4500 v 3500

G

grp

Joined
Mar 20, 2017
Posts
19
Likes collected
18
Location
yorkshire
Funster No
47,820
MH
Hymer
Exp
2016
Wife has fallen for a newer Hymer MH which I admit does look very nice and ticks all the boxes
But it is a 4500kgs, apart from the licence problem, is this a good thing or bad thing?
It is also a 3 litre automatic, i assume "auto" must be a good thing but what about 3litre, I've never had a car that big!
Any comments most welcome!
She has booked us in to see it tommorrow!
 
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Best thing we ever did getting a 4500kg van no worries about payload. Not really found any disadvantages.
The 3lt has a chain so no expensive belt change & it has bags of torque.
 
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If it's above 3.5t I'd deffo choose the 3.0 engine.

If your over 70 it gets problematic or a young un!!

Cheers James
 
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Go see then worry about your questions. 3 litre will be a workhorse not a GT racer. Auto box has it's fans and knockers, many of which have not driven an auto for any length of time and don't know how to drive it correctly.
 
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Best thing we ever did getting a 4500kg MH. As Lenny HB said no worries about payload. As long as Joe is fit enough to pass the medicals we'll carry on with using it. If his health become a problem then of course we will need to downsize.

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No brainer except being careful when it could attract HGV charge in some LEZs in the nearish future
 
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The only disadvantage is having to pass a very basic medical examination every 3 years after you get to the age 70 in order to keep your C1.

Advantages have already been listed by others, the most important one is not having to scrimp on loading stuff in because of the better payloads. We have a Hymer A class with the 3 litre engine, and automatic using the Comformatic box. Very good combination IMHO. Don't expect boy racer results at the traffic lights with any motorhome, but the good thing is that the 3 litres will have lots of torque when you need it. And the Comformatic allows you have a more relaxing journey.

As for fuel consumption, that will depend upon your driving style. Our previous C Class motorhome was 3500kg with a 2.3 engine and manual box. We now get 1mpg less with the heavier Hymer, which I think is well worth it.
 
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Steve’n’Julie said:
What about MOT and servicing etc.
doesn't a vehicle over 3.5t require an MOT test every year from new?
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Nope. MOT is same as for car.

Servicing depends upon engine, not MAM, but the advantage of the 3 litre engine is that it has a timing chain, so no timing belts to change regularly.
 
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We owned a Hymer B640 Starline 2.7l /Sprintshift for nearly four years. Huge payload, even with a Vespa 125 strung on the back, and 23/4 mpg.
We really can't think why we sold it...
 
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Steve’n’Julie said:
Different classification for the MOT class 4 for cars and class7 for vehicles over 3.5t I believe.
Check out Dave Newells post from March 2010
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Nope only class 4 same for RV's.

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Total no brainer for me, all the advantages of the higher payload, combined with a suberb engine, can't comment on the fiat auto box from that era, but I actually wanted the 3.0 engine/auto box combo but couldn't find the van I wanted with that spec.

Road tax £100 a year cheaper, mot the same as 3500kg, you'll just have to find a garage that has a ramp that can handle the weight, but local council depots and haulage garages are often a good place for those.

If it ticks the rest of your boxes, don't hesitate because of the issues you've raised 👍
 
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Thank you everyone that's been really useful and certainly set mind at rest :-)
I'll let you know how i get on!
 
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Jamesh said:
If it's above 3.5t I'd deffo choose the 3.0 engine.

If your over 70 it gets problematic or a young un!!

Cheers James
Click to expand...
Law changing this autumn for young uns. Bringing them in line with us older uns.

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peterc10 said:
AFAIK the government are saying that only effects caravanners, i.e. those requiring B + E. I have not seen any mention of changing rules for C1.
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Yep you’re right. It’s category BE that changes.
 
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As others have said…
Cheaper tax
Big payload usually means maxi chassis.. bigger brakes, bigger suspension (hence the 4500kg payload)
3l Iveco engine.. bags of power, torque
Auto box… treat it gently and it’ll reward you with a trouble free life.

we/I love ours 👍
 
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peterc10 said:
AFAIK the government are saying that only effects caravanners, i.e. those requiring B + E. I have not seen any mention of changing rules for C1.
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The gov are scrapping the B+E to free up HGV tests.
Whether it will apply retrospectively I don't know.
I can't see a driver with B+E now, whether grandfather rights or test passed, being penalised over someone with no experience of towing.....but I'm not the government.
 
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Jamesh said:
If it's above 3.5t I'd deffo choose the 3.0 engine.

If your over 70 it gets problematic or a young un!!

Cheers James
Click to expand...
A 2.3L on a 4.5 auto is just fine. Used to have a 3L on a 4.25t manual with the same anxiety but it works for me really well and never out of power.
 
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Guigsy said:
Are tolls more abroad for a >3.5t vehicle?
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We have driven from Calais to the south of France and are working our way back up. 4500KG A class and have paid class 2 tolls all the way. 2.96mtr van.
Technically we should have paid class 3 but they scan the height of the vehicle.
Didn't think the French have access to number plate recognition on UK vehicles to establish the weight
 
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Well! we only went and bought it! I think we'd decided before we went that we liked it, it was really a case of anything putting us off when we got there. There was one thing again don't know if good or bad, the gas has been converted to a refillable gas tank, i think i may be able to re use cylinders as an option if i have the connector pipe fitted
But i've never noticed garages selling moho gas?
Oh, by way, it is a 10yr old Hymer T654 CL Exclusive, bit longer than i'm used to at 7.5m!
 
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