Looking to take the leap....

Hercs74

Hercs74

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:) Hi All,

I have decided to invest in a MH. It is a complete mind field regarding choice. Am looking at 6 berth that has rear lounge. Having looked at loads I have taken a shining to Bessacarr possibly 596. Does anybody have any experiences or anything worth to note.

Many thanks
 
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Hercs74 said:
:) Hi All,

I have decided to invest in a MH. It is a complete mind field regarding choice. Am looking at 6 berth that has rear lounge. Having looked at loads I have taken a shining to Bessacarr possibly 596. Does anybody have any experiences or anything worth to note.

Many thanks
Click to expand...
Can I just ask what may be a stupid question, but have you had/used/stayed in a Motorhome before? If not, it may be worthwhile hiring one for a holiday before spending what most people would think is an astronomical sum of money on a mobile bed!!!

Obviously you may have lots of experience already, but if not, it’s would be really useful to try and spend some time away in the type of thing you are thinking of. You may find out lots of things you like and dislike before spending serious cash.

Also, if I’ve read your comments correctly, you’re buying used. So the warranty will be with that specific dealer only. However, the type of warranty provided with a used van often allows you to use local garages, if the work is approved by the warranty company.

Finally, the payload issue can’t be stressed enough. There are some on here that have purchased a van, only to find that when they get in it with their clothes, water, fuel and partner, they are overweight! So definitely worth checking on here for each one you’re considering (and not trusting the dealers comments).
 
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So researching further. I have noticed some of the EU brands don’t come with a microwave. How do those who have these brands work around this ???
 
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Umm, we rarely use one at home, so not having one in the van is no problem. I'd rather have the extra cupboard space!
 
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Rolyan said:
Can I just ask what may be a stupid question, but have you had/used/stayed in a Motorhome before? If not, it may be worthwhile hiring one for a holiday before spending what most people would think is an astronomical sum of money on a mobile bed!!!

Obviously you may have lots of experience already, but if not, it’s would be really useful to try and spend some time away in the type of thing you are thinking of. You may find out lots of things you like and dislike before spending serious cash.

Also, if I’ve read your comments correctly, you’re buying used. So the warranty will be with that specific dealer only. However, the type of warranty provided with a used van often allows you to use local garages, if the work is approved by the warranty company.

Finally, the payload issue can’t be stressed enough. There are some on here that have purchased a van, only to find that when they get in it with their clothes, water, fuel and partner, they are overweight! So definitely worth checking on here for each one you’re considering (and not trusting the dealers comments).
Click to expand...

I’m looking at either used or new. There see,s to be good deals about at mo. It depends on timing really the availability and cash.

I’ve never been in a MH before. Some work colleagues have them and don’t stop raving. Normally to be honest I am a foreign hot climates family, however we changed this year and spent time in the Peak District and York, realising this country has so much to offer. We can also spend more time away. As we can just load up and disappear for a weekend or long weekend. Not only are we researching MH but also places to go. Starting ‘ On Grid’ and eventually going ‘Off Grid’ (when experienced enough).

Hope that sort of gives you some better ideas....

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Probably already answered anyway, for which my apologies in advance, but here goes:

1. As stated, a motorhome is not a financial investment. Regardless of build, the hab 'box' (unless an autosleeper) is not rigid, but moves slightly, as the chassis goes along the roads. This means that even motorhomes only 3-4 years' old, will have damp ingressing - the seals themselves are not rigid because the body they are sealing isn't either - so there will be some 'give'. (as confirmed by Steve Barnett Motorhomes Plymouth, a Caravan Club 'Approved Workshop).

2. If buying second hand, ask when the last gas, elctricity and damp checks were done - and by whom (a reputable dealer's technician, or - or the seller's mate with a small damp meter?) Ask to see the damp check report.

3. Don't be enticed, seduced or swayed by how palatial and comfy it looks inside - they'll all look amazing (if kept clean). Its the less visually-appealing exterior, the wooden frames, flooring, the underneath, that are the weak points to check or have checked.

4. If second hand, is the cam belt a chain belt or not? If not, ask when it was last changed. If no idea from the seller and you go ahead and buy - get the cam belt changed immediately, just to be on the safe side.

5. On-board systems display. This must work fautllessly - it is the computer of your gas, water, lighting, engine and leisure battery charging, ampage levels, water levels, water pump and so on. Without this working properly, all your on-board life support systems are virtually paralysed - especialy battery charging when hooked up or when programmed to 'maintain' when driving.

6. Length of vehicle - fixed rear double bed models are great because you don't have to dismantle the dining area to make your bed for the night - or fold it away again before you can sit down for breakfast. And you don't have to sleep over the cab in a cramped area - bad if you are a tad claustrophobic. But- fixed rear-bed models like my Rimor Sailer 645 are long vehicles. Shorter motorhomes with either the main bed over the cabin, or where you have to convert the diner into your bed each time - are of course shorter and easier to manouvre.

7. Longer motorhomes can have the luxury of a seperate loo and shower - which means it's not a 'wetroom' If it is a smaller motorhome with a wetroom, this means having to mop and dry everything in there before someone can sit down for a Number 2 on the loo.

Just some reflections....I know they are all no-brainers but please shoot me down if I've given wrong advice to folk thinking about buying a second-hand motorhome for the first time.
 
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Hercs74 said:
So researching further. I have noticed some of the EU brands don’t come with a microwave. How do those who have these brands work around this ???
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We put the microwave in the area where I think the telly should of gone? And then have a drop down t.v. Screen at the front of the vehicle (Rapido A class)

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Hi Hercs74
Looks like you’re in the same position as us. We have been looking for awhile now as there are 5 of us. We have been looking for the same layout as you and have just bought a new Bailey 79-6. They are slightly cheaper than the Bessacarr at £60,000 (we got ours for £57,000 with £1500 of accessories thrown in after some haggling) The layout is exactly the same as the Bessacarr 596 but is fractionally shorter at just under 8m. Looking around, 8m seems to be a bit of a cutoff point on some campsites and can take you into a higher price bracket on some ferries. I can’t give you any experiences with the Bailey yet as we are picking it up early September but from reading around the water ingress issues commented on about Bessacarr don’t seem to be the same with the Bailey. We are in Kent and have found a dealer that seems to be good with a very good reputation called Choose Leisure in Chartham near Canterbury. Being newbies we have pestered them with loads of questions and requests and they have been brilliant in answering them all. We have been looking at getting a MH for 25 years now and are finally taking the plunge!!!
 
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You read so much on line and look at so many brochures, you think you find something that fits the bill. So today we ventured just over a two and half hour drive to Becks Motorhomes in Great Yarmouth. Well we was looking at adria and Bessacarr. Staff at Becks were brilliant. Very helpful gave us loads of time both in their company and alone. No pressure. We was there 4 hours picking their brains, touching and climbing over vehicles.. Having visited Becks, we have now taken Adria and Bessacarr off the list and now looking at Burstner.....??
 
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So having visited Be is, and being given great advice, the discussion was had around ££££. They stated there was movement and a discussion to be had. Having found the same vehicle several ££ less I phoned Becks to strike a deal. I was a little disappointed when they would only knock a little off and go nowhere close to other dealer. So today we headed to other said dealer, who was almost maxing out on discount (apparently). However with the couple of extras one being security it put me over budget. I explained to dealer, thanked them and prepared to walk away, maybe saying good buy to any future Motorhome experience. Said dealer returned and met budget and after a handshake and deposit we are now the owners of a brand new Burstner Lyseo TD 744 Limited Edition 150ps .... Can’t wait to go exploring ......
 
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Hercs74 said:
So having visited Be is, and being given great advice, the discussion was had around ££££. They stated there was movement and a discussion to be had. Having found the same vehicle several ££ less I phoned Becks to strike a deal. I was a little disappointed when they would only knock a little off and go nowhere close to other dealer. So today we headed to other said dealer, who was almost maxing out on discount (apparently). However with the couple of extras one being security it put me over budget. I explained to dealer, thanked them and prepared to walk away, maybe saying good buy to any future Motorhome experience. Said dealer returned and met budget and after a handshake and deposit we are now the owners of a brand new Burstner Lyseo TD 744 Limited Edition 150ps .... Can’t wait to go exploring ......
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Great choice of van....Which dealer did you buy from in the end?

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Glad you found the one for you. We’ve got a date for handover on our Bailey now, 21st of this month and are very excited to begin our motorhoming adventures after 25 years of wanting to do it. Soooooo much to learn but really exciting and reading the forums on here is so useful. I’m sure I’ll be on here with loads of questions once we pick it up :LOL::LOL::LOL: Good luck with your new MH.
 
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We bought our Laika from Southdowns. They are great dealers. Congratulations on your new motorhome, I’m sure you have made the right choice.

Mrs QFour
 
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Just come across your thread Hercs74. Had a very similar experience and ended up getting ours from the same place. We’re collecting on the 15th, whilst looking around it (ours) a few weeks ago we did notice a 744 there too. Maybe it’s the one you bought? Looks like you got a cracker there ?. I do thing this particular dealer ordered the Burstners with a good specification from the start which certainly drew us in after looking at many others.
 
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BishBosh said:
Just come across your thread Hercs74. Had a very similar experience and ended up getting ours from the same place. We’re collecting on the 15th, whilst looking around it (ours) a few weeks ago we did notice a 744 there too. Maybe it’s the one you bought? Looks like you got a cracker there ?. I do thing this particular dealer ordered the Burstners with a good specification from the start which certainly drew us in after looking at many others.
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BishBosh if it was the limited edition with silver cab then that’ll be ours..... It’s the only one they had a time....!!!

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Hercs74 said:
2) What are dinette areas like for space, sitting back and chilling out ??
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Our 1st van only had a dinette, and a second single dinette at the back. no lounge area at all.... pokey little Carrioca 10.
Anyone's quess why we bought it but sold it six months later due to back pain 'living' in the dinette.
Imagine every waking moment in the van sitting at the equivelant of a public park picnic bench.
 
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pappajohn said:
Our 1st van only had a dinette, and a second single dinette at the back. no lounge area at all.... pokey little Carrioca 10.
Anyone's quess why we bought it but sold it six months later due to back pain 'living' in the dinette.
Imagine every waking moment in the van sitting at the equivelant of a public park picnic bench.
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Lol...
I’m sure there’s a video on YouTube where a couple managed to get a free 744 for a year from Burstner as long as they blogged about it....they seemed very comfortable in that rear lounge, along with their two big Dogs ? ?
 
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BishBosh said:
Lol...
I’m sure there’s a video on YouTube where a couple managed to get a free 744 for a year from Burstner as long as they blogged about it....they seemed very comfortable in that rear lounge, along with their two big Dogs ? ?
Click to expand...
You tube or google Rewind the gap........
 
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