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Hello all,
Thought it was about time to introduce myself to the Exsis community, I joined about 5 months ago but have been fairly busy of late.
So I had been trying to persuade my ‘other half, Jacqui’ for some time to get a motorhome. She was not keen on the idea but gave in when I assured her that if we give it a go for a season and she still wasn’t keen then I would give up and sell up!
So then I started to research which make and model, ideally it would have to be under 6 meters so I could fit it on my drive. After some internet browsing I came across info on the Exsis and practically this Owners site. Wow this was the perfect motorhome – if she didn’t like this what with the convenience and space then she wasn’t going to like any MH.
Next stage – finding one. I wanted the SG as a preference but didn’t need 4 belted seats. Anyway I was very fortunate to find one close to me that was an SK, 2005, face lift, Vario seat version, a rare model so I am told. I didn’t really want or need the Vario seat version but as a good Exsis very rarely comes up for sale I wasn’t going to be picky. This one was quite well spec’d from the factory as it had Cruise Control and Air Con (both working!!) was Silver and the 2.8 engine. On inspection I was told by the owner, who had owned it for 14 years, that some welding work was needed to the underside and the paint lacquer was peeling away quite badly on the roof and cab. The owner had it at a price to compensate for this work. The mechanicals had been well looked after with a service every year but what really struck me was how well it had been looked after inside, it was in really good condition. That sold it for me and we shook hands on it.
My first mission was to get the underside sorted. Now I am a great believer in doing a job properly – do it once do it right. I found a place in Wiltshire that specialised in undersealing landrovers with Dinitrol. So she went in for the work but unfortunately for me the welding needed was much more than the previous owner had stated! As well as the inner wheel arches which I knew about the inner sills had rust that needed attention. So I had it all cut out and re-fabricated rather than the cheaper ‘treat the rust’ option. All good now with no rust and then treated to a good helping of Dinitrol underseal. It all came to a hefty cost of just over £2,600! Worth it in the long run as she is now looking like new underneath and should last many more years.
Have tried to post photos but not having much joy on here.
As for the paint work I think I may leave this for a bit to find the right bodyshop to do a good job. I’m in no rush for this as it’s purely cosmetic, the cab and roof is made of GRP so it’s not going to rot, it just looks a bit naff.
I have enjoyed making little improvements to the living area to make it feel as homely as poss in the hope that Jacqui will take to it…. or I will end up being a very short term owner. I am keeping everything crossed!!
Dougie
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That’s a nice introduction, Dougie, and welcome to you both.
Welding work underneath these Fiat chassis will become more and more necessary for many of our Exsis’, unless they were well under-sealed from new. I would caution those thinking of choosing a black, solid-type of underseal because existing rust can creep behind it. If you can’t see it, you can’t deal with it. ‘Dinitrol’ and ‘Waxoyl’ are OK, I believe, as they are softer, ‘oilier’ compounds.
Boat repairers are often overlooked, but they are well-placed to repair our Exsis’. They are used to dealing with huge “vehicles” and also with fibreglass. Maybe consider a boat yard when you come to do yours, Dougie?
Happy Exsising this year, Dougie & Jacqui.
Barry
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Good to hear from a new enthusiast. I’m a fellow silver 2.8 owner who decided that this was the motorhome I wanted long before finding one. One correction though – the roof and sides are not GRP but a sandwich construction with an aluminum external skin, a foam core and plastics interior. Much lighter than GRP and better thermal performance. The A-class cab addition is GRP.
Tony
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Hi Tony,
I am aware that the sides and back (habitation area) are constructed of an aluminum external skin. The front A class cab as you put it is made of GRP. I am almost positively certain that the roof is also GRP and not aluminum as you state. That’s why I said I’m not too bothered by the lacquer problems as it is only on the roof and front cab which are both GRP.
Many thanks,
Dougie
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Hi Barry,
I note your comment about rust being hidden with certain types of underseal which is why I chose the Dinitrol treatment process. Part of the process is to steam clean, wire brush the rust where necessary then apply RC800 or RC900 to convert any surface rust before oil based Dinitrol ML is injected into and onto the chassis. Then Dinitrol 4941 is applied all over for protection. The whole process is detailed, photographed and guaranteed. If it’s used for treating landrovers with the terrain they cope with then enough said.
I have already explored the boatyard option for the paintwork but unfortunately because it is sprayed with silver paint on top of the gel coat it can’t be done. A white one can because the gel coat is white and lacquer is sprayed on top. If you lose the lacquer then you can polish the white gel coat. Thats as was explained to me buy their bodywork man at the marina. As I say it’s cosmetic and not too worried at this stage. Something to ponder deal with later.
Cheers,
Dougie.
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