I am currently transitioning from liveaboard cruising yacht to liveaboard motorhome. I am doing the research now for a purchase in September but the choices are a bit daunting. I know it's a newbie question but I was hoping for some guidance from this community.
My budget is $90k. There is only me and a small dog. Without any experience I am thinking I like the club lounge layout and I would sleep in the Luton top. This brings my decision to a Merc or VW Kea River or a Fiat Jayco Conquest.
I like the factory refurbished Kea idea. Are the vehicle as good as they look?
Suitable vehicles are available all over the country and travelling to see them will get expensive. Do you make an offer unseen? Dealer or Private purchase?
Some 2016 vehicles are cheaper than a 2007 model. Is year important in the decision? If it was a car it would be.
FWD or RWD or doesn't matter?
If I buy it interstate how do I get a Qld Roadworthy?
Sprinter, Crafted of Ducato?
Currently I am cruising the Queensland Coast so looking at vehicles is impossible. Google helps but presents more questions than answers.
If there is anything I am missing, or if I am heading in the wrong direction your input would be appreciated.if anyone has a vehicle that fits the bill for a September sale I would be interested too.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:03:27 AM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:04:21 AM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:07:20 AM
Dougwe said
07:38 AM Apr 12, 2021
Welcome to the gang Alan, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Not being a Motorhome traveler I will let those that do have their input for you.
I will say though, keep researching as you have plenty of time yet. Out of the three your mention I see heaps of each around so can't be too bad. If one tickles your fancy and ticks all the boxes and is in good nick cosmetically and mechanically I would go for it. IMO.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Mike Harding said
07:56 AM Apr 12, 2021
As you are intending to live in it have you considered a caravan/car combination instead of a MH?
bgt said
08:37 AM Apr 12, 2021
I would suggest figuring out what type of traveling you want first before the motorhome you 'think' you want. Some motorhomes are suited for caravan parks while others a better suited for free camping.
As for price just be aware that some private sellers have a very high opinion of what their RV is worth!
The Merc body has walls that curve inward at the top. That affects storage. The Fiat has straight walls. (In campervans).
Look for size of things you cant change. Like water tanks and grey tanks. You can always upgrade solar and batteries.
We have friends with a refurbished KEA. They are very happy with it. I think there is a KEA owners group.
Good luck.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:32 AM Apr 12, 2021
"Where do you want to go?" is the first ad most important question.
Personally, I would never buy a FWD Fiat. I have seen too many spinning their wheels on flat damp grass, even on wet bitumen with a small slope. Also, the rear chassis may not be suitable for a tow bar. The Chassis is NOT made by Fiat.
Secondly, as a first time MH owner, you would be well advised to hire a couple for a week or 2 before you buy to get a feel for what suits you, then buy second hand because you are very likely to change your mind after a couple of years.
Cheers,
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
09:49 AM Apr 12, 2021
Theres SO many options whatever you get . On top of that theres so many different lifestyles!! Then theres budgets etc . How long if any time you want to spend free camping etc ?? This can depend on individual preferences and set up . There could be two MH with same build but with different solar, battery etc up etc . This would be the same with caravan or any means of accommodation.. As all others have said I tend not to like front wheel drive . Not just for traction . Its servicing trans etc !! They are so pricy to fix !! Remember you pass opposite to boats and you have to give way !! Happy sailing opps traveling !
bgt said
10:15 AM Apr 12, 2021
Peter you keep repeating your opinion of Fiats spinning their wheels. We have had ours in 6inch deep water on grass. No sign of spinning wheels. Europe has thousands of Fiats and they have snow and ice. It's a drive/loading issue. And rear overhang taking weight off the drive wheels of any FWD.
Thousands of happy Fiat owners in Australia.
Possum3 said
10:33 AM Apr 12, 2021
bgt wrote:
Peter you keep repeating your opinion of Fiats spinning their wheels. We have had ours in 6inch deep water on grass. No sign of spinning wheels. Europe has thousands of Fiats and they have snow and ice. It's a drive/loading issue. And rear overhang taking weight off the drive wheels of any FWD. Thousands of happy Fiat owners in Australia.
The problem seems to be exasperated in Australia due to the tendency of Australian MH manufacturers building units unsuited to FWD vehicle with scant regard to mass beyond the rear wheels. It is not a problem of the original FWD Trucks simply a design failure of Australian MH Manufacturers in the main.
Tony Bev said
10:35 AM Apr 12, 2021
Welcome to the forum, Willi Crash, and I hope that you do not crash
My opinion, while trying to answer some of your questions
I am thinking I like the club lounge layout and I would sleep in the Luton top In the hotter months, the higher you are, then the hotter it will be
This brings my decision to a Merc or VW Kea River or a Fiat Jayco Conquest. I have the Fiat Jayco Conquest, in my Avatar, as I like to do my own maintenance, (while I am still able) I can not recommend this vehicle, as the service agents and spare parts, are very few and far between
Do you make an offer unseen? I would never make an offer unseen, as there are too many scammers out there
FWD or RWD or doesn't matter? It depends where you wish to go. I have a FWD, but I would never think of going off-road If you are thinking of going off-road, then the RWD is far superior
bgt said
10:58 AM Apr 12, 2021
Possum3 you hit the nail on the head. Have a look at any C Class motorhome. Regardless of the manufacturer of the cab. The ADR use to be, and I believe still is, the 60% rule. Well many C Class motorhome are built to that standard. They look like they will tip up at anytime. And that's without taking into account what weight distribution is.
It's not a Fiat issue. It's a weight distribution issue. And throw in a pinch of driver error.
Caveat - We have a Fiat campervan. Long wheel base. Almost no rear overhang. I have parked on wet grass. Have had to put leveling block under it on slopes. Parked in great spots and rain over night were sitting in a small lake. Never an issue with wheel spin.
+ have a look at the crap tyres most motorhomes come with.
Gus1949 said
02:28 PM Apr 12, 2021
Have you considered a caravan and tow vehicle? A motor home is great if you are constantly on the move with minimal stays in any one place where as a caravan is more suited to travel when you plan to stay put for a while in places as you travel. A caravan is a pain in the but if you are moving every two or three days and a MH is a pain if you want to stay in one place for an extended period of time. We have friends who went from a caravan to a MH and found they had to buy an annex and a small vehicle to use for those times when they were staying in one place for a number of weeks. Packing up the MH was a nuisance if you just wanted to go shopping or go out for the day.
There is lots of good info on other posts here so best of luck sorting out what you decide on.
msg said
02:54 PM Apr 12, 2021
May I ask why a MH is a pain if you want to say in one place for an extended period. I have parked up and lived in mine for three months. Still easier to pack up and go and get that bottle of milk everyone harps on.
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:06 PM Apr 12, 2021
Gus1949 wrote:
Have you considered a caravan and tow vehicle? A motor home is great if you are constantly on the move with minimal stays in any one place where as a caravan is more suited to travel when you plan to stay put for a while in places as you travel. A caravan is a pain in the but if you are moving every two or three days and a MH is a pain if you want to stay in one place for an extended period of time. We have friends who went from a caravan to a MH and found they had to buy an annex and a small vehicle to use for those times when they were staying in one place for a number of weeks. Packing up the MH was a nuisance if you just wanted to go shopping or go out for the day. There is lots of good info on other posts here so best of luck sorting out what you decide on.
As a long term motorhome owner I would have to strongly disagree.
We can pack up and move in less time that it takes most caravanners to line up the tow ball. And at 6m long there is no need to tow another vehicle and we have the convenience of being able to park at the shops and pack our shopping directly into the fridge and freezer, then make a coffee or have lunch.
Then if we are out on a "day trip" and find a nice spot we can simply pull up and spend the night.
We will even take the motorhome when going out to dinner at friend's homes, just in case we have one red too many and need to spend the night.
And at 6m we can go places that caravan combinations that are double that length or more can only dream about.
"The difference between Ordeal and Adventure is Attitude" I like that.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Monday 12th of April 2021 03:13:21 PM
Willi Crash said
05:48 PM Apr 12, 2021
Wow! Thank you, all good and thought provoking. I had dismissed thought of caravan and tow vehicle. I like the idea of comfort but having a vehicle to "go into town" does appeal. A lot to think about.
ramblegambol said
11:42 PM Apr 12, 2021
Hi There,
On searching for my second hand motorhome a few years ago I found that it's good to try on a few makes for personal size- especially if you will be a full timer. Personal liking for particular layout is important too.
If you're tall, you need to check you can stand up in the shower (as well as the rest) and can fit comfortably in the Luton bed. I found Mercedes & VW motorhomes tended to suit a taller person better.
Fulltiming requires adequate water, food and gas storage, and good security.
I hired a small campervan for two weeks after returning from abroad and set out to look at a shortlist all round Queensland. After trying a few makes on for size I found which ads/makes were not worth chasing, and narrowed the list down, and found what I was after and bought it. You need a working mobile phone and a checklist that you will add to after seeing a few, and a couple of weeks minimum. A big sales yard with many makes is a good place to start learning what you need. Buying sight unseen without much knowledge of what range of motorhome is available could be pretty chancy- and could cramp your future lifestyle!
Wishing you the best in your choosing and buying!
Mike Harding said
06:49 AM Apr 13, 2021
Willi Crash wrote:
Wow! Thank you, all good and thought provoking. I had dismissed thought of caravan and tow vehicle. I like the idea of comfort but having a vehicle to "go into town" does appeal. A lot to think about.
Also keep in mind that if you are intending to *live* in a motorhome as opposed to *holiday* in one then any mechanical breakdown which requires the vehicle to spend time in a workshop will instantly make you homeless whereas with a caravan it can be towed to the nearest caravan park whilst you await repairs to the tow vehicle.
Having *lived* in my caravan for 2.5 years now there is no way I would change to a motorhome.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:56 AM Apr 13, 2021
We lived in the motorhome (in Norway) for 3 days while a major repair was done.
We carry 300L of water and we can park in the city. You can't do that in a caravan.
I am currently transitioning from liveaboard cruising yacht to liveaboard motorhome. I am doing the research now for a purchase in September but the choices are a bit daunting. I know it's a newbie question but I was hoping for some guidance from this community.
My budget is $90k. There is only me and a small dog. Without any experience I am thinking I like the club lounge layout and I would sleep in the Luton top. This brings my decision to a Merc or VW Kea River or a Fiat Jayco Conquest.
I like the factory refurbished Kea idea. Are the vehicle as good as they look?
Suitable vehicles are available all over the country and travelling to see them will get expensive. Do you make an offer unseen? Dealer or Private purchase?
Some 2016 vehicles are cheaper than a 2007 model. Is year important in the decision? If it was a car it would be.
FWD or RWD or doesn't matter?
If I buy it interstate how do I get a Qld Roadworthy?
Sprinter, Crafted of Ducato?
Currently I am cruising the Queensland Coast so looking at vehicles is impossible. Google helps but presents more questions than answers.
If there is anything I am missing, or if I am heading in the wrong direction your input would be appreciated.if anyone has a vehicle that fits the bill for a September sale I would be interested too.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:03:27 AM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:04:21 AM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 12th of April 2021 07:07:20 AM
Not being a Motorhome traveler I will let those that do have their input for you.
I will say though, keep researching as you have plenty of time yet. Out of the three your mention I see heaps of each around so can't be too bad. If one tickles your fancy and ticks all the boxes and is in good nick cosmetically and mechanically I would go for it. IMO.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
As you are intending to live in it have you considered a caravan/car combination instead of a MH?
As for price just be aware that some private sellers have a very high opinion of what their RV is worth!
The Merc body has walls that curve inward at the top. That affects storage. The Fiat has straight walls. (In campervans).
Look for size of things you cant change. Like water tanks and grey tanks. You can always upgrade solar and batteries.
We have friends with a refurbished KEA. They are very happy with it. I think there is a KEA owners group.
Good luck.
Personally, I would never buy a FWD Fiat. I have seen too many spinning their wheels on flat damp grass, even on wet bitumen with a small slope. Also, the rear chassis may not be suitable for a tow bar. The Chassis is NOT made by Fiat.
Secondly, as a first time MH owner, you would be well advised to hire a couple for a week or 2 before you buy to get a feel for what suits you, then buy second hand because you are very likely to change your mind after a couple of years.
Cheers,
Peter
The problem seems to be exasperated in Australia due to the tendency of Australian MH manufacturers building units unsuited to FWD vehicle with scant regard to mass beyond the rear wheels. It is not a problem of the original FWD Trucks simply a design failure of Australian MH Manufacturers in the main.
Welcome to the forum, Willi Crash, and I hope that you do not crash
My opinion, while trying to answer some of your questions
In the hotter months, the higher you are, then the hotter it will be
I have the Fiat Jayco Conquest, in my Avatar, as I like to do my own maintenance, (while I am still able)
I can not recommend this vehicle, as the service agents and spare parts, are very few and far between
I would never make an offer unseen, as there are too many scammers out there
It depends where you wish to go. I have a FWD, but I would never think of going off-road
If you are thinking of going off-road, then the RWD is far superior
It's not a Fiat issue. It's a weight distribution issue. And throw in a pinch of driver error.
Caveat - We have a Fiat campervan. Long wheel base. Almost no rear overhang. I have parked on wet grass. Have had to put leveling block under it on slopes. Parked in great spots and rain over night were sitting in a small lake. Never an issue with wheel spin.
+ have a look at the crap tyres most motorhomes come with.
There is lots of good info on other posts here so best of luck sorting out what you decide on.
As a long term motorhome owner I would have to strongly disagree.
We can pack up and move in less time that it takes most caravanners to line up the tow ball.
And at 6m long there is no need to tow another vehicle and we have the convenience of being able to park at the shops and pack our shopping directly into the fridge and freezer, then make a coffee or have lunch.
Then if we are out on a "day trip" and find a nice spot we can simply pull up and spend the night.
We will even take the motorhome when going out to dinner at friend's homes, just in case we have one red too many and need to spend the night.
And at 6m we can go places that caravan combinations that are double that length or more can only dream about.
"The difference between Ordeal and Adventure is Attitude" I like that.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Monday 12th of April 2021 03:13:21 PM
On searching for my second hand motorhome a few years ago I found that it's good to try on a few makes for personal size- especially if you will be a full timer. Personal liking for particular layout is important too.
If you're tall, you need to check you can stand up in the shower (as well as the rest) and can fit comfortably in the Luton bed. I found Mercedes & VW motorhomes tended to suit a taller person better.
Fulltiming requires adequate water, food and gas storage, and good security.
I hired a small campervan for two weeks after returning from abroad and set out to look at a shortlist all round Queensland. After trying a few makes on for size I found which ads/makes were not worth chasing, and narrowed the list down, and found what I was after and bought it. You need a working mobile phone and a checklist that you will add to after seeing a few, and a couple of weeks minimum. A big sales yard with many makes is a good place to start learning what you need. Buying sight unseen without much knowledge of what range of motorhome is available could be pretty chancy- and could cramp your future lifestyle!
Wishing you the best in your choosing and buying!
Also keep in mind that if you are intending to *live* in a motorhome as opposed to *holiday* in one then any mechanical breakdown which requires the vehicle to spend time in a workshop will instantly make you homeless whereas with a caravan it can be towed to the nearest caravan park whilst you await repairs to the tow vehicle.
Having *lived* in my caravan for 2.5 years now there is no way I would change to a motorhome.
We lived in the motorhome (in Norway) for 3 days while a major repair was done.
We carry 300L of water and we can park in the city. You can't do that in a caravan.
2/3rds of Australia is out of bounds to caravans.
Cheers,
Peter