Advice Please For a Novice

[Christie]

Good evening All,
After careful consideration we have decided to look for a used motorhome. We are first time buyers and were thinking around £20,000 would buy a useable older model. We are both busy running our chip shops so we would not the get the benefit from anything more expensive at the moment. I was hoping for some expert opinions on what to buy and if I'm spending enough money. I am taken by an older Hymer but also love the low profile vehicles with fixed beds. There will be two of us Traveling along with our dogs. We love Travelling to France so left hand drive would not be a bad idea. We live in Inverness so we would get the odd night away from home up here as the majestic highlands are right on our doorstep. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The amount of choice of used vans is bewildering to a novice. For example 20k buys a 5 year old elddis or a 15 year old Hymer. That money would also buy a cracking swift caravan but motor home is where my heart lies now. I look forward to any words of wisdom from you happy campers.

 

[TonyJones]

Hi Christie - welcome to the Forum, and the world of motorhoming.
First, I'd say: be quite sure that your heart IS with motorhoming. Motorhomes are at their best when you're touring, by which I mean moving on most days: doing the things you want to do, visiting the attractions you want to see, and THEN finding somewhere to spend the night. Of course, you CAN stay somewhere for longer, but if you want to do that most of the time you may find a caravan suits you better. But if you're "one of us," those who love to wake up in a different place every morning, then a motorhome is what you need.
So, assuming it IS the motorhome way of life you want, how do you choose the right van on the "used" market? You really need to look at a few very different ones, because it's not so much the brand as the layout which is going to be important for you. So make a nuisance of yourself at dealers' showrooms and motorhome shows - poke around in a range of different vans, including new ones you know you can't afford, and imagine how the two of you (and the dogs) will "live" in them. Picture yourselves in each van, in daytime living (including cooking/eating), sleeping, and travelling. And ask awkward questions about the "payload" - that's the difference between the van's max permitted weight, and the weight "empty" (which may or may not include things like water and a passenger). Speaking of passengers, you said "two of us," but will you EVER carry anyone else? Because if so, count the seatbelts. Many older vans have fewer seatbelts than beds - but they'll all have at least the two in the front.
That's probably enough for now - when you've got some specific questions, or vans you'd like opinions on, ask away: there will be people here who can help.

 

[LizziePope]

Hi Christie and a warm welcome to the Practical Motorhome forum – and thanks very much for posting. I am sure you'll get lots of great advice from experienced motorcaravanners on here.

We've got a video on buying used 'vans plus lots in our advice pages online. Find out about the legalities of motorhome ownership, follow our 39 steps to get you touring today, or our 12 steps to your perfect 'van, or maybe our top 20 tips for beginners. We've also got advice on buying motorhomes at shows and auctions, plus general advice about what to look at when you're looking at used motorhomes for sale.

We hope that helps!

 

[Retread]

Travelling, and living, in a van with several dogs provides several challenges, dogs will by their nature insist on sleeping on the most comfortable area available, my niece has a van with a fixed French bed which her ridgeback has purloined on a permanent basis and allows her and her OH to sleep in the remaining space :cheer: The perfect answer is a high level bed for the humans ie the drop down in an A class. 20K will allow you a reasonable 2000+ Hymer and change. you will not suffer from a lack of amenities compared with more modern vans and the resale will remain solid.
Check out your real needs before settling on a Motor home. are you touring from place to place? will you spend several days parked on a site. Are you prepared to walk/bike or take public transport to your destination or would you prefer to use a car? lastly do you already own a suitable tow vehicle.