Motor home information.

toglhot · Senior Member

Motor home information.

adreamer · Senior Member

Hi, I had a small VW transporter for over a year and decided I needed a bit more comfort so have upgraded to 2009 Jayco Conquest.

Has solar panels on roof, shower and toilet and a diesel heater (this is fantastic in winter) has a timer with it.

I found the vehicle on Gumtree in Tasmania (I live in Sth Aust). After much discussion with owner I felt confident in flying over to buy it. It only had 44,000 klms on it. So i suggest looking around. Bringing it back into SA I had to put over the inspection bay and stamp duty was $2300. Not sure how interstate costs.

So far it has been excellent, although I hit a tree up in the top front and am having it repaired at the moment. Insured with CIL and they have also been excellent. It's just off the road for 8 weeks because repairer told me he had to go overseas to get the parts??????

You will get many different views on what to buy etc, but in the long run you have to decide.

Good luck with your travels.

Helen

jules47 · The Happy Helper

We have a Jayco Conquest, 2010 model, on a Fiat Ducato - so easy to drive, economical - we tow a trailer and car (1500kg is towing capacity-we are well under that) - Auto/Manual. The "house" has a double bed at the back, with storage underneath, accessible from outside as well. We are four berth, so we also have the double bed over the cab in the "hump" - great for storage, winter clothes and blankets etc. We have the combo shower/toilet - not luxurious. but hey it works, I know some with this combo who put a shower rail up, so the loo doesn't get wet.

We have solar panels mounted on the roof, (230 - whatever they are called) - and 2 x 120 AH batteries - which powers lights, computers, phones, tablets, my 12v vac, etc.

We have done over 150,000k in the motorhome -love it. It's home.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Go and hire a few for a week or so to learn what you want.
It will be a cheap and valuable lesson.

Cheers,
Peter

Jaahn · Guru

toglhot wrote:
The wife and I are thinking of a motor home, so, we're after some information: Mileage, layout, shower/toilet or not, power roof and so on. Either ute based or van based, happy for any help.

Hi toglhot smile

Motor homes come in all shapes and sizes. I have had several small van based campers, and two smaller buses, in times past.

We had a Winnebago on a 3T Isuzu truck. Great when stopped and plenty of room and toilet/shower too. It was a 6 berth so the kids used it a bit too and the little ones slept here and there. But we did not use the top overcab bunk as it is too hard for us oldies. On the road we found the ride too hard and on the back roads that we like to explore it was too "truck like" for us. The size was no problem to us but you should check if you are comfortable driving a large one ? So we sold it !

We bought a Mercedes Sprinter bus and converted it ourselves. A simple conversion without the bells and whistles. Two single beds, some storage, some cooking bench area, seats, water, a basic chest fridge and a porta potty if needed. Solar on the roof and a battery. Easier to drive, better ride, more economical, and more restricted inside ? But we tend to live outside. confuse Been around a bit now in it.

We would not personally be interested in a ute based MH due to the over the cab bed. Not for us. The small van campers are too space restrictive now for us. The most important thing is to get a good nights sleep or the world looks bleak. So check out whether you are happy with the basic setout as far as space and then the extras. Peter's suggestion of hiring is a good idea if you have not done it before. biggrin

Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 10th of January 2018 08:47:28 AM

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 10th of January 2018 08:51:24 AM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yes on the truck type . We have changed our rear suspension . Best $580 we have spent . Strangley enough the rear leaf springs were set up to softer, progressive as in soft and firmer on bump travel . It is as smooooth as a limousine now ! Cannot believe the difference . With air assist air bags it works well !! As in most camping things you can change things to suite your needs . There is just the two of use now so we do not need bunks etc . Just a fold out sitee or we put up the annex ? I see your asking about lighter vehicles ? Which may require a heavier or upgraded suspension ? You will think na !! Not worth the $$$ But trust me !! Done right it can be the best thing to do . Its about safety and weight control as much as easier more comfortable to drive also .

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Wednesday 10th of January 2018 11:27:45 AM

toglhot · Senior Member

Yes, we have already decided to rent before buying.

I'm not keen on a VW after their disastrous attempt to pull the wool over our eyes I'm a little suspicious of their product., so it will more than likely be a Sprinter or a Japanese vehicle based camper. The Sprinter van in particular interests us, I've heard fuel consumption of around 10 LP100, but that sounds a little to low for a vehicle of this size and weight, true or false?

Is a toilet shower combo worthwhile?

What is the problem with accessing the over the cab bed?

I have considered buying a van and campifying it myself. I Have a workshop with more tools/machinery than most metal fabricating shops: lathe, pedestal drill, bandsaw, metal bender, welders and so on. I also worked as a welder/metal fabricator for some years and built a wind up Jayco style camper from the ground up, as well as a number of trailers in years gone past so I'm in good stead there. Unfortunately, PsA has left me with very limited use of my hands so, campifying a van would take me 20 times longer now, even with the wife's help, so I'd have to think on that one for a bit before committing to purpose.

Hiace type campers are a little too small for our liking.

Some ute based campers are well designed and executed but their payload is severely limited, so that takes them off our list also.

I have also looked at some of the second hand Japanese imports, only on the web though, so they are difficult to imagine or quantify.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Climbing up to over cab bed at over 60 does not interest us ! Even tho I am an old line worker . Climbing ladders is in my past . We have rear toilet and shower . But the smaller the vehicle ? The more compromises you have to make . A shower toilet combo is fine ! Atleast the toilet gets cleaned ! Lol The man if the place can clean too !!

deverall11 · Guru

One thing to consider is everywhere you go, your house goes with you. This includes sightseeing, shopping etc. Also, if some thing happens to it and repairs are required you are without transport.
However, you are looking at one insurance, one rego.
Larry

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

What is the problem with accessing the over the cab bed?

Absolutely nothing at all, from our point of view and we are in our 70s.

It has the great advantage of making the whole vehicle shorter with the same living area. Shorter means less constraints on parking and where you can take the vehicle. We are 6m overall (with shower and toilet), we can park in any street, (including angle parking - 6m is the legal limit) or shopping centre car park, are fully self contained and have no need of a second vehicle.

Cheers,

Peter

Jaahn · Guru

toglhot wrote:
it will more than likely be a Sprinter or a Japanese vehicle based camper. The Sprinter van in particular interests us, I've heard fuel consumption of around 10 LP100, but that sounds a little to low for a vehicle of this size and weight, true or false?
They do give good economy for their size. Some models give problems so do your research. A lot of electronics in later vehicles of all makes. Not many dealers out there when they go wrong !

Is a toilet shower combo worthwhile?
Great if you like them and the extra water and emptying required. We now try to use the facilities elsewhere. Easier !

What is the problem with accessing the over the cab bed?
If you can get up there and down again easily and safely go for it. We are 70++ and had knee and hip ops so why risk it. The head room is also limited in some. We just do not want to, is good enough for us. But hire one and see if it suits your needs. Like I said before a comfortable bed is the first item on my list.

I have also looked at some of the second hand Japanese imports, only on the web though, so they are difficult to imagine or quantify.
Hmmm I would look very carefully there. They are all very odd layouts IMHO the ones I have seen. More bells and whistles and less basic stuff you might like I thought. I do not believe they actually use them for any real long term camping, but perhaps I have not seen the good ones ?

A few more thoughts and answers to questions above.

Jaahn

toglhot · Senior Member

Thanks for the replies. We are in our late sixties and have very limited use of my hands so I don't think a bed over cabin would suit us. We thought about getting a couple of bicycles if we go down the motor home route, sure as eggs as soon as you set up you realise you forgot the milk.

Starting to look more like a Jurgens Wallaroo for us, soon as we rid ourselves of this lovely Penguin, it spends more time getting repaired than being used. Used twice, repaired four times! Same thing every time - roof raising gear.

Gaylehere · Guru

Maybe we never "forget the milk". I keep an eye on what's in the pantry cupboard and never let our supplies get down so low. We buy the long life carton milk. One in the fridge and one in the cupboard and once the cupboard one goes to the fridge I will shop and that is with other food stuffs too. We only have the short wheel base Sprinter with the over cab bed which we use for storage and the dining area seating which converts to the bed. We use sleeping bags. It does take a little time to make up the bed at night and to put it back into dining area for day travelling but we have a routine. Sometimes we need to get up during the night so having a toilet on board is an asset and we free camp and there's not always a toilet at free camps or there's limited lighting. We have a solar panel and batteries so no need for plug in electricity. Our motorhome is a second hand (actually 3rd hand) ex rental. We've had it a few years now. We did have some problems with the emissions system back in 2016 with it going into limp mode. The Motorhome Conversion Company (Brisbane) always have some nice looking motorhomes on their web site so take a look for ideas. They will convert your vehicle or they can supply a vehicle. Adelaide may have a similar company. I don't know. Our sprinter is an automatic and both my husband and I can drive it though I don't drive it in built up areas and he likes to drive, but I think it is important that two can drive whatever you purchase so if there is any problems (sickness or injury) you not stuck. Anyway, all the best with whatever you choose. Different people have different expectations and needs. Cheers.

Geeco · Senior Member

There are benefits of both caravans & motorhomes, it really depends on what you want, First decision is caravan or MH. If you have limited use of your hands then the ease of setting up a motorhome compared to a caravan could be a consideration. Additionally you may feel that a bed with easy access is important. We have a fixed bed at floor level that saves us climbing ladders in the night. The convenience of an onboard separate toilet & shower for night time use essential for us. We like the convenience of EHU to ensure we can use our aircon as necessary. My suggestion is make a list of all the items you "must have" and another of the "optional" and then look until you find one that meets your list. If you decide on a motorhome I would caution you re hiring first. Most hire units are very utilitarian and can give you a bad impression on the breed. It is a little like comparing the interior of a taxi with the equivalent car.
After undertaking a review of our needs 3 years ago we did find a vehicle that suited our needs. It is a MH and we are very pleased with our choice. Yes we do have two bikes on the back but have never used them for shopping. If you do a little planning you will find it is easy to manage the food inventory.
Good luck with your next purchase whatever form it takes & remember the easier it is to use the more you will enjoy the journey.