My Wife and I have (after much consideration) decided to buy a good used motor home. Ideally we would spend no more than $50,000 and hopefully purchase something that was reasonably economical to run. As complete novices we look to you experienced nomads to advise us on the best way forward as to make of vehicle, engine capacity, and any other issue we should be aware of. We have looked at quite a few units and in receipt of much conflicting info. We would appreciate any advice you would care to offer.
I suppose the first thing people would like to know is how big do you want? what floor plan - single beds, double, electric lift bed?
We have a Jayco Conquest, 4 berth on a Fiat Ducato - love it - there is not a lot of room, but it is great for two people who get along together.
One good idea, is to go and have a look at caravan yards etc., who sell second hand motorhomes - get an idea of what space you need, if you want toilet and shower - and on it goes. Have known people who have hired different ones, just for a weekend, to try them out before buying.
Good luck, and keep the forum posted on your progress.
__________________
jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
I can only repeat what jules47 has already said I have a similar vehicle to jules47, except that it is a few years older
There are so many different types of interior fit out combinations, on many different types of vehicles, because we are all different. Otherwise there would only be one RV which everyone would buy.
Rather than trying to pick the best vehicle from the answers you will receive from your question. Perhaps you should look at many vehicles within you price range, and then ask what people think of specific types. You will then have people who have had those types of vehicles give some feedback
Just in case my type of motorhome is within your price range, (my model chassis went from 2002 unti 2006), here is what it is, as well as the pros and cons as seen through my eyes.
Vehicle Fiat Ducato, 244 chassis, with 2.8 JTD (common rail turbo diesel) engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, less than 30,885 kilometres when purchased Fuel economy in the last 22,000 kilometres = 8.7 kilometres per litre or 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres, or 24 miles per gallon
RV (house section) Jayco Conquest model number FD 22 2
Pros (in my eyes) Walk through from cab to house section, (for the benefit of the cat) Ensuite, potable, and grey water tanks, hot water system, house battery, built in charger, and portable genset, makes it most suitable for self contained free camping, as compared to my old caravan and pop top toilet/shower tent Price was right Was happily surprised with the fuel consumption, which was not a consideration at the time of purchase
Cons (in my eyes) 4th to 5th gear is a very big step, later models had 6 gears, with the extra gear sitting between the old 4th and 5th Original inbuilt SETEK II 35 battery charger useless for free camping, without 240 volt availability Original inbuilt Winegard clone type wind-up antenna, (pre digital), no good for long distance free camping Main bed a little high for us shorties, (perhaps because we have an innerspring mattress and topper). Better half would have liked an Island bed Spare bed over cab area gets a little warm, (hot air rises), and only used as light weight storage area No designated storage area for genset, (newer models have a designated genset area) No installation in roof Roof not suitable for standing on Roof not suitable for installing solar, unless like myself you make an edge to edge frame
Hey Nobby. Good luck with your hunting. This might be what not to buy given your criteria. We have a Jayco Conquest with a mercedes v6 turbo diesel. We chose it because it has the dual rear wheel drive and I dont want to get stuck on the slippery grass. Compared to the good fuel consumption of the fiats, our averages at 16 l/100ks. So comparedto some of the motorhomes out there it uses more diesel. But we love it and that consumptionis about what we got with our Prado when we were pulling a caravan. The older model Jaycos may get closer to your price range and the benefit is that it will probably be well looked after as what seems like a high mileage is not really an issue for these diesels. Mine only requires servicing every 30000ks. But we do it every year regardless. Automatic makes the driving a lot more relaxing and agree about sleeping inthe luton, it gets quite hot up there so we use ours for storage, camping and table chairs etc. Glad of the extra space as we dont have a car boot for additional storage.
Check that they do servicing of other stuff. Such as replacing the anode in the hot water unit, and what age are the house batteries and tyres. We love ours. It feels safe, secure, you stay dry when its raining and you drive off. There are downsides of course as a car gives more flexibility but you just change to suit the vehicle. Good luck.
phil
