she won a MH) in 2019, my MH has a fixed bed over the cab and it's very comfy and spacious, it's a king size, but my sisters MH has no bed over the cab. Others please correct me if I'm wrong but are the new modern MH's have no bed over the cab ?

Be careful of what sales men tell you...it's their job to sell it and they could be on commission.

 

[Jev88]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone.

One thing I learnt from having the Duetto was that I found making up the bed a real hassle and so I'm considering either a fixed or over-the-cab bed. I like the space you get with over-the-cab, but I wonder how comfy they are.

What do people think about habitation reports provided by trade sellers? Because I'm going to be buying an older van I'm wary of damp. Would you always insist on getting your own habitation report done?

We've used an over cab bed in the past and with the right mattress are ok BUT you have to live with low head height and one partner has to climb over the other to get down a ladder in the night.

 

[rolosroller]

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[siwhitehouse]

We've used an over cab bed in the past and with the right mattress are ok BUT you have to live with low head height and one partner has to climb over the other to get down a ladder in the night.

Thanks Jev88

I think I'm going to have to crawl up into the space on any viewing to see how cosy/cramped it feels up there. It looks as though there is a range of natural light in over-the-cab beds too.

It's just me, so I don't have to worry about clambering over anyone (or being clambered over).

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[siwhitehouse]

Welcome to the group.

I purchased my MH in 2008 and my sister won one (yes she won a MH) in 2019, my MH has a fixed bed over the cab and it's very comfy and spacious, it's a king size, but my sisters MH has no bed over the cab. Others please correct me if I'm wrong but are the new modern MH's have no bed over the cab ?

Be careful of what sales men tell you...it's their job to sell it and they could be on commission.

Thanks Shango

Congrats to your sister, that's quite the win!

How do you find the driving with your motorhome? I like the idea of an over-the-cab bed, but they look a bit top heavy and not too aero-dynamic.

 

[Lee Fryer]

 

[Jev88]

Thanks Jev88

I think I'm going to have to crawl up into the space on any viewing to see how cosy/cramped it feels up there. It looks as though there is a range of natural light in over-the-cab beds too.

It's just me, so I don't have to worry about clambering over anyone (or being clambered over).

Ours had windows on each side so you can get ventilation but as you know heat rises and in summer....... Good idea to actually try one. The ladders are notoriously thin steps that hurt your feet but I got an old wooden step ladder and cut it in half and added cheap carpet tile to the treads.

The cat is optional....

 

[scotzsue]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone.

One thing I learnt from having the Duetto was that I found making up the bed a real hassle and so I'm considering either a fixed or over-the-cab bed. I like the space you get with over-the-cab, but I wonder how comfy they are.

What do people think about habitation reports provided by trade sellers? Because I'm going to be buying an older van I'm wary of damp. Would you always insist on getting your own habitation report done?

We have had 2 with overcab beds, loved them both, now have an overgarage bed, memory foam topper makes a huge differenc.

 

[cliffanger]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone.

One thing I learnt from having the Duetto was that I found making up the bed a real hassle and so I'm considering either a fixed or over-the-cab bed. I like the space you get with over-the-cab, but I wonder how comfy they are.

What do people think about habitation reports provided by trade sellers? Because I'm going to be buying an older van I'm wary of damp. Would you always insist on getting your own habitation report done?

AndSi.

We had a Hymer with a drop down bed, and it was really comfortable, but without a skylight it tended to get quite warm up there!

Our current Hymer has a drop down bed that comes a lot further down, and it’s perfect.

Just remember that if you need to get out of bed in the middle of the night that it’s not just a case of getting out and stepping into the floor - there maybe be steps involved!

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[Wombles]

Hi & welcome! Have a look at here https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/events/ & here https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/events/?layout=grid&page=2 for some Fun rallies & campsite meets with fellow friendly Funsters for when you get your new motorhome

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Shango]

Thanks Shango

Congrats to your sister, that's quite the win!

How do you find the driving with your motorhome? I like the idea of an over-the-cab bed, but they look a bit top heavy and not too aero-dynamic.

Yes my sister was delighted to win one and I was thrilled for her, but her's is slightly heavier than mine although both MH's look the same size but she had to get a lorry licence to drive it whereas my MH I only need a car licence to drive it.

They might look a bit top heavy but driving it there's no problem at all. If you can drive a long wheel base van you can drive this no problem. The only 2 things I watch out for is...a) the height over the drivers area due to the over the cab bed is the highest point but I have the measurements on a sticky note on the drivers sun visor for a quick double check before I drive in ..mainly into a garage for diesel or under a bridge...and b) the tail swing when taking a tight turn, mainly watching out for vehicles coming up beside me from behind and not allowing for the tail swing. I go away in it more than my hubby, I do all the driving, if I can manage it, anyone can My MH is now 17 yrs old this year and it has more than paid for it's self long ago, hubby once said he was going to sell it...I replied...careful lad, it's not covered under life insurance He never mentioned it again It's mine, not his

 

[siwhitehouse]

We have had 2 with overcab beds, loved them both, now have an overgarage bed, memory foam topper makes a huge differenc.

Thanks Scotzsue

It's a good point about the topper. I bought one after getting a bad back when I slept in the Duetto. It's one reason why I want a fixed bed this time.

 

[scotzsue]

Thanks Scotzsue

It's a good point about the topper. I bought one after getting a bad back when I slept in the Duetto. It's one reason why I want a fixed bed this time.

We had a 6 berth, 1 fixed, overcab, bed and 2 make ups, was great for taking the grandkids but making up the rear lounge bed got to be a pain, and it wasn't fun when john removed the ladder to my bed and went off for the morning bread without replacing it
will have a look for who made our 'to fit' memory topper, jus so you dont use them it has now lost 4 inches all round. still works ok but is annoying.
the other essentials for me are, sufficient seatbelts, payload, external access to locker space and mega adjustable drivers seat as I am a bit of a short **se
Good luck with your search.

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