advise on motorhomes

vik351 · Senior Member

RE: advise on motorhomes

vik351 · Senior Member

sunliner.com.au/our-range/motorhomes/holiday-rv

Front wheel drive or rear...???

Heard ya can lose traction on occasion with a FWD if all the weight is at the back up a hill sorta thing,would be rare I would think

Also like the idea a duallies at the back though

vik...

Geeco · Senior Member

This week my MH roof has been subjected to Possums & flying foxes leaving deposits. It is easier to clean with a high pressure washer.

vik351 · Senior Member

Bet the ladder came in handy...!!!

But possums weren't "on" the roof were they havin a nibble... just crappin on it I presume

We have a big Lillie Pillie in the back yard and when the foxes come in for a feed for the berries,bloody hell what a mess...!!!

They reckon the fox crap aint to good for ya neither...!!!

vik...

Jaahn · Guru

Hi Vik351,

Surley there is a big MH sales place near you, or more even. Get your self round there every now and then and look at the layouts and the space etc. I always do when I go that way around here. I do think I have seen the "good layout" for me there for the next one. smile

The question of front wheel drive or rear, or duals, is really where you want to go. If you want to stick to the highways mainly and stay in regular parks or the like then any MH will be good. If you want to get up a few tracks or explore the out of the way places then rear drive and also the duals may be better. Although the weight may dictate the duals also. Remember the regular roads around AU are mostly good now. biggrin

The auto choice is yours too. Personally I have a dodgey hip and will not drive a manual any more. So that it for us. No problem but less choices second hand. But they are also more prone to problems and more servicing is required. The automated manuals have not been as trouble free as they should as far as I can see either ??

Jaahn wink

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 24th of February 2016 08:34:44 AM

vik351 · Senior Member

Hi Jaahn

"The auto choice is yours too. Personally I have a dodgey hip and will not drive a manual any more. So that it for us. No problem but less choices second hand. But they are also more prone to problems and more servicing is required. The automated manuals have not been as trouble free as they should as far as I can see either ??"

I'm with you there,dodgey every bloody thing,will stick with an auto, the inventor of cars manual auto is coppin it bad big time,ya reckon a mob like that would get it right...These days ya dont know where anything is built,or how good it is going to be... bit scared of SH market myself although I imagine there would be some good bargains out there when some poor bloke bought a new bus,took SWMBO on a trip and that was it... room service didnt come and there was no bar fridge to raid...!!!

Adelaide is a bit tight for choice when it comes to MH showrooms... plus the fact the timing is still a bit off,but talkin to you folks is sooo good for info...

Still waiting on a decent dunnie set up with a drain pipe waste set up... Being a X plumma with a plummas back the last thing I want to lugg around is a bucket of turds...

I think the loos are a bit better than 10 years ago,vacuum ones sound interesting...

Lookin on the net the east coast big mobs looks like the place to shop as in hands on for a newie

How did you blokes go on the first trip with SWMBO and water usage,run out the first day...???

vik... old dog, new tricks ...

vik351 · Senior Member

Any one know about this mob...???

www.suncampermotorhomes.com.au/motorhomes/sydney/

The Sydney dunnie would get brownie points from SWMBO...!!! Nifty idea ...!!!

Cant say I have heard much about these M homes,looks the goods for just two

vik...

Geeco · Senior Member

Hi Vik, just returned from a break up the coast. There was a guy next to me with a Suncamper, it was the Sherwood 4x4 . He has had it for a couple of years, purchased it when it was a year old. The first owners were a young couple that did one lap then sold it. He said he had not had any issues and was very happy with the vehicle. That is not the vehicle you posted but maybe an indication of build quality as he said he had taken it on some rough roads. My mate in the US has a 7 Mtrs MH with a black waste tank that he empties via a hose into the dump points along the way. Maybe that is a solution for a dodgy back. You could name the MH - wait for it - "Mr Wiffy"!!
Cheers,

vik351 · Senior Member

"Mr Wiffy"!! Hard to beat...!!! LOL But Mrs cassette makes me wanna herk too... www.youtube.com/watch

Saw the pics of the Sherwoods,on a Tojo so pretty hard to break if the body is well made... 30 years ago I woulda gone for the concept and wouldnt'a given gettin out the cab to enter the cabin a second thought,nor climbin the ladder to go to bed... "You first luv

"...

But those days are gone...Step through for me now... Suncamper seem to get fairly good reports on build quality from what I have seen so far... as for take the money and run quotes,dont seem as bad as some...!!! Prolly cos they hold together fairly well...

Might have to keep them in mind in the search of the holy grail...

You eastern staters should know,when they have a camping show are motor homes well represented...??? Worth goin over for a squzzie...??? Adelaide is bloody hopeless,the big mobs with their crap one offs and 1/2 the time roped off as well...

...

If I went over for a look,where do ya reckon would be the go...town ,state ,startin to think along the lines on a second handie like the fella with the Sherwood,a one lapper,(Just run in) all the new bugs sorted,and none of the drive out the showroom "kaching ... just went down $$$ in value ..."

The Sydney Suncamper had a set of wheels on the turd trolley with a suit case type handle, but ya would still have to lift the bloody thing with weight in it...

Wonder why the hose and tank idea dont seem big in OZ MH's...??? With a decent length of hose drivin next to dump points doesnt seem like a big deal... to a bloke that has never even driven one that is...!!!

Maybe time to start a MH business called MT Wiffy ,hose and tank specialist...!!!" watch em go with the flow " as the motto...

vik...

Geeco · Senior Member

Hi Vik, the Sydney show is very well supported by the motorhome companies. I have been for the last few years and there has been a good number of different brands to review. Some also have on display different models within their respective ranges so you can compare with the layouts fresh in your mind. The suitcase wheel & handle cassette is pretty much standard now. It makes the task a lot easier however you do need to lift it at the dump point. Full probably around 25KG. My guess on black tanks is the weight of waste could limit your load carrying capacity and stay within the "drive on a car licence" range. The Sydney show is on 9-17 April, it is a big show and I have found it good for reviewing products from different manufacturers. Last year I was able to review anti flap kits for my awning as they had working models. Made a decision and it has been one of the best accessories I have purchased for the MH.

The show website usually has a list of the exhibitors.

www.caravan-camping.com.au/sydney-supershow

Cheers,

vik351 · Senior Member

Thanks Gary...

Looks like a good show alright,yep ,ya got the numbers over there... Had dealings with an off road mob who were based in NSW and the boss came over here to see WTF was wrong with Adelaide sales...LOL... I told him get used to it mate...!!!

He couldnt believe that folks here would drive across town for a $5.00 cheaper bull bar etc... .Yep,thats how it worked over here(1980'S that was,took 15 minutes to drive across town then),So things have changed abit,but we still are the poor cousins...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/vik351/crap/cletus.gif

As for the chunder bucket,I'm only sposed to lift 15 kilo max,and thats prolly gunna get less and less down the track...

As for the weight issue... if they only make a holding tank thats so big,thats all that fits time to drain it... Surley I aint the only bloke with a crook back that wants a MH... Mr Wiffy MH Co here we come...!!!

Might have to send emails to all MH company's and say "Oi I want a septic tank version with 20 meters of hose..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YJxcWxveJI

They put a man on the moon too

So they help a fella remove his poo

vik...

vik351 · Senior Member

Now here is an interesting wagon

www.explorermotorhomes.com.au/explorer-specifications/

A crawl through version

Wouldnt mind checkin one of these out in the flesh...

Looks like the Tardus inside...!!!

vik...

vik351 · Senior Member

Just came across this...

www.4x4australia.com.au/drive/1504/bent-utes/

Say na more

Think I'll keep lookin at truck type chassis RWD and duallies on the back hooked up to a slusher...!!!

img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/vik351/sydney-mercedes-motorhome_zpsugevqepq.jpg

Sydney Suncamper Twin on a Merk Sprinter Hmmm

Bloody Adelaide...

... wanna see these buses in the flesh...!!!

vik...

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

We are over in WA at present . Go buy one . Stop looking and go for it your not getting any younger ., we are getting 1250!klrs from 250 litre tank . Saying we top up about 180 / 200 litres each fill . We didn't fill in Nullerbore at 1.56 a litre . Most through SA 1.08 to 1.15 ., our RV is 8m long with fold up double bed . Seperate toilet and shower . Pumping out the black tank is EASY .,Iften fill wuth fresh water before touching anything to do with black including hose ., I just wash everything down and flush with grey water when black water runs out . Use hand steriliser after finishing . Store black hose in different section to fresh water . Being we have under chassis storage ., our vehicle is higher so our security is much better . We have front, rear and side cameras also .. LED lights down each side . One light comes on like home security if some one gets near door . We didn't take a dog . We love them too much ., but too much trouble ..

vik351 · Senior Member

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
We are over in WA at present . Go buy one . Stop looking and go for it your not getting any younger ., we are getting 1250!klrs from 250 litre tank . Saying we top up about 180 / 200 litres each fill . We didn't fill in Nullerbore at 1.56 a litre . Most through SA 1.08 to 1.15 ., our RV is 8m long with fold up double bed . Seperate toilet and shower . Pumping out the black tank is EASY .,Iften fill wuth fresh water before touching anything to do with black including hose ., I just wash everything down and flush with grey water when black water runs out . Use hand steriliser after finishing . Store black hose in different section to fresh water . Being we have under chassis storage ., our vehicle is higher so our security is much better . We have front, rear and side cameras also .. LED lights down each side . One light comes on like home security if some one gets near door . We didn't take a dog . We love them too much ., but too much trouble ..

You have the Explorer bus dont you...??? Prolly heaps of room under there,or was...LOL...

I wish they had black water tanks on stuff like this...

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I guess you could fit one ? It's all about $$$ these days ., the agitator / pump, outlet can be fitted anywhere ..

vik351 · Senior Member

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
I guess you could fit one ? It's all about $$$ these days ., the agitator / pump, outlet can be fitted anywhere ..

http://www.thetford.com/product/sanicon-system/

Well the set up is there but why dont the MH mobs embrace it...??? Rather have a ****ter with a hose set up than a slide out any day...!!!

Black and grey to the same outlet then off up hill down dale with a pump sounds good to me...

Now the search begins,find a rig I like,with the room for a tank, and a mob willing for a shilling...

Hot rockin horse siht will be found quicker I reckon...

Well more and more Boomers are gettin out there,might have to start a revolution... the one wiffy hose party...!!!

vik...

Just found a good setup if ya have a tank...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsdfUXoOxrw

-- Edited by vik351 on Monday 21st of March 2016 11:54:24 AM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Don't overlook an older high spec MH or van either .. The depreciation is high after a few years . We looked at new . After some hard bargaining we got ours way cheaper. than fwd new Fiat MH etc . Was just lucky there was 4 like ours in yard at the same time ., just balance new / older / features .. But before you croak !! Lol

Geeco · Senior Member

Hi Vik,
I noticed an advert in the Wanderer mag for custom tanks. the site is www.atlastanks.com.au. Maybe they could be of interest for your black water tank. It is interesting that the local MH builders in the main do not seem to offer the option of black water tanks. I have been told that this is due to a need to keep the weight at a manageable level. Yet my friend in the US has a MH called a Navion (part of Winnebago) that has a black tank. His vehicle is a 25 footer on a Merc Sprinter chassis so it can be achieved.
Maybe a trip to the Sydney Show and a discussion with one of the smaller local MH builders will bear fruit. Companies like Wirraway or lancecampers could be worth talking to about your needs. The higher volume builders seem reluctant to deviate too far from their standard offerings.
Cheers,

vik351 · Senior Member

Yep Geeco...

Atlas tanks look good... Funny you should mention Wirraway... actually have been to their factory for a look see, very fine builders indeed, Im sure they would be worth a chat with...

The big boys are mad I reckon not going down that track, but what do I know...??? $$$ to change things...!!!

Havent heard of Lancecampers. will look them up too

Looks like a trip to Sydney is a must...

vik... thanks all...

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Weight to fit black water tanks ? Yea strange . I bet there is bugger all in it !! The water come from fresh water to black I doubt the 1/4 pounders dropped every now and then adds up to much ? Depends on your licence ? Best get MR and be done .. There,s taps & valves between grey & black water . Two outlets but we mainly use one . As said the grey flushes agetator line and pump .

vik351 · Senior Member

"Weight to fit black water tanks ? Yea strange . I bet there is bugger all in it !!"

Thats what I reckon... All the BS that goes with a cassette, caps,wheels, handles, seals etc... A door bla bla ... and if they made all their MH's with black tanks you would be cheepa price and alot of happier old campers I'm sure... as you say " the grey flushes agetator line and pump ."

I will have to start and badger the MH builders for a blank tank and hose set up and by the time I'm ready to get a MH they should be in production...!!!

before I croak it...

...!!!

That sewer solution dodad pushes sihte up hill in a 1" hose,got to love that... Ebay is your friend... www.youtube.com/watch

vik... will get there...!!!

Geeco · Senior Member

Hi Vik, I have just watched that youtube clip and I must say it looks a chore. I think I will stick with the cassette system. It is quick & easy compared to all the kit that dude had to set up and my back is in good condition at this time so no problem with the 20KG with a full cassette. The other consideration is that the most common blue coloured drop points do not have the same hose adapter as is shown in the clip, although you could probably simply rest it over the waste pipe entry point.

vik351 · Senior Member

Geeco wrote:
Hi Vik, I have just watched that youtube clip and I must say it looks a chore. I think I will stick with the cassette system. It is quick & easy compared to all the kit that dude had to set up and my back is in good condition at this time so no problem with the 20KG with a full cassette. The other consideration is that the most common blue coloured drop points do not have the same hose adapter as is shown in the clip, although you could probably simply rest it over the waste pipe entry point.

Aint no chore with my back... That is a yank clip and yank fittings, on a 1" hose just shove a 1" elbow on it and thats it...

I spose you have to flush out your cassette with water,bend your back,fill it up,give it a swooosh around,good for the back,then empty it again,bend the back... Or that thing ya just turn on a hose wash your turds away,rotate the tap and flush your black tank... sounds good to me

But they dont exist here yet...!!!(black water tanks) bugger...!!!

vik...

Geeco · Senior Member

hi Vik, you are correct with the flushing procedure when using a cassette toilet, however I do not find it a chore. Maybe there is a void in the market offerings currently. Maybe one of the smaller builders would custom make you a rig with all the mods you want.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I used one of these in my garage ..as council had me runing through hoops . I just hooked it up to toilet and it pumps up to house sewer.. Similar could be used . Mine was 12v . Through eBay they are $100 ..

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

http://www.duringdays.com.au/400w-sewage-macerator-toilet-pump-240l-min/?gclid=CLm-1brC1ssCFQqkvQodA_kJZA

vik351 · Senior Member

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
I used one of these in my garage ..as council had me runing through hoops . I just hooked it up to toilet and it pumps up to house sewer.. Similar could be used . Mine was 12v . Through eBay they are $100 ..

What the hell were the council stickin their noses into...??? some things are better left unsaid...say na more

So that macerator,if I bought a SH MH ,hook that up to the dunnie, then that sends it to a black tank I would have to install and go from there... Interesting...

Might be the way to go... Can imagine buying a new MH with that "EXTRA" and the bank manager would be there on delivery...!!!

I do know a retired plumma with a stuffed back BTW...!!!

vik... thanks for that idea...!!!

vik351 · Senior Member

Spoke to a bloke about a bloke who knows this bloke who can do a dunnie and tank...

Better sit down ,pref on the dunnie... around $10k with all the bells and dunnie paper...

One offs = big dramas... can under stand that when your payin wages ,chasin stuff up ,gettin stuff made,fit it, make sure it works,bla bla...

Looks like buy a Pre Loved SH MH with a tank in mind as in room for a tank under there somewhere,and just adapt the in house crapper to a pipe and tank down the track...

Or like the guy said,empty the cassette at 15 kilo... how many jobies would that be...???

vik...

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Hmm no council wouldn't let be build large enough to fit motorhome plus .. The pump is from black tank via valve & fitting to sewer / drop tank ., to pump out tank, As they are on fitted systems ..