Advice appreciated on buying please!

[nick]

Hi Everyone
I've jst joined the forum and am looking to buy my first motorhome!

We wanted something that can be used day-to-day as much as for camping. We only have two real requirements: seatbets for 5 people (we have 3 small children); and a proper loo ( ie with a door not a porta potti type).

Scouring the net seems to suggest something like a Toyota Hiace; and it also sounds like importing from Japan is a way forward.

Would really appreciate any advice on vehicles to consider and where to look.

Thanks in advance
Nick

[Graham]

Hi Nick

I'm surprised nobody has been along with advice for you. Have you considered the Romahome R40? I believe its got 6 belted seats and separate toilet etc. they are the latest van from the Romahome range so not many about, consequently quite pricey. I know Niloc has got one, perhaps he will be along soon to give you advice.

Graham

[Graham]

Hi Nick

I should also have pointed you in the direction of our main website where we have some information on the R40 if you haven't seen it.

SEE HERE

Graham

[niloc]

Hi Nick
Been a bit busy so missed your enquiry, Graham brought it to my attention. I have had a Romahome R40 now for about a couple of months and it would certainly fit your requirements for camping. Six belted seats, a proper loo, two adult beds and room for three young children in the overcab. Whether you would want to use it as an only vehicle is down to your need to park in small spaces.

I would be happy to answer any questions about it, I am preparing a report for Pauline at the moment to put on the website. After three weeks touring Wales in what is our tenth motorhome in 30 years I am very impressed with the workmanship, design and performance. Like every motorhome it has compromises and it is these that are often the 'buy' or 'not buy' decision points. Please ask away either through the site or by message.

Good luck with your search, a motorhome to live in and a tent as a play area is ideal for youngsters.

Colin

[niloc]

Hi Nick
Having just run this past my wife she pointed out that only four of the seats have proper three point belts so the third child would either have to be old enough to sit in the front or big enough to use a seat with only a lap belt. If this is not your situation then the R40 does not fit the bill I'm afraid.
Colin

[niloc]

Hi Nick,again
Thinking some more about your seating needs with three children we cannot come up with a standard van of any size that has five three point seat belts. This may be why no one else has replied to your request. The best bet may be to approach the smaller manufacturers such as Devon, Nu Venture, Murvi, and several others who advertise in the motorhome magazines that they will build to your needs.

Good luck

Colin

[nick]

Hi Colin and Graham
Thanks very much for the advice and thoughts. I've also come up with a blank in terms of the options! I think we could manage, maybe, with 4 three-point belts, and one lap-belt (if we use a full child-seat on the lap-belt seat). As the smallest ( now 11 mths old) gets bigger though, this cld be a problem/less safe.

I'll take a look at the manufacturers you mention, and hope you don't mind if I come back for some more thoughts to bounce around.... I've also seen a firm called Algys Autos who will import ready-converted vans from Japan. Have you any thoughts on that idea please? Also, they seem to have Toyota Hiace versions ( which I think have the seat/loo option we're looking at) - do you or anyone else know that vehicle please?

Many thanks again
Nick

[niloc]

Hi Nick
I have never heard of Algys Autos, even after looking them up on the web, but maybe some of our Bongo experts have come accross them. Be carefull of adverts confusing seating when on site with the number of belted seats when travelling. And I think you will find that all child seats have to have three point belts.

best of luck

Colin