Downsizing but what to look at?

[Dippy9]

Good Morning
We had a coachbuilt Motorhome and we have swapped this for a PVC. We now have a Rapido Dreamer D68 Select Ltd. We are very pleased with it. We had two trips to France last year, once in each MH. Even with out a garage we much preferred our current MH, Dolly the Dreamer Van. Good luck with your search. John

LOL. Our Burstner motorhome is also a Dolly

 

[Dippy9]

When we were looking a couple of years ago, we were very impressed with IH PVCs. The quality seemed to be very good indeed.

In the end we bought an Autosleeper Kingham, the quality not as good as IH but the layout suited us better. And I can always fix the quality, but can’t easily change the layout.

We downsized from A class, and the one thing we miss most (well, I do anyway) is the garage where you can just chuck stuff. However the ease of use and driving (especially getting in and out of our drive) make this compromise worthwhile.

IH have some interesting layouts. It will be good to see them in real life though.

 

[BRND]

Hi there. We are thinking about downsizing from our coach built Burstner 744 rear lounge Moho to a van, probably 6.5m. We are going to the NEC show in February but looking on some advice about what brands we should be looking out for and which to avoid. Beyond HYMER and Malibu I’m not too sure where to start the search to get similar quality to what we have now with the Burstner. We don’t need massive off grid capability and are open minded about layout though rear lateral singles or drop down would be preferred. Price point is c£85k though that might mean a used van rather than a new one. This question is primarily about build quality and any thoughts are very welcome so thanks.

We downsized from a 7.5m Lila with an Island bed last September. Had a look at Comfort which we were most impressed with. I don’t think they display at the NEC but you can arrange a factory visit which they recommend. We ended up getting a Malibu 6.4m. Partly because it was immediately available and also the two single beds were fixed and were longitudinal as we didn’t want to climb over each other! The only issue we have is that it doesn’t have an oven but we use a small air fryer when connected to EHU.

 

[Dippy9]

Possle vans - Globecar eg Summit Prime 640 which we have and really enjoy.

Thanks for recommending. I’ve had a look at their website and the Shine 640 looks interesting as does the model you have.

 

[Dippy9]

We downsized from a 7.5m Lila with an Island bed last September. Had a look at Comfort which we were most impressed with. I don’t think they display at the NEC but you can arrange a factory visit which they recommend. We ended up getting a Malibu 6.4m. Partly because it was immediately available and also the two single beds were fixed and were longitudinal as we didn’t want to climb over each other! The only issue we have is that it doesn’t have an oven but we use a small air fryer when connected to EHU.

I’d be happy with a microwave I think. One of the reasons for downsizing is to improve mobility on the road so that should mean pub dinners most nights!!!

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[kingmid]

Another very pleased Vantage owner. We replaced our coachbuilt with a Neo, quality and after sales service from Vantage are excellent.

 

[Gareth_Kelly]

If you're looking for a LHD like we were for mainly touring in Europe, them have a look at Tourne.
We bought ours through a dealer in Belgium and have been away in it since early November.
Made in Slovenia primarily for the Norwegian market ours is 6.4m long with a longitudinal bed (massive), and came with a lot of extras fitted as standard (Webasto diesel heater, underfloor heating, awning, towbar, very well insulated etc) and we paid more or less the £85k you mentioned.
Great quality fittings which we felt were better than others we'd seen. But I appreciate it's a very personal perspective.

It’s all about the journey

Tourne is an exciting, intelligent, custom-fitted campervan that changes the way we think about mobility, travel, touring, camping and more.

www.tourne-mobil.com

We also downsized from a 7.3m 4.5t Hymer B694SL (a quite lovely A-Class) but are very happy that we did - on this trip we've been able to get to lots of places in the Tourne that we couldn't have in the motorhome.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Lenny HB]

I looked at the 141 and it does look like a super van but the weight inevitably means a C1 and we need to move away from that licence requirement now. It’s one of the reasons for downsizing.

If you travel light they can be run at 3.5t, my mate runs one but he doesn't have an awning, no spare wheel never travels with a full water tank.

 

[David BW]

Is it the Twin single bed model ? If so can you sit up in bed if your back is against the rear door windows ? Thanks.

It is.
We sleep the other way round so sit against the wall to the front. Headroom against the doors is limited by the cupboard above.

 

[Minxy]

It is.
We sleep the other way round so sit against the wall to the front. Headroom against the doors is limited by the cupboard above.

We did the same when we had a Campscout, I just had to move the rail for the lights.

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[Minxy]

I looked at the 141 and it does look like a super van but the weight inevitably means a C1 and we need to move away from that licence requirement now. It’s one of the reasons for downsizing.

Just check the weight of whatever you go for and that the remaining payload is sufficient for you as PVCs tend to be heavier than the equivalent coach-built due to the steel bodywork.

 

[carolyn]

We had 2 IH630RDs the first was a manual and then we upgraded to an Automatic. They were good vans but I’d have to say the Consort Oslo is much better. You can tell it’s built by people who are actual motorhomers.
In our first IH there was an enormous sink drainer that’s still standard. Such a waste of space. In our second we persuaded Ian to give us a small sink and no drainer so you had a bit of worktop to stand a kettle. Much better.

They’re good vans though if you found a 2nd hand one.

 

[pat100]

My 6m 2021 Accordo 135 is good for ferries, car parks, aires, wild camps, breakdown services, driving licence and country roads. I’ve been on some amazingly narrow roads in the Brecon Beacons and the Pyrenees. With savage ascents and scary hairpins. The handling is great even with a maximum load. The 2.2l turbo-diesel has taken on some daunting climbs. It’s saved my bacon when I've made some daft route choices or indulged in sporty driving. The body-work seems very light. You’d have to trade all those benefits off against a lack of space.
As a solo traveler, for me, it’s very luxurious. I like the proper door and rear window.
Occasionally, I wish for a low-roofed camper but not often.
The drawbacks have been fitting a Gaslow cylinder and lithium battery. Only room for one of each in the tiny lockers with only mm to spare.
(Non-size related issues on this model are the horrible non-customisable TPMS. Unreadable speedo (got a HUD instead). High seat and low windscreen. Almost unreachable hand brake. Stupid water filler (I’ve customised it.) Stupid non-waterproof shower curtain. Setting up the “garage” to suit me - and handle those hairpins - hurt my brain.)

 

[Dippy9]

Love my Malibu on my 2nd once since downsizing from a 9m Burstner Elegance, never looked back.... wish I had made the move years ago fantastic vans, quality & well built and lovely to drive currently spending a few months in Morocco

View attachment 1002705

What size engine do you have? Any thoughts on 140bhp vs180bhp?

 

[hja]

Is it the Twin single bed model ? If so can you sit up in bed if your back is against the rear door windows ? Thanks.

Yes and no

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[CaptainPaul]

What size engine do you have? Any thoughts on 140bhp vs180bhp?

Actually funny you mention that because I'm very much in the minority

in that I would never own a motorhome/campervan or whatever with an automatic gear box, whether it be comformatic, semi auto or full auto I wouldn't have one about me and I've driven lots of them and in fact when I was ordering my van from the Carthago factory in Germany they were adamant that I couldn't have a manual 180bhp engine as an option and I said that's fine I'll buy a different camper somewhere else like Burstner or Globecar or whatever and would you believe it they happened to magic one up in a couple of days! Lol sorry for the long story but mine is the new 2.2 180bhp on manual gearbox and it's sublime to drive, loads of torque at my fingertips and very fast for what it is, I have some cars at home that are auto and the first thing I do is flick over to the paddle shifters
As regards 140 v 180 I would always opt for more power but it's a personal choice

 

[ontheroadagain]

for build quality Adria shouldnt be discounted, despite the pipe leaks that a few have had ......

Agreed. The Adria Twin SLB or SGX are worth considering.

Most of the leaking pipe fittings were in vans built around 2019 to 2021.
Apparently there was a batch of faulty Reich Uniquick fittings.
Our Adria was built late 2021 and we haven't had any leaks to date even though the same fittings are still used.

 

[CaptainPaul]

Just to add if your in the majority who prefer automatic then that van of Pausim Is a lovely van and a steal at that price, if you weren't too far away it's definitely worth a look at and a wee test drive maybe

 

[Dippy9]

Actually funny you mention that because I'm very much in the minority View attachment 1003782in that I would never own a motorhome/campervan or whatever with an automatic gear box, whether it be comformatic, semi auto or full auto I wouldn't have one about me and I've driven lots of them and in fact when I was ordering my van from the Carthago factory in Germany they were adamant that I couldn't have a manual 180bhp engine as an option and I said that's fine I'll buy a different camper somewhere else like Burstner or Globecar or whatever and would you believe it they happened to magic one up in a couple of days! Lol sorry for the long story but mine is the new 2.2 180bhp on manual gearbox and it's sublime to drive, loads of torque at my fingertips and very fast for what it is, I have some cars at home that are auto and the first thing I do is flick over to the paddle shifters
As regards 140 v 180 I would always opt for more power but it's a personal choice

How funny! We are the opposite having lived and driven in central London for 25 years we are completely addicted to autos. You only need to be caught in a London gridlock for several hours and once that’s happened a couple of times you won’t ever look at a manual again. It may be a moot point anyway as most of the vans on forecourts seem to be 180 bhp and auto.

 

[CaptainPaul]

How funny! We are the opposite having lived and driven in central London for 25 years we are completely addicted to autos. You only need to be caught in a London gridlock for several hours and once that’s happened a couple of times you won’t ever look at a manual again. It may be a moot point anyway as most of the vans on forecourts seem to be 180 bhp and auto.

That's very true
Living in Ireland we don't have that gridlock going on, except maybe on a Saturday Market day...

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[Anjistar]

Vantage Neo. Huge amounts of space and light, great aftersales service. We've had ours 5 years now, our first van and I wouldn't swap it. We took 3 years to decide, mind, and looked at many, many vans.

 

[Dippy9]

That's very true
Living in Ireland we don't have that gridlock going on, except maybe on a Saturday Market day... View attachment 1003862

I love this photo

 

[Dippy9]

Vantage Neo. Huge amounts of space and light, great aftersales service. We've had ours 5 years now, our first van and I wouldn't swap it. We took 3 years to decide, mind, and looked at many, many vans.

On my list to visit at the show

 

[Wicketter]

We purchased a 2016 Vantage Neo last February. Excellent van and had no problems with it at all. There is a great owners FB site that is full of tips and advice.

Ours is a 2019 NEO, great van

 

[Dippy9]

If you're looking for a LHD like we were for mainly touring in Europe, them have a look at Tourne.
We bought ours through a dealer in Belgium and have been away in it since early November.
Made in Slovenia primarily for the Norwegian market ours is 6.4m long with a longitudinal bed (massive), and came with a lot of extras fitted as standard (Webasto diesel heater, underfloor heating, awning, towbar, very well insulated etc) and we paid more or less the £85k you mentioned.
Great quality fittings which we felt were better than others we'd seen. But I appreciate it's a very personal perspective.

It’s all about the journey

Tourne is an exciting, intelligent, custom-fitted campervan that changes the way we think about mobility, travel, touring, camping and more.

www.tourne-mobil.com

We also downsized from a 7.3m 4.5t Hymer B694SL (a quite lovely A-Class) but are very happy that we did - on this trip we've been able to get to lots of places in the Tourne that we couldn't have in the motorhome.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Thank you. I think it’s RHD for us as we will be mostly in UK but I’m going to check these out anyway.

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[Dippy9]

Just to add if your in the majority who prefer automatic then that van of Pausim Is a lovely van and a steal at that price, if you weren't too far away it's definitely worth a look at and a wee test drive maybe

is there an advert that I can see?

 

[davidroxburgh]

Hi I have a LHD Westfalia Columbus for sale with Select Motorhomes in Trago Mills near Exeter. Simon Jones the owner is a long standing Funster.

The van is 6.3 meters long with the 180 Comfortmatic engine - and fuel economy over around 46,000 miles measured precisely is 29.6 mpg! That figure is after all diesel used for heating and hot water! It was new in March 2017 is is for sale at £54,995 as compared with the cost of a new similar van at around £95,000 with al the bells and whistles.

The van has a large lithium battery, a compressor fridge and much much more. It has 4 seat belts can sleep 4 and has Isofix on the bench seat if children or grandchildren were relevant?

If you would like more info perhaps send me a PM and I can give details? On Simon's site chose campervans rather than Coachbuilts.

In 2015 the Westfalia Columbus was MMM's van of the year. Westfalia are very high quality - we went from a Hymer and will now go to a tiny van - joys of rather senior birthday!

David

 

[stuartvfr]

Were happy with our Murvi, does anyone else find the build quality fantastic. They're not mentioned much though, are they a bit old fashioned for some. They seem to have everything you would ever need in a camper van.
Stuart

 

[Dippy9]

Just to add if your in the majority who prefer automatic then that van of Pausim Is a lovely van and a steal at that price, if you weren't too far away it's definitely worth a look at and a wee test drive maybe

Just ignore my initial reply as I finally joined the dots. I struggling to navigate my way around all the responses….is there a threaded view? This RSV virus is addling my brain and that’s not helping either.

 

[Markman]

Hi I have a LHD Westfalia Columbus for sale with Select Motorhomes in Trago Mills near Exeter. Simon Jones the owner is a long standing Funster.

The van is 6.3 meters long with the 180 Comfortmatic engine - and fuel economy over around 46,000 miles measured precisely is 29.6 mpg! That figure is after all diesel used for heating and hot water! It was new in March 2017 is is for sale at £54,995 as compared with the cost of a new similar van at around £95,000 with al the bells and whistles.

The van has a large lithium battery, a compressor fridge and much much more. It has 4 seat belts can sleep 4 and has Isofix on the bench seat if children or grandchildren were relevant?

If you would like more info perhaps send me a PM and I can give details? On Simon's site chose campervans rather than Coachbuilts.

In 2015 the Westfalia Columbus was MMM's van of the year. Westfalia are very high quality - we went from a Hymer and will now go to a tiny van - joys of rather senior birthday!

David

I have a 2018 Westfalia Columbus with 56,000 miles (not for sale), 140bhp comfortmatic. I recommend you view them in Birmingham, or follow up on this 2nd hand one. Longitudinal beds, with the option, which we use, to convert to a massive double bed. Using it for skiing now. Heated floor (diesel heating) and 230Ah Li means we can survive 4 days off-grid (assuming zero sun), including. compressor fridge. Great quality build.

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