More on caravan versus motorhome

I have had a Swift Kon-tiki for nearly 3 years now. Up to now no damp, but we did have some issue's with the build quality of the interior. I do think the UK MH industry needs to look into their build quality compared to EU built motorhomes. But the way you read some forums you would think no EU built  motorhomes had any problems whatsoever. 

Last year in France I was at a camp site and I also spoke to a few people who had problems with EU motorhomes. But they all had one thing in common, they were all newish motorhomes. Not one of the older EU motorhomes had any major problems. I think with all motorhome manufactures (UK and EU) trying to save weight the build quality is suffering. 

I went to the MH show in the NEC earlier this to look at other marques and was not impressed with any of the UK built motorhomes and to be fair, none of the EU built motorhomes faired any better until you went into the higher price bracket. 

When we tried the "dark side" two in nine years,that was one of the things we missed ,the space a caravan afforded for the length,our good friends have a Bailey motor caravan,and because of the length tow a car,but when away with us,always leave the car at home,and they are very satisfied with their purchase,,(it seems well put together)but then so is our Bailey caravan

Actually an interesting debate.......

I have a BMW car & the OH has an Audi so we definitely appreciate a spot of german engineering.........

But most Hymers seem to have a "continental" front lounge which we don't want nor a transverse drop down bed, nor a rear lounge.....

There's probably going to be a Hymer that isn't any of those (?)..... I haven't looked,  but the ones I see seem to be (far) more expensive than Elddis or Autotrail vans......

Whilst fully understanding there is possibly a reason for this, someone (like me for instance) would be faced with diverting a much larger proportion of the family budget to buy a new Hymer, or buying a (noticeably) secondhand Hymer rather than a new UK van.

Since they are both built on the same base I would prefer the new van........after all I might get to retire one day and want to drive it round southern europe for 20 years......

my last two company cars were Audis, my last one was four years old and about to come to the end of its lease at the time i retired...

i bought it from the lease company, ran it for over 100k miles, gave it to my son who has added another 30k miles...

at over 15 yrs old, it appears to remain totally bullet proof.

if i was in the market for another car, i would rather a two year old Audi than (say) a new Vauxhall...
yes, an older 'premium' MH would have done (say) three/four years worth of mileage, but for many owners this might only amount to a total of 15-20k miles....or even much less....so, nothing for a commercial base designed to run flat out for 200k miles plus...

so, in the value equation, is there a comparison between (say) a 2013/4 Hymer/Carthago and a new Elddis?.....no, there is no comparison, its the premium van every time.

are there currently any 20yr old Elddis vans in existence, possibly, but cant remember how long theyve been in the MH market....

will there ever be (trundling around Southern Europe)?.... anyone's guess.

well Practical Motorhome is about as limp a critical publication as its sister, Practical Caravan. if their surveys as as 'thorough' as their tests, this wont be particularly skin deep....

Why that, BB? Is it because their survey doesn't agree with you "it's always better over there" out look, I wonder? 

Nellie, not at all, i actually bought the mag for a couple of months but it really doesnt get stuck in....however, in that respect, its no different to the Club mags, where the 'tests' are nothing more than a review (rehash) of the manufacturers latest crib sheet...

things arent always necessarily 'better over there' but, in terms of MHing and MHs, they are...IMHO, of course.

...and compared to a (German) publication like Promobil, the 'over there' mag gets my vote over PC, too....

Is Father Christmas bringing you another Anorak for Xmas

We have had caravans for over 30 years, now a MH for 5 years. Totally happy with both.

Like some on here we are not keen on the continental van layout, by that I mean we don't like the drop down beds, we don't like the transverse double bed or the island beds (don't offer enough room either side of bed) so that leaves us with twin singles which we prefer as they offer more space in the van, are easier to make beds and to access the overhead lockers.

We would (if changing) like a garage for the 2 new Ebikes. Which would mean the MH would be 7m + long with twin singles over the garage beds. Great for those who are still physically able to climb into a high bed (we are) but not so easy for those who are not. 

The other thing we don't like about continental vans is the little kitchen area, with the oven/grill at knee height, or so high its bordering on dangerous. Also the lounge/cab area, not keen on sitting trying to relax in a cab while there is 5m's of van not being used, what a waste.

The problem with this type of MH is the size, there will be some sites/pitches where it will be a tight fit and will leave you very little space to 'enjoy' your stay.

What suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another, so its a good thing there is lots of choice out there.

By the way we also have a Bailey, very happy with it. We have had damp behind the wheel arches, now fixed. Would I buy another? probably not as we don't like the newer models, also their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Would we buy foreign made probably if they made something we liked. Having owned both Audi and Mercedes cars,  lived in Germany for 20 years you bet.

no need, very mild at 12 deg down here, thanks

if i was in the market for another car, i would rather a two year old Audi than (say) a new Vauxhall...

But of course BB you are not making a like for like comparison are you....

(A cynic might suggest you realise that, but are desperate to further your "everything's better over there" argument......)

A two year old Audi is still an Audi, whereas a Vauxhall is, well, a Vauxhall.....

But a Hymer is substantially the same as an Elddis, or whatever, as in all the real engineering bits are the same, Peugeot or Fiat probably and your four year old Fiat Hymer already needs new cam belt, tensioners etc, 

OK your Hymer would have some posh double dove-tailed cupboards etc, but it's a lot of money for some fancy woodwork....