Friends buying a Motorhome
We have 2 very dear friends who are very serious about buying their first motorhome and they have asked me to help them. My only experience of MH's is from the 80's when we had a 73 Mk1 Ford Transit Ci wayfarer (Lift up roof) my knowledge of today's models is very limited, so I would like to ask for your views and tips on the subject.
So they have been to the show last month, visited many dealers and narrowed their choice to 3 makes/models. Last night over dinner they told us they think they have found the one for them. Its a 1 year old Knaus Sun Ti 700 on Fiat chassis. with very, very low mileage. one problem is it's 150 miles away so if going to view we need to be armed with as much info as possible.
A few questions then.
What extras will they need? I assume a EHU lead, Step ?, Leveling ramps. Gas bottles. Anything else?
Should it come with the thermal blinds for the cab windows?
Does having the habitation door on the O/S cause any issues in the UK (club sites?)
Whats your experiences when doing the deal. Is the screen price set in stone or are some dealers open to negotiation.
All help greatly appreciated 
Comments
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The first MH we bought was a Knaus, about six years ago, and it was a great vehicle to drive with many good points.
To buy a one year MH I would suggest it has a decent size Solar panel (100 +), refillable Gas Bottles, a second Leisure battery and a B2B device – all of which are an investment and can be transferred to another MH at a later date.
Then you can go quite literally anywhere in the World and be self sufficient and Campsite prices could be a thing of the past.
Yes, haggle but if the vehicle really ticks all the boxes then don't just walk away unless you are confident you can get better elsewhere.
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Milo, look at the spec of a new model and expect all the standard equipment to be present in the secondhand one. If it’s not, that’s more haggle space.
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Thanks for all the info so far. much appreciated.
The vehicle in question has been upplated and has a claimed payload of 580kg. They do have the correct licenses and that won't be an issue for another 10 years. They also like traveling light .
One question that would be good to know. can you fit normal size bikes (with the front wheel removed) in the garage? Not a deal breaker but they are very keen cyclist with very expensive bikes and not too keen locking them on a rear mounted rack.
Thanks again to all who have contributed.
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Thanks for taking the time and trouble to go into so much detail BB.
I will pass all this information on to our friends and If they do go and view this particular van and I go with them I'll be sure to get some clarification from the dealer about the axle weight/payload limits.
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I assume the same principles apply as with a caravan when trying to balance it. i.e. if you have the low down locker space available you can just move the weight around to achieve the ideal loading's .
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Hi guys,it’s very difficult to get your first Motorhome right in every way ,I agree with what BB has said.Layout is very important,every one has different tastes and needs.We have had quite a few motorhomes over the last 22yrs including doing 10yrs in American RV,s.We are now awaiting delivery of our next Motorhome in week 1 of April and we think this time we have it right👍😂 It’s been a long journey ,so tell your friend to take their time and if it feels right for them then go for it. Good luck ,exciting times and enjoy your journey.
Brian & Jo
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Thanks all, just down to them now and parting with £50k +
if they take the plunge.1
