East Neuk Fifer Touring XL

[Crazyj]

After being without a van since August last year I am due to collect a new Fifer Touring XL from East Neuk Campervans within the next couple of weeks. Excited, to say the least. We had a Ford based Murvi Morello on order but due to ongoing base vehicle supply issues and with no build date on the horizon we decided, with a heavy heart, to look at other converters with the hope of finding a new, ex demo or nearly new van that was physically in stock. That obviously narrowed things down somewhat, but we knew we wanted a quality conversion. Found that ENC had one XL auto left and arranged the trip from SW Cornwall to NE Scotland to have a look. It was quite a journey but well worth it. The van is beautifully converted with quality materials and has frankly incredible amounts of storage. We had a look around their factory and were amazed at how much of their product is manufactured in house. They do all their own upholstery, and they have a huge fibreglass factory where everything from one-piece moulded shower rooms to waste and fresh water tanks are made. The father and son who run the show are hands on with every aspect and therefore quality control is meticulous through every stage of the build. We were shown a van being insulated and wired. The amount of insulation they can stuff into one van defies belief and all the wiring looms are sheathed in trunking for better protection. I’ll pop some pics up when we have picked it up. It does seem to be a little known manufacturer, although ENC have been converting vans since the 1980s and they have a dedicated and loyal following. Does anyone know of any owners or enthusiasts groups which might exist, or are there any other Fifer owners out there with any tips or observations they’d care to share?

TIA

Jason

 

[DavidG58]

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I had never even heard of them and wondered where in north east Scotland they might be based as we are going that way next month

Don’t think Fife quite classes as north east Scotland , but still a long trip from Cornwall

We are seriously considering downsizing and will have a look at what they do

 

[scotjimland]

I've heard of them and only read good reviews.. looking forward to seeing the pictures..

The Kingdom of Fife is East Scotland

good luck and happy travels

 

[Geistguy]

They've always had a brilliant reputation, often see some very old conversions of theirs which still look very good.

 

[Grianan]

Driven past a couple of times when visiting son at uni. They have excellent reputation. Look forward to seeing photos.

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[Allybob]

We had a Fifer S for 9 years and couldn't fault it. It was a fabulous van and we didn't have one single problem in all that time. We changed vans last year as we wanted to go slightly larger and would have bought from them again without hesitation. We went up to visit them ( from Sussex) but due to ongoing supply issues they couldn't offer anything in the foreseeable future. As we didn't want to wait indefinitely we reluctantly went elsewhere. They are lovely people to deal with and couldn't be more helpful. I'm sure you'll be really happy with your purchase. Enjoy!

 

[Crazyj]

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I had never even heard of them and wondered where in north east Scotland they might be based as we are going that way next month

Don’t think Fife quite classes as north east Scotland , but still a long trip from Cornwall

We are seriously considering downsizing and will have a look at what they do

My mistake - but yes, a long haul approaching 1250 miles for a return trip….

 

[CazPaul]

They have a good reputation but wow have their vans increased in price, I remember only a couple of years ago their Fifer Touring M 5.4 metre was £49,995, it’s now £75000 good grief.
Part of their appeal and selling point was good quality at an affordable price(As motorhomes go that is) but that’s certainly out of the window now.

 

[ALI G]

Check out other pvc conversation prices, our consort van price has also gone through the roof.

 

[Crazyj]

They have a good reputation but wow have their vans increased in price, I remember only a couple of years ago their Fifer Touring M 5.4 metre was £49,995, it’s now £75000 good grief.
Part of their appeal and selling point was good quality at an affordable price(As motorhomes go that is) but that’s certainly out of the window now.

I think all van prices have gone through the roof, unfortunately. Sign of the times. I was happy with what I paid for the XL. It’s loaded with kit (others charge extra for options) and looking around I could have easily paid much more for a similar van

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[big bertha]

We have a 2009 Fifer at 5 meters we love it as can be used as an everyday vehicle. It has been very reliable and very sturdy inside compared to our previous Globecar and our Eriba caravan. It was expensive to buy secondhand just last year. We knew they were good vans as they came fist in their class on various occasions.

 

[CazPaul]

I think all van prices have gone through the roof, unfortunately. Sign of the times. I was happy with what I paid for the XL. It’s loaded with kit (others charge extra for options) and looking around I could have easily paid much more for a similar van

Yes I agree other marques have gone up too, the Touring M exactly a 50% increase in such a short period it’s just incredible.

 

[Conal]

The medium version was our first van. No rattles whilst driving, we thought this was normal until we got our next one. My only observation is the the third passenger seat (at the back) was very bouncy.

 

[Crazyj]

The medium version was our first van. No rattles whilst driving, we thought this was normal until we got our next one. My only observation is the the third passenger seat (at the back) was very bouncy.

Interesting, I don’t think they produce a van with more than two travelling seats any more.

 

[scotjimland]

Quality is unquestionable .. but for me, the layout in the new Fife Touring M is awful
the cooker uint at the sliding door.. when cooking there with the sliding door open,( as we do in ours, ) you are blocking the door, also the least puff of wind will blow out the gas.. and there is no prep area other than a small hinged flap ... that's bad enough but there is only a tiny gap to access the cab..

sorry.. wouldn't have it ..but each to their own,

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[Crazyj]

Quality is unquestionable .. but for me, the layout in the new Fife Touring M is awful
the cooker uint at the sliding door.. when cooking there with the sliding door open,( as we do in ours, ) you are blocking the door, also the least puff of wind will blow out the gas.. and there is no prep area other than a small hinged flap ... that's bad enough but there is only a tiny gap to access the cab..

sorry.. wouldn't have it ..but each to their own,



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I guess there are compromises in any van conversion. I think Vantage and Consort do a similar transverse kitchen layout but with no cab access at all. Personally, I think it’s an ingenious bit of design which enables a full size washroom and a decent rear lounge/double bed. In a 5.4 metre van….as you say, each to their own. I think this is their best selling model. That said, I’m glad I’m going for the 6.4 metre model.

 

[CazPaul]

I’ve met a couple of owners who have badly damaged waste tanks coming off/boarding ferries as they are very low to the ground.

They may have changed the design now.

 

[Crazyj]

I’ve met a couple of owners who have badly damaged waste tanks coming off/boarding ferries as they are very low to the ground.

They may have changed the design now.

Guess I’ll be taking LeShuttle then…

 

[Crazyj]

Here are a few generic photos

View attachment IMG_7954.webpView attachment IMG_7955.webp

 

[CazPaul]

Here are a few generic photos
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Looks nice, so what’s the extra length used for as opposed to the touring L at 5.99 metres?

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[Crazyj]

Here’s the rear

 

[Crazyj]

Looks nice, so what’s the extra length used for as opposed to the touring L at 5.99 metres?

They decided to use the extra foot and a bit by providing a massive longitudinal bed and copious storage.

 

[GoldenVision]

We had a look at one - quality build, but didn't suit our needs. Pity.

 

[CAB96]

Here’s the rear
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So that worktop folds up for the foot of the bed? Good idea.

 

[Crazyj]

Yes, quite an ingenious idea I think. I probably wouldn’t need that extra bit personally - but with it, the bed is 7’5” long!

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[pjay]

Hiya, we have a Fifer Touring M, had it nearly 3 years now after downsizing from a Hymer A class and love it.
No probs with the cooker by the door, if it gets windy we just just pull the door shut.
Not many 5.4 mtr vans about that have 2 x long comfortable single beds which is one of the main reasons we chose it, and the build quality which is excellent.
Any questions Crazyj fire away and i'll answer if I can.

 

[Crazyj]

Nice photo! Picked up ours yesterday and we’re staying at Silverdyke for a couple of nights before slowly heading south west. Loving the van so far! Amazing quality, as you mention, and supremely comfortable living/sleeping arrangement Thanks for the offer, I may well be in touch!

 

[pjay]

We had one journey up there to view and then the final one in the middle of Covid to collect her, we're in Norfolk so 2 long journies but you take the prize for longest distance to collect yours.
We've had a few minor issues, mainly me not understanding how something works but Darren has always been at the end of the phone to help over the last 3 years.

 

[LindaPaulB]

Liking the look of the XL but can I ask where and how big the fridge is, can’t see from the photos you added. We have a Wildax Europa old style which suits us fine at present but always on the look out for “the next one!”. We’ve stayed at Silverdykes before and enjoyed it, great walks along the coastal path in both directions and good fish & chips in Anstruther. Enjoy your new van.

 

[Crazyj]

The fridge in all of the Fifer Touring models is the same, I believe. So, an 85 litre Isotherm compressor fridge at the foot of the off-side bench/bed. It looks quite diddy but is surprisingly spacious and more than adequate for us two. If you search in Google “Fifer Touring XL” you will find a (short) video review which might give you a better idea. It’s early days, but a big thumbs up from me. I might try the fish and chips tonight! I’ve heard there is one place which is better than another in Anstruther?

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