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Post Info TOPIC: Advice re my first purchase and inspections
LoisKay


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Advice re my first purchase and inspections
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Hi Im wondering if I can tap in to the wealth of experience on this forum. I have never purchased a motorhome and have come across one I like the look of. Ive investigated getting a vehicle inspection using the RAA( Im in Adelaide) but they have made it clear they only do a mechanical inspection. Im wondering how I can get the camper part of the vehicle inspected. Sadly, I dont know anyone who has this knowledge and I certainly dont know enough to gauge the quality of the potential purchase. Any ideas? Thanks

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Dougwe


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Welcome to the gang LoisKay, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Not being a 'motor homer' myself I am not qualified to talk about your question I spose. That said, the main thing I would look for is water marks inside. Could indicate leaks and further problems. An electrician might be able to check the 240v side of things as might a auto electrician the 12v side. A gas plumber might check out the gas system. A lot of mucking around maybe. I would think the mechanical side would include suspension and similar items.

Sorry I might not have been much help.



Keep Safe out there.

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LoisKay


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All advice, and the welcome, gratefully accepted. Thanks,

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Ram Man


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Having bought a Caravan last November her is a few tips:

Does it have solar and how many Watts is the Panels,
Batteries what Ah are they and are they AMG deep cycle?
How big are the water tanks and went were they last cleaned also is there a water filter in line and how old is it?
Check the water pump they make noise when working but should have a strong flow.

As mentioned look inside the lockers for water stains and on the roof hatches you might be able see between the base upper and lower retainer frame a gap and any water damage.
Look on the roof for sealer being added, my van got a leak in February 2020 in the rear hatch was easy to fix but daunting at first,

Turn on all the lights and check the fridge is working on all power sources things like fans and cook top and AC.

It's pretty easy thing to do but I mentioned the Solar because I had no idea and the sealant around the hatch didn't catch me out but everything was great, but I am changing the solar soon.
Just a bigger system 400W the van only had 160W system now.

Hope this helps, if you have half an idea on mechanics and 12 volts you'll be fine.

Regs

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Ram man with a Van
dogbox


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Ram Man wrote:

Having bought a Caravan last November her is a few tips:


Does it have solar and how many Watts is the Panels,

Batteries what Ah are they and are they AMG deep cycle?

How big are the water tanks and went were they last cleaned also is there a water filter in line and how old is it?

Check the water pump they make noise when working but should have a strong flow.


As mentioned look inside the lockers for water stains and on the roof hatches you might be able see between the base upper and lower retainer frame a gap and any water damage.

Look on the roof for sealer being added, my van got a leak in February 2020 in the rear hatch was easy to fix but daunting at first,


Turn on all the lights and check the fridge is working on all power sources things like fans and cook top and AC.


It's pretty easy thing to do but I mentioned the Solar because I had no idea and the sealant around the hatch didn't catch me out but everything was great, but I am changing the solar soon.

Just a bigger system 400W the van only had 160W system now.


Hope this helps, if you have half an idea on mechanics and 12 volts you'll be fine.


Regs




if your going to ask a lot of questions you should have some idea what the answer should be. if the answer dosn't sound right you can at least question it and get another opinion a salesman will tell you anything

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JeffRae


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Can the RAA point you in the direction of a reputable caravan/motorhome repair/service organisation.

Even try a few caravan/motorhome repair businesses

https://caravanrepairssa.com.au/services/
https://www.adelaidecaravanrepairs.com.au/
http://www.sladescaravans.com.au/

There are quite a few in SA. Click Here

Cheers, JeffRae

 



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Jeff & Rae travelling in a motorhome
JeffRae


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You can even have a look through the list of recommendations from members of this forum

https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/f527150/mechanics/

JeffRae



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Jeff & Rae travelling in a motorhome
Possum3


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Check out all the technical information you need to know at Caravan Council of Australia www.caravancouncil.com.au/ Download all the appropriate checklists for free.


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LoisKay


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Cheers Regs. Will take that all onboard.



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LoisKay


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Thanks for the suggestions JeffRae.



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LoisKay


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Yes have got copies. Cheers.



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iana


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I would suggest joining the CMCA, they are more dedicated to motorhomes, and would probably have members in Adelaide willing to help you.

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