Cheap motor homes

KAfternoon 
We have a 5/7 sigma ek that we've had for 5years and will hate to part with it
My wife has had a breakdown and left this the forth time and Isley comes back after about four to six months 
She's been gone five months and wants the sigma sold and her money back as she paid for it 
I'm going to be very short of money if she goes through with it 
I don't want to stop motor homing so have been looking at motor homes about the 6000k max price 
I've seen one a Camelot 1.9 for 5000k but I don't know enythin about older models 
My son is a moto diesel technician  and and does welding and spraying
So it neadent be perfect and I know what a spanner looks like 
So I'm looking for help and advice from those with more experience than me
It my not happen but I want to be prepared if it dose
Thanks 
Jim

The Camelot is an Autohomes model not an Autosleeper but in their day Autohomes were up there with AS for quality. It will be on a Talbot Express which were also used by AS and all the usual Talbot awareness of rust will apply. It's all going to depend on condition.

Cheap motorhomes are a difficult one, because there comes a point (as you go down the price range) where it needs so much work that you spend all of your time trying to fix it, and none of your time away in it. I would think that £5k is around the point where that effect really starts to kick in!

I personally would avoid anything cheap and Talbot-based because (as Paul has already said) they can rust shockingly badly...

Hi Jim

You have probably provided your own answer.

Take your son along with his overalls and a screwdriver, and send him under the van you fancy. If he pokes around a bit, his experience will tell him how much time and effort (and possibly money) would be needed to fix any corrosion problems.

You can judge the condition of the habitation area yourself, while your son is under the van - but don't stamp around or he'll get dirt in his face! 

Thanks Paul and Mojo
I thought the Camelot was a A/S I must wear my glasses 
 I want an A/S we have been to meny A/S rally's  and made meny friends  and was looking forward to seeing them this year with the sigma but it don't look like it will happen 
So I thought with a A/S I could on going to rallies 
 Jim

Thanks Gromit 
Not completely convinced that would be a good idea 
He's a perfectionist . He was asked to tidy up a ford tractor 
When the owner came beck in the evening ail that was left
Was the engine standing on two blocks 
The rest was spread around the field wanting to be cleaned and sprayed ready for reassemble 
It did look nice when finished 
Jim

Hi again Jim

This might extend your range a bit. These "alternate" models are also eligible for the Autosleeper Owners' Club.

Auto~Sleepers marketed under the Marquis badge
Auto~Sleepers marketed under the Orian badge
Vivanti models manufactured by Auto-Sleepers - only
Marquis - Mercedes County range

Could give you a bit more choice.

Hi Jim, Sorry how things have gone with Pat.   I think if you on the look out for a van I would head for one of the panel vans being a bit more versatile and easier to maintain than a coach built.  The Talbots and Peugeot Harmony  and similar models would be a good start. If you could stretch a few more pounds then the VW T4s have in my opinion better engines and wider availabllity of spares. Regards from Liz and I

So sorry Jim that you have been put in this position. I can vouch for the VW T4 `s, better on the rust issues than others, spares are good, but maybe the price will be the stumbling block, 

I can keep a look out for you if anything seen in your price range,I will let you know, better to have a plan B than not.I feel.
Good luck and very best wishes,
Margaret

Jim, you're not on your own, PM on its way.

Stay positive.