Hello everyone - a very green newbie here

[fred_jb]

Hi all. New here and lots to learn. We have had an old VW type 2 camper for over 20 years and in 6 months we are retiring so want to upgrade to something a little more comfortable for UK and Euro travels.

I can see it’s a minefield given all the different types of vans and configurations so looking forward to getting stuck in (I have 6 months to buy one). Any advice on where to start is much appreciated.

All the best
Fred

Welcome to my namesake! You can never have too many Freds!

We had VW or VW style campers for many years, but when we retired and the boys had left home we decided we needed something a little more convenient and comfortable to use while not being too much bigger. We wanted a bathroom, to be able to stand without raising a pop top, and did not want to faff about moving luggage to fold down the seat and make the bed every night.

We ended up with a 5.4m long Fiat Ducato based van conversion by Etrusco, part of the Hymer group. This has a permantly made up rear transverse bed (OK up to about my height of 6ft), a small bathroom, and all the usual amenities. We find it ideal, especially as it has the 180 hp engine and auto gearbox making for relaxed driving on both motoways and back roads, and is easy to park almost anywhere that doesn't have a height barrier.

Let us know what you go for.

 

[Jon Stewart]

Seriously consider an electric bed that disappears upwards during the day, gives you lots more room.

...when it works.

Have seen too many (especially Nordelletronicca based) which seems to spontaneously give problems to recommend them.

Also, COG?

 

[fred_jb]

...when it works.

Have seen too many (especially Nordelletronicca based) which seems to spontaneously give problems to recommend them.

Also, COG?

I too am dubious about electrically raising beds. Apart from reliability issues it means you carrying extra weight high up which is not ideal. If it is to facilitate having a rear lounge, this inevitably means no boot space. The same problem with a standard rear lounge but with the added annoyance of having to faff about with a jigsaw of cushions to make the bed.

 

[fredamens]

Joined now so I can post.

Thank you all for the advice. Went to a local dealership to have a look around at the different layouts, good idea now about what we like.

Would prefer a smaller van 6-7m ish so the electric or French bed look good. Something like a Bailey Autograph 75-4, also liked the
Autosleeper nuevo EK ES LT which had the bed in the cab. Lots to think about.

I will have a look around the site and soak up the info.

Fred

 

[fredamens]

The other van that caught our eye was a Adria Matrix 590 ST 2.3. Anyone have any of the vans above?

Thanks Fred

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[fredamens]

Probably best I post in the questions section - as I say newbie.

Thanks all