Down at the Rosehill Caravan and Camping show. Looking at Mercedes or Iveco platform, most of them look fantastic on the outside, however I am not sure if my standards are too high, but the materials on the inside are not quality, hinges are poor, some cupboard doors dont line up and material cheap with shower screens being poorly fitted, therefore in my opinion the fitout and finish is pretty poor, you would think that for nearly a quarter on a million bucks, standards would be better. However, I notice the Fiats fit out was better, but I dont want a front wheel drive. I note, Jayco was not at the show, nor was the Paradise motor homes who are apparently regarded as the best. The one we were looking at was the Sunliner Habitat 1, however I do like the Paradise Motor Home and the Austral Slide on described below, its a bit of a beast.
So, If anyone went to the show, Id like to hear your thoughts, also did anyone notice the Fuso Canter 4x4with the Fibreglass Slideon called Austral Motorhomes on the back, the guy let us in to have a look and I notice the fit out was Fibreglass and it was impressive and a tough looking Set up. Thats my say and view....
Would like to hear your thoughts...?
Cheers
Deno
bgt said
09:43 AM Apr 19, 2021
Paradise motor homes as the 'best'? I could tell you a few stories about them but I don't like lawyers knocking on my door.
Every manufacturer has their 'lemons'. Often third part components but who cares about details? Sit in on any happy hour get together and you wouldn't buy any thing.
Keep in mind it's easier to fix a broken engine or gear box than replace a bad floor plan!
And also if the quality was a bit off in a show unit what are their production line models like? Show units should be top notch.
I would consider a 12 month old unit. Something that has had the 'bugs' knocked out of it. The demand is so great at the moment I would be worried about the rush to fill orders.
Geeco said
04:03 PM Apr 19, 2021
IMHO the fit & finish on a motorhome habitation "box" is not all that impressive regardless of brand. Last year I started looking at finding a replacement for the mh we owned at the time. I was disappointed with the build quality of the broad range of locally built mh's upto $200k. I assume it is because they are basically hand built and often use average quality components , I assume, to offset the labour rates they need to pay on the assembly line. So I chose to buy another mh built in Europe. It is not perfect but as a value for money purchase it seems to be a better option than the locals. No doubt time will tell.
If you spend $150k on a prestiige car you expect good fit and finish along with quality in components. In my experience that is not the case with a motorhome.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:02 PM Apr 19, 2021
Most of this equipment is built and rushed out the door the last 18 months ! I bought second hand !!
Deno1 said
07:44 PM Apr 20, 2021
Thank you, for taking the time to write, really appreciate your advice. Going to have another look at the Sunliner Habitat AH1 as the storage and water capacity, together with the layout seems the best way to go. At least they dont want progress payments. Its our first purchase of a MH so a little daunting and I guess trying to do it right as much as we can.
gdayjr said
12:14 PM Apr 21, 2021
I was seriously considering a new motorhome, but after doing the research into my needs i am going to go with a caravan and van instead.
I was quiet taken with the Jayco optimum motorhome though. For the same price ($180k) i can get a brand new top of the line caravan, and a brand new Iveco Daily E6 van
Mike Harding said
12:32 PM Apr 21, 2021
Think long and hard about slide-outs.
A good concept and I would have dearly liked one for my caravan but I strongly suspect they will be nothing but trouble as the years pass.
Brodie Allen said
02:08 PM Apr 21, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Think long and hard about slide-outs.
A good concept and I would have dearly liked one for my caravan but I strongly suspect they will be nothing but trouble as the years pass.
5 hard years and not a spec of trouble. The mechanism is well thought out since
just about every MH in USA has at least one slide-out. A year ago I manoeuvred
the van at home and misjudged the corner of the house and forgot that the slide out
was extended and hit the corner and loosened 5 bricks on the corner.
The slide-out was scratched and dented -
but works perfectly!! Must be pretty substantial to withstand that abuse.
I don't know anybody that has had any probs - and I do get about for 5
months of the year.
Blues Man said
07:31 AM Apr 22, 2021
In my M/H ,the motor will not start with the slide out , out.
bgt said
08:53 AM Apr 22, 2021
We had a motorhome with two slide outs. PITA. In the USA all RV's have slideouts. (Maybe not all). The number 1 repair item for service centres is slideouts. I know folks who haven't a minute of problems. I also know folks, us, who had no end of issues.
If you are looking at an RV with slideouts the number 1 thing you should ask is "can they be retracted manually"?
An aside. In the USA we were camped in a state park. The ranger knocked on our door and told us tornadoes were heading for the park and that we should take shelter in the toilet block. Well at that very time I thought I would bring the slideouts in. Of all times the main slidout refused to budge. (Leafs on the roof). The tornadoes missed us by not much but went on to kill many folks. Slideout? I could write a book about them and why not to have them. Just MHO.
Aus-Kiwi said
04:09 PM Apr 22, 2021
I dont have them on mine ! The amount of people who come up to means say they wished they hadnt due to having to put sides out to use inside space ! Ok ours has less room . But as they say . Sometimes theres no room to put the skid outs , out . Then they have limited space inside !! I dont care too much either way ! Was surprised when I was told though !
Deno1 said
06:54 PM Apr 24, 2021
Hi Everyone, thank you for the great advice, appreciate it. Well today the wife and I bit the bullet and purchased the Sunliner Habitat AH1, 10months for delivery.
PeterInSa said
08:16 PM Apr 24, 2021
If you are going to Tow just ensure that the chassis goes right to the rear for a towbar. Spoke to a fellow Mh'er his did'nt and it was $10K fix, his solution to sell his mh and get another that he could easily put a tow bar on.
Warren-Pat_01 said
02:47 PM Apr 25, 2021
Hi Dennis,
It's a bit late now & I'm surprised that Possum didn't come across your post but he would normally get people to look at the caravan council - you can find many of his posts with the link.
There is also a Facebook page labelled Lemon Caravans. You've got a few months to research your purchase.
Deno1 said
06:56 PM Apr 25, 2021
Thank you Warren, we are checking the sites out, it a lot of money for a lemon, we will review carefully. I dont know if this is in the right section, but here goes. We have also ordered a new Suzuki Jimny to flat tow with a ABar, I know you have to have a dog clutch fitted in the Suzuki, what I would like to know is when you buy the Aframe and bracketry, that has been engineered certified, is there any other legalities that need to be considered in NSW.
Its daunting on our first purchase and I appreciate all the wisdom and advice on this forum.. Cheers ,
Dennis
-- Edited by Deno1 on Sunday 25th of April 2021 06:57:46 PM
oldbloke said
08:23 PM Apr 25, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Think long and hard about slide-outs.
A good concept and I would have dearly liked one for my caravan but I strongly suspect they will be nothing but trouble as the years pass.
Agree, they need a prop
Possum3 said
11:24 PM Apr 25, 2021
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
Hi Dennis, It's a bit late now & I'm surprised that Possum didn't come across your post but he would normally get people to look at the caravan council - you can find many of his posts with the link. There is also a Facebook page labelled Lemon Caravans. You've got a few months to research your purchase.
True WP, See Caravan council website to download free technical info and checklists Caravan Council of Australia
Lemon caravans and RV's do have a list of manufacturers and dealers to avoid - don't purchase without checking it out.
Geeco said
09:30 AM Apr 30, 2021
If you want good advice and fitting the towing hitch go to RVGO (RVGO.com.au) at Terry Hills. Ask for Michael Major. I have used them for over 6 years to do both Fiat and habitation work. Highly recommended.
Unicorn Traveller said
08:15 AM Mar 19, 2022
Hi Deno1
Did you ever get your HA1? We also have our order in but have to wait until mid to late 2023. Now I am reading horror stories about delaminating panels and other problems. Also hearing that warranty repairs are done in Melbourne and we would have to pay to get it there.
Do you have any news?
86GTS said
03:54 PM Mar 21, 2022
Almost all new RVs look the same to us, cheap laminate cabinetry, flimsy hinges on drawers & cupboards with cheap handles, all with bright LED downlights. A very sterile environment to be in, we think.
DeanoCasino said
04:25 PM Mar 21, 2022
Do confirm that the chasis goes all the way to the rear. We were looking at Sunliner Switch and it didn't. Around $7000.00 to have a chasis fabricated and engineered. Check it out before much longer
Brodie Allen said
06:57 PM Mar 21, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Almost all new RVs look the same to us, cheap laminate cabinetry, flimsy hinges on drawers & cupboards with cheap handles, all with bright LED downlights. A very sterile environment to be in, we think.
I agree with that. Recent years has seen both vans and MH's become white, sterile
glairey operating theatres without soul of any kind.
I remember the light honey coloured and woodgrained cabinetry in my old Majestic -
why can't you get this now?
Bloody freezer box to the eye in winter too.
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Monday 21st of March 2022 07:12:28 PM
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Monday 21st of March 2022 07:52:42 PM
Hi Brodie, couldn't agree more, stepping into our 12yr old Sterling is like being in the living room at home. All the led downlights are soft warm, the cupboard doors teak coloured wood and curtains at the windows ( those venetian blinds must be a bugger to keep clean). Very good friends who we often travel with, bought a new van about a year ago, very nice but totally sterile inside. Everything is either Black or White and the lighting is akin to the ones at the MCG.
To each his own I suppose and it would be a dull old world if we all liked the same things, but I reckon the old Sterling will see us out alright.
Buzz Lightbulb said
09:15 AM Mar 22, 2022
Unicorn Traveller wrote:
Hi Deno1
Did you ever get your HA1? We also have our order in but have to wait until mid to late 2023. Now I am reading horror stories about delaminating panels and other problems. Also hearing that warranty repairs are done in Melbourne and we would have to pay to get it there.
Do you have any news?
According to my understanding of the Australian Consumer Laws of there is a problem with the product then you are allowed to claim reasonable costs to return that product. For example, if you are returning a product by post you can claim the cost of that postage, or, if you need to drive to somewhere for the repair under warrantee then you can claim the fuel cost to get there.
A lot of businesses do NOT know the ACL.
mus429 said
12:30 PM Mar 22, 2022
Motor homes are not like any new vehicle. If you're buying one then you must appreciate that it wasn't built by a manufacturer but by 2 organisations that do not guarantee the whole unit only sections of it. So you forever have the complex issue of who is responsible for what and who pays. For example damage to the 'home' construction can be caused in part by the vehicle manufacturer's rough suspension, so the 'home' builder doesn't take responsibility neither does the vehicle manufacturer as they built it to be a cargo van not a motor home with all the extra weight constantly on the suspension. The load in cargo vans varies from full to empty and doesn't subject the suspension to a constant full load. Having a constant full load on any suspension has its issues.
My decisions in buying any vehicle is to do a lot of research and always buy a vehicle at least 2 years old. The euphoria of owning a new vehicle soon washes off with the initial depreciation and any list of warranty problems, if you can sort who is responsible. Some issues are easy like engine and gearbox but anything that pertains or could pertain to the weight being carried and the balance of the weight being carried could be a minefield. I'm surprised by how many Fiat owners have complained about how harsh their vehicle rides when they have paid those high prices you would think they could travel in comfort, however it brings me back to the vehicle's suspension being at or near its maximum carrying weight. The same vehicle probably rides very well as a delivery van when only half loaded.
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:29 PM Mar 22, 2022
mus429 wrote:
Motor homes are not like any new vehicle. If you're buying one then you must appreciate that it wasn't built by a manufacturer but by 2 organisations that do not guarantee the whole unit only sections of it. So you forever have the complex issue of who is responsible for what and who pays.
That is incorrect.
The selling dealer is legally responsible for the whole vehicle warrantee, despite his desire to tell you otherwise.
Down at the Rosehill Caravan and Camping show. Looking at Mercedes or Iveco platform, most of them look fantastic on the outside, however I am not sure if my standards are too high, but the materials on the inside are not quality, hinges are poor, some cupboard doors dont line up and material cheap with shower screens being poorly fitted, therefore in my opinion the fitout and finish is pretty poor, you would think that for nearly a quarter on a million bucks, standards would be better. However, I notice the Fiats fit out was better, but I dont want a front wheel drive. I note, Jayco was not at the show, nor was the Paradise motor homes who are apparently regarded as the best. The one we were looking at was the Sunliner Habitat 1, however I do like the Paradise Motor Home and the Austral Slide on described below, its a bit of a beast.
So, If anyone went to the show, Id like to hear your thoughts, also did anyone notice the Fuso Canter 4x4with the Fibreglass Slideon called Austral Motorhomes on the back, the guy let us in to have a look and I notice the fit out was Fibreglass and it was impressive and a tough looking Set up. Thats my say and view....
Would like to hear your thoughts...?
Cheers
Deno
Every manufacturer has their 'lemons'. Often third part components but who cares about details? Sit in on any happy hour get together and you wouldn't buy any thing.
Keep in mind it's easier to fix a broken engine or gear box than replace a bad floor plan!
And also if the quality was a bit off in a show unit what are their production line models like? Show units should be top notch.
I would consider a 12 month old unit. Something that has had the 'bugs' knocked out of it. The demand is so great at the moment I would be worried about the rush to fill orders.
If you spend $150k on a prestiige car you expect good fit and finish along with quality in components. In my experience that is not the case with a motorhome.
Thank you, for taking the time to write, really appreciate your advice. Going to have another look at the Sunliner Habitat AH1 as the storage and water capacity, together with the layout seems the best way to go. At least they dont want progress payments. Its our first purchase of a MH so a little daunting and I guess trying to do it right as much as we can.
I was seriously considering a new motorhome, but after doing the research into my needs i am going to go with a caravan and van instead.
I was quiet taken with the Jayco optimum motorhome though. For the same price ($180k) i can get a brand new top of the line caravan, and a brand new Iveco Daily E6 van
Think long and hard about slide-outs.
A good concept and I would have dearly liked one for my caravan but I strongly suspect they will be nothing but trouble as the years pass.
5 hard years and not a spec of trouble. The mechanism is well thought out since
just about every MH in USA has at least one slide-out. A year ago I manoeuvred
the van at home and misjudged the corner of the house and forgot that the slide out
was extended and hit the corner and loosened 5 bricks on the corner.
The slide-out was scratched and dented -
but works perfectly!! Must be pretty substantial to withstand that abuse.
I don't know anybody that has had any probs - and I do get about for 5
months of the year.
In my M/H ,the motor will not start with the slide out , out.
If you are looking at an RV with slideouts the number 1 thing you should ask is "can they be retracted manually"?
An aside. In the USA we were camped in a state park. The ranger knocked on our door and told us tornadoes were heading for the park and that we should take shelter in the toilet block. Well at that very time I thought I would bring the slideouts in. Of all times the main slidout refused to budge. (Leafs on the roof). The tornadoes missed us by not much but went on to kill many folks. Slideout? I could write a book about them and why not to have them. Just MHO.
It's a bit late now & I'm surprised that Possum didn't come across your post but he would normally get people to look at the caravan council - you can find many of his posts with the link.
There is also a Facebook page labelled Lemon Caravans. You've got a few months to research your purchase.
Thank you Warren, we are checking the sites out, it a lot of money for a lemon, we will review carefully.
I dont know if this is in the right section, but here goes. We have also ordered a new Suzuki Jimny to flat tow with a ABar, I know you have to have a dog clutch fitted in the Suzuki, what I would like to know is when you buy the Aframe and bracketry, that has been engineered certified, is there any other legalities that need to be considered in NSW.
Its daunting on our first purchase and I appreciate all the wisdom and advice on this forum..
Cheers ,
Dennis
-- Edited by Deno1 on Sunday 25th of April 2021 06:57:46 PM
Agree, they need a prop
True WP, See Caravan council website to download free technical info and checklists Caravan Council of Australia
Lemon caravans and RV's do have a list of manufacturers and dealers to avoid - don't purchase without checking it out.
Hi Deno1
Did you ever get your HA1? We also have our order in but have to wait until mid to late 2023. Now I am reading horror stories about delaminating panels and other problems. Also hearing that warranty repairs are done in Melbourne and we would have to pay to get it there.
Do you have any news?
I agree with that. Recent years has seen both vans and MH's become white, sterile
glairey operating theatres without soul of any kind.
I remember the light honey coloured and woodgrained cabinetry in my old Majestic -
why can't you get this now?
Bloody freezer box to the eye in winter too.
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Monday 21st of March 2022 07:12:28 PM
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Monday 21st of March 2022 07:52:42 PM
Hi Brodie, couldn't agree more, stepping into our 12yr old Sterling is like being in the living room at home. All the led downlights are soft warm, the cupboard doors teak coloured wood and curtains at the windows ( those venetian blinds must be a bugger to keep clean). Very good friends who we often travel with, bought a new van about a year ago, very nice but totally sterile inside. Everything is either Black or White and the lighting is akin to the ones at the MCG.
To each his own I suppose and it would be a dull old world if we all liked the same things, but I reckon the old Sterling will see us out alright.
According to my understanding of the Australian Consumer Laws of there is a problem with the product then you are allowed to claim reasonable costs to return that product. For example, if you are returning a product by post you can claim the cost of that postage, or, if you need to drive to somewhere for the repair under warrantee then you can claim the fuel cost to get there.
A lot of businesses do NOT know the ACL.
My decisions in buying any vehicle is to do a lot of research and always buy a vehicle at least 2 years old. The euphoria of owning a new vehicle soon washes off with the initial depreciation and any list of warranty problems, if you can sort who is responsible. Some issues are easy like engine and gearbox but anything that pertains or could pertain to the weight being carried and the balance of the weight being carried could be a minefield. I'm surprised by how many Fiat owners have complained about how harsh their vehicle rides when they have paid those high prices you would think they could travel in comfort, however it brings me back to the vehicle's suspension being at or near its maximum carrying weight. The same vehicle probably rides very well as a delivery van when only half loaded.
That is incorrect.
The selling dealer is legally responsible for the whole vehicle warrantee, despite his desire to tell you otherwise.
Cheers,
Peter