Looking to buy a motorhome, damp below window

[Swifty1234]

Hello all, we are looking to buy our first motorhome and I've looked at quite a few. The one in question ticks all the right boxes apart from some damp I spotted below one of the windows. I suspect either the seal has gone around the window. My question is whether it looks like it has been caught in time? Its a 2012 Chausson Flash 03. I've been wondering about a hab check but someone else I know has said they are a waste of time and having read through all the exclusions in the terms, I'm inclined to agree. Although glad to hear others views and or recommendations. Many thanks Jon

 

[The Wino]

I went back with my damp meter. Almost certainly an issue with the window rubber. It was cracked and siliconed in places. Damp readings zero above window. However, there was also damp in the back. Coincided with bike rack fixings and also more alarming, in rear corner on drivers side which I couldn't see any logical reason why. Possibly also from bike rack but too risky for me.

If it's been siliconed there's new lino on the floor and they didn't point out the damp in other areas to you they aren't honest or don't know what they're doing so good decision. I wouldn't let it put you off another the same there isn't a make without some with problems people often ask on here for a recommendation for one like there's a holy grail manufacturer!

 

[Swifty1234]

The layout on this one is perfect but MOT history seems to indicate rust issue, has anyone got any experience with this model?

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I also like the look of a Swift Sundance, I know they are plated at 3850kg but I had one on a weigh bridge a few weeks back and it was 3100kg plus I'm confident I could do without the awning for the meantime and possibly have a space saving wheel as opposed to a spare etc? Is it wishful thinking trying to downgrade the weight? Many thanks

 

[Langtoftlad]

Don't rush it - there's always more vans coming onsale
It's natural to be eager, to start on your adventures but you don't want a van that spends all it's time off the road.

When I first went looking for a van [back in 2015/16], best bit of advice I got was that the three most important choices were

1. Dealership
2. Dealership
3. Dealership

A bit like the property mantra location, location and location.

I was lucky... Camper UK was one of those high up on my list. I bought an 2003 Ace [Swift].
On the first hab check, damp was discovered. Camper UK immediately took responsibility, even though their warranty wasn't applicable [only valid for vans up to 10 years old] - came & collected the van, sorted the damp and brought it back at their expense.

Dealership, dealership, dealership.

Just read some of the tales of woe about poor dealership experiences posted on here - there are quite a few.

 

[Swifty1234]

How do you find a good dealership? I've been looking for around 18months and my family are eager to get one this summer if we can. Having always bought second hand cars privately I tend to avoid dealers but perhaps motorhomes are different

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[Just smiffy]

Is it wishful thinking trying to downgrade the weight? Many thanks

Yes… you will always carry more then you intend to, I’d look into getting the c1 on your license as I think van are cheeper when there over 3500kg and you have far more to choose from. Listen to the advice you get on here as you will be advised well and I know it’s exciting trying to get a van for the family but take your time and look at lots as your thoughts on what you want are different to what you need, as a family you will always be worrying about weight and with your kids on board it not worth the worry… look into the license upgrade please as I think what you spend on it you will save on a better van for your needs..
Buy wisely, there are plenty of good ones out there at reasonable prices so walk from the naff ones.

Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions on here, we were all like you at one time… good luck.

 

[Swifty1234]

I'm giving the C1 license real consideration. I'm hoping I can buy one of the books from DVSA, study it and pass the theory, hazard test on my own and then perhaps do the practical. The DVSA seem to do two books, one for heavy vehicles which I'm guessing I need and one for goods vehichle which I'm guessing is for over 7.5tonnes. Regards the test it seems the questions are not separated for vehicles from 3.5t to 7.5t and over 3.5t. Rather questions for anything over 3.5t

 

[DaMoe]

How long has the existing owner had it ? May give some clues if not long.
I agree with the others who say stay away from damp vans. It can cost a lot to rectify as others have said (I've seen dealers working on damp issues and there's a lot of internal dismantling to get at the area). Also, if not cured completely, you'll have a problem selling it later to anyone with a damp meter. It may seem like the right layout or price, but could ending being a very expensive first van.

 

[headlight]

The layout on this one is perfect but MOT history seems to indicate rust issue, has anyone got any experience with this model?

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I also like the look of a Swift Sundance, I know they are plated at 3850kg but I had one on a weigh bridge a few weeks back and it was 3100kg plus I'm confident I could do without the awning for the meantime and possibly have a space saving wheel as opposed to a spare etc? Is it wishful thinking trying to downgrade the weight? Many thanks

What size Sundance are you looking at ?
My 4 berth, 5.9m Swift Suntor, which is the same as a Sundance, 2.3 litre manual, is plated at 3,400kgs and fully loaded for a trip weighs 3120kgs.

 

[Swifty1234]

Something like this one below. They seem to have a very generous payload. Am I being optimistic with having it downgraded from 3850kg to 3500kg? I could always get it upgraded at a future point if I pass my C1? I did ask someone at the DVSA about whether I was allowed to drive a 3850kg rated vehicle knowing it was under this weight but they seemed reluctant to answer.

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[Minxy]

I can't see a generous payload mentioned, just it being 3800kg. Even if you manage to get it downrated you'd likely have no payload, sorry.

 

[headlight]

swifty123 do you need 6 berths ?
6 people and their gear is going to be over 3,500kgs i would have thought.
Ours is 4 berth but there are only 2 of us.
If there were 4 of us we would be on or very near our max weight and possibly over our rear axle max weight.

 

[Swifty1234]

No, we need a 4 berth. My plan would be to temporarily remove the awning, exchange spare wheel for space saver and possibly remove the rear facing seats and have a larger lounge, I know water tank is under those particular seats. The one I had on a weigh bridge was 3100kg although the fuel tank almost empty so probably around 70kg on top of that figure

 

[Swifty1234]

Plus my girls are currently 5 and 2 so not much weight although obviously this will change with time

 

[headlight]

No, we need a 4 berth. My plan would be to temporarily remove the awning, exchange spare wheel for space saver and possibly remove the rear facing seats and have a larger lounge, I know water tank is under those particular seats. The one I had on a weigh bridge was 3100kg although the fuel tank almost empty so probably around 70kg on top of that figure

Can I ask why you are looking at 6 berths for 4 of you ?
My fully loaded travelling weight of 3120kgs is with 2 adults, full fuel tank, 100 litres of water and food, clothing etc.
That's 280kgs under my max weight overall but my rear axle max weight is 1900kgs and my actual rear axle weight when weighed was 1780kgs so 120kgs spare.
2 people travelling in the back, which with my rear lounge layout means over the rear axle, plus their gear would probably use up close to that 120kgs spare.

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[Swifty1234]

All the 4berth models we like are a bit out of our budget

 

[Swifty1234]

Trying to get one with four seat belts in particular

 

[Minxy]

Plus my girls are currently 5 and 2 so not much weight although obviously this will change with time

Have you thought of all the toys etc they'll want to take, bikes etc, it will soon add up?

 

[Swifty1234]

Yes, I'm sure you are right but I think it is manageable until I can do my c1

 

[headlight]

Trying to get one with four seat belts in particular

I have 4 seat belts in my 4 berth.

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[Swifty1234]

Would really appreciate anyone's experience of downplating if at all possible? And whether its possible to then upgrade it back again once I've passed C1.

Which motorhome do you have headlight

 

[headlight]

Would really appreciate anyone's experience of downplating if at all possible? And whether its possible to then upgrade it back again once I've passed C1.

Which motorhome do you have headlight

I have a Swift Suntor (Sundance) 590RL, 4 berth 4 seat belts.

 

[Swifty1234]

I have a Swift Suntor (Sundance) 590RL, 4 berth 4 seat belts.

All the ones I've seen of those only have 2 seat belts

 

[headlight]

All the ones I've seen of those only have 2 seat belts

Are you sure as I looked at 3 before buying the one I have and they all had 4 belts.
The 2 travelling belts are on the rear forward facing bench seat on the RL, rear lounge, model.
Normally when not being used they are tucked behind the rear full width bench so not obvious unless you look.
Not sure about the RS, rear shower, model but I would assume they also have 2 belts in the back.
We bought a 4 berth as we occasionally take our 5 now 6 year old grandson with us who loves the over cab bed.
The over cab bed is plenty big enough for 2 children.

 

[Swifty1234]

No I didn't know that although don't like the idea of them sitting that far back while driving. Especially if we get a shunt

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[headlight]

No I didn't know that although don't like the idea of them sitting that far back while driving. Especially if we get a shunt

On the RS rear shower model I assume the belts are on the dinette bench which is roughly in the middle of the hab.

 

[Puddleduck]

Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions on here, we were all like you at one time… good luck.

As I used to tell my students "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. If your need to ask I can guarantee most of the others in the class want to know but are too frightened of looking stupid to ask."

 

[headlight]

No I didn't know that although don't like the idea of them sitting that far back while driving. Especially if we get a shunt

Also I have a steel box section over rider bumper extension, tow bar and a scooter tray at the rear so quite a bit of metal in the way if something rear ended me.

 

[Swifty1234]

There's another one I've found but again damp issue. I spoke to the person who did the HAB check and he said no signs of damp on the walls, just the floor. He said the owner left his wet boots and clothes in the garage so it might have been that??? Seems unlikely? Its a shame as its a Burstner and seems very well cared for.

The few motorhomes I'm interested in, all seem to have damp issues. May just have to save up and buy a newer model as all the old ones seem to have some sort of damp. Am I right in thinking the older ones have more joints with aluminium and the newer ones have fewer with glass fibre and then perhaps less likely to leak?

 

[CazPaul]

You’re looking at the wrong makes then, have you looked at used Hymer/carthago/ Niesmann/Concorde etc etc have they not got anything in your layout/price range?

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[Elsie2010]

How do you find a good dealership? I've been looking for around 18months and my family are eager to get one this summer if we can. Having always bought second hand cars privately I tend to avoid dealers but perhaps motorhomes are different

OAKTREE 10000000% for me
Had alright dealers in the past but Oaktree surpasses them all in a heartbeat!!
Near in 30 years in doing what they do
Youtubers seem to equally love them too
There's even a page dedicated to them on here if I recall?

They really went over and beyond for us...more than they had to!
Check out trust pilot reviews for any dealer and what other online reviews are out there but, best review for me, are those on forums

Good luck with your quest