NEW OWNER OF A 2013 Elddis 165

[STEVE4SONN]

Only this week we have plunged into purchasing a M/H a 2013 Elddis 165, it has 13,000 miles on the clock and is a very clean unit all round.
My question is what do we need to keep an eye on and what are the most common failings.
Any information will be greatly received as we are new to owning a motorhome.
You all may have seen previously on my threads that I was converting a 62 plate Mercedes Sprinter LWB, High Roof with 96k miles on the clock and is a great runner. It is currently 75% complete but cannot finish due to illness issues, any ideas of where best to sell this. I have got all the items required to finish the build but cannot physically complete the work.
Regards
Steve n Sonn

 

[Bobby dazzler]

Hi try placing on the classified ads on here it's free

 

[STEVE4SONN]

Thank you Bobby..
I will make a comprehensive list of all the items and to what stage the van is at completion I would say about 75% again thank you for your reply.

 

[Terry]

Hi and welcome to MH ownershipRegarding your Elddis I would check on all bodywork roof seals along with roof lights etc, There are lots around without leaks but also lots that have had leaks so a good check is advisable. A bit of sealant now on anything that looks suspicious now may save a lot of trouble down the line.
The Mercedes is a different matter and only my opinion ( I have converted quite a few vans ) but a part converted van is only worth what an empty van is worth plus a “little “ extra for your bits that now have become second hand.If it’s at all possible can you get someone to complete your build ? At least that way depending on your build quality etc you could get a decent price for it.
I would stick layout and lots of pics and see what happens / if you can attract any bids on what you have done. Remember what you think is great a prospective buyer may not and as such may want to change all the work you have done, hence my empty van bit above.
Good luck on your sale hope it all works out for you

 

[GeoffnDee]

If the cambelt (if fitted) on the Elddis has not been replaced it would be best to get it done , not due to mileage but age of the belt .

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[STEVE4SONN]

Hi and welcome to MH ownershipRegarding your Elddis I would check on all bodywork roof seals along with roof lights etc, There are lots around without leaks but also lots that have had leaks so a good check is advisable. A bit of sealant now on anything that looks suspicious now may save a lot of trouble down the line.
The Mercedes is a different matter and only my opinion ( I have converted quite a few vans ) but a part converted van is only worth what an empty van is worth plus a “little “ extra for your bits that now have become second hand.If it’s at all possible can you get someone to complete your build ? At least that way depending on your build quality etc you could get a decent price for it.
I would stick layout and lots of pics and see what happens / if you can attract any bids on what you have done. Remember what you think is great a prospective buyer may not and as such may want to change all the work you have done, hence my empty van bit above.
Good luck on your sale hope it all works out for you

Thank you Terry.
A fantastic reply and appreciate your views.
We will see how it goes over the next few months if I get the time or well enough to continue with the build, the build as you suggested is possibly the best option.
Again thanks.
Steve4Sonn

 

[Dramfineday]

 

[STEVE4SONN]

Thank you Dramfineday..

 

[Dramfineday]

Thank you Dramfineday..

Sorry it was a bit late last night when I replied so missed a couple of tips for you. If it is a Whale water heater you have, be aware that the dump valve also doubles as a pressure release and you will (periodically) hear the pump running momentarily and see a dribble of hot water coming from under the van - this is normal for this type of heater / valve arrangement. It can happen two or three time a day.

To avoid limescale / crud build up Whale recommend emptying the heater after each outing and leaving the valve open. I had to get the valve replaced at one point (it's only plastic) as it was dribbling almost constantly. So tip one would be to follow the Whale guidelines re the water heater and also when refilling the heater, do an "open/ close" action a few times with the valve this'll flush through some cold water to ensure the valve seat is clean.

Tip two concerns the Airbag operational unit. Quite a number of members have experienced defective units and have had to send them off for repair or get them replaced. It applies to Boxer van as much as Fiat. You'll find quite a bit of content on here regarding this issue and debate about causes. It has been suggested that the addition of an earth strap to the unit might help mitigate the problem somewhat. But since there appears to be other factors at play (such as over volts and under volts) this tip is only a "belt and braces" type. Simply connect an additional wire from the unit body to the van's earth, job done.

NB My friend, who had this problem with the unit, has now gone to the length of fitting a constant voltage supply to it which will keep the box powered correctly irrespective of what solar panels / starter batteries are allegedly doing.

It's not all Fun in Motorhome fun you know

Irrespective of all that, I really do hope that you enjoy your van and have some great adventures out in the great outdoors. . All the very best, Dram

 

[STEVE4SONN]

Again Dramfineday thank you for your feedback it is greatly received and I am sure your advice will come in useful as I appreciate all the advice we get being new to this touring thing.
Any advice on the main tap on the sink not working correctly all other taps n shower working great and also piping hot. The sink one just dribbles.. any advice welcome..

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[Elsie2010]

Only this week we have plunged into purchasing a M/H a 2013 Elddis 165, it has 13,000 miles on the clock and is a very clean unit all round.
My question is what do we need to keep an eye on and what are the most common failings.
Any information will be greatly received as we are new to owning a motorhome.
You all may have seen previously on my threads that I was converting a 62 plate Mercedes Sprinter LWB, High Roof with 96k miles on the clock and is a great runner. It is currently 75% complete but cannot finish due to illness issues, any ideas of where best to sell this. I have got all the items required to finish the build but cannot physically complete the work.
Regards
Steve n Sonn

We had a 2008 Autoquest 140
The 'only' thing that fell off ours was our gas locker floor, shortly followed by the spare cylinder (which was tied in!) But the one attached stood the test and remained in situ, brit scraping along the floor
So, for me, I'd just check the floor plate and make sure it's extra secured with more nuts n bolts and what have you, and ideally if poss, carry the one cylinder, attached

Amazing how many people this has happened too (not sure of their MH makes though)

Luckily, ours happened on a private estate doing 10mph so the cylinder that bounced away, didn't cause any mayhem to others, but food for thought

Also, like with any coach built MH's, check your seals. Ours had damp which we only knew about via a damp meter test, caused by (we think) the tiniest split in the roof end seal....check also any splits in anything attached to your roof such as solar etc where the wire goes through to the hab

Enjoy your new MH, safe and happy travels

 

[Elsie2010]

Hi and welcome to MH ownershipRegarding your Elddis I would check on all bodywork roof seals along with roof lights etc, There are lots around without leaks but also lots that have had leaks so a good check is advisable. A bit of sealant now on anything that looks suspicious now may save a lot of trouble down the line.
The Mercedes is a different matter and only my opinion ( I have converted quite a few vans ) but a part converted van is only worth what an empty van is worth plus a “little “ extra for your bits that now have become second hand.If it’s at all possible can you get someone to complete your build ? At least that way depending on your build quality etc you could get a decent price for it.
I would stick layout and lots of pics and see what happens / if you can attract any bids on what you have done. Remember what you think is great a prospective buyer may not and as such may want to change all the work you have done, hence my empty van bit above.
Good luck on your sale hope it all works out for you

I can confirm the roof seal bit....nightmare on ours

 

[STEVE4SONN]

We had a 2008 Autoquest 140
The 'only' thing that fell off ours was our gas locker floor, shortly followed by the spare cylinder (which was tied in!) But the one attached stood the test and remained in situ, brit scraping along the floor
So, for me, I'd just check the floor plate and make sure it's extra secured with more nuts n bolts and what have you, and ideally if poss, carry the one cylinder, attached

Amazing how many people this has happened too (not sure of their MH makes though)

Luckily, ours happened on a private estate doing 10mph so the cylinder that bounced away, didn't cause any mayhem to others, but food for thought

Also, like with any coach built MH's, check your seals. Ours had damp which we only knew about via a damp meter test, caused by (we think) the tiniest split in the roof end seal....check also any splits in anything attached to your roof such as solar etc where the wire goes through to the hab

Enjoy your new MH, safe and happy travels

Hi. Elsie2008.
Thank you for replying it is great to read the responses and the stories people have along the way, it is great that people share issues, problems and good tips too.
Again thanks.
Steve

 

[Elsie2010]

Hi. Elsie2008.
Thank you for replying it is great to read the responses and the stories people have along the way, it is great that people share issues, problems and good tips too.
Again thanks.
Steve

Anything we can (possibly) help on, please just ask. Although, out knowledge is rather limited as only had vans since July last year, happy to help on any bits we do know(ish) about

 

[Dramfineday]

Again Dramfineday thank you for your feedback it is greatly received and I am sure your advice will come in useful as I appreciate all the advice we get being new to this touring thing.
Any advice on the main tap on the sink not working correctly all other taps n shower working great and also piping hot. The sink one just dribbles.. any advice welcome..

Nope, not had that one but back to the dealer / seller. Have a prowl round the site here as there may be a solution. Otherwise I guess your pump must be running frequently to keep pressure up.

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[Terry]

Again Dramfineday thank you for your feedback it is greatly received and I am sure your advice will come in useful as I appreciate all the advice we get being new to this touring thing.
Any advice on the main tap on the sink not working correctly all other taps n shower working great and also piping hot. The sink one just dribbles.. any advice welcome..

Hi has the tap got a flexi pipe to taps? If so it may have a kink in the inner rubber bit. Try squeezing it along the pipe while turned on that should tell you if it needs replacing

 

[TheBig1]

Again Dramfineday thank you for your feedback it is greatly received and I am sure your advice will come in useful as I appreciate all the advice we get being new to this touring thing.
Any advice on the main tap on the sink not working correctly all other taps n shower working great and also piping hot. The sink one just dribbles.. any advice welcome..

Check the strainer in the end of the tap spout. If ok, check pipes and last resort replace the internal cartridge inside tap if fitted. All failure points that restrict water flow on motorhome and caravan taps