Hi all, newby here. I have been looking to get into a Motorhome for quite awhile now. My big question mark is about the cost of upkeep......NOT living costs. It seems Buses are Very expensive to repair. I DO realise it depends on the vehicle one buys but I would like to hear from anyone who can give me an insight into what might be a cost effective unit for one person and a small dog. I would still like a bit of room tho. many thanks in advance, phil
Hi all, newby here. I have been looking to get into a Motorhome for quite awhile now. My big question mark is about the cost of upkeep......NOT living costs. It seems Buses are Very expensive to repair. I DO realise it depends on the vehicle one buys but I would like to hear from anyone who can give me an insight into what might be a cost effective unit for one person and a small dog. I would still like a bit of room tho. many thanks in advance, phil
Hi Guys
We have a 2004 W'Bago on a Sprinter base, Our biggest problem was that it had not been used for 18mths prior to us buying it, so after the mandatory Major Service complete with transmission and rear diff ($1800) we have had only one real mechanical problem and that was with the transmission pump ($2000). But since then we have done a further 10,000km and not a problem. The only other issues have been age related like the house batterys which where the original batts anyway.
If you ask my better half she may not agree because I keep spending the odd dollar or two on "must have" mods and improvements. One thing I would say is to have a good look at the vehicle and google them. I know the Fiats had a front suspension problem which can be easily fixed by an upgrade.
As for models to look at and to have some room to stretch out in, I would look at Winnebago (Avida) or the Jayco Conquest range as there are a lot on the market and tend to be slightly cheaper than the other models. They are both still pretty good and if you google the more expensive models you will see that that they generally use the same appliances and windows etc. I would be more attentive to the actual vehicle it sits on and that can be a very personal decision. For example, I prefer to have dual rear wheels for no other reason that if you are going to carry 4- 4.5 tonnes I think it is better on duals than singles. I also didn't like the idea of the Luton Peak (the bit that hangs over the cab) as it places to much weight over the front axles and also acts like wind block. But as I said; personal preference.
Other than that, We love the "Bus", its easy and cost effective to drive and damn lot of fun.
I am in the position where I have little capital to get started but have good tool skills and am happy to tinker along the way. You level of mechanical fluency makes a huge difference to the machinery you decide to set yourself up with. I have a '80 Coaster but it is just a bit tiny to take me where I need to go. I am fitting out a caravan / Toyota Z80 combo instead.
I am 6 foot tall so the bus was a no go till I modded it with a 8 inch roof lift. The bus is a little sweetie. However it is low budget high maintenance - though fundamentally sound.
Cheers.
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Thank you all very much! Lots of great info! I think the Coaster is a bit small...toured around in one 30 years ago with a Band! It seems that while they may not be a "money pit" it still can be lots of money for upkeep......for me, anyway. Yes, it's a fun way to go....no argument there. You've all given me griste for the mill tho (and more research) and I hope for some more input.
Like wise. Keep us posted. Even with the roof lifted the Coaster was " too squeezy " for me to live in full time. I love to jet about picnicking with it however. . It is a blast.
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And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy ..
The bonus of a Coaster is heaps of Landcruiser parts are the same so they can be sourced very cheap from the many 4X4 shops.
Any half decent mechanic can do the repairs saving the cost of a "specialist" that you need with the newer gear, just get it checked out for rust, its the biggest killer of Coasters.
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Mine has quite a bit of body rust. The idea of taking some exotic type of old bus out bush is a "no go" for me. Imagine breaking down and having to source parts. Not good. Plus they are big and unwieldy. The Coaster is just big enough to be liveable but not so big as to be a hassle parking and getting around. If you are taller that 5 foot 10 it will drive you nuts ducking all the time. Thats why I lifted the roof and put a big solar cell on the bump. I used to drive a bus in the metro so I know the score.
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And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy ..
I had a Winnebago escape, it at the time was the smallest of the motorhomes, that Winnebago australia was making. It was very very expensive to service, the motor had a lot of power and it was lovely to drive but if I was to do it again (which we will eventually) I would go for a much larger motorhome or car/caravan. My biggest regret after a few months on the road was not having the courage to buy big right from the start.
good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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After some consideration I agree with having something big enough to really be comfortable but doesn't this make the upkeep more expensive? I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to reply. Do you think the Winnebago was more expensive than other brands to service?
Hi Philbeam when we were looking we came across second hand x rentals (britz kea and others) when they sell them they rebuild the interior and change the layout maybe worth a look at fairly priced.
Several years ago, some companies who were putting motorhomes on the back of vehicles (Ford Transit in particular) were putting the max weight home. However, by the time they were filled with personal belongings and two adults, there was way too much weight on the donor vehicle and there were chassis problems. Some converters were only considering volume, not weight. It the back fitted it must be OK. Just check if buying 2nd hand. Some of these vehicles made their way into the rental fleets but I suspect they have all been rectified since.
Yes, the winnebago using a fiat was very expensive to service. Watch out with weight as a lot of sellers will tell you that a vehicle can be driven on a car license whereas in reality once loaded with fuel, water and your gear you are well over the limit.
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I am made up of flaws stitched together with good intentions.
