Re: Help with decision on motorhome

Campfire · Veteran Member

Re: Help with decision on motorhome

Happywanderer · The Master

I'm probably not much help Campfire, having bought the biggest dud and costing me a fortune to get her back on the road, but the bigger you go the more fuel you will use. You might want to take that into consideration.
Do your research carefully and take as much advice on board as you can get. Then reasearch again.

Sheba · Guru

Even with all the problems you've had Marj, Myrtle is still going to end up being a pretty good buy. With the Heart transplant, she should be good for a Hell of a lot of years yet.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Sheba · Guru

I have a Toyota Hi-ace too Campfire. It's a Diesel Auto Pop-top. I don't like anything too big, or too high. The Pop-top is ideal, as you have less wind resistance, so less fuel usage [I believe]. With a Matilda, I dont think you can do straight through to the back can you ?

I prefer to be able to do that, just in case of trouble. Good not to have to exit the Vehicle to take off. Not that I think I will ever have to, but I prefer to have the option.

Any specific questions, feel free to ask any time.

Cheers,

Sheba.

bill12 · Guru

I, too had to put a lot of thought into what sort of motorhome I wanted, but when a holden one tonner with a pro built motorhome on the back came up, cheap, I jumped at the purchase.I looked at slide ons, small caravans, camper trailers, and came back to the holden.I intend to tow a box trailer with my postie bike, and my 3.2m tinnie, plus other stuff behind. Still changing things to suit myself, but its good fun doing it.There is nothing wrong with Hiace campers as they are reliable(mostly) and easy to fix.Have a good look around and do a lot of research before comitting yourself. Bill

-- Edited by bill12 on Saturday 16th of July 2011 09:36:42 AM

Campfire · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone for all the good advice.

Sheba, the Matilda is straight thru to back which is one of my 'must have's' also. Another one is that it has a toilet, for midnight dashes and free camping. The other two things I want is a permanent bed and an inside diner in case of wet/windy weather. I'll be living in it permanently so want something smallish but it needs to be comfortable as well.

So many choices but no rush (lucky), will take the advice to spend time doing research, research, research.

Cheers, C

Yuglamron · Guru

smile Hi Campfire,

If you think the Matilda suits you please have a look at the 'Members Market' in the CMCA website.You do not have to be a member to look and in the September list there are a couple of nice Matildas up for sale.

Hope this helps.

Safe travelling when you get going.

Sheba · Guru

It's a long while since I looked at Matildas. Good to know they are walkthrough too.

Cheers,

Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 16th of July 2011 04:50:40 PM

Cruising Granny · Guru

When it comes to motorhomes and campervans as a permanent home, it's all about space, storage, comfort and economy, in that order.
The larger ex rentals have a good range to choose from.
I'd be careful about the VW and Mercedes vans as they are very expensive to maintain.
If you put a big box on a small ute, which is the Matilda configuration, you won't get the economy you'd think. There's the weight and drag to consider.
If you give a little motor too much work to do it will burn a lot of fuel.
If the motor is a bit bigger and stronger, especially diesel, you'll get good mileage and won't stress the motor so much.
Some of these motor homes are heavy for the little motor under the bonnet, including turbo charger.
It's all relative.

Campfire · Veteran Member

Hi Everyone.

The Matilda is on a 1999 Toyota HiLux with a 2.7lt motor. Taking into consideration what you've all said, do you think that would be ok? I've been told that they were a very reliable motor and very easy to work on and get parts for.

Cheers, C

Cruising Granny · Guru

It should be reliable. Toyota's have a good record. Do you have any idea of the weight of the vehicle, before you start loading it up with "essentials"?
Is it petrol or diesel? I don't think they came with turbo. I think they're manual 5 speed.
Do you have a price?

Campfire · Veteran Member

I'm not too sure about the weight, you're right it's a 5 speed manuel and I'm sure they're petrol. The prices range from around the $30,000 mark and go up.

I've just figured out how to load up an 'avatar', this one was taken at Theresa Creek Dam QLD.

Cheers C

Beth54 · Guru

I'm looking at moving up to a small Motorhome or large Campervan too Campfire.

I won't be fulltime though so I have to consider the everyday driving around town.

I've been advised by many to go with a 4 cylinder turbo diesel.

jonathan · Guru

.. I'm happy with a 4 cylinder Turbo Diesel .. Fuel is not cheap be it petrol or diesel but diesel hopefully provides me with greater longevity of engine life .. and economic fuel consumption provided by a motor that doesn't stress as much when working at low engine revs ..

Now .. I'm even running a front wheel drive which many dont subscribe to .. I even tow a small trailer which together gives me an overall length of 11 metres , so its not real short.

Apart from the mechanical well-being of the vehicle, I believe its ones driving habits that allow or restrict you capacity to achieve a fair economy .. and that also includes fair wear and tear on your tyres and running gear.

Depending on the traffic, I choose to travel (in the open) between 80-85 when possible. The engine is virtually just ticking over comfortably between 1500-1700 rpm. The torque (being diesel) enables me to easily cruise in 6th gear (in manual setting) and to still pull over most small rises without stress ..

I have recently travelled down to Naracoorte SA from North Qld .. and my average fuel consumption was 11.9 litres per 100 km's .. getting as low as 11.2 and as high as 13.7 .. I was fortunate to have had very little resistance from the wind on this trip

Vehicle GVM is just over 4 tonne, and the trailer carries a total weight of about 900 kgs.

Just thought I'd provide my opinion for those interested. I have yet to meet another Fiat Ducato Owner who has achieved comparative figures, but would be keen to do so ..

yes .. happy with a 4 cylinder turbo diesel ..

Jon

Cruising Granny · Guru

Well done and good for you!
The rush in the pedal power reduces economy. Steady as she goes gets the best results. You're km/litre is a good outcome.

Lat 38 · Member

Jon,
You have a rig very close to the one I'm building, except replace the trailer with a center console tinny

JohnandHelen · Newbie

Like Jon, we have a Fiat Ducato and very happy with the MH and base vehicle.

The best fuel econmy ever was 10.7lt/100km with a slow late autumn two week tour of the South Island, NZ. At times on the quiet country roads, we cruised at 70kph slow enough for me, the driver, to see and take in the countryside.

On busier roads I sit at 90kph, rarely going over 100kph, on those trips we get 11.1lt/100km but Im a very easy on it driver, looking well ahead and anticipating the same.

The worst Ive ever had is 12.8lt/100km but thats into head winds and hilly country.