A class access to engine

[Anesta]

Hi, nearly signed contract for an A-class, but having all sorts of doubts: is it really that difficult to find a garage for maintenance versus a coachbuilt? Is it so much more expensive?
Maybe just nervous about coughing up the money....

 

[Stealaway]

On the plus side the better insulation on a decent A class will keep the temperature steadier than a tinbox .

Not when you're sat in the captain seat's and the sun is blazing through the windscreen. There's not much insulation in glass

 

[funflair]

Not when you're sat in the captain seat's and the sun is blazing through the windscreen. There's not much insulation in glass

Just drop the blind till it looks like a letterbox or a coachbuilt/ice cream van

Not an A class IMO



Martin

 

[tonyidle]

Maybe but I bet it didtn increase your insurance. Ive had 2 go in 13 years, although both only craked and perfectly usable. Each cost £75 excess. FYI my insurance fully comp 10k mile £50K value is less than £300.

Nope - no effect on the following years premium. Hope this one's the same . I've been using mine since it went - it's an outer layer crack only.

 

[tonyidle]

I'd never use an over cab drop down bed

No point if you don't need it but I use mine all the time. My wife has the rear (laughingly called) double. If we close the intermediate doors we need mobiles to communicate . We both get a decent nights sleep although my over-athletic jumping dogs seem to find me at some point during the night. Don't wake me though.

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[gus-lopez]

With a front roller blind you can choose at any time how big you want your front view to be.

True but it looks nasty & the sun is still heating all the part behind the lowered blind through the glass.Whereas my overcab acts as a complete sunblocker .
I did like the look of an older Flair which would have been ideal for me but there was no way I could accept the height of the windscreen.

 

[funflair]

We don't live in Spain so are usually thankful for any solar gain we can get through the windscreen, if it is too hot sat behind the big screen pulling the insulated blind down a bit does make a big difference.

Martin

 

[Xabia]

Not when you're sat in the captain seat's and the sun is blazing through the windscreen. There's not much insulation in glass

You are overlooking the fact that an A Class harbours a large and comfortable drop down bed which, if you put it lower in the vehicle it would increase the length of the vehicle by 6 feet or so. My son has a Dethleffs with the normal Fiat cab at the front and is always marvelling at the space in my Hymer. Had 4 motorhomes in total, one C class followed by 3 A classes - that tells you something, doesn’t it.

 

[Southdowners]

With regard to the sun... In an A class you can lower the front roller shutter blind - you can also lower the side blinds. In addition to this there is loads of air between the roof and the seats, unlike being in a cab. The side opening windows are huge too - plenty of breeze!

 

[dave newell]

To answer the op's actual question, yes it can increase the cost of repairs and maintenance. Engine bay access varies wildly on A class motorhomes from fair (but awkward) to downright (almost) impossible. Also due to most A class only having one cab door access to the under dash areas is usually somewhere between uncomfortable and a week in hospital. Take doing front suspension on a Fiat Ducato for example, the top strut mounts are under the dash, from 2007 onwards the drivers side top strut mount is behind the fusebox as well. On a normal cab vehicle you remove the lower dash trim (knee trim I call it) and passengers glovebox section, then drill out the two sheer bolts that hold the fuse box in place to gain access. On an A class, the lower dash trim extensions often overlap the knee trim panels (on one I did recently the extension panels were screwed into the original panels from behind, i.e they were screwed in place before the body was fitted leaving them almost completely inaccessible). Some Hymers have the passengers side cupboard overlapping the knee trim meaning you have to remove it completely which is about two hours extra work. Add into all that the fact that as you're working on suspension components you're wearing dirty overalls and scrabbling around in the footwell of an A class with only one cab door and cream coloured fabric upholstery is a right royal pain the ass. Don't even bother with the likes of N&B which only have a hab door so you then have to squeeze between the cab seats in your dirty overalls.

So yes, an A class will often cost more for some maintenance and mechanical work due to awful access.

D.

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[scotjimland]

did you read about the gynaecologist who decorated his hallway through the letter box.. ?

same as working on an A class engine

 

[jongood]

Not when you're sat in the captain seat's and the sun is blazing through the windscreen. There's not much insulation in glass

Double glazed with full width electric thermal blind mate.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

To answer the op's actual question, yes it can increase the cost of repairs and maintenance. Engine bay access varies wildly on A class motorhomes from fair (but awkward) to downright (almost) impossible. Also due to most A class only having one cab door access to the under dash areas is usually somewhere between uncomfortable and a week in hospital. Take doing front suspension on a Fiat Ducato for example, the top strut mounts are under the dash, from 2007 onwards the drivers side top strut mount is behind the fusebox as well. On a normal cab vehicle you remove the lower dash trim (knee trim I call it) and passengers glovebox section, then drill out the two sheer bolts that hold the fuse box in place to gain access. On an A class, the lower dash trim extensions often overlap the knee trim panels (on one I did recently the extension panels were screwed into the original panels from behind, i.e they were screwed in place before the body was fitted leaving them almost completely inaccessible). Some Hymers have the passengers side cupboard overlapping the knee trim meaning you have to remove it completely which is about two hours extra work. Add into all that the fact that as you're working on suspension components you're wearing dirty overalls and scrabbling around in the footwell of an A class with only one cab door and cream coloured fabric upholstery is a right royal pain the ass. Don't even bother with the likes of N&B which only have a hab door so you then have to squeeze between the cab seats in your dirty overalls.

So yes, an A class will often cost more for some maintenance and mechanical work due to awful access.

D.

Sorry Dave. Was the cream upholstery one mine? I have to say you did a fantastic job and I’ve found no sign of grease or blood anywhere yet!

 

[pappajohn]

To answer the op's actual question, yes it can increase the cost of repairs and maintenance. Engine bay access varies wildly on A class motorhomes from fair (but awkward) to downright (almost) impossible. Also due to most A class only having one cab door access to the under dash areas is usually somewhere between uncomfortable and a week in hospital. Take doing front suspension on a Fiat Ducato for example, the top strut mounts are under the dash, from 2007 onwards the drivers side top strut mount is behind the fusebox as well. On a normal cab vehicle you remove the lower dash trim (knee trim I call it) and passengers glovebox section, then drill out the two sheer bolts that hold the fuse box in place to gain access. On an A class, the lower dash trim extensions often overlap the knee trim panels (on one I did recently the extension panels were screwed into the original panels from behind, i.e they were screwed in place before the body was fitted leaving them almost completely inaccessible). Some Hymers have the passengers side cupboard overlapping the knee trim meaning you have to remove it completely which is about two hours extra work. Add into all that the fact that as you're working on suspension components you're wearing dirty overalls and scrabbling around in the footwell of an A class with only one cab door and cream coloured fabric upholstery is a right royal pain the ass. Don't even bother with the likes of N&B which only have a hab door so you then have to squeeze between the cab seats in your dirty overalls.

So yes, an A class will often cost more for some maintenance and mechanical work due to awful access.

D.

So as suspected, they build them for looks and sales with no forethought and couldn't give a flying for the poor mug who has to work on them or the sucker who has to pay for the extra unnecessary hours .

I guess they aren't the first or the last to build in misery.

 

[138go]

Not when you're sat in the captain seat's and the sun is blazing through the windscreen. There's not much insulation in glass

We have a nice big sun blind that we can pull down much better than the standard Fiat one that does not sit properly against the window if you have front blinds.

The front seats in our A Class are far better than the standard Ducato Seats and I can actually see the road ahead rather than having to stoop a bit as I did in the standard Fiat driving position. The seat swivel makes the seat to high for me.

As for insulation we have two sets of blinds for the front screen and the Aldi heating pipes also go across the dash making the front of our MH far warmer than a standard Fiat cab while sitting in the evening.

..

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[dave newell]

Sorry Dave. Was the cream upholstery one mine? I have to say you did a fantastic job and I’ve found no sign of grease or blood anywhere yet!

A surprising number have pale upholstery and/or carpets which I find slightly ridiculous considering most campsites are grassy places that generally get muddy when it rains.

D.

Ps, I mopped the blood up before handing the motorhome back.

 

[iandsm]

I really cannot see the advantages of A class. Massive dash and massive screen just seems like an ego trip.

.

Ego trip. We chose our A class, having previously had coach builds, for layout, overall sense of space and a very convenient comfortable drop down bed. Not to mention a panoramic view when driving or parked up. Ego has little or nothing to do with it.

 

[jongood]

So as suspected, they build them for looks and sales with no forethought and couldn't give a flying for the poor mug who has to work on them or the sucker who has to pay for the extra unnecessary hours .

I guess they aren't the first or the last to build in misery.

I guess you are not acknowledging the errors in your earlier statements then

 

[Blue Knight]

To answer the op's actual question, yes it can increase the cost of repairs and maintenance. Engine bay access varies wildly on A class motorhomes from fair (but awkward) to downright (almost) impossible. Also due to most A class only having one cab door access to the under dash areas is usually somewhere between uncomfortable and a week in hospital. Take doing front suspension on a Fiat Ducato for example, the top strut mounts are under the dash, from 2007 onwards the drivers side top strut mount is behind the fusebox as well. On a normal cab vehicle you remove the lower dash trim (knee trim I call it) and passengers glovebox section, then drill out the two sheer bolts that hold the fuse box in place to gain access. On an A class, the lower dash trim extensions often overlap the knee trim panels (on one I did recently the extension panels were screwed into the original panels from behind, i.e they were screwed in place before the body was fitted leaving them almost completely inaccessible). Some Hymers have the passengers side cupboard overlapping the knee trim meaning you have to remove it completely which is about two hours extra work. Add into all that the fact that as you're working on suspension components you're wearing dirty overalls and scrabbling around in the footwell of an A class with only one cab door and cream coloured fabric upholstery is a right royal pain the ass. Don't even bother with the likes of N&B which only have a hab door so you then have to squeeze between the cab seats in your dirty overalls.

So yes, an A class will often cost more for some maintenance and mechanical work due to awful access.

D.

That's an incredibly informative post Dave - one of the best I've read on here for many moons

 

[Anesta]

Thank you everybody. Signed paperwork for the a-class today!!! Just trying to get the best insurance quote on VIN from Folkestone (at least it will be fully comp. rather than 3rd party). Asked the German dealer and their temp. insurance covers all Europe and UK for 30 days

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[Anesta]

Can't find the dealers' review section: any help please? And thanks Dave for all the info. Got to hope not to have too many problems...

 

[pappajohn]

I guess you are not acknowledging the errors in your earlier statements then

Which errors in which statements... Maybe I can correct you.

 

[CazPaul]

Thank you everybody. Signed paperwork for the a-class today!!! Just trying to get the best insurance quote on VIN from Folkestone (at least it will be fully comp. rather than 3rd party). Asked the German dealer and their temp. insurance covers all Europe and UK for 30 days

Lovely, what are you getting?

 

[gus-lopez]

Thank you everybody. Signed paperwork for the a-class today!!! Just trying to get the best insurance quote on VIN from Folkestone (at least it will be fully comp. rather than 3rd party). Asked the German dealer and their temp. insurance covers all Europe and UK for 30 days

Worth asking if they will extend it , probably at your cost , to the 90 day maximum?

 

[Anesta]

hymer Exsis i588. Can try to ask about extension, but if I find UK insurer that will insure on VIN, I'd probably switch asap at least I get fully comp.

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[funflair]

Which errors in which statements... Maybe I can correct you.

I think @jonegood is referring to your posts #13 and #22 where you erroneously suggest that the chassis parts steering column pedal box and dashboard can not be moved forward to give more space inside the vehicle and consequently of course a smaller dashboard so you sit closer to the windscreen, yes at one point you did say "As the steering Column and bulkhead can't be moved without massive alteration including moving the engine forwards" NO they don't need to move the engine but YES some A class manufacturers do go the extra mile and make these "massive alterations" to give the option of maximising space and drivability.

And yes you do pay for this additional work and no is is not all A class by a long way but it is wrong to generalise and lump all A class vans designs as being the same, possibly we should differentiate and call these vans A class "liners"

I am pleased the OP has made a decision as we are going seriously off topic now, and I hope they will be very happy with their choice.

Martin

 

[tacr2man]

I can never understand why some find it necessary to denigrate the choices of others when it is of no relevance to themselves ?
This has been noticeable in a somewhat similar way to the views after the Brexit vote where some those that voted remain , in one breath say that Leavers didnt know what they were voting for and in the next say that they know why they voted leave

 

[funflair]

I can never understand why some find it necessary to denigrate the choices of others when it is of no relevance to themselves ?
This has been noticeable in a somewhat similar way to the views after the Brexit vote where some those that voted remain , in one breath say that Leavers didnt know what they were voting for and in the next say that they know why they voted leave

We all make different choices which is not a problem, we also have a right to defend our choice and I don't mind a bit of criticism of my choice (I can take it) but what I don't like is when people back up their argument with incorrect "facts" OK we all make mistakes but hopefully I can admit mine and hold my hands up.

Martin

 

[TheDogMan]

I decided to have C class when looking for my first one after looking at some A class's with the typical letter box bonnet, the expense and maybe wait for a windscreen and mirrors and the non standard front light fittings then I then looked at what seemed to be a lot of unusable space in the cab area.

 

[MichaelT]

I really cannot see the advantages of A class. Massive dash and massive screen just seems like an ego trip.

The size is the same as a coach built as the base vehicle is the same, it just looks longer.

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[tonyidle]

The size is the same as a coach built as the base vehicle is the same, it just looks longer.

The A class is wider (the cab is built to the same width as the rear body so it's normally at least a foot wider) and screens are often considerably taller. The dashboard on most A class vans extends forward to a position just behind the OEM vans bonnet latch rail so it is deeper by (at a guess) approaching two feet. It also extends outwards to the new cab sides. It isn't strictly the dashboard as such - that remains OEM in most A class vans - but is a manufactured extension both forwards and out to the sides.