Modding the Hymer ML-t 580 4x4

[Brains]

The 4x4 AWD Sprinter chassis sits 8cm higher at the rear and 10cm at the front than the 2WD version.

Plus the extra height of the tyres:

Standard fit
235/65R16 Tyre Height (Diameter) 28 in 71.2 cm

All Terrain Tyres
245/75R16 Tyre Height (Diameter) 30.5 in 77.4 cm

Difference Tyre Height (Diameter) 2.5 in 6.2 cm

So ... it’s 14.2 cm higher at the rear and 16 cm at the front.

Someone on one the German Hymer Forum measured his and reckoned it to be 3.09m high to the top of folded Sat dish

I may well remove the dish as I can’t see it will get much use. A decent 4G Aerial would be a better use of that bit of roof space which might recover a few cm off the height.

I think it's about 10cm taller than my previous A Class Carthago. The body section on the Carthago was taller than the MLT because it incorporated the double floor, but the MLT sits higher off the ground. Parked on my drive at home, using the fence and house walls as reference points height-wise is doesn't look massively different to the Carthago.

I think our MLT 570's 2x2's are 2.95 high.
(Although I've had air fitted at the back, so I'm probably over 3m now)

Therefore I suspect yours is more than 3.09

I'd keep the dish, it has it's uses, as you can pick up TV that little bit further into the EU.
It also get people knocking on your door wanting to know what you are filming!
More importantly, your dish will be the biggest on site!

 

[March Hare]

The 4x4 AWD Sprinter chassis sits 8cm higher at the rear and 10cm at the front than the 2WD version.

Plus the extra height of the tyres:

Standard fit
235/65R16 Tyre Height (Diameter) 28 in 71.2 cm

All Terrain Tyres
245/75R16 Tyre Height (Diameter) 30.5 in 77.4 cm

Difference Tyre Height (Diameter) 2.5 in 6.2 cm

So ... it’s 14.2 cm higher at the rear and 16 cm at the front.

Someone on one the German Hymer Forum measured his and reckoned it to be 3.09m high to the top of folded Sat dish

I may well remove the dish as I can’t see it will get much use. A decent 4G Aerial would be a better use of that bit of roof space which might recover a few cm off the height.

I think it's about 10cm taller than my previous A Class Carthago. The body section on the Carthago was taller than the MLT because it incorporated the double floor, but the MLT sits higher off the ground. Parked on my drive at home, using the fence and house walls as reference points height-wise is doesn't look massively different to the Carthago.

Thanks Abgs !

The 4x4 model looked considerably higher than ours, but I'm thinking that it must have been on a slight slope which added to the illusion. I was guessing at +20cm, so that's obviously way out!! Like Brains we've left our satellite dish on, and tbh with the changes to mobile data plans for use in Europe, it's useful to have the dish in the more northern areas.

I hope you hear back from DVLA soon, so that you can get out on your adventures in your shiny new motorhome!

 

[Abgs]

Found it.
here
Page 21

And this is what it looks like.... It makes a huge difference with the heating on as it keeps all the warmth in the habitation area. There are a couple of loops or tabs on the rear of the curtain - I assume to pin back towards the windscreen so that its doesn't hang so tight to the rear of the seats. Nothing to attach them to though ... another item for the to do list!

 

[Abgs]

Sunday morning task ... Froli it !

The optional Hymer bed springs, black and gold in the pictures, are OK but I have a set of Froli springs which look and feel more substantial. So in they went! Another task that should have only taken an hour but ended up being closer to three.

About half-way through the first layout I realised that there is a directional arrow on the grid sections and rather than just merrily clipping them together and wondering why I had to many holes or to many tabs in the wrong place I should have read the instructions first..

Parts used: Froli Bed System

 

[Abgs]

Another item for the to-do list...

The roof ....

It's booked into Rhino Installs in Preston for a Maxx Fan install in November and then I'll figure the solar. Due to the extra large skylight over the rear bed and the locations of the other miscellaneous stuff on the roof I think I may be limited to 2x100 watt panels. Finding some slim enough width-wise seems to be the issue. There is only about 53 cm between the rear skylight and the roof-rails. So far 2 x flexi panels from Craig Solar seem to be the only size that fits the space.

Note the roof is white as it has the optional GRP hail-proof panel fitted. That said there is so much going up there I'm pretty sure hail is just as likely to hit the roof lights!

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[Neilh]

Nice one. I'm watching with interest. We have a sprinter based C Tourer on order from Germany, hopefully get 2ndweek Nov. Some of mods that you're making apply to our model, such as the Dodo mat, which looked relatively straight forwards, cabjumpsout at you now detailed, ours is the metallic obsidian black, same colour?

Out of interest are your headlights Led, if so what was the exact wording used o the DVLA inspection doc.

Cheers Neil

 

[Abgs]

Done the black bits …. Just the silver bits to do now !

Finished polishing the silver bits!

It was such hard work....

Wash, clay-bar, machine polish with with correction wax, wash, machine polish with wax top coat, followed by ceramic coat to finish.

Nothing should stick to it now!

Parts Used:

Turtle Wax Car Shampoo
Halfords Claybar
DAS-6 V2 Dual Action Polisher
Meguiars DA Microfiber Finishing Pads, 5.5 In.
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Pads 5.5 In.
Meguiar's D30016 Detailer DA Microfibre Paint Correction Compound
Meguiar's D30116 Detailer DA Microfibre Finishing Car Wax
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray

 

[Abgs]

Nice one. I'm watching with interest. We have a sprinter based C Tourer on order from Germany, hopefully get 2ndweek Nov. Some of mods that you're making apply to our model, such as the Dodo mat, which looked relatively straight forwards, cabjumpsout at you now detailed, ours is the metallic obsidian black, same colour?

Out of interest are your headlights Led, if so what was the exact wording used o the DVLA inspection doc.

Cheers Neil

Yes it's Obsidian black. I think that will look good on the Carthago.

The garage who did the letter for the UK Conformity stated:

//
Headlights
The vehicle has Original factory fitted flat-beam LED headlights.
///

I can PM you a copy of the letter which you can use as a template if you want ?

 

[Neilh]

Yes it's Obsidian black. I think that will look good on the Carthago.

The garage who did the letter for the UK Conformity stated:

//
Headlights
The vehicle has Original factory fitted flat-beam LED headlights.
///

I can PM you a copy of the letter which you can use as a template if you want ?

Thanks Abgs,
Your cab certainly lying "pops" hopefully I can get ours something like.

If you could pm me that would be fantastic, I'm going g to use the same garage as DomK, he's got the Aclass headlights are different, want to get it right first time.

Do you need my email?

 

[Neilh]

This keyboard doesn't work wife my fat fingers

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[Abgs]

Thanks Abgs,
Your cab certainly lying "pops" hopefully I can get ours something like.

If you could pm me that would be fantastic, I'm going g to use the same garage as DomK, he's got the Aclass headlights are different, want to get it right first time.

Do you need my email?

I've PM'd you the details.

 

[Brains]

Sunday morning task ... Froli it !

The optional Hymer bed springs, black and gold in the pictures, are OK but I have a set of Froli springs which look and feel more substantial. So in they went! Another task that should have only taken an hour but ended up being closer to three.

About half-way through the first layout I realised that there is a directional arrow on the grid sections and rather than just merrily clipping them together and wondering why I had to many holes or to many tabs in the wrong place I should have read the instructions first..

Parts used: Froli Bed System

View attachment 964790View attachment 964791View attachment 964792View attachment 964793View attachment 964794

Interesting.
The 2016-2018 models came with a Froli system as standard.

Also in the earlier models the bit in-between the beds is wood right to the headboard.
We put a non-slip mat on it and its used for glasses of water, tea, glasses, phones, books and other bedside paraphernalia.

It's also interesting they have made the side windows by the beds smaller (good idea).
And the roof hatch bigger, although I'd have simply gone for a 16" conventional hatch rather than the bigger wind up version. I use the hatch to get onto the roof, and it's a squeeze!

 

[Brains]

And this is what it looks like.... It makes a huge difference with the heating on as it keeps all the warmth in the habitation area. There are a couple of loops or tabs on the rear of the curtain - I assume to pin back towards the windscreen so that its doesn't hang so tight to the rear of the seats. Nothing to attach them to though ... another item for the to do list!

View attachment 964785

View attachment 964786

I like the curtains.
They look a lot better for keeping out the cold at the front.

It's interesting you have the Remis blinds AND the curtains.
If I bought the curtains, the first thing I'm removing is the rattling Remis blinds on the doors.
(I'll leave the one on the front windscreen as it's good to keep out the sun.)

I have the rails, but I'll need to add the poppers on the side though.

 

[Brains]

Anther mod that you will need to do.
Add a drip stop 'moustache' above the front left locker (Electrical locker) and also the window above.

If the van is parked nose down, the rain runs forward and it trickles down the side of the van, right into that locker.
Which you will notice is not sealed at the bottom (Don't seal it as i did, the seal needs to have a break in the middle at the bottom to drain)
If the angle is wrong, you then get water across the floor inside.

 

[Abgs]

Minor garage upgrade today.

Fitted rubber panels over the optional high performance alloy panelled floor. The mats are on a half price offer at Halfords this week so only £8 for 6.

Fitted 8 ring bolts to the rails in the garage, which really Hymer should have supplied, and added some bungee straps.

Parts used:

Rings Bolts Ebay
Rubber Mats Halfords
Bungee Cords

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[Abgs]

Fitted the Fire Extinguisher.

 

[Abgs]

Fitted my UK number pates as I noted on the DVLA vehicle checker that my UK registration request had been approved today!

I guess the V5 is in the post.

I assigned a personal plate to it as I couldn't figure how DVLA would allow me to tax it without insurance. I needed to tax it as DVLA wouldn't register it unless I taxed it. I couldn't get insurance on the VIN number.

So ... I added the ML-t to my insurance using my personal plate as the registration. I then asked DVLA to register it new onto my personal plate which they could see I had insurance for !

Currently using non-compliant metal plates with an out of date GB identifier because I already had a set made up.

But hey, I can actually drive it now!!!!

 

[Neilh]

Good to hear you've got the V5 approved, fine looking machine you're going enjoy driving her.
Let's us know if you believe the Dodo mat makes a difference, it seemsa relatively easy inexpensive mod.

keep the German plates, might come in useful if need to park in supermarket for over 2 hours

 

[dom_k]

I’ve used the same flooring in my garage on the van. I couldn’t believe how cheap it was and it seems pretty decent - I was happy with mine for £16 for 2 packs!!

 

[Abgs]

First Repair .....

My heating fan blower had developed a strange deep rumbling sound. Almost as though the bearings in the motor had failed, which seemed unlikely on a new vehicle.

I did wonder whether whilst, wiring the dash cam I'd knocked one of the vent tubes causing it to vibrate.

So…. I pulled the lower dashboard apart to get at the heating blower, but all seemed fine there.

Lifted the bonnet and inspected the air intake, I couldn’t feel anything down inside so I put the camera in to see if that would show anything.

I spotted something orange.

So vent off, and removed the offending article. One small leaf which must have dropped in one day when the bonnet was open.

Fired up the blower and all sounded normal again. I couldn’t see how one small leaf could have created such a noise.

To prevent it happening again I made a leaf guard grill using some leftover gutter guards.

Glad I didn’t drop it into Mercedes to look at, as pretty sure it wouldn’t have been covered under the warranty!

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[Neilh]

That’s one to watch out for!

 

[Flairy]

You realy have an amazing finish on your van,must have been hard work but worth it hope you enjoy it we’ve always liked the 4x4 I think because it reminds us of our GWagons ,I still quite fancy one

 

[unclestinky]

I’ve used the same flooring in my garage on the van. I couldn’t believe how cheap it was and it seems pretty decent - I was happy with mine for £16 for 2 packs!!

I used in my previous mh garage. I found it trapped a lot of moisture beneath it, from putting wet items in the garage. I removed it.

 

[Sarah40]

Yes it's Obsidian black. I think that will look good on the Carthago.

The garage who did the letter for the UK Conformity stated:

//
Headlights
The vehicle has Original factory fitted flat-beam LED headlights.
///

I can PM you a copy of the letter which you can use as a template if you want ?

Hi Abgs - we’re going to collect a van from Germany next week - first time importing! Could you possibly PM this letter to me too. Our new 2025 model Fiat Ducato base van hopefully has flat beams too. Thanks so much. Sarah

 

[Clewie68]

Hello.

I love your van. Fantastic choice. I was thinking of getting one myself but decided it was too expensive. I was thinking of going to Norway and Bavaria in the snow and thought £30,000 extra was too much to pay.

I did plenty of research on the MLT 4X4 which threw up some other expenses. Mainly the suspension. I came across a channel on YouTube. The guy posting is modifying his MLT as he thinks the stock suspension isn't fit for purpose. He replaced it with Falcon suspension. The posts are in French but you can use the subtitles to translate into English.

Les Frabys

Nous sommes Francis et Fabienne, originaires de Belgique. Nous avons tout vendu pour nous consacrer à notre nouvelle vie de voyageurs en camping-car profilé #HYMER MLT 580 4x4.

youtube.com

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[Clewie68]

 

[Abgs]

The current MLt has an extra red leaf spring. I guess red means hi-performance !

So far it seems pretty good on road. A little bit of roll noticeable when trucks or coaches pass on the motorway. I had to do a sudden manoeuvre at about 50 mph and it wasn't as white knuckle as it could have been.

I'd figured that some suspension work might be necessary but I'm going to suck it and see.

It's much better than my 22 plate Sprinter van was. That used to rock and roll around at low speeds quite noticeably.

i Hello.

I love your van. Fantastic choice. I was thinking of getting one myself but decided it was too expensive. I was thinking of going to Norway and Bavaria in the snow and thought £30,000 extra was too much to pay.

I did plenty of research on the MLT 4X4 which threw up some other expenses. Mainly the suspension. I came across a channel on YouTube. The guy posting is modifying his MLT as he thinks the stock suspension isn't fit for purpose. He replaced it with Falcon suspension. The posts are in French but you can use the subtitles to translate into English.

Les Frabys

Nous sommes Francis et Fabienne, originaires de Belgique. Nous avons tout vendu pour nous consacrer à notre nouvelle vie de voyageurs en camping-car profilé #HYMER MLT 580 4x4.

youtube.com

 

[Abgs]

Hi Abgs - we’re going to collect a van from Germany next week - first time importing! Could you possibly PM this letter to me too. Our new 2025 model Fiat Ducato base van hopefully has flat beams too. Thanks so much. Sarah

Have PM'd you !

 

[martin2603]

And this is what it looks like.... It makes a huge difference with the heating on as it keeps all the warmth in the habitation area. There are a couple of loops or tabs on the rear of the curtain - I assume to pin back towards the windscreen so that its doesn't hang so tight to the rear of the seats. Nothing to attach them to though ... another item for the to do list!

View attachment 964785

View attachment 964786

Curtains bring to mind my first MH, Winnebago, used to take ages to mop up all the condensation. Thank the lord for Silver Screens.

 

[Abgs]

After splashing out £44 for 8 Rings Bolts the other week, today I found the 8 that Hymer supplied with the van. They were hiding in plain sight ....

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