What to look for when buying a second hand motor home.

Lily2018 · Senior Member

What to look for when buying a second hand motor home.

Landfall · Guru

That's a loaded question if I have ever heard of one.

A lot will depend on the brand of fit out and the make of the vehicle.

The first thing I would tend to look at is for rust in the vehicle, especially around the windscreen and roof. Next take it for a drive and find the steepest hill you can and see how it performs on the hill, a long slope is better than a short steep hill.

Fridges are a personal choice, some like the three way style and others the compressor type. We have had both over the years and personally I like the compressor one, but you have to have the battery capacity to enable it to keep operating. Solar panels help with this. Using a motorhome is entirely different to caravanning, with the motorhome you tend to move a lot more frequently, this help with keeping batteries topped up.

Fit out depends on the company who performed the work, bedding is the usual wear and tear item along with lounge/bunk cushions.

Check the air condition is working OK if fitted along with ALL the gas burners on the stove.

Two gas bottles are better than one, I would prefer two 4.5kg than one 9kg for instance.

Reverse camera is very handy.

Another important item to check (for us anyway) is fresh water capacity, if you have an onboard shower and toilet the minimum size tank I would recommend would be eighty litres. This should last you four days if you use the shower daily along with cooking/coffee/tea, etc.

Cheers

-- Edited by Landfall on Saturday 24th of November 2018 12:27:37 PM

PeterInSa · Guru

Lily, Its probably hard to advise without knowing what you will use the motorhome for eg mainly Freedom Camping or Caravan Parks this could determine how much solar you will need and whether you look for a Compressor Frig or a 3 way.

Second Hand Mh's I think range in price from 50K to over $100K so it also depends on you bank balance. I have met a number of single people (with/without animal friends)who drive fully self contained Campervans like Sprinters, these come with high roofs and medium and long wheel bases and are very easy to drive, if you are single this could be an option.

Jayco motorhomes are the most popular on the road and in the past I have seen good units for around $60K.

Buying froma dealer you are covered to some extent by their warranty if things are broken or missing, but they don't cover leaks and wear and tear issues that may cost $ to fix.

The site below is aimed at US buyers but it raises some very good points.

www.tripsavvy.com/things-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-used-rv-2912458

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Servicing records help . Generally motorhomes dont get abused . Not servicing or changing oil etc . Radiator hose and fan belts . Brake pad condition etc . If they wear down to metal on metal ? A $150 fix could be 1000s due to rotor replacement etc .

woolman · Guru

The mistake we made was not being aware of availability , or lack of, spare parts. Purchased an Australian built motor home but only about 26 of the chassis imported. Not many parts supplyers carry much. Radiator hoses brake seals and front wheel bearings only available ex USA. Motor and is easy but nothing gone wrong with that. Neil

TheHeaths · Guru

Anne,

maybe an obvious comment, but from what I see, you have little if any experience in this type of travel. That is not a criticism, purely an observation.

You have done the right thing, came to this place and sought as much advice as possible. You have now got to the point where you have an idea of what you would prefer, ie the motorhome.

Can I then suggest that prior to looking at any purchase, you take the time to visit a hire place, look at various layouts, and then be prepared to hire those that interest you over a period of a month of two, for a weekend or so at a time, and find out what one works for you. This could include different layouts, sizes, equipment etc, and is probably the best way to get an idea of what is going to work for you. That is where you have an advantage over those who choose vans, as it is much easier to hire a motorhome and try, than find a van and tow vehicle to hire.

I am sorry, but all the input in the world from the good folk here will not mean anything once you have made a purchase, and found out the unit doesn't work for you somehow.

Have some confidence in the fact that you are the best person to know what is best for you, and what feels right. You may not get it perfect, but then neither did the rest of us, but you will get it closer, and know what compromises you are willing to make.

That is the best advice I can give you, and I wish you all the best in your search.

Lily2018 · Senior Member

Many thanks for the replies. I realise it was a very broad question and as Landfall said, a loaded one but it's always good to hear the opinions from those of you who have been out there and done it.

I would definitely get the motor home thoroughly checked out mechanically and have been looking at various sites selling second hand units as to the layout which I have now decided on.

As woolman says and it's one of the most important points I've seen from various posts here is buying a set up where spare parts are easy to source.
And service records would be a definite advantage thanks Aus Kiwi.

PeterInSa - I have been looking at Jayco and will investigate the sprinters.

And Ian, you make total sense. I will no doubt get something wrong but that's the way life works.
Many thanks again for all your advice and encouragement in what is going to be a large but hopefully happy new stage in life.

pipes · Senior Member

Whatever you settle for, don't buy a front wheel drive.

Pipes

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yep front wheel drive can have traction issues off road . But more importantly. Hell expensive to repair . Cheap to buy ! Sadly most are Euro base . Imo Japanese is better and cheaper to maintain . They have a vehicle, truck dealerships through out Aust .

Mike Harding · Guru

The fridge, gas bottles and the like are totally irrelevant - consider and worry significantly about the condition of the engine, transmission and chassis.

I *strongly* suggest you have these items checked by a professional whose report carries a guarantee of some type.

A fridge breakdown is an inconvenience - a crankshaft breakdown will cost thousands and may make you homeless for months - as I mentioned in another thread.

Tony Bev · Guru

It took me about six months of looking, before I brought my second hand motorhome

I shall put my hand up here, and say that I made the mistake of not doing enough research.
I was not a member of this, or other forums, so I did not ask any pre purchase questions

I purchased a 2006 Fiat Ducato, with a Jayco Conquest built motor home, with 30,000 Ks on the clock, and a price of $60,000 in 2014
I purchased it for the genuine low kilometres

Set out below is my opinion, from my own experience, if what I would do now, if I knew then, what I know now

If I was to do it again I would :-

Take a notebook, to take notes about the ones which interest you
Some motor homes, are nowhere near, what the advert says
Miles/maintenance
It is hard to tell if any second hand vehicle, has been abused or used
Low kilometres usually means, that it has not had too much abuse (if any)
If not low kilometres, ask to see the service record of the vehicle, if no service record, then walk away
Genuine people (like mysef), who like to do their own maintenance, will gladly show you a list of dates and mileage, and which parts, types of oils/filters etc were used
Fridge - I had seen four types of fridges being used
3 way fridge operated by 12volt/240volt/gas
12 volt compressor fridge
12 volt/240 volt compressor fridge
240 volt household compressor fridge

Ask if it is "T" (Tropical rated) - ask them to show you the model number, and write it down, then you can research that fridge
If it is an under the bench 3 way fridge, (of around 100 litres), then it is probably not "T" rated, (as I could not find one, to replace my original in 2017), and may or may not, work in hot weather
If it is a high two door 3 way fridge, it could well be "T" rated
If it is a 12 volt, or 12volt/240volt compressor fridge, it is usually "T" rated
If it is household 240 volt fridge, someone has installed (for cheapness), be aware that you will probably have to live in caravan parks
Solar - the brand and type of solar panel is not really important, it is the size which matters, and more solar is better than not enough
Some motor homes are/were built without solar panels, and usually have 3 way fridge
Providing the 3 way fridge works OK, and you change the normal (Incandescent) lights, to low powered LED lights, the built in charging system, may be good enough
If you have a 12 volt compressor fridge, then you must have solar panels
I fitted an under the bench 12 volt compressor fridge, to fit where the original 3 way fridge was sitting
My original 300 watt of solar, and (2 x 120 Amp Hour) AGM batteries, was good enough for my last summer trip over the east
But... at Greens lake I was parked up for a week or so, facing east west. I did not get the sun over my solar panel until about noon, and had to start the engine about one hour each day
Since then I have purchased a 160 watt lightweight (5 Kg) portable solar panel, which I have not yet used in anger
I shall report back to the forum, on this solar panel, after my next summer trip
Battery (Leisure/house batteries)
Some batteries are installed outside the vehicle, these batteries can be any type, as they can safety vent to the atmosphere
Batteries which are installed inside the motor home, must not be what are known as "Wet cell flooded batteries" as they can vent poison and corrosive gasses, inside the motor home

There are four main types of batteries, (which I know of), used in a motor home :-
Wet cell flooded batteries, which are the cheapest, and providing they are installed outside, and regularly topped up with distilled water, are OK
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) should not vent, and are normally installed inside the motor home
Gel batteries should not vent, and are normally installed inside the motor home
I can not say which of the two above batteries are best. I had an original 100 AH GEL (FULLRIVER) battery, which I destroyed using the original Jayco built in charging system
I now have BOSCH AGM batteries with a DC/DC charging system. (Charges from either engine or solar power). Which suits my needs
The fourth type of battery is Lithium - this is probably the Rolls Royce of batteries, and they are very expensive
Gas bottles
I have seen two sizes of gas bottles in motor homes
9 Kg (which holds 8.5 Kg of gas), and 4 Kg (which holds 3.7 Kg of gas)
Note that in most places, there is not much difference in filling prices, so you may as well have the larger bottle
It pays to have two gas bottles, for when one runs out
My motor home came with 2 x 4 Kg bottles, and I now have 1 x 4 Kg, and 1 x 9 Kg side by side in the same compartment, after reinforcing the compartment
Tyres
Most motor home (people I have talked to on the road), say that they stay on the bitumen, with perhaps a few kilometres of gravel road, to get into the free camps
They use normal road tyres, and not (more expensive) off road tyres
The original tyres on my motor home were Michelin Camper Van, (they are not sold in Australia), the front had been changed at 30,000 by the previous owner, rear tyres were still good, but changed because of age
I now have MICHELIN Agilis with a load rating of 121 - rear have done over 59,000 (and should last another 15,000 ?) - Front have done 42,000 and I will change them in another 3,000
The previous owner had put FEDERAL Ecovan tyres on the front, they both went egg shape, and the one I had fitted and removed at 19,000, was showing too much wear - I cannot recommend FEDERAL tyres
Make and Models - I will assume that you mean, make and models of motor homes - I only have experience of two
My 2006 Fiat Ducato with Jayco Conquest, cons are -
Fiat commercial workshops and parts, are very thin on the ground in Australia, sometimes a six week wait for parts from Italy (I do not know why)
Side sway is noticeable due to narrow chassis, and wide body
A very big ratio jump from 4th to 5th gear, so does not like the hills
Can not stand on the roof of the Jayco Conquest
Front wheel drive takes more out of the front tyres

A brother has a Ford Transit with a Winnebago motor home , about the same year and size of mine, cons are :-
Due to inside configuration, has to choose if he wants a lounge seat, or a bed
Pros are :-
Rear wheel drive, duel wheels at the rear, and no sway while driving
Parts easily obtained, ordered through any Ford dealer
6 speed gearbox, so better on the hills than mine
Solid roof, with much better insulation
Internet connection, sorry I have no info, the wife just obtains prepaid plans, as we are not on the road full time
If possible when you have decided on the vehicle you want, have it mechanically checked, and a written report, before purchasing it
Not sure which motoring organisation still does this, but for those not mechanically minded, it will be peace of mind

Jaahn · Guru

Hi Lily smile

My suggestion as well as those given is to get yourself to a city where there are one or more large dealers and wander the lots looking at all the ones for sale. Take your time and avoid the sales persons at first. Then you might after some time see what you think will suit your needs and tastes, as far as layout of beds, kitchen, storage, size, driving position, access etc. Do not worry about the milage and wear for a start. Then after a while you will know what you do not want, and how much you can get for your money.

Then you can concentrate on the types you think are suitable and talk to the sales staff and listen to what they say but do not believe it all. After this you can start to look at the details of the interesting ones ! Home work research and homework. Then see if you can rent the type you are interested in for a while to check you can really live with one of them. Then buy the best one you can afford.

Good luck !

Jaahn

Tony Bev · Guru

I would just like to say, that so far, in my opinion

Jaahn has probably given the best advice

2-Smiths · Veteran Member

One thing to be aware of is that many of the smaller "you can drive it on your car licence" motorhomes have - just like their caravan contemporaries - limited payloads.

It's all a compromise...

Buy a smaller unit (i.e. GVM'd at 4490kg or less), and spend time and effort ensuring that you are not above legal weight limits when fitted out and ready to travel.

Or, buy something a bit larger (upgrading to an LR or MR licence in the process), and have a bit more flexibility as regards layout, and the ability to carry the "necessities" of travel.

Good to see that the advice re: mechanical inspections has been a clear and consistent theme. We've paid for inspections on 3 different converted buses now (and a 4th coming up). We didn't purchase any of the first three for other, non-mechanical reasons (all buses stacked up well in that regard). It costs money, but should be considered a necessary part of your due diligence process.

Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase.

Lily2018 · Senior Member

pipes wrote:
Whatever you settle for, don't buy a front wheel drive.

Pipes

Yes, I've been recommended a rear wheel drive.

Lily2018 · Senior Member

Tony Bev - I've especially noted your advice re the Fiat Ducato and simply skip to the next ad whenever I see this. Many thanks for such honest, real life experience.
And great, detailed post that I will make notes from. Much appreciated.
Cheers Anne.

Lily2018 · Senior Member

Jaahn wrote:
Hi Lily
My suggestion as well as those given is to get yourself to a city where there are one or more large dealers and wander the lots looking at all the ones for sale. Take your time and avoid the sales persons at first. Then you might after some time see what you think will suit your needs and tastes, as far as layout of beds, kitchen, storage, size, driving position, access etc. Do not worry about the milage and wear for a start. Then after a while you will know what you do not want, and how much you can get for your money.
Then you can concentrate on the types you think are suitable and talk to the sales staff and listen to what they say but do not believe it all. After this you can start to look at the details of the interesting ones ! Home work research and homework. Then see if you can rent the type you are interested in for a while to check you can really live with one of them. Then buy the best one you can afford.
Good luck !
Jaahn

Hi Jaahn

I will definitely be checking out a lot of vans of various types before buying. I've already narrowed down what I want/don't want.

And getting an independent thorough check over from someone who knows what they are doing will be a top priority.

PeterInSa · Guru

Hi Lily,
I have attended a number of Campervan and Motorhome (CMCA) Rallies in some instances with well over 1000 motorhomes, campervans and some caravans. To me the most popular motor home brand there was Jayco built on the Fiat chassis, I personally would not write off a Front wheel drive Fiat motor home before talking to a number of owners.

I think the same layout on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter (rear wheel drive) costs around $10,000 more than the Fiat, so this could help the sale of the Fiat based Motorhomes. A Friend has recently purchased a new Jayco rear wheel drive Renault Motorhome, these I think are relatively new to Oz and probably not many in the 2nd hand market.

My background (bias): I drive a Long Wheel Base (LWB) High Roof Sprinter Campervan.

Peter

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 26th of November 2018 06:56:54 PM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Make sure it has a generator . 15 to 10 amp lead

Lily2018 · Senior Member

PeterInSa wrote:
Hi Lily,
I have attended a number of Campervan and Motorhome (CMCA) Rallies in some instances with well over 1000 motorhomes, campervans and some caravans. To me the most popular motor home brand there was Jayco built on the Fiat chassis, I personally would not write off a Front wheel drive Fiat motor home before talking to a number of owners.

I think the same layout on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter (rear wheel drive) costs around $10,000 more than the Fiat, so this could help the sale of the Fiat based Motorhomes. A Friend has recently purchased a new Jayco rear wheel drive Renault Motorhome, these I think are relatively new to Oz and probably not many in the 2nd hand market.

My background (bias): I drive a Long Wheel Base (LWB) High Roof Sprinter Campervan.

Peter
Hi Peter
Can I ask what brand your Sprinter is? I like the look of them but have read some negative reviews of Mercedes Benz. Wondering about the availability and cost of replacement parts.
Cheers Anne.

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 26th of November 2018 06:56:54 PM

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Make sure it has a generator . 15 to 10 amp lead

For the cost of a generator you can afford to equip it with batteries and solar which won't require you to carry dangerous fuel and which you can use anywhere without pissing others off.
The first requirement of free camping is to get along with others.

Start out the way in which you intend to continue.

Cheers,

Peter

Landfall · Guru

Lily, the VW LT35 is the same body/fitout as the Sprinter and has a good reputation. Only drawback for some is that it is a manual only vehicle.

Can be found relatively cheaper than the MB, parts readily available should you need them.

Local VW agent tells me that the engine/gearbox combination is good for 600,000km and knows of a couple of delivery vans with 1 million km's

I admit to being biased, we have one..