Articles

Motorhome Types - Fixed Roof Panel Van - 18 May 2010

Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, delivered to the marketplace by  many manufacturers in many countries. These vehicles however are generally categorised  as either a panel van (vehicles that use the original body of the van) or a coach built (using a purpose built habitation area, mounted on a suitable chassis).
Using a Fixed Roof Panel Van is a natural way to create a leisure vehicle. The creation of a Fixed Roof van is often referred to as a conversion vehicle and is a common starting point for the DIY builder. Consider the DIY motor home builder attempting to build a coach built vehicle and then fix it to a chassis - an impossible task without large scale manufacturing equipment and skills.
Perhaps the main problem with fixed roof base vehicles is that they are not tall enough to allow full standing room. This is to be expected as the vehicle was not originally designed to be lived in, but to transport goods. Another problem is the width of the vehicle will be narrower than a coach built, again limiting the use of the vehicle as a habitation area. Design has to be very innovative to maximise use of the limited space.
Motorhomes based on MPV’s (multi purpose vehicle) are growing in popularity and are another style of  fixed roof van. These vehicles enjoy car like driving characteristics and very efficient economical fuel consumption. They are appropriate for first time motor homers who may struggle with driving a vehicle of truck style dimensions. The high priced base vehicle however generally leads to a high priced end product.
The advantages to Fixed Roof Panel Van motor homes are multiple. These vehicles are generally easy to drive, easy to park and easy to garage. They fit where many coach built vehicles will not. Most of these type vehicles have large side sliding doors allowing large items be moved into the van, for example to transport bulky items such as furniture. These are ideal vehicles to do your own motor home creation and often can be started at a minimal cost.
There are however some downsides such as single glazed windows losing heat in the cooler times. The lack of standing height can be very restrictive - consider cooking, shaving, dressing etc in a seated or crouched position. Storage space is usually at a premium also.

Motorhome Types - A-Class - 05 May 2010

Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, delivered to the marketplace by  many manufacturers in many countries. These vehicles however are generally categorised  as either a panel van (vehicles that use the original body of the van) or a coach built (using a purpose built habitation area, mounted on a suitable chassis).
The A-Class motorhome is one that starts with a commercial chassis, running gear, power unit, seating,instrumentation, but without the vehicle cab. This configuration is commonly referred to as a chassis cowl, this meaning that the entire body can be constructed as an integral unit, in which the living area completely embraces the driving cockpit. Building an entire body from scratch is certainly a major task and this however is reflected in the increased price. Generally speaking a European A-Class motorhome can be as costly as the much larger and often richer in functionality, US style RV. Although is more compact design makes it much more suitable for the smaller European roads. The external looks of the A-Class are usually quite striking and matches the impressive interior as well. For reasons that are not quite clear to me, almost all European A-Class motorhomes are manufactured in the continental countries (e.g. France, Italy, Germany etc) and not by the many UK manufacturers.
There are many significant advantages to owning an A-Class motorhome. Firstly your leisure vehicle will have all the features and funcionality of a coachbuilt motorhome, with the added bonus that the cab space is integrated with the living area. Indeed many Coachbuilts try to replicate this by incorporating swivel seats in their cabs. A drop down bed over the cab seats is often fitted and this can be a great asset - meaning that a pre made up bed can be accessed in seconds, using a wind down mechanism.
There are disadvantages of A-Class motorhomes - parking the vehicle can be difficult due to it's large dimensions. As they are manufactured in continental European countries the kitchen facilities are minimal (due to them assuming that all cooking will be done on the barbecue). Cab doors are seldom fitted, therefore entrance is via the living space door. Finally the biggest disadvantage of the A-Class is it's considerable price when compared to other motorhome types.

Motorhome Types - Coachbuilt (AKA C-Class or Alcove) - 24 Apr 2010

Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, delivered to the marketplace by  many manufacturers in many countries. These vehicles however are generally categorised  as either a panel van (vehicles that use the original body of the van) or a coach built (using a purpose built habitation area, mounted on a suitable chassis).
The Coachbuilt motorhome is where a chassis cab base vehicle is used on which to permanently mount the habitation area. Sometimes the base vehicles original chassis is retained and on other occasions a replacement AL-KO lightweight chassis platform is attached to the cab. This type of construction also features an over cab compartment - often referred to as a Luton. This space is nomally used as double bed sleeping area, but can be minimised and used as a storage area. When used as a strorage area - the look of the vehicle is more streamlined and sleek - hence it is often referred to as a 'Low Profile' motorhome. Using the over cab space as a bedroom, means that quite a large space has to be allocated for this purpose and hence the vehicle can be less aero dynamic and fuel efficient. These Low Profile coachbuilts have less sleeping berths and are ideal for couples of small families. Living accommodation can incorporate a variety of facilities, layouts and bed provision, depending on the size of the vehicle.
Like all types of motorhomes, the coachbuilt has advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the coachbuilt motorhome is that it's generally one of the bigger motorhomes and driving performance is considerably compromised. Normally the vehicles are so large that they are not used for day to day driving and usage. Fuel consumption is almost always an issue and adds additional expense to the vehicle running costs. Parking a large coachbuilt in a residential area can be an issue and considered unsightly by some.
On the plus side, coachbuilts are generally large enough to provide a multitude of layouts. For example the rear of the vehicle can be a U-Shaped lounge, a low double bed, a high double bed (with storage underneath), bunk beds etc. With this type of versatility, up to 7 berths can be accommodated. Additionally bathroom space is provided, generous internal and external storage space, kitchen facilities (including fridge, oven, hob, grill, microwave and sink) and seating area are usually provided.


Sources of bad odour in a motorhome - 04 Apr 2010

Your motorhome is a very small confined space for you and your loved ones to enjoy your leisure time. There are few things worse than spoiling this time with a foul smell in your vehicle and / or living space. There are three common causes of bad odour in a motorhome - waste water, malfunctioning toilet and dampness.
Bad smells caused by the waste water are common to the novice motorhome owner. After all you only wash a few dishes, brush your teeth, wash your hands a few times, how bad can the odour be ? You've only put five or ten litres of waste water in the holding tank. You will find that the smell is not too bad on day one or two, but if not emptied soon it will start form quite a pungent odour after a while. This is then magnified if left stagnant for a while and then you decide to take a drive. Of course the smell will come back up the sinks plugholes. There are a number of precautions you can take to eradicate this problem. Firstly you can use tablets that de-odourise your waste water tank. They dissolve in your tank and modify the odour of your waste water. It is also recommended that you rinse clean your waste water tank, at least once a year with a cleaning agent. It's also good practice to plug your sinks when in transit.
A malfunctioning toilet is an obvious source of foul odour in your leisure vehicle. Thetford are the most common manufacturer of motorhome toilet and they usually provide simple instruction to follow on toilet usage and functionality. Make sure that you toilet cassette is properly sealed and that there are no leak or cracks. A cheap or inappropriate chemical agent may not be working properly in your toilet. If you have kids, make sure to train them properly in the usage of you particular motorhome toilet. It is good pratice to not allow your cassette not reach maximum capacity. For example, my current toilet cassette has a maximum capacity of 20 litres, with a warning light activating at 17 litres. I always try to empty at about 12 or 14 litres.
The final common cause of a bad odour in you leisure vehicle can be dampness. Usually the result of you motorhome not wintering too well, dampness can be difficult to cure and can cause a typical damp type odour in you van. The only solution is to track the source of the dampness, which is usually poor ventilation or a leak, and eliminate as soon as possible, before this causes even more problems. Happy motorhoming, here's wishing you many happy days in your motorhome, with a fresh smell filling the air.

Realities of motorhome ownership - 22 Mar 2010

Putting effort into researching, choosing and buying your first motorhome is commonplace, but many prospective motorhome owners are not fully aware of the realities of motorhome ownership. There are many things to keep in mind if you are getting your first vehicle, such as safe driving, breakdown assistance and insurance.
Driving courses are regularly provided in many countries by the local motorhome and caravan clubs. Typically these are very popular and use wide open venues such as old airfields.
Insurance for motorhomes is usually provided by specialist providers who operate only in the leisure vehicle and caravan arena. Use magazines and the internet to research what's appropriate for your needs - you should find better value compared to normal car insurance as usage is normally much reduced compared to the family car.
Parking the vehicle at your residence can be an issue for some. If you do not have extensive garden and driveway space around your home, you may be looking at on street parking. This may be either illegal, dangerous, annoying to neighbours or all of the above. Some owners may wish to house their vehicle indoors to avoid any winter damage typically caused by ice, rain and sun. Consider storage facilities provided by vendors - these can be both indoor and outdoor. They usually provide a level of security such as lock up, video surveillance etc. Many motorhome owners choose to use this facility during the winter months only, when they have no intention of using their vehicle. Consider also the damage that certain tree types can do to a motorhome, if parking under trees.
Finally be aware of the regular servicing that motorhomes require. The habitation area requires certain procedures to be undertaken at regular intervals. Some of this servicing requires expertise not normally undertaken by the average owner. Likewise the vehicle engine and mechanical parts require regular servicing from a qualified mechanic.

Motorhome Security - 08 Mar 2010

Motorhomes are expensive, high ticket items - there are a number of considerations in securing your investment. Motorhome and Recreational Vehicle theft is on the rise worldwide as criminals become better at both stealing these vehicles and disposing of them. The main elements of securing your vehicle include locks, alarms and tracking devices.
Locking your campervan - you need to ensure that the all vehicle doors lock effectively. This includes cab doors, habitation area doors and external storage doors (particularly if there is internal access to the storage area). If parked up, either on camp site or over winter in storage, you might consider a wheel clamp locking device - extremely effective in deterring thieves. Another effective visual deterrent is a steering wheel locking device - this can be a bar-lock, circular-lock or even a chain and padlock can do the job. Manufacturers such as Fiamma provide extra locking devices designed to be installed on the outside of the vehicle. I've even seen owners use their seat belts wrapped arounf the door handles to provide extra cab door security.
Traditional vehicle alarms can be the most effective form of security for your motorhome. Many homes come pre-fitted by the manufacturer with an alarm. The siren is usually housed under the hood and it is activated upon opening a vehicle door. Often a key component of the alarm is a window sticker advertising the fact that this vehicle is alarmed - the bad guys usually move on the the next vehicle. Engine immobilisers are fitted on most modern RV's and motorhomes - this prevents activation of the engine without a genuine key assigned to that vehicle, by manufacturer.
Motorhome tracking devices or RV tracking devices are the latest form of protection for motorhome owners. A number of providers allow the owner fit a concealed tracking device in their vehicle that sends a tracking signal, identifying the whereabouts of the vehicle. These can be purchased for a one off fee or on a monthly basis. There are advantages and disadvantages to displaying the external sticker - do you want to alert the bad guys ?
Finally - the best security of all often comes in the form of good practice. Simple habits like always locking all doors when the vehicle is unattended are effective in not sigalling your vehicle as an easy target. Never leave valuables on display in your vehicle. Never leave windows open. For further information about motorhomes and recreational vehicles and how best to secure them - visit http://www.aboutmotorhomes.com

Buying a motorhome - vehicle specification - 02 Mar 2010

When setting out to purchase a new or used motorhome, specifically your first, it's essential to analyse both the base vehicle and habitation space. Read what to look for in a motorhome. You may not be an expert yet, but understanding what to look for is important and not as difficult as you may think.
Firstly the base vehicle - this is the cab and tray of the vehicle. Most often these are provided by mainstream manufacturers such as Fiat, Peugeot, Ford and Mercedes. Note things such as transmission type - manual or automatic. Fuel type - petrol or diesel. Engine size should be appropriate to the size of vehicle. Seat adjustment, cab space, head room are all factors for driving comfort. Check the suitability of the vehicle for towing, does it have or can you fit a towbar ? Is it right or left hand drive - is this appropriate to where you will be driving most ?
Secondly the living space. Most importantly is the motorhome layout and sleeping arrangements. Words and phrases like overhead double bed, rear fixed bed, rear bunks, U shaped lounge, swivel cab seats etc will all describe the type of habitation space. Check how many seats have safety belts - legal requirements in most European countries. Kitchen - is there adequate worktop space, food storage areas, food preparation areas, delf and cutlery storage areas, cooking options (oven, grill, hob, microwave, bbq).
Storage - both internal and external. Is there enough and is it the in the correct dimensions ? For example have you a space long enough for you fishing rods ? External storage is usually to the rear, under your beds. Some bunk bed designs are clever in that you can raise the lower bunk up to give extra storage space when in transit, then is emptied and lowered when parked up..
Other considerations such as the spare wheel, it's condition and accessability. The vehicles loading capacities can be of importance. Has the vehicle got it's manufacturers documentation / handbooks and is it translated into your language. Have you the appropriate license to drive this vehicle ?

Buying a Motorhome - how to research - 28 Feb 2010

Enthusiasts setting out on the quest to purchase a new or used motorhome must research as much as possible in order to get the most appropriate leisure vehicle. Read how to research to purchase the right motorhome. Getting the right information is critical and not as difficult as you may think.
When buying a motorhome, it's essential that you read some of the many monthly publications available. These are an invaluable source of knowledge. Many such as Motorhome Monthly Magazine, include a mix of useful information, such as (i) New model listing, specification and pricing of current vehicles (ii) Upcoming calendar events such as exhibitions and sales shows such as the National Boat, Caravan and Leisure Show (iii) Motorhome reviews - test drives from experienced practitioners detailing the good, bad and ugly of a vehicle that could be on your radar.
Joining a national or even international club dedicated to motorhomes is a great source of information. Most have meeting points, web sites and telephone support that will allow the prospective buyer discuss with seasoned motorhomers about the all important purchase. Many clubs will also include listing of motorhomes for sale from members. Buying from a club member may provide some form of guarantee, but at least should provide after sales contactability to the previous owner - it may be 6 months after you purchase that you use your heater, for example, and it's nice to be able to ask the question.
The industry has it's version of the Oscars in it's Annual Design Awards. These can be referenced in most good publications or online. Vehicles are categorised by vehicle type, vehicle price, berth number etc and evaluated / reviewed. Judging is performed over days by technical experts who provide an informed critique of all motorhomes.


Recreational Vehicle Accessories - 27 Oct 2009