Motorhome newbies here - yet to purchase. We currently have some allocated funds on a term deposit so we still have about 10 months till that will be available. Just back from Leisurefest & the feature that appealed best to us was the drop down electric beds. We both thought it was a great space saver (just the 2 of us) We're looking at older (well, not new anyway) motorhomes due to budget. Initially, budget was around $80k (ish) though it seems drop downs tend to be in MH's that are above $100k It seems that drop downs tend to be one of the more recent features that have made their way into motorhomes. Any advice, drawbacks, (anything at all really) would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Glenn & Julie
laurieoz said
05:48 PM Oct 6, 2024
Had my drop down bed for 10.5 years
No problems so far
If there is a problem I guess it would be a fairly big problem depending if be is up or down. In that case it may be hard to get to the motor
But wouldn't be without it
So much extra space
Laurie
Possum3 said
10:11 AM Oct 7, 2024
Welcome to the Forum, Glenn & Julie.
I've not had any experience with the drop-down beds, although I have seen the retrofitted kits being fitted where the lifting mechanism is a chain over a gear wheel. In these units it is imperative that the units frame remains completely square to the bed to prevent jamming - if it gets out of alignment or bent it becomes a complete replacement required to solve.
Jeff-2025 said
01:46 PM Oct 7, 2024
G and J wrote:
Motorhome newbies here - yet to purchase. We currently have some allocated funds on a term deposit so we still have about 10 months till that will be available. Just back from Leisurefest & the feature that appealed best to us was the drop down electric beds. We both thought it was a great space saver (just the 2 of us) We're looking at older (well, not new anyway) motorhomes due to budget. Initially, budget was around $80k (ish) though it seems drop downs tend to be in MH's that are above $100k It seems that drop downs tend to be one of the more recent features that have made their way into motorhomes. Any advice, drawbacks, (anything at all really) would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Glenn & Julie
When I was looking to purchase my MH I quickly ruled out drop-downs and slide outs.
With drop downs
while a space saver they're another mechanical thing that can go wrong.
the hassle of clearing the area below the bed before you can lower it
you may need a step ladder to get into/out of bed
Oh, before taking delivery of your MH get a 3rd party inspection.
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:28 PM Oct 7, 2024
Jeff-2025 wrote:
while a space saver they're another mechanical thing that can go wrong.
I have friends with a home built 4WD Canter motorhome that they drove from Australia to Scotland via China, Mongolia, and Russia and back via the Stans, Tibet and India. A couple of months ago we drove down the Canning Stock Route with them.
Motorhome newbies here - yet to purchase.
We currently have some allocated funds on a term deposit so we still have about 10 months till that will be available.
Just back from Leisurefest & the feature that appealed best to us was the drop down electric beds.
We both thought it was a great space saver (just the 2 of us)
We're looking at older (well, not new anyway) motorhomes due to budget.
Initially, budget was around $80k (ish) though it seems drop downs tend to be in MH's that are above $100k
It seems that drop downs tend to be one of the more recent features that have made their way into motorhomes.
Any advice, drawbacks, (anything at all really) would be greatly appreciated.
Regards, Glenn & Julie
No problems so far
If there is a problem I guess it would be a fairly big problem depending if be is up or down. In that case it may be hard to get to the motor
But wouldn't be without it
So much extra space
Laurie
I've not had any experience with the drop-down beds, although I have seen the retrofitted kits being fitted where the lifting mechanism is a chain over a gear wheel. In these units it is imperative that the units frame remains completely square to the bed to prevent jamming - if it gets out of alignment or bent it becomes a complete replacement required to solve.
When I was looking to purchase my MH I quickly ruled out drop-downs and slide outs.
With drop downs
Oh, before taking delivery of your MH get a 3rd party inspection.
I have friends with a home built 4WD Canter motorhome that they drove from Australia to Scotland via China, Mongolia, and Russia and back via the Stans, Tibet and India. A couple of months ago we drove down the Canning Stock Route with them.
Ali & Julian Travels (epicycles.com)
It has a DIY dropdown bed that is powered by 4 linear actuators. The bed can be levelled even if the vehicle is not level.
They broke springs and the camper sub frame in Mongolia, but the bed has not broken down or "gone wrong" yet.
Cheers,
Peter