Hi, I am just about to buy a motorhome, which I will be living in for the forseeable future. I wish to buy a used vehicle .
I've done a fair bit of research and at this stage I've narrowed it down to 3 models:
The Winebago Bridsville C2074,
Suncamper Sofala
Avan Ovation 'garage' model.
I want one with two full beds plus I really need the large 'boot' that can be accessed from both sides. that these models offer. ( perhaps there are others I don't know about).
I've been told that it would be better to buy a Ford but I note that a lot of motorhomes are Fiats. How do they compare?
Apparently the weight is important as well because RACQ tells me they dont respond to call-outs for vehicles over 4 tonnes. Since I'll be travelling solo, I like to have access to roadside assistance.
Any input much appreciated! Cheers, HelenB
jonathan said
08:18 AM Jan 1, 2011
Hi Helen .. and a Happy New Year to you ..
A little over a year ago, I purchased an Ovation M4 .. which has a lot of space below the rear bed .. which setup as a double bed .. and doesn't come with single beds. It has the capacity for a single bed when using the table top as an extension for the purpose. As a solo, I don't wish to be setting up and pulling down beds .. and so have never used it. Whether you choose a particular brand (Ford, Avan or whatever) is really up to you. Each advisor will no doubt provide you with their own pros and cons and it is up to you take make those decisions. I'm happy with my decision. The vehicle (Fiat Ducato Base) was new .. A few small teething problems which I had to battle to get corrected .. and an unsatisfactory 'after-sales' attitude simpy made me to take charge and to make it my own .. yes .. and it probably has cost me a few dollars extra .. but worth it .. If you're looking at 2nd hand, then you will also need to feel comfortable with whom you are discussing a purchase from .. and see what you're entitlements are under the warranty thats provided .. Some owners like the Fiat as a base for their M/H .. others haven't been as happy .. and they have their own reasons for their opinions which is natural. When discussing M/H insurance .. that too will be defined but what your requirements are .. For me, the first year full-time on the road has been a revelation and a great learning curve, and I've really enjoyed it .. so I hope you find it as I and many others have .. regardless of mode of transport .. we are all out here to enjoy this nomadic lifestyle, be it short-term or full-time ..
Enjoy ..
Jon (currently at the Black Kockatoo Bush Camp, near Naracoorte SA)
milo said
08:47 PM Jan 2, 2011
my dads motor home is jayco Fiat Ducato Based unit with the trip tonic?? manual/auto transmission , very easy to drive, bit tricky parking as per size.. you can get some motorhomes with a bed over cab and a bed at the rear ,if thats what you want, and it should have a dinnet,table area for your meals etc
and we too have had some troubles with after sales service, motor homes can be great, but just make it your own choice, oh one thing we found before getting ours is sometimes the second hand units are just as expensive as the new ones with heaps of k's on them.. some insurances now come with road side asstance too , like ours did .. could check on that too good luck in your searching
-- Edited by milo on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 08:50:53 PM
missmary said
09:02 AM Jan 3, 2011
Hi All Iam new at this and just like HelenB looking to buy a motorhome and head off sometime in July Ive done some homework but Iam looking at a Toyota Coaster can anyone give some advise
HelenB said
08:22 PM Jan 3, 2011
Thanks Milo,
I didn't know about the possibility of roadside assistance with insurance - a good tip!
So much to find out - but fun!
Happy New Year Cheers, helen
Allara said
10:35 PM Jan 3, 2011
I know a dealer with suncampers and he was saying to make sure you buy a rear wheel drive vehicle, can't remember why, just said it was the better option as well as diesel, for power and economy
milo said
10:35 PM Jan 3, 2011
HelenB wrote:
Thanks Milo,
I didn't know about the possibility of roadside assistance with insurance - a good tip!
So much to find out - but fun!
Happy New Year Cheers, helen
yeah , i have that with my car, havent ever used it but its there .. milo
Sheba said
10:40 PM Jan 3, 2011
Allara wrote:
I know a dealer with suncampers and he was saying to make sure you buy a rear wheel drive vehicle, can't remember why, just said it was the better option as well as diesel, for power and economy
If I remember rightly, a friend of mine who used to be a Car Dealer, once told me [when I was still looking] that you get better Traction with Rear-wheel drive.
Cheers, Sheba.
Allara said
10:47 PM Jan 3, 2011
Aha, that was it .... thanks..Sheba
milo said
12:05 AM Jan 4, 2011
ours is front wheel drive..
Sheba said
01:00 AM Jan 8, 2011
HelenB wrote:
Apparently the weight is important as well because RACQ tells me they dont respond to call-outs for vehicles over 4 tonnes. Since I'll be travelling solo, I like to have access to roadside assistance.
Any input much appreciated! Cheers, HelenB
Hi Helen, Asked my sister if she has any weight restrictions with the RACQ, and she says not. Have you rung them to ask ? She has a full-size Motorhome.
See Pic.
Cheers, Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 8th of January 2011 01:01:45 AM
ozjohn said
09:57 AM Jan 8, 2011
HelenB. Quality wise they're in the order you've listed them. Price goes in the reverse order. ozjohn.
HelenB said
11:20 AM Jan 10, 2011
Great input - much appreciated, thanks! Helenb
Allara said
01:37 PM Jan 11, 2011
They are saying there is a news item on channel 7 today tonight, current affairs tonight regarding motorhomes.
Sheba said
08:04 PM Jan 11, 2011
Allara wrote:
They are saying there is a news item on channel 7 today tonight, current affairs tonight regarding motorhomes.
Looks like that will have to wait a while Allara. Floods taking precedence.
Cheers, Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 11th of January 2011 08:06:07 PM
Vic said
08:05 PM Feb 4, 2011
missmary wrote:
Hi All Iam new at this and just like HelenB looking to buy a motorhome and head off sometime in July Ive done some homework but Iam looking at a Toyota Coaster can anyone give some advise
I don't know about the newer Toyota Coaster, however my brother in law bought a used older model Coaster and when he removed the cupboards and other furniture etc it was full of rust. Having owned a camper bus before he had not detected this when he bought it. If you can and you have your eye on an older one try to get someone experienced to inspect it for body rust etc although it may not always be visible, as in the case of my BIL.
Vic said
08:07 PM Feb 4, 2011
Jon,
I was wondering what you carry in your trailer? Is it a M/Cycle or Bicycle or just odds and ends (chairs/table etc, etc).
I am just about to buy a motorhome, which I will be living in for the forseeable future. I wish to buy a used vehicle .
I've done a fair bit of research and at this stage I've narrowed it down to 3 models:
The Winebago Bridsville C2074,
Suncamper Sofala
Avan Ovation 'garage' model.
I want one with two full beds plus I really need the large 'boot' that can be accessed from both sides. that these models offer. ( perhaps there are others I don't know about).
I've been told that it would be better to buy a Ford but I note that a lot of motorhomes are Fiats. How do they compare?
Apparently the weight is important as well because RACQ tells me they dont respond to call-outs for vehicles over 4 tonnes. Since I'll be travelling solo, I like to have access to roadside assistance.
Any input much appreciated!
Cheers,
HelenB
A little over a year ago, I purchased an Ovation M4 .. which has a lot of space below the rear bed .. which setup as a double bed .. and doesn't come with single beds.
It has the capacity for a single bed when using the table top as an extension for the purpose.
As a solo, I don't wish to be setting up and pulling down beds .. and so have never used it.
Whether you choose a particular brand (Ford, Avan or whatever) is really up to you. Each advisor will no doubt provide you with their own pros and cons and it is up to you take make those decisions.
I'm happy with my decision. The vehicle (Fiat Ducato Base) was new .. A few small teething problems which I had to battle to get corrected .. and an unsatisfactory 'after-sales' attitude simpy made me to take charge and to make it my own .. yes .. and it probably has cost me a few dollars extra .. but worth it ..
If you're looking at 2nd hand, then you will also need to feel comfortable with whom you are discussing a purchase from .. and see what you're entitlements are under the warranty thats provided ..
Some owners like the Fiat as a base for their M/H .. others haven't been as happy .. and they have their own reasons for their opinions which is natural.
When discussing M/H insurance .. that too will be defined but what your requirements are ..
For me, the first year full-time on the road has been a revelation and a great learning curve, and I've really enjoyed it .. so I hope you find it as I and many others have .. regardless of mode of transport .. we are all out here to enjoy this nomadic lifestyle, be it short-term or full-time ..
Enjoy ..
Jon (currently at the Black Kockatoo Bush Camp, near Naracoorte SA)
you can get some motorhomes with a bed over cab and a bed at the rear ,if thats what you want, and it should have a dinnet,table area for your meals etc
and we too have had some troubles with after sales service,
motor homes can be great, but just make it your own choice,
oh one thing we found before getting ours is sometimes the second hand units are just as expensive as the new ones with heaps of k's on them..
some insurances now come with road side asstance too , like ours did .. could check on that too
good luck in your searching
-- Edited by milo on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 08:50:53 PM
I didn't know about the possibility of roadside assistance with insurance - a good tip!
So much to find out - but fun!
Happy New Year
Cheers, helen
milo
Asked my sister if she has any weight restrictions with the RACQ, and she says not.
Have you rung them to ask ?
She has a full-size Motorhome.
See Pic.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 8th of January 2011 01:01:45 AM
Quality wise they're in the order you've listed them.
Price goes in the reverse order.
ozjohn.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 11th of January 2011 08:06:07 PM
I was wondering what you carry in your trailer? Is it a M/Cycle or Bicycle or just odds and ends (chairs/table etc, etc).
Thanks
Vic