Kitting Out The Winnebago

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 18:43

ThreadID: 64196 Views:7371 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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Buying a Motorhome

Motorhomes combine living accommodations and travel in the one package and the options are endless. The amount to learn can be quite overwhelming to the newbie.

audifred

Hello all.

Firstly, we (my partner and I) are not ready to buy yet. I am only posting to get ideas so that I can prepare accordingly, and set aside sufficient funds.

Our plan is to drive, and live, in our Winnebago for many a long year. We will retain our primary residence so that we can rest at home for periods of time if, and when, we feel the need.

At this time, we are looking at the C2364 Winnebago as the preferred format for a Winnebago, so please take that into consideration when replying with ideas.

What I really would like to know from all of you experienced travellers, is what you see as being necessary things to take in the Winnebago.....eg. generator, etc.

I am sure that I would miss out on something of great importance without the assistance of you, the experts.

Also, if there are things you would LIKE to see in a Winnebago that would be beneficial (diesel electric motor for example, or solar power), please advise.

I realise it is a rather open ended request, but please feel free to advise.

Thankyou,

Richard

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Reply By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 22:08

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 22:08

Hi Richard,
Up front I'll state I know nothing about winning bagels but I can offer a couple of thoughts.

On the subject of generators and solar power, for these to be of some use you need to be camped away from power for multiple days.

Best advice I can give is work out how many days you'll be spending away from mains power and what you'll be running in that period then we can estimate whether these things have value.

For example, if you'll be staying in a caravan park every night solar and generator are useless to you.

Another example, if you have a gas fridge and a couple of say 20 watt lights powered by a 200 Amp/hr battery bank along with a maximum of say 3 nights away from mains power then generators and solar are again an expense that is useless.

If you are running a 12 or 24 volt compresor type fridge off the 200 Amp/hr battery bank and plan to remote camp for a few weeks then generator and/or solar become essential.

These are the sort of things you need to think about,

Geoff

Geoff,

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AnswerID: 339306

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 08:09

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 08:09

A classic "straight to the pool room" answer.

Cheers,

Jim.

FollowupID: 606876

Follow Up By: audifred - Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 at 15:55

Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 at 15:55

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for your reply.

Others have recommended a site (CMCA)to visit.

I have spent only a short period of time reading all the information at that site, and there is a truly great amount to read!

I will probably return to this thread after I have read through the CMCA site completely.

Again my thanks,

Richard

FollowupID: 607015

Reply By: _gmd_pps - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 22:14

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 22:14

you should become a member of the CMCA and ask on their website. With a motorhome you are way better off there. Lot more qualified people for what you want to know and you will have the cheaper insurance via the CMCA anyway. We have a slide-on which qualifies as a motorhome and I insure much cheaper via the CMCA. They also have a monthly mag with lots of for sale (vehicles that is) and since a lot of people lost half their pension lately a lot are for sale at good prices. Here you get mostly the 4WD nerds with little understanding of the more complex things in life .. rofl

have fun
gmd

AnswerID: 339309

Follow Up By: audifred - Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 at 15:56

Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 at 15:56

Thanks gmd.

I appreciate the heads up.

Richard

FollowupID: 607016

Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 06:56

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 06:56

Hi Richard

Most reputable Motor Home dealers will be able to guide you in the
right direction with out ripping you off, the Dollars you out lay for
the minor extras are insignificant to the purchase of the Motor Home,
the only thing I here when talking to Motor Home owners, is the
lack of options re: not having the flexibility to set up a permanent
camp site and then do site seeing without having to use the
Motor Home for transport.

Cheers
Daza

AnswerID: 339328

Follow Up By: RV Powerstream P/L - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 07:18

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 07:18

A lot of Motorhome, Camper,Fifth Wheeler and Caravan sellers wouldnt have a clue what is needed and do not want to know anything that increases the price where they can lose a sale so they normally understate what is required to guarantee that they do get the sale .

The CMCA is not the be all to end all with motor homes and it is beneficial to be in both CMCA and ExploreOz and any other information site you so desire as there are nerds and experts in all sites.

An earlier post on this thread by Geoff is very sound and could be applied to any forum as a positive consideration.

You will get a lot of advice seive it thoroughly .
Ian

FollowupID: 606867

Follow Up By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 09:04

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 09:04

Ian

It depends who you deal with, there are a lot of knowledgable people
in the industry, only to willing to do the right thing by there clients,
they are all not rip of merchants, who pretend to know every thing
about RV's

FollowupID: 606879

Follow Up By: RV Powerstream P/L - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 15:52

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 15:52

That is why I said a lot and not all and I have seen units where the only thing expensive is the buy price and the gear is not up to the standard to justify the price.

Especially when it comes to the self sufficiency component.

Ian

FollowupID: 606929

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 15:59

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 15:59

I know a chap who refits batteries to Wiinnies because the dills who fit them out charge a fortune for a bank of AGM batteries and fit a cheap charger that is a trickle charger rather 3 stage.

What happens is the trickle charger slowly continues to charge the AGM's and they eventually swell to the point he has to break apart the cupboard they are in to get them out.

Jim.

FollowupID: 606930

Reply By: DIO - Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 10:08

Friday, Dec 12, 2008 at 10:08

If you are buying new, be prepared for a very drop in value over 1 - 2 years. The used market is full of such vehicles with many people desperately seeking 'al;most new price' and finally, in order to sell, having to accept prices well below their expectations. It's a buyers market for used at the moment. Have you considered a second hand vehicle, you can probably find one already kitted out to your requirements. Might save yourself a lot of money and heartbreak. There are many forums dedicated to and I suggest you go on line there and then ask your questions if you want 'realistic' answers. Good luck and enjoy your travelling.

AnswerID: 339360