Hi all, looking to choose a motorhome around 7 meters, not much longer than that. I like the drop-down bed behind driving cab layout, would like feedback on the following models as they all appear very similar. Mainly focused on build quality and features at this stage in research. Appreciate guidance, in no order of preference
Sunliner Pinto or Winnebago Cottesloe or Windsor Daintree
My personal preference.
1. Paradise
2. Sunliner
3 Avida
4. Jayco
It depends on how thick your wallet is. Are you purchasing new or s/h.
Drop down beds can be a pain in the arse, for sheer ergonomics plus nothing like a bed jammed on the ceiling when youre tired.
We have had a Sunliner for 15 years in a Benz 516 chassis. We have had no major issues with her, however I must say the new ones are built nothing like the old ones. We were intending to upgrade to a Paradise or another Sunliner but they are just not worth yhe outlay nudging $300k
A seriously low klm pre loved with all or any squawks eliminated by the original owner.
All I can advise is ensure you have a rear wheel drive base unit, front wheel drives encounter slippage even on wet grass when under a Motorhome.
A quick look at Lemon Caravans and RV's Facebook site would definitely rule out at least one on your list. Our AVIDA leaked like a sieve, had numerous suspension problems, NCAT ordered a full refund + costs, dealer cited for unconscionable conduct. It cost us 4 years of grief and warranty returns.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
We had a Trakka Jabiru 4WD based on a Sprinter chassis and loved it very much. It was fitted with a large fuel tank so we could run the heater, shower and cooktop all on diesel. This meant no gas to worry about. It also had solar panels on the roof. It was a bit expensive but could go anywhere we wanted. We had to part with it last year owing to ongoing medical issues with my wife.
I looked at the subjects of your short list when purchasing our 2nd motorhome back in 2020. The Windsor & Winnie are both built by Apollo and appear to be well constructed to "rental tough" standard. The Sunliners we looked at appeared to be average build quality. However IMHO all three brands are lacking in the "style" department, that aspect was important to my wife. We have had two motorhomes both from UK/Euro builders, the current MH has a slideout that has caused a small amount of grief but the vehicle has been almost trouble free after 4 years. In future I will be avoiding slideouts or drop-down beds. Contrary to others on this forum I have only positive results from both my Fiat Ducato base vehicles. NO FIAT warranty claims in 10 years with regular services as the only expenditure. Ducatos are not designed for rough dirt roads so we avoid those and the only time we have been "bogged" was at Bellingen Showgrounds and the rear wheel drive MH next to us was also bogged. One other item to consider is if you both choose to go to bed at different times will the drop-down bed make that choice difficult by closing off the lounge area? We found the research was a fun part of the process, enjoy the journey.
-- Edited by Geeco on Tuesday 14th of January 2025 09:52:31 AM
Be very careful with front wheel drive Fiats if you ever want to tow anything too.
The chassis behind the cab is NOT made by Fiat and some are so light in the back end that a tow bar of significant capacity can not be fitted.
One of the main criteria in choosing a motorhome is deciding where you want to go with it. That choice is wider than when choosing a caravan.
Cheers,
Peter
