Carthago Malibu 540 v Hymercar Free 540 v Hymercar Ayers Rock

[GPW]

Converting is good in theory, but destroys the original van and therefore can reduce sales value.
I.e. a Devon Colorado is worth more than a 'professionally modified' Devon Colorado.

It will suit some people but not others, IMO best sell it and move on. I'm sure a majority of people buy the perfect van and then want a different layout, thinking and looking are different from using which is why renting is a good plan to try stuff out even if it usually seems like too much trouble and cost. I was too lazy to do this.

The Murvi vans appeal to me as the kitchens are simply brilliant and the living room is great, but went for a fixed bed and a comfortable dinette.
Not all dinettes are comfortable I found. I also didn't want to be spinning seats all the time to face backward, I can imagine getting up, having a stretch and having a drink at the dinette.

Burstner do a variant without a dinette - it has a sideboard instead, sort of like a mini living room.

 

[Mark and Mindy]

We decided that even if we had rented the same layout as a test, the chances of it being the same as the Colorado were slim. The hardness of the settee cushions for instance or the kitchen issues; we're all different and there are lots of happy Colorado owners out there, its just that I'm not one of them.

We had a shortlist of 4 vans and the Murvi was one of them, but we want to be able to use the van to transport items which are too big for my car and not being able to slide something from back to front was a big issue. We had thought we could wiggle something through the bathroom from the back and into the living area in the Murvi but realised that with the cassette (and toilet) being where they were then it wouldn't be possible.

That Burstner variant is the one that Blue Knight linked to, its up in Scotland and also has the shower in the passageway, not something we want.

I've seen it said on the forum that most people change their van/motorhome 3 times to get the one they want, well bearing in mind that tiny vans only really have 3 (or 4) layouts and we've already tried 1 of them, if the bed at the rear doesn't work then I don't think we'll get onto no.3 as that involves making the lounge into a bed at night and we already know that we don't like the piddling about.

All I can say is that the Colorado was the right van at the time and worked well with the finances; but things have changed and even after such a short time we realise that what looked right isn't right in reality. I love the life, being able to travel, odd nights here and there, longer holidays. Owning dogs has made it hard over the years to just drop and go, always having to book dog friendly places; with a van it works out just fine, we've stayed down at the coast overnight so we could have the beach to ourselves first thing in the morning. We see things with fresh eyes and the height from the front of the cab means we see far more than we ever did before.

 

[GPW]

That Burstner variant is the one that @Blue Knight linked to, its up in Scotland and also has the shower in the passageway, not something we want.

The one I looked at had a regular tambour door, I think Southdowns (Portsmouth) used to have one in stock but sold it.

Good luck with the next layout. I'm thinking that if I don't get along with the european layout I'll try to adapt and use it in a more similar way to the europeans as it obviously suits them

 

[Mark and Mindy]

We've been and seen and put a deposit down!

Having a few extras added and then it will be ours in 2 weeks.



Very happy with the whole process, and got a decent price for the Colorado on part exchange.

We tried out everything, in and out of the bathroom, sat on the toilet, climbed into the lovely comfy bed, opened drawers and cupboards, thought about where the dogs will go.

We'll only use the Colorado again on our way to collect the new van, and that's enough for me.

 

[CazPaul]

We've been and seen and put a deposit down!

Having a few extras added and then it will be ours in 2 weeks.



Very happy with the whole process, and got a decent price for the Colorado on part exchange.

We tried out everything, in and out of the bathroom, sat on the toilet, climbed into the lovely comfy bed, opened drawers and cupboards, thought about where the dogs will go.

We'll only use the Colorado again on our way to collect the new van, and that's enough for me.

Which one have you gone for?

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[Mark and Mindy]

Hymer Ayers Rock, we did look at other vans but this was the one that ticked the boxes for us.

 

[GPW]

We've been and seen and put a deposit down!

Great news!! It is the Hymer version of the 5.4m Burstner we looked at. I did rather like the layout and the fridge position too, away from the bed and not stupidly huge.

Welcome to the continental layout, 400m people can't be wrong

 

[Coolcats]

Hymer Ayers Rock, we did look at other vans but this was the one that ticked the boxes for us.

Hymer Ayers Rock, we did look at other vans but this was the one that ticked the boxes for us.

We hope you will be as happy with your Ayres Rock as we are, we did not want a 'pop top' neither did we want to go larger than the 5.4 its all a compromise and whilst like all owners we are biased we think it was a good choice. We purchased ours last year, it is comfortable and reliable and look forward to each trip we undertake.

Your original post mentioned the Hymer Free, I don't know if you have looked at one but it is not as specced up as the Ayres rock etc for example just open the rear doors look at the panelling on the corners, on the Ayres Rock etc it is moulded plastic on the Free it is 'plywood' which is similar to the Sunlight Cliff 540 (Sunlight is owned by Hymer) The Ayres Rock has bed springs the Free are the wooden slats. Hymer appears to promote the Free as a lower range to the the other Hymer Cars.

You have made a great choice

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Can't seem to quote your post for some reason...

It definitely is all a compromise, for instance the shower area in the Ayers Rock is smaller than our current Colorado, but for a few minutes a day does it really matter?

We did have a look at the Hymer Free and felt it was definitely the poor relation to the Ayers Rock. I got the feeling that it was the starter 5.4m for those who couldn't afford the Ayers Rock - the table for instance with its single leg, the salesman took it off to show how easily it could be moved and then failed to put it back on properly - it looked so awkward to me and not easy at all.

One thing about the Ayers Rock which is interesting is how people get into bed, its quite high up and even though I'm 6ft its too high for me, Mark is about the same height and he couldn't get in either, the salesman had to borrow an individual step from the workshop for us. In other vans and motorhomes with a high bed the manufacturer has put in a foot hole or a step or two, so we've bought our own single step to help us.

Our Ayers Rock does have a real touch of luxury about it, and the anticipation is just increasing day by day - we only did the deal last weekend, but next weekend seems so far away.

Good to hear that you're happy with your Ayers Rock!

 

[Coolcats]

Can't seem to quote your post for some reason...

It definitely is all a compromise, for instance the shower area in the Ayers Rock is smaller than our current Colorado, but for a few minutes a day does it really matter?

We did have a look at the Hymer Free and felt it was definitely the poor relation to the Ayers Rock. I got the feeling that it was the starter 5.4m for those who couldn't afford the Ayers Rock - the table for instance with its single leg, the salesman took it off to show how easily it could be moved and then failed to put it back on properly - it looked so awkward to me and not easy at all.

One thing about the Ayers Rock which is interesting is how people get into bed, its quite high up and even though I'm 6ft its too high for me, Mark is about the same height and he couldn't get in either, the salesman had to borrow an individual step from the workshop for us. In other vans and motorhomes with a high bed the manufacturer has put in a foot hole or a step or two, so we've bought our own single step to help us.

Our Ayers Rock does have a real touch of luxury about it, and the anticipation is just increasing day by day - we only did the deal last weekend, but next weekend seems so far away.

Good to hear that you're happy with your Ayers Rock!

I do feel like im a 5 year old again getting in to the bed as it is a little high, Hymer supplied the vehicle with a small step but we tend not to use it. We also found that with the curtain drawn the sleeping area does get quite warm at night we have the heating on at a background level but we tend to use the summer quilt.

There are always little things the salesman doesn't tell you such as the tilt sink in the bathroom is removable so you can clean the channel behind it.

You may have seen this Finish couple who live full time in a PVC but if you haven't it may just add to the excitement and anticipation of collecting and using your Ayers Rock https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7n1UgTK1ek9o6MMxl7FBQ (they use an Adria)

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[Mark and Mindy]

I do feel like im a 5 year old again getting in to the bed as it is a little high, Hymer supplied the vehicle with a small step but we tend not to use it. We also found that with the curtain drawn the sleeping area does get quite warm at night we have the heating on at a background level but we tend to use the summer quilt.

There are always little things the salesman doesn't tell you such as the tilt sink in the bathroom is removable so you can clean the channel behind it.

You may have seen this Finish couple who live full time in a PVC but if you haven't it may just add to the excitement and anticipation of collecting and using your Ayers Rock https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7n1UgTK1ek9o6MMxl7FBQ (they use an Adria)

We've just switched to the summer weight duvet both at home and in the Colorado, but Hymie (our name for the Ayers Rock ) has bigger and better vents than the Colorado so I'm hoping that will keep us cooler as well on the hot nights - the Colorado has just the one small vent in the hab area (not much bigger than Hymie's bathroom vent) and then also a small bathroom vent so its going to be amazing changing to Hymie especially as we'll also gain an extra 2 opening windows.

I'm not sure what we'll do about the heating at night as I think the outlet point may be where one of the dog beds will be going but will have to investigate further.

Thanks for the tip on the bathroom sink, something to tuck into my brain for later on.

Loving that Finish couple's exploits and its giving me something to do while waiting until Saturday!

 

[DrRogerRam]

Love their wood-burner, & have followed their videos for ages. Glad you've found your new van.
Here in France we are hunting for an auto Jules Verne or Kepler One as the replacement for our Hymer Exsis. Rarer than hen's teeth or an arm & a leg job cash-wise, to use a couple of blurry metaphors.Really warm here 29C out & 25.4C inside.

 

[Jev88]

Here's an alternative.

I note how many MH thefts are off the owners drive. So why restrict yourself to 5.4M, store the MH at a dedicated site and enjoy the extra size and peace of mind?

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Here's an alternative.

I note how many MH thefts are off the owners drive. So why restrict yourself to 5.4M, store the MH at a dedicated site and enjoy the extra size and peace of mind?

We like the 5.4m size and don't want/need a bigger van - we love the flexibility it gives us in terms of length and has everything we need. We have 2 small-ish dogs who will travel with us most of the time and we can accommodate them easily - dedicated sites with space which aren't too far away are hard to come by, the one we would like is actually only a 5 minute walk but they're full and have a long waiting list.

With it on the drive it means we can just make a split second decision to go off for the weekend, only a few minutes to get the dogs into their harnesses and we're done... no taking the car to somewhere miles away to get the van and bring it back again, or having to load the car and transfer to the van.

Our mistake with the Colorado was all about how the interior space worked, or in our case didn't work for us, not about the length.

 

[GPW]

I note how many MH thefts are off the owners drive.

Comfort were fine with my van on the drive, but wanted to know if it was stored anywhere else for more than 48 hours. They gave the impression that they were much happier with in on your own property.

With us any thief would have to move our car, dismantle some fencing and then get past a Cat6 tracker so it's probably OK...

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[Coolcats]

We've just switched to the summer weight duvet both at home and in the Colorado, but Hymie (our name for the Ayers Rock ) has bigger and better vents than the Colorado so I'm hoping that will keep us cooler as well on the hot nights - the Colorado has just the one small vent in the hab area (not much bigger than Hymie's bathroom vent) and then also a small bathroom vent so its going to be amazing changing to Hymie especially as we'll also gain an extra 2 opening windows.

I'm not sure what we'll do about the heating at night as I think the outlet point may be where one of the dog beds will be going but will have to investigate further.

Thanks for the tip on the bathroom sink, something to tuck into my brain for later on.

Loving that Finish couple's exploits and its giving me something to do while waiting until Saturday!

I am sure you have spotted there are a number of openings for the heat, including the frost protection dump valve and leisure batteries. the ones in the habitation area can be closed off. We found the large vent by the bed doesn't put out a lot of heat airflow (unless its on full blow) compared to those on the floor which is a good thing. also you could close the one off by the dog bed if you need to. Our previous Camper (VW Transporter) was nice but changing to the Ayres Rock, we feel it is absolutely luxurious....all in 4.5 metres.

Time may be passing slowly...but your collection date is getting closer

 

[Mark and Mindy]

I am sure you have spotted there are a number of openings for the heat, including the frost protection dump valve and leisure batteries. the ones in the habitation area can be closed off. We found the large vent by the bed doesn't put out a lot of heat airflow (unless its on full blow) compared to those on the floor which is a good thing. also you could close the one off by the dog bed if you need to. Our previous Camper (VW Transporter) was nice but changing to the Ayres Rock, we feel it is absolutely luxurious....all in 4.5 metres.

Time may be passing slowly...but your collection date is getting closer

I was checking out our van on their website, its still there although showing as sold and did wonder whether I could put one dog bed into the passenger footwell, although I'm not fussed if either of them gets onto the dinette seat as they'll be travelling there in the daytime anyway. They can't get on the bed with us as its far too high up and if we managed to persuade them to stay on the floor in the Colorado where they could get up easily then I don't expect any fussing from them.

Its weird, I know we've only had the Colorado for 3 months but I'm far more excited about getting the Ayers Rock, maybe its because it really is a more luxurious van overall.

 

[Coolcats]

I was checking out our van on their website, its still there although showing as sold and did wonder whether I could put one dog bed into the passenger footwell, although I'm not fussed if either of them gets onto the dinette seat as they'll be travelling there in the daytime anyway. They can't get on the bed with us as its far too high up and if we managed to persuade them to stay on the floor in the Colorado where they could get up easily then I don't expect any fussing from them.

Its weird, I know we've only had the Colorado for 3 months but I'm far more excited about getting the Ayers Rock, maybe its because it really is a more luxurious van overall.

Not wishing to add to your excitement on picking up your new Ayres Rock but I suspect you have worked out how many sleeps before Christmas I mean collecting your new Motorhome in case you haven't seen it here is an early Hymer marketing video (watching this stuff is like music on hold until you get the real thing)

Click on this link Kitesurf Worldcup 2016 with the Hymer Ayers Rock

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Not wishing to add to your excitement on picking up your new Ayres Rock but I suspect you have worked out how many sleeps before Christmas I mean collecting your new Motorhome in case you haven't seen it here is an early Hymer marketing video (watching this stuff is like music on hold until you get the real thing)

Click on this link Kitesurf Worldcup 2016 with the Hymer Ayers Rock

Love that video!

Funny you should say about the sleeps, only 4 to go and 1 of them will be in the Colorado, we'll be staying at the M5 services at Gloucester on our way up to get Hymie, our "go to" place; works well for us as there's a decent dog walk and £23 for the night with a £5 food voucher. They have showers we can use to save the van and their food is nice if a bit pricey.

Early handover at 8.30am so we're doing half the journey, overnight, and then the other half, that way we don't have to get up at 5am! Luckily I managed to change their original suggested handover time of 7.30am.

I've booked us into a campsite for Saturday night as well so we can check everything works fine before trundling home again.

 

[Coolcats]

Love that video!

Funny you should say about the sleeps, only 4 to go and 1 of them will be in the Colorado, we'll be staying at the M5 services at Gloucester on our way up to get Hymie, our "go to" place; works well for us as there's a decent dog walk and £23 for the night with a £5 food voucher. They have showers we can use to save the van and their food is nice if a bit pricey.

Early handover at 8.30am so we're doing half the journey, overnight, and then the other half, that way we don't have to get up at 5am! Luckily I managed to change their original suggested handover time of 7.30am.

I've booked us into a campsite for Saturday night as well so we can check everything works fine before trundling home again.

Its nearly time for that journey as the song says Every Day is a Winding road enjoy the pickup and camping hope all goes well.

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[Mark and Mindy]

Thanks!

2 sleeps to go

 

[Mark and Mindy]

We picked up Hymie yesterday morning, spent a long time on the handover, it was really good and he went through everything in detail. Much better handover than we had with the last van.

We did a bit of food shopping and grabbed lunch and then went and walked the dogs, learnt the hard way about the fridge door - must close it properly! Went over an invisible bump and the door flew open scattering the contents, luckily all packing stayed intact and could just be put back. We went into Ironbridge for Mark to go and take photos and then to our campsite for the night.

We stayed at a small campsite with good dog walking straight from the campsite, it wasn't the cheapest at £23 + £1 for each dog but the value of decent dog walking without having to drive to it was enormous.

Had a very good night's sleep, the bed was really comfortable, no problems with Hymie at all and home in time for Mark to watch the Grand Prix.

Now to make plans of where we'll go next.

 

[Jagtazman]

By comparison buy a Hymer Free 540 in Belgium or Germany it will cost you £32,000 after discount at current exchange rates. You will probably need to add £2.5k of options and £500 to import & get on the road so a total of £35K.
If exchange rates improve after the current political crap is over it will probably only cost £32-£33k.

Wow £35k vs 54k

Lowdhams

www.lowdhams.com

 

[Lenny HB]

From Hymer German site, thats £37k before any extras or discounts.

 

[Coolcats]

We picked up Hymie yesterday morning, spent a long time on the handover, it was really good and he went through everything in detail. Much better handover than we had with the last van.

We did a bit of food shopping and grabbed lunch and then went and walked the dogs, learnt the hard way about the fridge door - must close it properly! Went over an invisible bump and the door flew open scattering the contents, luckily all packing stayed intact and could just be put back. We went into Ironbridge for Mark to go and take photos and then to our campsite for the night.

We stayed at a small campsite with good dog walking straight from the campsite, it wasn't the cheapest at £23 + £1 for each dog but the value of decent dog walking without having to drive to it was enormous.

Had a very good night's sleep, the bed was really comfortable, no problems with Hymie at all and home in time for Mark to watch the Grand Prix.

Now to make plans of where we'll go next.

Sounds like you had a great handover and weekend, we hired a Hymer a couple of years ago in Iceland, broke hard as I nearly missed a turning, turned in (race car style) an there was an almighty crash from the rear......The cutlery draw had not been closed properly it flew out throwing the draw and cutlery all over the place. Apart from the initial shock of thinking I had just broken the Hymer, I was pleasantly surprised that due to the quality of the build there was no damage, the draw and cutlery just went back from where it came. Good to here your food all went back in to the fridge safely.

Happy planning for your next trip.

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