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Post Info TOPIC: First-Time Prospective Motorhomer
REBA


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First-Time Prospective Motorhomer
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Hi - We are having a good look around and trying to work out what's the best motorhome for our particular needs, and getting a bit sidetracked by all the options that are available. Definitely want to be able to drive on standard drivers' licence and looking for something in the 20' to 24'(or maybe 25') at a stretch in overall length. Interested in something with a walk-around bed (island bed?) or even 2 singles. Anyone got thoughts on the drop down beds? The ones I've seen so far all seem to completely cover the sitting & dining areas, which is not much chop if I'm a nightowl and my partner heads off to bed early and I have to maybe sit in the front drivers or passenger seats. Also what are thoughts on rear wheel drive versus front wheel drive? RWD gets lots of thumbs up but FWD seems to be okay if you've got the traction boost option. Any tips on most reliable brands of motorhomes...engine wise? I look forward to any feedback and helpful advice. Cheers-Peter



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Possum3


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Welcome, The single bed option with drawers under works best for us (In caravan) much more room and usable space but I do like the drop-down double in the smaller van type motor homes.

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Steel Dog


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Hi Peter,

We have a Jayco Conquest FA 24.3 2018, we bought it new, which is on a Fiat Ducato base (front wheel drive), it is 25'8" overall length (with bullbar), it has a slide-out queen bed and an L-shape lounge/dinette, we just love this layout for 2 people, also we have had a few extras for a bit of luxury.
We have had this for 2 years and are extremely happy with it, we also flat tow a Suzuki Jimny for a shopping trolley and sightseeing, in my opinion very necessary for these lager motorhomes.
Previously we had a smaller motorhome, also on a Fiat Ducato base and with a drop down bed, we had that for 2 years and found that the drop down bed was not ideal for people our age, we are now in our late 60's.
We have found that the Fiat Ducato is a great vehicle base for a motorhome, as it has a wide rear wheelbase and very stable, the front wheel drive is no problem, it drives really well as we stay on the black top only.
Some similar size motorhomes have a narrow wheel base and have more of a wobble, they even get knocked around on a windy day when stationary in a caravan park, so give the one you are looking at buying a good shake from side to side before you decide on your purchase, also it should have a towbar as you may find that you, as we did, end up wanting to tow a small car.

Good luck with your search.

Regards
Steel Dog


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Michael C

 
Peter_n_Margaret


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If you ever want to go off the bitumen at all, even for short distances, forget a Fiat. The front suspension in particular is simply not suitable and the FWD is a bad choice in those circumstances too.
I would suggest you choose something with a combined shower/toilet and as short as possible.
Extra length can restrict your options considerably. 6M (20ft) is the maximum length that you can legally park in normal street parking bays.
Cheers,
Peter


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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
PetaSmall


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Hi Peter, you are doing the same research I did prior to buying a motorhome. I now own a Knaus Sun Ti, it is marketed by Avan but fully imported from Germany. It is built on the Fiat front wheel drive Ducato and has not let me down in 3 years. The Fiat is excellent, I try to stay on bitumen although the motorhome does travel well on gravel as long as it doesnt get too steep. Ibe averaged 10 litres per 100ks for the 50,000ks Ive travelled. The Knaus is beautifully built and excellent quality. An island bed is easy to make, easy to access and is very comfortable. Separate shower on one side and loo on the other. Ducted heating. At 24 it is not difficult to drive and fits in most parking spaces. The most important thing is to be happy with your purchase as we all have our likes and wants, and we are all different. Stay safe and travel well.......... soon hopefully Peta

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Travel Safe and stay well. Peta. 
REBA


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Thanks for the feedback. We've just purchased an Iveco Winnebago Jervis with the 2 single beds and looks a winner.



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