How hard is it to buy a reliable secondhand campervan. What sort of things need to be considered and the kms done. I will be a solo retired female so really want reliabilty, should I only consider new??
Initially will be for short holidays and later some longer trips, not sure i would be living permanently in van. I want shower, toilet, double bed made up at the rear cooktop, microwave, fridge, sink, table and full turn driver seats. I saw this setup in sunliner van at the caravan show for $104,000. brand new. would like to find good secondhand one with less than 100,000 kms. would do both powered van sites and some free camps.
Thanks all for your replies...
if you have a buget of $100,000 i would think that the world is your oyster as far as campervans go an you would be in the late model motor home market if you where so inclined
-- Edited by dogbox on Saturday 17th of March 2012 07:01:33 PM
Vic said
06:59 PM Mar 17, 2012
barina wrote:
How hard is it to buy a reliable secondhand campervan. What sort of things need to be considered and the kms done. I will be a solo retired female so really want reliabilty, should I only consider new??
Most of the older ones have big km's so you may have to look for one that is not too old, I see you are in Melbourne so you could contact this mob they have a Melbourne branch, they also do new conversions (or low kms second hand vans), see;
I think you should start by listing all the things you want to have in your rig. ie shower,toilet,air-con,generator ,solar,heater,microwave,bed....single double.
Economy,petrol ,diesel,LPG.
How big a vehicle do you want/require.Feel at ease driving.
Some people out there are happy with a Coaster sized rig and others with a Hi-Ace sized vehicle.
Price and running costs/economy as well.
Go from there and start looking at the sites in the other posts.Go to some Rv sales places and see how they would suit.
It's like anything you buy,what someone else likes does not matter it's how you like it that counts.
I looked at one vehicle and decided although the price was right I was not comfortable with the cooker being adjacent to the bed.I do like a good fry up.
Good luck with your search and hope you find something to suit and get on the road asap.
dogbox said
08:00 PM Mar 17, 2012
what sort of budget do you have ?
is it full time living or holidays only ?
how much comfort do you want?
will you be staying in caravan parks(good place to start) then doing freecamps?
ChiChi1 said
09:06 PM Mar 17, 2012
I have a KEA ex rental. 128,000Ks on the clock. What I liked about it was the whole unit was like new. They do a pretty good detail before delivery. After sales service is stil excellent even though warranty has long run out.
2008 model Transit KEA Freedom. i.e. 3yrs old. Just right for furry friend Molly and me.
-- Edited by ChiChi1 on Saturday 17th of March 2012 09:08:27 PM
yeoeleven said
09:44 PM Mar 17, 2012
I had none of those decisions, looked for the cheapest van I could find with the layout I wanted.
I was lucky and the van I found for $4000 was mechanically sound as well as having the layout needed.
Spent $$$s since on upgrading the camper side and having it gone over mechanically but it has taken me from Queensland to Perth without problems.
If money was not an issue I would buy a late model camper from someone who does not need it anymore making sure that the price was right and have it checked out by the RAC
John
barina said
09:44 PM Mar 17, 2012
Initially will be for short holidays and later some longer trips, not sure i would be living permanently in van. I want shower, toilet, double bed made up at the rear cooktop, microwave, fridge, sink, table and full turn driver seats. I saw this setup in sunliner van at the caravan show for $104,000. brand new. would like to find good secondhand one with less than 100,000 kms. would do both powered van sites and some free camps.
Thanks all for your replies...
Vic said
10:47 PM Mar 17, 2012
barina wrote:
The exrentals I have looked at all seem to have over 200.000 kms on the clock.....is that not high in van land???
Remember that ex campevan/motorhome rentals drive long distances (hot kms) which is better than short trips with a motor that hasn't got all that hot and with frequent turning stopping etc, so for instance a vehicle used only locally (and probably carrying loads...tradesmen's vehicles etc) would probably be worse at 100, 000 kms than an ex hire vehicle at 200, 000 kms with mostly straight and long runs.
But like HW said and learnt the hard way, be very careful and get it checked out thoroughly irrespective of the kms.....
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 17th of March 2012 10:48:02 PM
Cruising Granny said
12:09 AM Mar 18, 2012
When I decided to upgrade from my on-site old van to a towable version I made up a list of needs, the price I was prepared to pay and then set about searching. If you haven't investigated vans you will need to decide on needs vs layout which includes your needs. Size of van is important, as is the size of the vehicle you're going to tow it with. Ask lots of questions of anyone you meet in this lifestyle, here and wherever you go to check vans out. I bought my van on ebay. A good relatively new van is a good proposition because any teething problems and leaks etc will be resolved. Wheel bearings and brakes are the major mechanical matters to be maintained. Then the internals such as gas fittings and connections and the electrics. Have fun with it. Don't make a decision until all your needs are met by the van you choose. If you compromise on anything you will be the disappointed one.
Dougwe said
01:55 AM Mar 18, 2012
When I was looking around for a Avan Camper I couldn't find a second hand one that I was happy with, every one had something I didn't like about it so In the end I decided to spend the extra and get a new one. Happy now. I chose the Avan Camper as it has solid walls and no canvas.
Cruising Granny said
02:42 AM Mar 18, 2012
If you're talking about a bigger camper van or motorhome you could check out the rental sell offs. They are usually in pretty good nick, they've been regularly maintained, and they're not very old with too many kms on the clock. Almost new for used price. Check them out.
barina said
03:12 AM Mar 18, 2012
The exrentals I have looked at all seem to have over 200.000 kms on the clock.....is that not high in van land??? I am a bit stuck for looking at the moment as my car was flooded xmas, then written off and I am waiting for my new car to arrive on a slow boat from Sth Korea. Once that arrives I will be out at the weekends really looking....
Thanks all happy to get the advice...........
Happywanderer said
03:52 AM Mar 18, 2012
Hi Judy, If you have the money go for new or nearly new. As new as your money will allow. You really don't know who you can trust out there to buy off. Take someone knowledgeable with you who knows what they are talking about. Get as much advise as possible before making that final decision.
Happywanderer said
04:13 AM Mar 18, 2012
I loved yours Chichi. Just what I would buy (when I win Lotto). Just the right size and really good layout.
ChiChi1 said
04:18 AM Mar 18, 2012
Thanks HW. Would be perfect if Ford could work out why the engine light keeps coming on. But at least it keeps going and hasn't stood me up.
Dougwe said
01:55 PM Mar 18, 2012
Sorry all, I miss read the original post, it said camper VAN not camper trailer, silly me, another senior moment.
barina said
04:03 PM Mar 18, 2012
@ Doug......
Elle on Wheels said
10:22 PM Mar 18, 2012
Hi Barina
good advice here already about making a list of your requirements and trying to at least get most of them met. It looks like your budget should buy you a good late model/ low km 2nd hand rig and I'd invest a little extra in fitting it out for free camping - so a solar panel (either fixed or fold out), a good 12v system, a quiet generator and inverter. For the sort of $$ you're talking about 200000kms is way too much. Also i would tend to go deisel for longer engine life. As Vic said the ex rentals tend to have been driven for long distances and that is better for engine life in the long run. I would also try to make sure I bought a van off someone who had used it on a semi permanent basis and fitted it out accordingly, that way you know it has been tried and tested and the bugs sorted out. If you do decide to buy new then make sure you trust the dealer to fix any problems that arise and honour the warranty etc (not always an easy ask). If you go 2nd hand then you save on immediate depreciation costs and can have extra money to adapt to your needs. There will most probably always be a feature you're not 100% happy with. But it all depends on value for money and how much you want to compromise.
barina said
04:43 AM Mar 19, 2012
Thanks Elle
Can you suggest a size generator and inverter.....the solar panel I have considered as my brother has them on his 4WD .....
Regards
blaze said
10:52 AM Mar 19, 2012
I think a 2kva gennie would be an ideal size and sola panel somewere beyween 100 to 200 watts with a minimun of 100amp/h battery cheers blaze
Yuglamron said
04:20 PM Mar 19, 2012
Hi Barina,Just a quick one.Someone has posted here that a 2000Watt/2Kva gennie would be good.
There is a post elswhere saying that Aldi are selling a 2Kva model in the coming week.It should suit.
You will have to Google it and see what day it is now that they have two sale days Wed and Sat.You would probably have to be there at opening time to get one if you decided to buy.
Safe Travelling.
barina said
04:35 PM Mar 19, 2012
thanks for the advice and tips....just a thought if you take all the "MUST HAVES"...is there much room left for the luxuries like clothes etc.....
PeterS said
05:16 PM Mar 19, 2012
If you buy secondhand there is always SOME compromise. You just have to look at value for money and what comes the closest to what you want and that will suit what you intend to do with it. I started looking around at Coaster type motor homes but just couldnt see myself living in something so narrow and compact. The Jayco Conquest I ended up buying cost me more than I had intended to spend but either has or has the potential to add everything I want. The step in and the bed height is a bit bit much for Rufus (he is only a little dog) but I am pretty sure he will get used to it. Do not setle for something "that will do the job" it will be costly to upgrade again later. I went for a bit of over kill but in long term I think will be better option.
Cruising Granny said
05:34 PM Mar 19, 2012
You need cupboards not couches. Most of the time you'll entertain outside. Cupboards are for those luxury items such as "clothes". It took me 18 months to find the van of my preference. If you want shower and toilet you'll need the larger equivalent of the larger Ford Transit camper van or the VW or the Mercedes. The little HiAce style van won't have toilet and shower. So it's motorhome or bigger camper van for you. Just keep looking. Don't rush into a decision. Even when you find the van which suits you, go home and think about it, then look again, then decide. It's a major investment like buying a house so it needs to be right for you. I wish you luck in your hunt for your "Nomad wagon".
barina said
05:57 PM Mar 19, 2012
My plan is to hire both the campervan with T/S and also the jayco conquest type van.. for some short trips over the next year to get a feel for each type.......................My wonder is, is one harder than the other to drive, as far as economy, ease of driving / handling etc..................remember little old lady here solo.....
PeterS said
09:40 PM Mar 19, 2012
Modern Motorhomes ie: merc jayco conquest are so easy to drive it's almost like driving a car. The only thing I am having trouble adapting to is the height but that will come. As far as economy,I toook mine up through the Adelaide hills to the river on the weekend and it used 13.5l / 100km. that was sitting on around 90kph and included climbing some pretty steep hills, really surprised me.
dogbox said
03:21 AM Mar 20, 2012
a lot of the ex-rentals come with a aussie wide warranty
if your worried about driving a bigger viehicle couple of times around the county an you will get use to it!
Elle on Wheels said
08:10 AM Mar 20, 2012
If you're considering a bathroom I reckon a small bathroom is worse than useless. I've been looking at the Paradise motor homes based in qld - they have a bathroom across the back of the van which gives you a lot of room. They are expensive but not in comparrison to many out there and good value. also I see that Kea have a fair few 2nd hand vans arounf the $80 or $90 mark. It just depends on what you want to spend but like Crusing Granny said, there's no need to rush into it, take your time, go to lots of RV dealers and get a feel for what you like. It's funny how things work out, sometimes you can find something in a short time and sometimes it takes ages. I really enjoyed going to the RV places and looking at all the different layouts. In the end I got a gorgeous old Viscount which I love and fitted it out on a very reasonable budget while splurging on some things like a new poptop skirt. Reluctantly I will be upgrading to a coaster or sprinter eventually because of unforeseen disability but I will enjoy the first stage of nomading in my caravan.
I've been looking at the campervans for a while Judy, you will find alot with high k's and and age,
and high prices too, can you afford a new one? try places http://sydneyrvcentre.com.au/ for pricing or http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/
good luck
Initially will be for short holidays and later some longer trips, not sure i would be living permanently in van. I want shower, toilet, double bed made up at the rear cooktop, microwave, fridge, sink, table and full turn driver seats. I saw this setup in sunliner van at the caravan show for $104,000. brand new. would like to find good secondhand one with less than 100,000 kms. would do both powered van sites and some free camps.
Thanks all for your replies...
if you have a buget of $100,000 i would think that the world is your oyster as far as campervans go an you would be in the late model motor home market if you where so inclined
-- Edited by dogbox on Saturday 17th of March 2012 07:01:33 PM
Most of the older ones have big km's so you may have to look for one that is not too old, I see you are in Melbourne so you could contact this mob they have a Melbourne branch, they also do new conversions (or low kms second hand vans), see;
http://www.frontlinecamper.com.au/current_stock.php
Also check this link out regularly, they get some good 2nd hand ones for sale from time to time, don't have to be a member to purchase them;
http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/members_market/index.php
Click on a month to view the vans for sale.
The trading post is also a good avenue.....
Hi,
I think you should start by listing all the things you want to have in your rig. ie shower,toilet,air-con,generator ,solar,heater,microwave,bed....single double.
Economy,petrol ,diesel,LPG.
How big a vehicle do you want/require.Feel at ease driving.
Some people out there are happy with a Coaster sized rig and others with a Hi-Ace sized vehicle.
Price and running costs/economy as well.
Go from there and start looking at the sites in the other posts.Go to some Rv sales places and see how they would suit.
It's like anything you buy,what someone else likes does not matter it's how you like it that counts.
I looked at one vehicle and decided although the price was right I was not comfortable with the cooker being adjacent to the bed.I do like a good fry up.
Good luck with your search and hope you find something to suit and get on the road asap.
is it full time living or holidays only ?
how much comfort do you want?
will you be staying in caravan parks(good place to start) then doing freecamps?
I have a KEA ex rental. 128,000Ks on the clock. What I liked about it was the whole unit was like new. They do a pretty good detail before delivery. After sales service is stil excellent even though warranty has long run out.
2008 model Transit KEA Freedom. i.e. 3yrs old. Just right for furry friend Molly and me.
-- Edited by ChiChi1 on Saturday 17th of March 2012 09:08:27 PM
I had none of those decisions, looked for the cheapest van I could find with the layout I wanted.
I was lucky and the van I found for $4000 was mechanically sound as well as having the layout needed.
Spent $$$s since on upgrading the camper side and having it gone over mechanically but it has taken me from Queensland to Perth without problems.
If money was not an issue I would buy a late model camper from someone who does not need it anymore making sure that the price was right and have it checked out by the RAC
John
Thanks all for your replies...
Remember that ex campevan/motorhome rentals drive long distances (hot kms) which is better than short trips with a motor that hasn't got all that hot and with frequent turning stopping etc, so for instance a vehicle used only locally (and probably carrying loads...tradesmen's vehicles etc) would probably be worse at 100, 000 kms than an ex hire vehicle at 200, 000 kms with mostly straight and long runs.
But like HW said and learnt the hard way, be very careful and get it checked out thoroughly irrespective of the kms.....
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 17th of March 2012 10:48:02 PM
If you haven't investigated vans you will need to decide on needs vs layout which includes your needs.
Size of van is important, as is the size of the vehicle you're going to tow it with.
Ask lots of questions of anyone you meet in this lifestyle, here and wherever you go to check vans out.
I bought my van on ebay.
A good relatively new van is a good proposition because any teething problems and leaks etc will be resolved. Wheel bearings and brakes are the major mechanical matters to be maintained.
Then the internals such as gas fittings and connections and the electrics.
Have fun with it. Don't make a decision until all your needs are met by the van you choose. If you compromise on anything you will be the disappointed one.
When I was looking around for a Avan Camper I couldn't find a second hand one that I was happy with, every one had something I didn't like about it so In the end I decided to spend the extra and get a new one. Happy now. I chose the Avan Camper as it has solid walls and no canvas.
Almost new for used price. Check them out.
I am a bit stuck for looking at the moment as my car was flooded xmas, then written off and I am waiting for my new car to arrive on a slow boat from Sth Korea. Once that arrives I will be out at the weekends really looking....
Thanks all happy to get the advice...........
If you have the money go for new or nearly new. As new as your money will allow.
You really don't know who you can trust out there to buy off. Take someone knowledgeable with you who knows what they are talking about. Get as much advise as possible before making that final decision.
Just the right size and really good layout.
Sorry all, I miss read the original post, it said camper VAN not camper trailer, silly me, another senior moment.
good advice here already about making a list of your requirements and trying to at least get most of them met. It looks like your budget should buy you a good late model/ low km 2nd hand rig and I'd invest a little extra in fitting it out for free camping - so a solar panel (either fixed or fold out), a good 12v system, a quiet generator and inverter. For the sort of $$ you're talking about 200000kms is way too much. Also i would tend to go deisel for longer engine life. As Vic said the ex rentals tend to have been driven for long distances and that is better for engine life in the long run. I would also try to make sure I bought a van off someone who had used it on a semi permanent basis and fitted it out accordingly, that way you know it has been tried and tested and the bugs sorted out. If you do decide to buy new then make sure you trust the dealer to fix any problems that arise and honour the warranty etc (not always an easy ask). If you go 2nd hand then you save on immediate depreciation costs and can have extra money to adapt to your needs. There will most probably always be a feature you're not 100% happy with. But it all depends on value for money and how much you want to compromise.
Can you suggest a size generator and inverter.....the solar panel I have considered as my brother has them on his 4WD .....
Regards
cheers
blaze
Hi Barina,Just a quick one.Someone has posted here that a 2000Watt/2Kva gennie would be good.
There is a post elswhere saying that Aldi are selling a 2Kva model in the coming week.It should suit.
You will have to Google it and see what day it is now that they have two sale days Wed and Sat.You would probably have to be there at opening time to get one if you decided to buy.
Safe Travelling.
If you buy secondhand there is always SOME compromise. You just have to look at value for money and what comes the closest to what you want and that will suit what you intend to do with it. I started looking around at Coaster type motor homes but just couldnt see myself living in something so narrow and compact. The Jayco Conquest I ended up buying cost me more than I had intended to spend but either has or has the potential to add everything I want. The step in and the bed height is a bit bit much for Rufus (he is only a little dog) but I am pretty sure he will get used to it. Do not setle for something "that will do the job" it will be costly to upgrade again later. I went for a bit of over kill but in long term I think will be better option.
It took me 18 months to find the van of my preference. If you want shower and toilet you'll need the larger equivalent of the larger Ford Transit camper van or the VW or the Mercedes.
The little HiAce style van won't have toilet and shower.
So it's motorhome or bigger camper van for you. Just keep looking. Don't rush into a decision. Even when you find the van which suits you, go home and think about it, then look again, then decide.
It's a major investment like buying a house so it needs to be right for you.
I wish you luck in your hunt for your "Nomad wagon".
Modern Motorhomes ie: merc jayco conquest are so easy to drive it's almost like driving a car. The only thing I am having trouble adapting to is the height but that will come. As far as economy,I toook mine up through the Adelaide hills to the river on the weekend and it used 13.5l / 100km. that was sitting on around 90kph and included climbing some pretty steep hills, really surprised me.
if your worried about driving a bigger viehicle couple of times around the county an you will get use to it!