which mootorhome?

HelenB · Newbie

which mootorhome?

jonathan · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Member

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 · Newbie

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 · Senior Member

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

Aha, that was it .... thanks..Sheba

milo · Guru

ours is front wheel drive..

Sheba · Guru

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 · Guru

HelenB.
Quality wise they're in the order you've listed them.
Price goes in the reverse order.
ozjohn.

HelenB · Newbie

Great input - much appreciated, thanks! Helenb

Allara · Senior Member

They are saying there is a news item on channel 7 today tonight, current affairs tonight regarding motorhomes.

Sheba · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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).

Thanks
Vic