Elddis Open day and factory tour.

[RidersofRohan]

I went to the open day yesterday, my main aim being to look at the new 194 layout.
It was an interesting day, disappointed in that the 194 is not for us. The beds are set too high up, giving lots of garage space but only 31 inches from mattress to ceiling making getting in and out without banging your head a fine art.
I went on the factory visit and although I was aware that Elddis build traditionally I was surprised how thin the walls and roof were with little insulation other than plywood.
Hymer will be good for them with massive investment this summer in plant and they now produce 41 motorhome a week and of course are aiming for more. I also noticed how many employees were proudly taking their families around the factory.

 

[RidersofRohan]

Some pictures.

 

[138go]

It makes you wonder if anyone who designs these has ever used one. They are very vague about actual weight and payload and then say that you should travel with water tanks empty. Ok if you are using it to travel from campsite to campsite but what a waste of water emptying every time you move. Traveling abroad would entail trying to fill up at the Aires in France which is not always easy. Huge garage to fill with all your stuff so overloaded before you set off.

 

[RidersofRohan]

It makes you wonder if anyone who designs these has ever used one. They are very vague about actual weight and payload and then say that you should travel with water tanks empty. Ok if you are using it to travel from campsite to campsite but what a waste of water emptying every time you move. Traveling abroad would entail trying to fill up at the Aires in France which is not always easy. Huge garage to fill with all your stuff so overloaded before you set off.

Agree. Huge garage at expense of the human occupants. But as we are finding Elddis not alone when it comes to cramped single beds over garage arrangement.

 

[peterc10]

Interesting. Rarely see that layout in a UK van. But they got the details wrong. Really just need a couple of steps up to the beds and they are easy to get into without banging your heads.

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[Paddywack]

I hope it wasn't raining?

 

[Blue Knight]

It makes you wonder if anyone who designs these has ever used one.

Nail on the head IMO It's all about the sales concepts and market share these days. It wouldn't surprise me if the consumer satisfaction/usability category didn't even appear on the strategic business plan of some Converters.

 

[Lenny HB]

That has made me measure the height over our beds, it's 34". Last van it was a couple of inches less never had a problem with it. If you want singles and a garage 31" is livable but not sure Elddis build quality is until Hymer sort them out.

 

[Speve]

That’s a really long overhang behind rear axle if you fill that garage it’s going to be very light on the steering?

 

[RidersofRohan]

That has made me measure the height over our beds, it's 34". Last van it was a couple of inches less never had a problem with it. If you want singles and a garage 31" is livable but not sure Elddis build quality is until Hymer sort them out.

Only way I could get into bed is sit down leaning forward then roll sideways into it. A couple of inches would make a big difference (as ever).

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