THE PROS & CONS OFSELF BUILDS
Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis saw a sharp rise in the number of non-professional self-built motorhomes, but what are the hazards of taking that route? Peter Rosenthal investigates
We all love a bargain. Nobody likes to pay over the odds for anything and motorhomes are no exception. Ever since the various recent crises that have struck the UK – Brexit, wars, Liz Truss and Covid-19 – the economy has suffered and costs have inexorably risen.
During the pandemic particularly, it was noticeable how many nonprofessional, self-built leisure vehicles popped up for sale at amazing prices.
From self-builds to one-person start-up companies, there were new conversions all over social media and the internet. And you can understand why – what better way to escape from the latest crisis than by enjoying the freedom of a leisure vehicle?
A QUESTION OF SAFETY
The concern with any vehicle built on a DIY basis, or by some inexperienced firms, is a simple one: safety.
It is quite incredible that you can fit almost any item you like into the back of a van, with no form of safety checks at all. Conversions are not subject to any MoT checks and, while you have to declare modifications to the DVLA, many people don’t.
So there are no checks and balances on the handiwork of the builder.
I don’t know about you, but to me, that is worrying. Just look around you – one of your friends will always be a DIY wizard who can build anything to the highest standard.
But it’s your other mate – the one who can’t put up a shelf without perforating a water pipe – who is the problem here. Do you really want somebody like that let loose on a motorhome conversion? Clearly not. But they’re out there and their wares are available to see all over social media.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, some – by no means all, but some – non-professional motorhome builders have a distinct tendency to overestimate their skillset, or to rely on some unqualified YouTube ‘expert’ who has good presentation skills.
But no matter how cool a self-build motorhome looks on the exterior, it’s how well it has been constructed under the skin that really matters. Have they clipped the wiring securely in place? Are their fuses fitted at appropriate places and is the motorhome’s gas system free from leaks?
