Which second hand motorhome?

I'm looking at secondhand motorhomes, preferably newer than 2010. Are there any specific models to avoid, or are they all good? I've seen two decent options in my price range.

Gerret, the first thing you need to do is settle on a layout that fit your needs, then if you find something run it by the gang here, another thing post 2010 Motorhomes are in short supply in Ireland due to the rescission at the time when new Motorhome sales were at an all time low.

How strong is the bed space over the cab? How much weight can it take, or is it made for skinny people only? The ones I've seen in photos don't look like they have much support to carry weight.

That's good to know! And no-one's landed in the cab after a bed failure before?

Most definitely not, think of them all built as cardboard and paper mache, if they get damp they fall to bits, and you'll not go far wrong.

There are some on the market that have no wood in them, N&B's, Baileys (still a wooden floor).

Check ten times for damp, look at the results of this poll: forum/topic.php?t=15635

Two most important things - damp and layout, make sure the layout is right for you before you even consider buying, then check service history etc.

Things to think about:

What licence do you hold, can you drive motorhomes with a gross weight of over 3500kg
Have you any size restrictions, length, height or width when you intend to store your MH
How many sleeping places do you need
How many seatbelts do you need ( there may be less belts than seats and less belts than sleeping places)
What is the weight of the motorhome completely empty
What payload is left for EVERYTHING you need to carry - food, bedding, clothes, water, gas, fuel, passengers, camping gear etc. Is the payload sufficient
When looking at any van spend time in it with all passengers present. Simulate using it, showering, using the toilet, cooking, dining, relaxing, driving, sleeping etc.
Check the operation of all equipment - heating, cooking, fridge, shower, sink, whb, lights,


The biggest issue with any Motorhome is damp. You need to have a full damp inspection using a proper meter

If you are buying for just two adults, and maybe occasional extra people forget about overcab (luton) versions.
A low profile is best or A class is second best as you don't have the wind resistance, heavier fuel consumption, associated with the overcab design.

A model with a corner French bed or an island bed or an over garage bed will give the permanent main bed for two plus the lounge area can be converted for occasional guests.
Some low profile models have an A class type bed in the roof over the lounge area but that's a fairly recent design and will not be available on 2010 models

There are some good van conversions that will also fit your bill and easier to get round the smaller country roads
Auto-Sleeper Kingham or Warwick for example
David

You haven't said what licence you have. If it's only B you are confined to vehicles not exceeding 3.5t GVW.
However if you find a mh which is 3.85t GVW or thereabouts getting it back to 3.5t is just a paperwork exercise which costs about €200.

There is a wide choice of low profile and A class with a GVW not exceeding 3.5t and many more which can be down plated to that weight if necessary.

Thank you for all the good advice. We went to look at the 2014 Roller Team 746 and we love the layout. It has done less than 11 000km, and we could see that the owners have looked after it well. We spent some time in it and everything looks in great condition, and no signs of damp.
We're looking at a motorhome suitable for long term living as an option, so the extra space of the 746 will come in useful.
We're pretty much sold on it, unless someone comes running into the forum typing furiously that we should not take it for some very good reason!

Here is a link to a couple who have lived in their 746 for a year: https://flipflopsandwoollyhats.com/

The Roller Team & Ci Motorhome Club Facebook community is a useful resource.

Just make sure that the annual habitation checks have been done in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines to keep the warranty intact. It amazes me how people spend £50k+ on a Motorhome and then don't do annual habitation checks to keep the warranty valid.

2424 thank you for the mention!

Gerrit, we also did a post on choosing the right van, explaining why we choose the 746. Might be of use to you..
https://flipflopsandwoollyhats…motorhome/

We live our 746 and although we've looked, we haven't yet found a modern van to equal it.