Very useful video. I would just like to add something for your viewers to consider too if i may. Consider how much mileage you plan to do in your motorhome/campervan. These vehicles are much more expensive to run than a normal car so bear that in mind. If you are planning to tour Europe etc then, depending on the model you have, you could well be looking at 15mpg or less in some cases. Remember you are carrying a heavy load which is going to make your engine, clutch and gearbox etc work very hard. Do not expect your vehicle to be bulletproof. Engines and gearboxes fail in motorhomes at a much lower mileage than in cars. Finally i would advise buyers to consider how aerodynamic the vehicle is. Overcab bed types and flat bodies sticking out wider than the cab can add a huge wind resistance which lower mpg and add more wear and tear to mechanical parts. In short, make sure you understand the running costs and get some good breakdown cover once your warranty runs out.
Great review. But before beds and cupboards and payloads and showers, research the vehicle's mechanical and structural condition. So service history etc is very important. If your fridge breaks, you won't have cool drinks or milk for your tea or coffee, but if the engine blows up, or the chassis is rusted out, you are up for big repair bills. Also, it will be off the road for a while. The bigger the vehicle, the fewer workshops that can handle it. It is not only about the payload a hoist or life can lift, but also "headroom", you are putting several tons of a [usually] TALL vehicle up into the air. if you have a reliable and skilled mechanic, that is good, but if the shop does not have the equipment to repair the vehicle, it is a no go. So definitely, an independent mechanic or garage to check the machine out thoroughly. Minor mechanical issues are not a problem, it depends on if you are mechanically inclined, or have a mechanic in the family or good friend. TIRES. Look at the dates on the sides of the tires. They may look great, plenty of tread, no uneven wear is good, but tires have a use by date. Tires work hard on heavy vehicles so safety is a thing, and they get weak and brittle with age. Sometimes even a brand new RV can sit on the sales lot for 12 or 18 months before they are purchased. Factor that into your replacement schedule. ideally six years is the limit, they can last up to ten, depending on use, but over 10 years is just deadly. The house bit. Looks for leaks and signs of mold or water damage, and unless you really know what you are doing , and are objectively confident that you can fix the issues, walk away. A lot of motorhomes need the silicon joint areas re-sealed every year, don't just assume it has been done. If you are not a victim of Dunning Kruger, and actually know that you can fix things yourself at reasonable cost, then go for a wreck, but for most buyers, no, walk away. If you do find issues, and want and can fix it yourself, research how much the parts will cost. Then you know that that engine water pump is fixable, and how much it costs to you to fix. Sometimes you can work these deficiencies into haggling over the purchase price. Know the vehicle. Many vehicles have special tools, some of them you will only use once. I have even come across a situation where the vehicle manufacturer will only sell the special tool to official dealerships for that vehicle. Not to independent workshops, and certainly not to you. For all these reasons, ten years is about the limit for the age of the vehicle you are going to buy, for all the reasons listed above. Only if you have the time, money, equipment and practical knowledge, should you take on such a project vehicle. Sometimes, especially with older vehicles, the parts may simply be not available any more, so you are reduced to the risky strategy of going round wreaking yards, with the real probability that your secondhand replacement part is little better than the part you took out. Anything like rubber and plastic is probably not going to be in serviceable condition if it has been in a junk yard for years. And metal parts are likely to be corroded.
People spend years and years planning and dreaming about what they want to do, and what they need to do it. They usually have zero experience and are getting all sorts of conflicting advice. Just buy what you can afford, and get out there. You will realise that what you thought was important isn't, and what you never thought about, suddenly is a big thing for you. Nothing beats experience, and then you know what you're looking for. Sell the first one and buy another ... Maybe that huge American motorhome is your dream. But in Europe it's hard to go into most towns with it, and hard to find a parking spot. It cost a fortune to run, and spares are mostly unavailable outside US. Maybe you think you need that storage space the size of a shipping container in your motorhome? Well, if your weight limit is 3500 kg, and you're already 4 people and your belongings, you're going to realise that if you put anything else but a bicycle in there, you're overweight. And believe me, police all over Europe check these things. They have "turtles" they put under your wheels that will tell them the exact total weight of your car. If you're bringing all the shit you think you can't live without, you're not getting far. Maybe you wanna go outside Europe for the winter? Better check your insurance if it cover you. I had my car broken into, everything stolen and all windows smashed in Morocco, and had to pay everything out of pocket. So the bed arrangement and number of sockets, that you worried so much about turn out to be the least of your problems... 😏
Some very good tips there ,, now renewing my licence at 70 and i want to keep C1, getting the D2 and D4 tommorow .....just need to try and see my GP !!!!!!!!!!!😂😂
Brilliant videos! Love all of your videos, especially the ones in Ireland since I travel there every year. Love listening to your commentary and looking at the scenery. Thank you so much for making these videos!!! 👍☘️
Kat love all your vids, but not sure i agree totally with your assessment of how much the dealers are making on each motorhome, i think they make more than the few thousand you suggest, per van sale. And that comes from me looking to buy private, for me to know what a second hand van is worth i compare the exact same model, mileage service history and age etc, and compare the private wish price to the dealer price, and the fifference, 99% of the time is way more than the couple of thousand you suggest. I do accept your other valid points regarding the overheads of the dealership, wages electricity insurance etc, and i also get that they are not benevolent funds, they are businesses, but i think they make slightly more than the couple of thousand you suggest.
A car dealer looks to mark up, say a £5,000 car by £1500. Out of that has to come all the things as you say. They are also liable for the VAT on the mark up (20% of the different between the buying in price and the selling price) I think that if they’re laying out £60,000+ they’re entitled to have maybe £8,000 or £10,000 to cover all their overheads.
When it comes to the 3.5 ton payload, hypothetically if you were slightly over the limit and driving on a cat-B license, what circumstances could you find yourself being caught out? Is there random weighing checks done by the police? Is there weight checks before getting on ferries, or going through tunnels? Where and when would this become a serious concern as I would imagine it would be fairly easy to go over the weight limit, even by accident.
A great video. Really not sure what we are doing. We sold the caravan thinking we might buy camper or motorhome but with kids finances aren't huge so it's trying to find something suitable at the right price. With the jumps in prices it's hard to find something that fits the bill.
I don’t know anything about them. Yet I’m trying to persuade my husband to buy one . I said we can even stay in a few years save money to buy a home . we would need one for 6 -7 people. Wonder if it’s possible ? Watching this channel for help 😊
Hi I'm new to your channel and would like to ask with regards to payload do you load up your motorhome then go to a weight bridge to check the weight?. Apologies if this is a simple question but I really don't know. Thanks
Hi Kat: Very well put together educated video for those not in the understanding around weights and correct licensing Etc. May I just share with you, The wording Granddad Rights is not really used today; The new wording used in replacement of Grandfather Rights today is - Acquired Rights. Enjoy your adventures from me Steve in Manchester.
This is great I have been eyeing up campers and motorhomes for years I'm considering getting rid of my car and getting a motorbike again in order to assist with motorhome costs. Anyone pay for one monthly and how much they pay? I want a 4 seater 😅.
Well explained video thank you Kat, I wanted to ask you if you also have any suggestions for Non-European long term visitors whether can buy motorhome in Europe and store while they are away. Especially what countries allow non-residents to buy and register motorhome and then store while they go back to their home country. Thanks for your input in advance. Cheers
Very useful video.
I would just like to add something for your viewers to consider too if i may.
Consider how much mileage you plan to do in your motorhome/campervan. These vehicles are much more expensive to run than a normal car so bear that in mind. If you are planning to tour Europe etc then, depending on the model you have, you could well be looking at 15mpg or less in some cases. Remember you are carrying a heavy load which is going to make your engine, clutch and gearbox etc work very hard. Do not expect your vehicle to be bulletproof. Engines and gearboxes fail in motorhomes at a much lower mileage than in cars.
Finally i would advise buyers to consider how aerodynamic the vehicle is. Overcab bed types and flat bodies sticking out wider than the cab can add a huge wind resistance which lower mpg and add more wear and tear to mechanical parts.
In short, make sure you understand the running costs and get some good breakdown cover once your warranty runs out.
Great review. But before beds and cupboards and payloads and showers, research the vehicle's mechanical and structural condition. So service history etc is very important. If your fridge breaks, you won't have cool drinks or milk for your tea or coffee, but if the engine blows up, or the chassis is rusted out, you are up for big repair bills. Also, it will be off the road for a while.
The bigger the vehicle, the fewer workshops that can handle it. It is not only about the payload a hoist or life can lift, but also "headroom", you are putting several tons of a [usually] TALL vehicle up into the air. if you have a reliable and skilled mechanic, that is good, but if the shop does not have the equipment to repair the vehicle, it is a no go.
So definitely, an independent mechanic or garage to check the machine out thoroughly. Minor mechanical issues are not a problem, it depends on if you are mechanically inclined, or have a mechanic in the family or good friend.
TIRES. Look at the dates on the sides of the tires. They may look great, plenty of tread, no uneven wear is good, but tires have a use by date. Tires work hard on heavy vehicles so safety is a thing, and they get weak and brittle with age. Sometimes even a brand new RV can sit on the sales lot for 12 or 18 months before they are purchased. Factor that into your replacement schedule. ideally six years is the limit, they can last up to ten, depending on use, but over 10 years is just deadly.
The house bit. Looks for leaks and signs of mold or water damage, and unless you really know what you are doing , and are objectively confident that you can fix the issues, walk away. A lot of motorhomes need the silicon joint areas re-sealed every year, don't just assume it has been done.
If you are not a victim of Dunning Kruger, and actually know that you can fix things yourself at reasonable cost, then go for a wreck, but for most buyers, no, walk away.
If you do find issues, and want and can fix it yourself, research how much the parts will cost. Then you know that that engine water pump is fixable, and how much it costs to you to fix. Sometimes you can work these deficiencies into haggling over the purchase price.
Know the vehicle. Many vehicles have special tools, some of them you will only use once. I have even come across a situation where the vehicle manufacturer will only sell the special tool to official dealerships for that vehicle. Not to independent workshops, and certainly not to you.
For all these reasons, ten years is about the limit for the age of the vehicle you are going to buy, for all the reasons listed above. Only if you have the time, money, equipment and practical knowledge, should you take on such a project vehicle. Sometimes, especially with older vehicles, the parts may simply be not available any more, so you are reduced to the risky strategy of going round wreaking yards, with the real probability that your secondhand replacement part is little better than the part you took out. Anything like rubber and plastic is probably not going to be in serviceable condition if it has been in a junk yard for years. And metal parts are likely to be corroded.
People spend years and years planning and dreaming about what they want to do, and what they need to do it. They usually have zero experience and are getting all sorts of conflicting advice. Just buy what you can afford, and get out there. You will realise that what you thought was important isn't, and what you never thought about, suddenly is a big thing for you. Nothing beats experience, and then you know what you're looking for. Sell the first one and buy another ...
Maybe that huge American motorhome is your dream. But in Europe it's hard to go into most towns with it, and hard to find a parking spot. It cost a fortune to run, and spares are mostly unavailable outside US.
Maybe you think you need that storage space the size of a shipping container in your motorhome? Well, if your weight limit is 3500 kg, and you're already 4 people and your belongings, you're going to realise that if you put anything else but a bicycle in there, you're overweight. And believe me, police all over Europe check these things. They have "turtles" they put under your wheels that will tell them the exact total weight of your car. If you're bringing all the shit you think you can't live without, you're not getting far.
Maybe you wanna go outside Europe for the winter? Better check your insurance if it cover you. I had my car broken into, everything stolen and all windows smashed in Morocco, and had to pay everything out of pocket.
So the bed arrangement and number of sockets, that you worried so much about turn out to be the least of your problems... 😏
Some very good tips there ,, now renewing my licence at 70 and i want to keep C1, getting the D2 and D4 tommorow .....just need to try and see my GP !!!!!!!!!!!😂😂
There are lots of places that offer a d4 and at a lower cost. I considered keeping my c1, practice wanted £100 but many offered the service for £50
Good luck with that! 🫣
Once again solid honest straightforward advice, thanks Kat❤
Good advice about the beds. I think the sleeping arrangements are the most important.
Brilliant videos! Love all of your videos, especially the ones in Ireland since I travel there every year. Love listening to your commentary and looking at the scenery. Thank you so much for making these videos!!! 👍☘️
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoy them 💕
Hello again mick from Hull thank for this episode I enjoyed it very much x
Glad you enjoyed it 🙃
Genuine sound advice. Thank you and well done.
Some great advice Kat, it took us ages to find the right van, but we got there in the end. Rgds Gary and Julie.
Persistance is key!
Another idea is to look at mileage, tyres, does it have a towbar?
Kat love all your vids, but not sure i agree totally with your assessment of how much the dealers are making on each motorhome, i think they make more than the few thousand you suggest, per van sale.
And that comes from me looking to buy private, for me to know what a second hand van is worth i compare the exact same model, mileage service history and age etc, and compare the private wish price to the dealer price, and the fifference, 99% of the time is way more than the couple of thousand you suggest. I do accept your other valid points regarding the overheads of the dealership, wages electricity insurance etc, and i also get that they are not benevolent funds, they are businesses, but i think they make slightly more than the couple of thousand you suggest.
You could be right. I’ve not asked to examine their books. But I don’t think (in most cases) there’s as big a margin as people think
A car dealer looks to mark up, say a £5,000 car by £1500. Out of that has to come all the things as you say. They are also liable for the VAT on the mark up (20% of the different between the buying in price and the selling price) I think that if they’re laying out £60,000+ they’re entitled to have maybe £8,000 or £10,000 to cover all their overheads.
When it comes to the 3.5 ton payload, hypothetically if you were slightly over the limit and driving on a cat-B license, what circumstances could you find yourself being caught out? Is there random weighing checks done by the police? Is there weight checks before getting on ferries, or going through tunnels? Where and when would this become a serious concern as I would imagine it would be fairly easy to go over the weight limit, even by accident.
Really good video and advice 😊
Thanks so much!
Fantastic advice again 👏 👌 Inside knowledge.. a typical dealer works on a profit margin of between 15 -20% 😏
A great video. Really not sure what we are doing. We sold the caravan thinking we might buy camper or motorhome but with kids finances aren't huge so it's trying to find something suitable at the right price. With the jumps in prices it's hard to find something that fits the bill.
It’s not easy at the moment. I hope you find something soon
Fantastic video ! Thank you so much ,very informative and extremely helpful ! Thank you !
Hitting a midlife crisis - is buying a camper van and pissing off a good idea? 😂
Definitely 👍
Quality description problems and solutions of issues.
Hi,quick note regarding seat belts,2x people and dog will need 3x belts.Easily over looked detail,thanks.......
Unless you cage them or have a secure point to fix them too. Many people put hooks in the floor, especially for larger dogs.
I don’t know anything about them. Yet I’m trying to persuade my husband to buy one . I said we can even stay in a few years save money to buy a home . we would need one for 6 -7 people. Wonder if it’s possible ? Watching this channel for help 😊
6 yes. 7 might be tough as you’ll struggle for seatbelts. Good luck!
Hi I'm new to your channel and would like to ask with regards to payload do you load up your motorhome then go to a weight bridge to check the weight?. Apologies if this is a simple question but I really don't know. Thanks
That’s the easiest way. Alternatively, weigh it beforehand then weigh everything you put onboard until you hit your payload
We have 6 factories fitted belts that a 5 berth
Hi Kat: Very well put together educated video for those not in the understanding around weights and correct licensing Etc. May I just share with you, The wording Granddad Rights is not really used today; The new wording used in replacement of Grandfather Rights today is - Acquired Rights.
Enjoy your adventures from me Steve in Manchester.
Thanks. Although, as a woman, I am in no way offended by the term Grandfather rights.
Very well presented....
I can't find link for the check lists
This is great I have been eyeing up campers and motorhomes for years I'm considering getting rid of my car and getting a motorbike again in order to assist with motorhome costs. Anyone pay for one monthly and how much they pay? I want a 4 seater 😅.
Great video, very useful thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Well explained video thank you Kat, I wanted to ask you if you also have any suggestions for Non-European long term visitors whether can buy motorhome in Europe and store while they are away. Especially what countries allow non-residents to buy and register motorhome and then store while they go back to their home country. Thanks for your input in advance. Cheers
Oh goodness- that’s beyond my experience sorry. If anyone else can help, feel free to chime in.
Good advice 👍👍👍
Glad it was helpful!