Change from caravan to PVC?

[Lost Sun]

Looks like we may have to sell our caravan and change to a motorhome, probably a panel Van conversion. My question to those who know is this....

what have you realised about using a PVC that you didn't know when you bought it?Good or bad

Simon

 

[Guigsy]

I've got a rather stumpy 5.4m Ducato PVC. It's got 4 travel seats, kitchen with oven, hob and fridge, a bathroom and a transverse double bed. We call it the crampervan as it's pretty cosy inside!

Good: It does indeed fit in a normal car parking space without hanging out both ends too much. It's very easy to drive. Even parking isn't too hard I've got a camera looking down at the rear bumper.

Bad: I didn't realise how much the 2.6m height would restrict us from getting in so many town centre car parks. My brother's VW T5 Transporter conversion is only slightly shorter in length, but with a pop-roof, he has far fewer height issues... but then I have a bathroom and a permanent double bed.

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Lost Sun]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

Thank you

 

[mikebeaches]

In all likely-hood you will need to get used to a smaller amount of living space in a pvc compared to a caravan. BUT, success with a camper is all about 'frame of mind'. It's a good few years since we had a caravan, and while our camper is smaller inside we find it much more comfortable.

For example, I don't know of a caravan that has such comfy and accommodating chairs as the revolving captains' seats in the cab - fully reclining, adjustable twin armrests, and not to mention height and tilt adjustment too! No external fresh water barrel or waste container to sort out - everything is on board with a camper. Just arrive, turn off the ignition and relax... Can't do that with a caravan.

The thing I didn't fully appreciate about getting a pvc after having ordinary coachbuilt motorhomes, was just quite how much fresh air and 'outside-in' feel you get with the big sliding side door open. And when VERY hot, the pleasure of opening the side door AND the rear barn doors, to really let the air flow through...

Very often - especially in spring and autumn - when the weather is marginal for sitting outside, it's possible to position the van so the sun floods through the big open side door and, in the shelter of the van, enjoy the warmth and fresh air.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

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[two]

You will not have as much space in a PVC as a caravan but will be able to travel further with much more ease.
You'll need to be organised (a place for everything and ...) and become more friendly.
Enjoy your new adventures.

 

[Lost Sun]

For several years we had an Eriba Triton caravan (2.0m wide X 4.2m long) all external measurements. So we think we'll be ok space wise but our current van is a very modern 2016 Sterling Elite 480 with all the toys so a bit of a culture shock
Simon

 

[mikebeaches]

For several years we had an Eriba Triton caravan (2.0m wide X 4.2m long) all external measurements. So we think we'll be ok space wise but our current van is a very modern 2016 Sterling Elite 480 with all the toys so a bit of a culture shock
Simon

Indeed, but much easier and more relaxed travelling.

 

[scottie]

Hi and welcome. I own a Devon astec 6 mtr pvc. Rear lounge, 4 plate gas hob, toilet and shower, albeit, shower probably a waste of time as compartment is small. 100 watt solar panel hooked up to 120 watt leisure battery, only have space for one.Two 3.9 kg butane gas cylinders and electric hook up. 3 times 240 volt sockets, but all on one side of van, 1 permanently in use for fridge, leaving 2. Van could have been better designed in terms of better use of cupboard space to put in at least 6kg gas cylinders, possibly bigger shower unit, although most pvcer vans similar, u less u have a full length shower and toilet at rear of van. No built in microwave, I carry a portable one. More modern and quite expensive pvc vans have now generally overcome some of these issues. I would suggest do a lot of research, make a note of essential requirements, and then desire able, but be prepared to spend out some money for anything up to 3 years of age. Pvc vans now popular as they are dual usage, albeit height restrictions for barrier car parks. You will have to compromise somewhere along the line. Hope this post assists.

 

[scottie]

Oh, and check out insulation, mine is rubbish. But have to live with it.

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[madstacks]

Out of interest can i ask why you may swap? im interested because we are currently saving up for a PVC for full time touring and because we are going full time we have also considered car/caravan instead, strangely enough the caravan we would have be looking to buy is a sterling elite 480!

 

[Lost Sun]

The reason for swapping is my health. I've recently been diagnosed with a brain disease that alters my central nervous system and on some occasions means I can't drive. It's not predictable and attacks come on quickly. My wife doesn't want to tow so a small motorhome is our only option. We think a PVC may be our best fit.
The elite is fab van and we love it and don't want to change but have little choice of we want to keep touring. Our van is only 18 months old and in perfect condition so we should be able to sell it. We also upgraded the fabrics, have a mover, jacking points and Jack, dometic Aircon and a weight upgrade to 1550kg
Regards
Simon

 

[madstacks]

Thanks for explaining Simon, Sorry to hear that, A PVC makes perfect sense and its also why me and my partner are leaning towards vans, she wont tow neither and if I was ill it would be a massive issue..PVC however would be a very easy transition from a car.

I hope you find the right van soon, and also hope there will be a whole load of bonuses vs the caravan that equal things out a bit from downgrade of space. ease of travel and not having to setup in the rain would seem to be the main ones!

 

[TheBig1]

Out of interest can i ask why you may swap? im interested because we are currently saving up for a PVC for full time touring and because we are going full time we have also considered car/caravan instead, strangely enough the caravan we would have be looking to buy is a sterling elite 480!

sorry but full timing is so much easier with a car and caravan than the limitations of a small pvc. at least you can escape each other for a while to calm down after a row. being in very close proximity in a small van 24/7 can be like being in prison. it will make or break a relationship

 

[two]

Car and caravan is a very good combination for the UK, but things change considerably if you go abroad.

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[ymfb]

we have a 6.36 m long Kingham, we didn't realise just how much comfortable it would be and how little gas we would use when camping.

 

[grumps147]

It depends if there are two main users, or a family/grandchildren involved.

Having gone from a caravan to a coach built we noticed one main issue, and a pvc would accentuate this. With our caravan we could carry a lot in the centre aisle of the caravan when travelling (weight permitted). On arrival on site these items could go in the awning or car overnight/while on site. If we wanted to go out for the day the items would go back from the car into the awning/aisle.

In our coat built it’s like being a navy man in a submarine. Everything has to have its place in its own storage. Rallies/ meets over a few days mean you can be slightly more flexible, but not that much.

You will need to evaluate what goes where, do you really need it, and just how essential is it.