Starter Motorhome Advice

Hi All,

I am looking for general advice about campervans.

I am on the lookout for a 6 birth motorhome with a few necessities. Having agreed layout with the other half and being a water sports enthusiast a u lounge, ladder and roof rack is a must. We have two young children under the age of 3.

Having viewed 3 private vans in Ireland I am hesitant as there will be no warranty. Budget is 20-23k.

I am tempted at looking abroad as there seems to be a bigger selection in the UK. What complications does this add and how does the VRT cost work out?

Any general advice as how to get started would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Billy
Dublin

A couple of points to consider,
6 berth does not mean that there is 6 seat belts, most have only 4 seat belts fitted.
Travelling with kids, mean there are child seats in the way when you park up.
It would be in my opinion, difficult get the layout that you desire in a campervan and drive it on a car licence ( less than 3500kg) especially when you consider adding a roof rack and it's load.
I am running a 6 berth chasson on a transit which is weighing in at 2950kg empty on full tank of diesel and full cylinder of gas. That leaves only 550kg for people and their gear.
We have 3 kayaks and my solution was to fit a towbar and convert a car trailer to take the kayaks and the gear.
I hope that I haven't scared you and I wish you happy hunting.

VRT the mystery .
You have to send in all your paperwork and a set of photos to Revenue in Rosslare.
They in turn have someone in the Trade/ Motorhome businesses who accesses the Irish value ,then Revenue sends you a bill for 13.5% of that.
If you dispute their value, you then have to go to the trade and get a few of your own , also quoting adverts for similar vehicles, then go back to them for an adjustment.
The one problem is you have to pay them the figure they quote before they will enter into any discussion on a reduction.
Hope this throws some light on the matter.

I did not think adding a ladder and roof rack would be possible as it may interfere with the integrity with the motorhome.

Is it possible to add these and do you know of anybody who would and what would an estimation of price be?

We bought our first camper recently, 6 berth, we have 3 kids 7 years old down to 3. Go for bunks at the back if you can, works much better. kids love it, no messing with building beds. they are a good size (top and tail two kids per bunk if you need to).