I have been looking for a motorhome for some time now. Was wondering if any one has one of the KEA ex rental ones. They appear to be a good deal and have everything I need. What are the things I need to look out for? All advice or experiences would be much appreciated. Thanks.
My girlfriend has just bought herself a KEA ex rental from Brisbane. She is now in SA somewhere. I checked it out last month and she's very happy with her new home. I still prefer the caravan and tug option. Make sure you check everything inside and outside, in cupboards, bathroom, under bed, the stove, fridge etc. There were a few things she had fixed, but generally she's very happy. She's now setting up a small car with an A frame for towing. There are only a couple of cars which are now suitable to be towed this way, otherwise you have to use a trailer. Also make sure the motor is powerful enough to carry the load you intend to carry. They don't have very big motors. My friend's is a turbo diesel 2.6 or 3 litre or similar, manual. Check the motor and gear box for any odd noises, or take someone mechanical with you to check these things out. Check radiator and dip stick for signs of oil in water or water in oil, brakes and wheel bearings, and ask lots of questions. She was a little disappointed with the dealer's attitude and after sales service, so keep them on their toes so you get what you want. All the best. Safe and happy travels.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Thanks CG. That makes me a little bit happier. Will make sure I get those things checked out before I buy. Looking at the Transit van. The one without the luton top.
I guess attitude seems to be a problem everywhere. Is it too much to ask from salesmen that you get an honest deal? or an answer so that you can make an informed decision. (impossible)
HW's experience is typical.
Will have to see how I go but would not expect to tow a car as well. It would rather be defeating the purpose. Not living in it full time, but expect to take trips for fairly long periods and will need to be fairly self contained. Frequent trips to FSWQ.
Also confirm CG, check all over particular is to look out for any knock or damage taken to any corner of the house body top. This may eventualy cause water damage if has been repaired. When you have a mecanical inspection they focus on the vehicle and the house part is usualy just glanced at.
I found that an ex-rental is also lacking on storage space and fridge size. They are made for the purpose of rental short trip use and therefore not usualy setup for longer term with extra storage under body and cupboards particulaly.
Further what extras for longer term travel has been installed ie solar, extra fuel capacity, water capacity. These are all things that could add to the price lateer in seting up.
We were tilt-trailer towing a car now flat towinf a Suzi GV and love it but a plus is the extra power in the engine it is Mitsu Canter Turbo Dsl. Recomend Turbo in anything you look at or slow going if you do eventualy tow also look at its tow capacity a Transit Van would be limited.
Hope this helps a little more
-- Edited by Alan8888 on Monday 28th of February 2011 11:24:26 AM
Truly Chi Chi... the dealers arent all "bast**ds"! I'm sure theres very few of the the type poor HW has been suffering with. We are treated like family when we visit the place where we bought our van, they are great!
Will certainly look over the body particularly underneath. I won't need 4x4 but tracks are dirt and at times can be rough. Good Point. According to the specs they have solar. I will need an extra fridge and if the solar isn't enough I think all I would need is extra panel and a genny to make sure. Will be taking an electrician w me to inspect. (He's also an experienced bushman) yep adds to expense. So the main thing will be making sure it won't fall apart.
Where I'm going, no phones, TV or Computer available. So only need light and fridge power. A fan would be a nice luxury. Only packing for one. Although will need heaps of drinking water which is heavy. Have camped there previously, main issues were fridge, flys and toilet facilities. Can rely on artesion water for washing and if in dire straits can drink it. Big concern is reliability of vehicle out in the middle of no where and making sure I have a disaster plan. At least will have people at other end expecting me.
Hope you find what you are looking for ChiChi. As I said in my post I have bought 4 vehicles since arriving in Aus back in 1997 and this is the only one I would be disappointed with. Can't fault the others at all.
Just sent you a pm, the KEA used van coordinator for all states is called Norman Roe (see their website) and is a really nice bloke to talk to and will give you some good feedback etc without all the bulldust, Regards Vic
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
Power is always a juggle. We have 3x80w Solar Panels which charge 420 ah worth of battery storage.
Fine for 190lt upright Waeco 12v, a laptop, LCD 19" TV, Sat Reciever all 12v. And lights and have had no problem.
If you set up with solar and batteries adequate for the demand there will be no use of Generator.
At the least with enough battery capacity and if you use a generator for hour or so in daylight then stored power lasts for your night use. Then no need to run noisy generator.
Always suprised how many people start a generator when sun goes down just shows power storage is little lacking for the night use.
Thanks HW. I hope so too. Getting a little tired of myself not making any decisions.
Not sure about that Gerty, best to know what you want and don't fall for the pitch. Been involved with Dealerships most of life. Heard a lot of bragging and stories.
Alan, understand what you mean. BIL is familiar with solar requirements and will point in right direction I am sure. Jenny would be for insurance purposes. Like me doing something stupid.(always possible lol) Hope I don't need to use it. As you said these vans don't have a lot of storage room and may not be able to fit another battery. They also only have 1x4kg gas bottle. I will need to consider how that will serve. It may also be another space problem. Where I'm going its 300k round trip to shops.
One 4kg gas bottle should give you about 7 to 10 days, for cooking and running the fridge all day and night. Also, a 4kg bottle will weigh 8kg approx when full, so if you weigh it on your bathroom scales you can work out how much gas you have left, there are other methods of course, this is just one if you have the gas bottle disconnected. Hope that helps,
Vic
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
My friend's motorhome is on a Ford Transit body and whatever diesel motor they put in them. The body already adds a lot of weight. Add to that another vehicle in tow, even if it is a Barina, it's another burden on the little motor. It sounds like you have some good advice to go ahead and make your decision to suit your needs. Safe and happy travels.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
