2005 Ford Transit base w/Rimor Superbrig box
Discussion
First time motorhomer here so pls be gentle....!
Myself and the wife are very keen to give it a go both for holidays (monthly weekend away), longer holidays throughout the year and me using it as a "race van" for my mountainbiking. As such, I've narrowed down the search to Rimor Superbrigs as they have requisite amount of family space plus practicality with the bikes.
Saw one on a Merc chassis which wasn't all it was cracked up to be; unused for 4 months, a bit dank & potentially damp and a non runner due to clogged fuel filter and/or derv algae. Still awaiting outcome of service work to see if its worth taking a punt.
In the meantime, looking at a 2005 Ford Transit chassis with 2.4l derv lump and twin axle rwd. Really dislike the cab since it looks so old fashioned compared to the >2007 but I'm presuming they're pretty bombproof? This one has 47k on the clock. Anything I should look out for or ask questions about?
Budget is £20k but could stretch to £25k if the right one came long. Any other ideas of what to look for?
My list of 'wants' are as follows:-
- RWD & good payload capacity (i.e. probably around 4 tonnes);
- Ford (twin-axle), Iveco or Mercedes cab;
- diesel, not willing to go LPG on an American RV;
- winterised or at least very well insulated;
- rear garage large enough for mountain bikes (preferably over double bed but potentially under bunks);
- enough living space for little'un to be in bed whilst Mrs Spuff and I can drink wine without having to sacrifice dinettes for bed space;
- separate shower cubicle (Mrs Spuff's only condition);
- <7.3m long
Thanks in advance!
Myself and the wife are very keen to give it a go both for holidays (monthly weekend away), longer holidays throughout the year and me using it as a "race van" for my mountainbiking. As such, I've narrowed down the search to Rimor Superbrigs as they have requisite amount of family space plus practicality with the bikes.
Saw one on a Merc chassis which wasn't all it was cracked up to be; unused for 4 months, a bit dank & potentially damp and a non runner due to clogged fuel filter and/or derv algae. Still awaiting outcome of service work to see if its worth taking a punt.
In the meantime, looking at a 2005 Ford Transit chassis with 2.4l derv lump and twin axle rwd. Really dislike the cab since it looks so old fashioned compared to the >2007 but I'm presuming they're pretty bombproof? This one has 47k on the clock. Anything I should look out for or ask questions about?
Budget is £20k but could stretch to £25k if the right one came long. Any other ideas of what to look for?
My list of 'wants' are as follows:-
- RWD & good payload capacity (i.e. probably around 4 tonnes);
- Ford (twin-axle), Iveco or Mercedes cab;
- diesel, not willing to go LPG on an American RV;
- winterised or at least very well insulated;
- rear garage large enough for mountain bikes (preferably over double bed but potentially under bunks);
- enough living space for little'un to be in bed whilst Mrs Spuff and I can drink wine without having to sacrifice dinettes for bed space;
- separate shower cubicle (Mrs Spuff's only condition);
- <7.3m long
Thanks in advance!
Rimors are tough old buses,very popular with the motorsport and rental brigades because of it.
Not the plushest inside and decor is questionable as is finish but very solid.
Main thing is damp,buy a damp meter and check everywhere,particularly in the garage.
Check out Kentucky and Ahorn too,built by Rimor just badge engineered.
I think Gajon maybe used to have a Rimor,he should be along shortly.
If you can find one in budget a Geist Matterhorn would be an awesome buy.
Not the plushest inside and decor is questionable as is finish but very solid.
Main thing is damp,buy a damp meter and check everywhere,particularly in the garage.
Check out Kentucky and Ahorn too,built by Rimor just badge engineered.
I think Gajon maybe used to have a Rimor,he should be along shortly.
If you can find one in budget a Geist Matterhorn would be an awesome buy.
The chap we trade p.xs to at work has a garaged Superbrig in at the mo-
55 Plate
22000 miles
17995
Its lhd though but does it matter?
In a motorhome your seldom overtaking bar on duel carriageways.
Because its lhd you get the better euro style lounge with swivel seats,half dinnette and side sofa.
Cant link on the phone but his site is www.motorlands.co.uk
55 Plate
22000 miles
17995
Its lhd though but does it matter?
In a motorhome your seldom overtaking bar on duel carriageways.
Because its lhd you get the better euro style lounge with swivel seats,half dinnette and side sofa.
Cant link on the phone but his site is www.motorlands.co.uk
Don't worry about the stfu - keep talking! :lol:
That's been of great help, thank you.
Just found the Matterhorn, looks great and just what the Dr ordered but length will be a problem since my local caravan storage place won't allow more than 7.2m.
How reliable are the Ford drive trains of this era?
Like the look of the Preston van but a little too far away and I'd probably go with LHD if we were spending lots of time on the continent but will probably only be max once per year. Appreciate the heads up though.
That's been of great help, thank you.
Just found the Matterhorn, looks great and just what the Dr ordered but length will be a problem since my local caravan storage place won't allow more than 7.2m.
How reliable are the Ford drive trains of this era?
Like the look of the Preston van but a little too far away and I'd probably go with LHD if we were spending lots of time on the continent but will probably only be max once per year. Appreciate the heads up though.
Just as NHW said, I had one of these, 2005 Superbrig 626TC, for two years. Great van and gave me no problems whatsoever.
Pretty plain, but not ugly inside with plain fabrics and good colour wood. Cupboards etc all worked fine and seemed to be well put together with very few rattles.
The Transit base is a solid workhorse and although they feel a little industrial compared to newer vans, they’re nice to drive and the seating position is good for long hauls.
A bit of extra soundproofing would help; it was on my list of jobs before I changed the van.
The one I had had cab air, electric windows, mirrors and traction but no cruise control.
As for the cab not being part of the living area, what you have to bear in mind is when you are using the van, especially with a few people the cab space can become a good storage area for stuff like a washing basket and crates of beer, (they may look good in the showroom with vase and candles, but with two wet Labradors and all your day to day kit even with a garage they look untidy very quickly).
Things to bear in mind, which may not apply depending on year or model you look at.
Water heating and habitation heating on mine was gas only, so on hook up a fan heater became part on the kit.
Mine had a grill and cooker, but I think they were optional extras, so check the model you look at.
Leisure battery locker only had enough room for one battery, so I had to make another box in the garage to house another battery.
The twin wheel Transit is 3.5T but you can get them up rated.
They don’t have any built in TV equipment you have to add it.
The dinette which is your only sitting area isn’t that comfortable, the seats are quite up right, which is one reason we (when I say we I mean the wife said I had to, I wouldn’t have changed it) changed van.
We had a Safari room fitted which was good space even in winter, when I went to the GP’s with my two sons and a mate, I took the rear bed, my mate had the over cab, No1 son went in the garage on an air bed and No 2 in the safari room, worked well.
PS, Check the roof, you can walk on them carefully, but they do damage.
Pretty plain, but not ugly inside with plain fabrics and good colour wood. Cupboards etc all worked fine and seemed to be well put together with very few rattles.
The Transit base is a solid workhorse and although they feel a little industrial compared to newer vans, they’re nice to drive and the seating position is good for long hauls.
A bit of extra soundproofing would help; it was on my list of jobs before I changed the van.
The one I had had cab air, electric windows, mirrors and traction but no cruise control.
As for the cab not being part of the living area, what you have to bear in mind is when you are using the van, especially with a few people the cab space can become a good storage area for stuff like a washing basket and crates of beer, (they may look good in the showroom with vase and candles, but with two wet Labradors and all your day to day kit even with a garage they look untidy very quickly).
Things to bear in mind, which may not apply depending on year or model you look at.
Water heating and habitation heating on mine was gas only, so on hook up a fan heater became part on the kit.
Mine had a grill and cooker, but I think they were optional extras, so check the model you look at.
Leisure battery locker only had enough room for one battery, so I had to make another box in the garage to house another battery.
The twin wheel Transit is 3.5T but you can get them up rated.
They don’t have any built in TV equipment you have to add it.
The dinette which is your only sitting area isn’t that comfortable, the seats are quite up right, which is one reason we (when I say we I mean the wife said I had to, I wouldn’t have changed it) changed van.
We had a Safari room fitted which was good space even in winter, when I went to the GP’s with my two sons and a mate, I took the rear bed, my mate had the over cab, No1 son went in the garage on an air bed and No 2 in the safari room, worked well.
PS, Check the roof, you can walk on them carefully, but they do damage.
Id be tempted to live with the lhd just to get the better lounge,as John said they changed theirs due to the lack of lounging space.
There arent many overcab/garage/rwd options so i reckon your probably right looking at Rimors.
Ive seen new cab Rimors go for under £25k,just dont by an ex rental one,if it averages 8k plus a year be very suspicious.
There arent many overcab/garage/rwd options so i reckon your probably right looking at Rimors.
Ive seen new cab Rimors go for under £25k,just dont by an ex rental one,if it averages 8k plus a year be very suspicious.
Drivetrains- Motorhomes lead an easy life,mechanical issues are rare,its the habitation bit that will cost you so be very careful to get the layout and condition right,parts are a nightmare so take that into account.
I love the oldcab tranny,its tough,comfy,has good seats,stereo and heater,id trust it more than the new one.
I love the oldcab tranny,its tough,comfy,has good seats,stereo and heater,id trust it more than the new one.
Damn you - you're winning me over to the LHD point! And just seen this at Southdowns, which could be interesting given the price point...
http://showroom.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/for-...
I guess I could get an independent inspection done?
What are the insurance implications for LHD over here? Presume its a bit pricier? Any issues with DVLA / taxing etc? Would be looking to put a private 'M' prefix plate on, presume I could do that given its got a UK plate on it already?
Thanks for your help guys!
http://showroom.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/for-...
I guess I could get an independent inspection done?
What are the insurance implications for LHD over here? Presume its a bit pricier? Any issues with DVLA / taxing etc? Would be looking to put a private 'M' prefix plate on, presume I could do that given its got a UK plate on it already?
Thanks for your help guys!
Been racking my Motorhome geeky brain for other options-
Chausson Welcome 28,newcab transit with the lhd rimor layout n a big f-freezer too,may not find one in budget.
Carado 464,Dethleffs A70 (same van badge engineered)- German Hymer group built but cheap when new so cheap now,modern inside,new cab,top build,only a dinnette lounge.
Theres an 08 on ebay now for under 25k,lowdhams knocked em out for a bargainous 32k new in 08.
No probs with your plate n all insurance via a camper specialist should b very cheap.
Chausson Welcome 28,newcab transit with the lhd rimor layout n a big f-freezer too,may not find one in budget.
Carado 464,Dethleffs A70 (same van badge engineered)- German Hymer group built but cheap when new so cheap now,modern inside,new cab,top build,only a dinnette lounge.
Theres an 08 on ebay now for under 25k,lowdhams knocked em out for a bargainous 32k new in 08.
No probs with your plate n all insurance via a camper specialist should b very cheap.
Nicely spec'd welcome 28 on the caravan club website 07 newcab for 25ish,garage could be a touch small maybe?
Duno why Southdowns sell some old ones as trade sales,they sell some 250k liners so why peddle vans at trade terms.
Get it checked out though and its fine at that money or a bit less,claimed 6 speed 135bhp too which is a bonus.
Duno why Southdowns sell some old ones as trade sales,they sell some 250k liners so why peddle vans at trade terms.
Get it checked out though and its fine at that money or a bit less,claimed 6 speed 135bhp too which is a bonus.
Thanks NHW - will bear those in mind.
I'm going to give Southdowns a call tomorrow about that Superbrig. If I get a warmish feeling from that conversation, I'll commission an inspection. Photos show it looking v clean, certainly inside, so if it all checks out, I'll attempt to do a deal. Certainly from spec, layout and condition, it looks like it fits the bill. If not, then I'll check out some of your other suggestions.
Really appreciate your help, I'll keep you posted!
I'm going to give Southdowns a call tomorrow about that Superbrig. If I get a warmish feeling from that conversation, I'll commission an inspection. Photos show it looking v clean, certainly inside, so if it all checks out, I'll attempt to do a deal. Certainly from spec, layout and condition, it looks like it fits the bill. If not, then I'll check out some of your other suggestions.
Really appreciate your help, I'll keep you posted!
Garage vans do tend to leak in the corners of the garage and around the rather large garage doors.
I just spoke to the chap up here with the lhd one,its one older owner from almost new and hasnt been rented or Motorsported and no apparent damp issues, just a 4 hour trek from Essex unfortunately!
I just spoke to the chap up here with the lhd one,its one older owner from almost new and hasnt been rented or Motorsported and no apparent damp issues, just a 4 hour trek from Essex unfortunately!
Thanks chaps.
I'm back looking at the original 2003 Merc Rimor 728. Had a long chat with the chap who used to look after it (motorhome dealer) and got myself comfortable that it's something worth taking a second look at. Providing it's not succumbed to the damp and engine issues are a blocked fuel filter, then I'll be going for it.
Watch this space. If all doesn't pan out, I'll be in touch with the Preston dealer and will give you a shout, Bill.
While I'm here - anything I should be aware of on the Merc 316CDi chassis?
I'm back looking at the original 2003 Merc Rimor 728. Had a long chat with the chap who used to look after it (motorhome dealer) and got myself comfortable that it's something worth taking a second look at. Providing it's not succumbed to the damp and engine issues are a blocked fuel filter, then I'll be going for it.
Watch this space. If all doesn't pan out, I'll be in touch with the Preston dealer and will give you a shout, Bill.
While I'm here - anything I should be aware of on the Merc 316CDi chassis?
Annoying electrical problems and flaky paint are the only regular problems we have with 316's, lovely engines,wobbly handling!
If its the Sprintshift I would be a bit nervous,theyre a nice box but very troublesome.
Be so careful with damp as it can cost hugely to repair it properley even if it doesnt look like much, get it profesionally checked by someone independent.
If its the Sprintshift I would be a bit nervous,theyre a nice box but very troublesome.
Be so careful with damp as it can cost hugely to repair it properley even if it doesnt look like much, get it profesionally checked by someone independent.
Ah. Hmm. Ok - good to know. It is a Sprintshift! It's only done 33k - not sure if that counts for or against!
I've noticed Southdowns carry a fair stock of Rimor bodyparts but noted in the event something happens in future.
Re: damp - the habitation check will be carried out by the dealer who originally sold it to the current owners. He has no vested interest in the van and has told me about his diligence regarding seeking out damp and lessons learned from previous checks. Have faith that I won't be fobbed off with something substandard.
I've noticed Southdowns carry a fair stock of Rimor bodyparts but noted in the event something happens in future.
Re: damp - the habitation check will be carried out by the dealer who originally sold it to the current owners. He has no vested interest in the van and has told me about his diligence regarding seeking out damp and lessons learned from previous checks. Have faith that I won't be fobbed off with something substandard.
Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff