Worst and best

[Cass18]

In your opinion What are the top 5 British Motorhomes, what are the top 5 European Motorhomes And which Motorhomes are the worst please ?

 

[Cass18]

Burstner, Dethleffs, Hymer are good.
Always thoroughly check them over yourself though or have an independent inspection.
Buying with some finance will give you a bit more protection if bought from a Dealer.
Lots of SCAM SALES on ebay and elsewhere to be wary of.
It's your hard earned money at the end of the day.

We are cash buyers sadly

 

[PP Bear]

It's good to hear from us all about what's best, but we're biased, so the only way will be to try them all and see and that way you'll get it right. I spent 2 years looking for MY perfect motorhome, it wouldn't be perfect for everyone, but it is for me and I brought one that was 5 years old and a private sale and got a lot for my money.

After 2 trips to the NEC and sitting in EVERY motorhome on show, I wanted a fixed double at the rear, with the overcab bed for storage for guests/family. I never realised how useful and important the overcab was until I'd had it a while. I knew I wanted a motorhome with one, but the storage they offer is second to none. I could never now go for one that doesn't have that.

I took notes and when I finally spent my pennies on my home, it had the fixed rear double, overcab double and 2 sofa seats facing each other that easily sat 6 and could also become a bed.

I also wanted a separate shower that worked really well, with good reasonable fresh and grey water tanks. I wanted a separate toilet and I wanted a solar panel. I also wanted 2 long sofas that converted to a bed. It had to have a reverse camera, a microwave, a decent kitchen that had a sink AND a draining board (most don't I'm afraid) and a decent oven, hob and grill (again lots don't).

I wanted the external BBQ and shower points and an awning. I also wanted alloy wheels and a tow bar. All a big ask, but that's what I wanted and that's what I found. Get yourself to a show, or a meet and talk to everyone, they'll be happy to show you around their motorhomes, as we're that kind of people, as it's really the only way you'll find what you need and then you can decide if you want a new one or look for a secondhand one, which is what I did and was very happy with the money I spent.

I haven't regretted any of it and love that I now have a motorhome and can't describe how much fun they are to own. They're not cheap as there's maint costs, insurance and repairs etc and then the money to keep it in good working order, but all in all, it's worth every penny.

Happy motorhoming.

 

[Winger]

Nothing sad about being a cash buyer, should give you more leverage, however if you had a credit card you could pay the deposit on it and it’ll give you some clout

 

[Lenny HB]

If you really want a list my top 5 European ones leaving out the really expensive ones are probably.

Morelo
Concorde
Carthago
N & B
Hymer

But Hymer aren't a patch on the other 4 and I'm a Hymer owner.

I wouldn't even consider a British built van I wouldn't risk my hard earned cash.

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[TheBig1]

This virus is a curse and a blessing in that many will suffer financially and those with ready cash will be able to pick up a bargain

 

[SpeedyDux]

FUN is good place to do some research based on Funsters' opinions and experience. Use the search function to find threads to read. We all have different likes and dislikes when it comes to MHs.

If you spend plenty of time doing preliminary research, visiting Shows and Dealerships (open again soon we hope), nosing round and comparing MHs, and watching reviews on youtube, the more you will get an idea of what suits your particular requirements. None of that time will be wasted, believe me. You may find that your preferences will have evolved, and a MH you once might have bought on impulse is no longer even in your top 10. If you are lucky you will have narrowed your choices down to one model from one manufacturer. I had a shortlist of about 5 PVCs and compared them with the help of a spreadsheet until it became a choice of 2. Then, a trip to the October show at the NEC to inspect each one carefully before reaching a final decision.

Right now you have a bit of time thanks to lockdown. Use it well. Become a motorhome nerd!

The choice of Dealer is also important so read reviews and find out which ones in your area are good (and bad) where it counts, which is after-sales service and support after they have got your hard earned money.

 

[dulvil]

Don’t you have a F on your keyboard
Frankia

 

[Lenny HB]

Sorry forgot that one, put that one on and take off Hymer.

 

[funflair]

If you really want a list my top 5 European ones leaving out the really expensive ones are probably.

Morelo
Concorde
Carthago
N & B
Hymer

But Hymer aren't a patch on the other 4 and I'm a Hymer owner.

I wouldn't even consider a British built van I wouldn't risk my hard earned cash.

Interesting list Lenny, you obviously rate Carthago quite highly to put them above N+B we have never found an interior decor that we like so not got as far as looking at the build quality.

Agree MORELO have to be at the top

Martin

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[tonyidle]

Hymer group:

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[Lenny HB]

Interesting list Lenny, you obviously rate Carthago quite highly to put them above N+B we have never found an interior decor that we like so not got as far as looking at the build quality.

Agree MORELO have to be at the top

Martin

From all the Carthago's I've seen the attention to detail in the build quality is just superb. My best mate Jon (you met him at Caravan Salon) has an E Line apart from a few silly design things I don't like you can't fault it.

Shouldn't have put Hymer on the list I forgot about Frankia. Only thing Hymers have got going for them these days is they are cheap for what they are.
Only on our third Hymer because we got a stupid deal last time and couldn't find a Carthago we really liked the layout of.

 

[The Wino]

We are cash buyers sadly

I suspect that you are looking at older motorhomes to a budget and there are no makes where you will be guaranteed to get a good one especially as they age. When I bought a '68 vitesse convertible a friend whose opinion I value said beyond a certain age it's just about condition. You can forget mileage number of owners make etc and I think it's the same with older motorhomes. The big thing though with a motorhome is layout if its the wrong one for you it's a bad buy. As others have suggested start with what you can work out number of traveling seats berths budget. Then what you can guess likely places you will go how many nights in one spot wild camping or hookup balance between wanting lots of kit and not being too big etc. Go and look at some layouts then start looking. I think considering the make is largely a waste of time.

 

[Lenny HB]

We are cash buyers sadly

Fairly normal in the Motorhome market, no point in paying interest on a depreciating asset.

 

[The Wino]

Fairly normal in the Motorhome market, no point in paying interest on a depreciating asset.

I haven't used credit to pay for a vehicle since having a motorbike when I was 20 and ending up paying it off still after it had expired lesson learned.

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[Lenny HB]

I haven't used credit to pay for a vehicle since having a motorbike when I was 20 and ending up paying it off still after it had expired lesson learned.

I'll own up to buying the last car on finance as if I took out the finance Santander gave me a £1000 towards the car. Paid it off after the first payment being self employed interest was tax deductable so I gave them £100 they gave me a £1000. I like deals like that.

 

[The Wino]

I'll own up to buying the last car on finance as if I took out the finance Santander gave me a £1000 towards the car. Paid it off after the first payment being self employed interest was tax deductable so I gave them £100 they gave me a £1000. I like deals like that.

Actually you saying that reminded me that we bought a car on finance on Boxing Day once. We were driving to France that day skiing and the night before the gearbox went on our previous car. It was a Saturday there was no chance of taxing a car so we bought a demonstrater the banks weren't open so had to buy on finance then paid it off as soon as we got back they weren't amused.

 

[Cass18]

I suspect that you are looking at older motorhomes to a budget and there are no makes where you will be guaranteed to get a good one especially as they age. When I bought a '68 vitesse convertible a friend whose opinion I value said beyond a certain age it's just about condition. You can forget mileage number of owners make etc and I think it's the same with older motorhomes. The big thing though with a motorhome is layout if its the wrong one for you it's a bad buy. As others have suggested start with what you can work out number of traveling seats berths budget. Then what you can guess likely places you will go how many nights in one spot wild camping or hookup balance between wanting lots of kit and not being too big etc. Go and look at some layouts then start looking. I think considering the make is largely a waste of time.

We have viewed ( social distancing) a good few and I’m really drawn to Mobilvetta P81 08 plate, 2.3 Fiat Ducato engine, it’s in b good condition Only done 22K miles 1 owner underneath good mot, great Bar one in 2018 Advisories that had ‘offside front suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement lower arm rear bush‘ and ‘ offside front brake pipe slightly corroded to hose’ it’s not on the advisories the following year, be grateful for anyone’s views ? Thanks

 

[peterc10]

We have viewed ( social distancing) a good few and I’m really drawn to Mobilvetta P81 08 plate, 2.3 Fiat Ducato engine, it’s in b good condition Only done 22K miles 1 owner underneath good mot, great Bar one in 2018 Advisories that had ‘offside front suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement lower arm rear bush‘ and ‘ offside front brake pipe slightly corroded to hose’ it’s not on the advisories the following year, be grateful for anyone’s views ? Thanks

One thing you need to be aware of is that low mileage is not good in older motorhomes. They are all built using commercial chassis and engines and are designed for high mileage. Less than 2000 miles per year means that it has spent nearly all of its life standing somewhere, probably out in all elements, and that is not good for modern diesel engines or running gear.

You need to check what service history it has. I think 08 plated Ductaos had to have a service every 1 or 2 years, regardless of mileage (not sure which). Remember service books can be forged, so has it got all the receipts for the service work, and the work for getting rid of those MOT advisories? Also has it had its timing belt replaced every 5 years? How old is the timing belt it has got now? Also what tyres has it got? Tyres degrade and if they are still the originals they will be death traps probably.

I am afraid I cannot help with the reputation of the converter. Mobilvetta is not a common converter sold in the UK. I think Marquis Group are the only importers now, and they do not have a good reputation for service.

 

[The Wino]

We have viewed ( social distancing) a good few and I’m really drawn to Mobilvetta P81 08 plate, 2.3 Fiat Ducato engine, it’s in b good condition Only done 22K miles 1 owner underneath good mot, great Bar one in 2018 Advisories that had ‘offside front suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement lower arm rear bush‘ and ‘ offside front brake pipe slightly corroded to hose’ it’s not on the advisories the following year, be grateful for anyone’s views ? Thanks

Think of it as a 12 year old car what would you expect?
It's a low mileage that wouldn't put me off neither would it be a big plus. If you decide it's for you ask if there is any history of accident or damp repair. Personally I would sooner buy it from the owner as a private sale rather than a dealer as they will know all the history and most people if asked straight will either answer honestly or look uncomfortable!
Is it the right layout otherwise it could be in perfect condition but no use.
If you make an offer I would make it conditional on a damp check which I would expect the buyer (you!) to pay for.
Check the age and condition of the tyres service history hab service history etc.
No rush at the moment you won't be away in it next week!!
Good luck!

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[Cass18]

Think of it as a 12 year old car what would you expect?
It's a low mileage that wouldn't put me off neither would it be a big plus. If you decide it's for you ask if there is any history of accident or damp repair. Personally I would sooner buy it from the owner as a private sale rather than a dealer as they will know all the history and most people if asked straight will either answer honestly or look uncomfortable!
Is it the right layout otherwise it could be in perfect condition but no use.
If you make an offer I would make it conditional on a damp check which I would expect the buyer (you!) to pay for.
Check the age and condition of the tyres service history hab service history etc.
No rush at the moment you won't be away in it next week!!
Good luck!

You know what worries me is that I international travel may put folk off and folks start looking at ways to have holidays in the UK or even being able to drive to the continent therefore maybe a load of folk might just be looking at buying mobile homes hence the ‘need’ to keep looking. Looking at a swift sundance 2.2 35 MultiJet still like the Mobilvetta

 

[Stealaway]

Morelo
Concorde
Carthago
N & B
Hymer

So there is a B on that keyboard after all

 

[Cass18]

Lost out on the Mobilvetta sadly ( snooze you lose or in our case leaving it to think overnight lost it to someone else the night before) now looking at a rapido itineo ld610 any views please ?