Malibu (by Cathargo) "Charming" 600 GT
- Thread starter InvictaMoto
- Start date
- Nov 9, 2015
- 384
- 506
- Funster No
- 40,105
- MH
- Carthago Malibu PVC
- Exp
- 35+ years mainly in VW's
InvictaMoto
I have a 2016 Malibu DB2 600 which I’ve had since new, what do you want to know?
Cheers
Trevor
I have a 2016 Malibu DB2 600 which I’ve had since new, what do you want to know?
Cheers
Trevor
OP
OP
Did you downsize at all? The DB has the fixed double bed at the back and it looks to have a lot of extras. It's also on the 9-speed auto.
I have driven vans a lot for work in the past but never a PVC. Just trying to get a handle on the build quality and general feeling of the van.
I have driven vans a lot for work in the past but never a PVC. Just trying to get a handle on the build quality and general feeling of the van.
- Nov 9, 2015
- 384
- 506
- Funster No
- 40,105
- MH
- Carthago Malibu PVC
- Exp
- 35+ years mainly in VW's
InvictaMoto
When we was looking to change from our VW T4 self build we went to the October 2015 NEC show and looked at a number of 6m & 6.4m panel van conversions. Our criteria was a fixed double bed and 4 belted seats. We noticed that a lot of the vans we looked at had trim coming off or cupboard doors not aligned or opening properly (I’m aware that vans at the NEC get a hard time), however we kept coming back to the Malibu.
We liked the shower where the toilet is swung under the bed to give more room, and the solid screens to protect the wooden panelling and door (no clingy shower curtains here). Everything had a solid feel about it and nothing was falling off. There is plenty of storage within the van, with large drawers under the sink & hob. Compared to our T4, the Malibu seemed massive in comparison. We had originally looked at the 6.4m Malibu van which had the longitudinal beds, but eventually decided to go for the 6m sleeping across the van as it didn’t seem quite as big.
We have had our van for over 8 1/2 years now, covering in excess of 32000 miles and nothing has fallen off
. Still no squeaks or rattles from the conversion . We would have liked a slightly bigger sink and on reflection, we should have gone for the 6.4m van to avoid someone having to climb over the other for nocturnal excursions.
We have been asked previously how we managed with only a 2 burner cooker, with no grill, oven or microwave. Prior to the Malibu, we had a VW T2 Devon conversion, a VW T3 Autohomes Kamper and then the VW T4 self build for a total of 35 plus years, all only had 2 burner cookers and we managed to to cook ok and never starved
Any other questions, fire away
Cheers
Trevor
When we was looking to change from our VW T4 self build we went to the October 2015 NEC show and looked at a number of 6m & 6.4m panel van conversions. Our criteria was a fixed double bed and 4 belted seats. We noticed that a lot of the vans we looked at had trim coming off or cupboard doors not aligned or opening properly (I’m aware that vans at the NEC get a hard time), however we kept coming back to the Malibu.
We liked the shower where the toilet is swung under the bed to give more room, and the solid screens to protect the wooden panelling and door (no clingy shower curtains here). Everything had a solid feel about it and nothing was falling off. There is plenty of storage within the van, with large drawers under the sink & hob. Compared to our T4, the Malibu seemed massive in comparison. We had originally looked at the 6.4m Malibu van which had the longitudinal beds, but eventually decided to go for the 6m sleeping across the van as it didn’t seem quite as big.
We have had our van for over 8 1/2 years now, covering in excess of 32000 miles and nothing has fallen off
. Still no squeaks or rattles from the conversion . We would have liked a slightly bigger sink and on reflection, we should have gone for the 6.4m van to avoid someone having to climb over the other for nocturnal excursions.We have been asked previously how we managed with only a 2 burner cooker, with no grill, oven or microwave. Prior to the Malibu, we had a VW T2 Devon conversion, a VW T3 Autohomes Kamper and then the VW T4 self build for a total of 35 plus years, all only had 2 burner cookers and we managed to to cook ok and never starved
Any other questions, fire away
Cheers
Trevor
- Dec 17, 2019
- 1,171
- 2,202
- Funster No
- 67,444
- MH
- Carthago Malibu
- Exp
- Converted caravanner!
We have a 2019 Charming GT bought new, with auto. On the whole it’s great, loads of storage, brilliant bathroom and nice comfortable seats both bench and front.
Initially we had lots of trim edges coming off, and the dealer was very poor at fixing so went back several times. The Skyview window cracked, which they refused to cover, saying we must have washed it with something to cause it to happen, cost us £1.4k. All the taps split as after draining I forgot to reopen! They are a B’d to get out and cost us £1.2k in the end! My fault, but poor access to replace meant a fortune in labour costs.
However time is a great healer. Touch wood it’s been fine since, apart from a bit more trim! It’s solid, virtually no rattles, drives well and has aged well from a design point of view internally and externally. We also love the porthole windows. There’s also the joy of peering out when somewhere new at bedtime and in the morning. All in all we wouldn’t rule out another, though there’s more competition now. Though we’d want diesel heating and loads of Lithium & Solar.
Currently returning home after 9 weeks in Spain & France.
Happy hunting.
Initially we had lots of trim edges coming off, and the dealer was very poor at fixing so went back several times. The Skyview window cracked, which they refused to cover, saying we must have washed it with something to cause it to happen, cost us £1.4k. All the taps split as after draining I forgot to reopen! They are a B’d to get out and cost us £1.2k in the end! My fault, but poor access to replace meant a fortune in labour costs.
However time is a great healer. Touch wood it’s been fine since, apart from a bit more trim! It’s solid, virtually no rattles, drives well and has aged well from a design point of view internally and externally. We also love the porthole windows. There’s also the joy of peering out when somewhere new at bedtime and in the morning. All in all we wouldn’t rule out another, though there’s more competition now. Though we’d want diesel heating and loads of Lithium & Solar.
Currently returning home after 9 weeks in Spain & France.
Happy hunting.
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OP
OP
Thanks to both of you. We took the plunge today and before I read your replies.. 
One of the reasons for downsizing to a PVC was the dreaded Elddis damp problems. And the really poor aftermarket support from dealers and Elddis/Hymer.
In the end we have a good trade in against the Charming 600 and we are happy with that
The only downside is that it's white!!! All the YouTube reviews have had lovely coloured bodywork like metallic red or blue...!
One of the reasons for downsizing to a PVC was the dreaded Elddis damp problems. And the really poor aftermarket support from dealers and Elddis/Hymer.
In the end we have a good trade in against the Charming 600 and we are happy with that
The only downside is that it's white!!! All the YouTube reviews have had lovely coloured bodywork like metallic red or blue...!
- Nov 9, 2015
- 384
- 506
- Funster No
- 40,105
- MH
- Carthago Malibu PVC
- Exp
- 35+ years mainly in VW's
InvictaMoto
Glad to hear you got a good trade in. The Malibu’s are a lovely van and I hope you enjoy yours. When’s the pick-up?
Cheers
Trevor
Glad to hear you got a good trade in
. The Malibu’s are a lovely van and I hope you enjoy yours. When’s the pick-up?Cheers
Trevor
- Dec 17, 2019
- 1,171
- 2,202
- Funster No
- 67,444
- MH
- Carthago Malibu
- Exp
- Converted caravanner!
Congratulations, ours is white, but it does tend to stay looking clean for longer, even if isn’t closeup. My fav colour was the deep metallic red. Not sure if it’s available still.
- Dec 17, 2019
- 1,171
- 2,202
- Funster No
- 67,444
- MH
- Carthago Malibu
- Exp
- Converted caravanner!
Has yours got the compressor fridge at high level next to the bed? If so is it noisy. Ours is, forgot to mention that before. And that the freezer door frames crack easily. On our 3rd.InvictaMoto
Glad to hear you got a good trade in
Cheers
Trevor
- Nov 9, 2015
- 384
- 506
- Funster No
- 40,105
- MH
- Carthago Malibu PVC
- Exp
- 35+ years mainly in VW's
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OP
OP
The one we are getting has the high level 3-way Dometic. Hopefully no noisier than the one in the Elddis.
- Dec 17, 2019
- 1,171
- 2,202
- Funster No
- 67,444
- MH
- Carthago Malibu
- Exp
- Converted caravanner!
If it’s 3 way then it’s absorption rather than compressor which are virtually silent. Unlike our compressor one.
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