Panel Van recommendations

[Adtan]

Hi all
We are seriously considering downsizing from our current Pilote A class to a pvc . We have recently bought an apartment in the same block as my daughter in Servoz France and have found the A class a bit to big to use round the alps as a daily driver. Ideally would like any recommendations from Funsters who have downsized. We know there will be lots of compromise the things we would ideally want would be a transverse bed auto transmission ( have the new 9 speed Fiat auto on the Pilote) and probably around 6 metres long. Just starting to look now so any suggestions would be appreciated. The same with dealers either in West Midlands or Hertfordshire.

 

[Viennese]

I think all WildAxes have washrooms. Had mine since 2012 and it's been brilliant. We used to get out the double bed which was huge (7 ' across), but now set it up as 2 singles. My partner is 6'2'' and sleeps well in the van.

 

[ontheroadagain]

as I’m 6 ft so not sure how practical a pvc transverse bed would be .

I am 6’-1” and was very surprised at how long the transverse bed was in the Adria 600 SPB. Adria say it is 1960 mm (6’-5”) but I think that includes the recess they put in the internal wall panels.

 

[bobandjanie]

We had a A Class Eura Mobil and went to a 6m Rapido v53 then changed to a 6m Pilote g600 after becoming resident in Spain .

Had it 6 and a half years and no plans to change, even though the last two were changed at 5 years our first C Class at 2.

We prefer the Pilote with the high fridge and the lower cupboards are drawers, it has a nice size shower as the sink slides out the way and the shower tray is great having a lower channel so you don't have to be level and to improve the solid structure of the tray. Bob.

 

[CaptainPaul]

Morning all really appreciate all of your recommendations so far on the shortlists will be
Malibu
Globecar
Adria Twin
Hymer Grand Canyon
It’s a pity we’ll miss the motorhome show at the NEC but we will be travelling from France to Portugal for a family holiday so will have to use some dealer searches.

Good luck with your quest they're all great vans in their own right, hope you get a van that suits your needs, as to your original post we never regretted downsizing from a big van to a small van

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[swemmy666]

The two dealers in Newark, SMC have globecar and Brownhills Adria(mostly new I think in the big shed)

 

[hja]

The two dealers in Newark, SMC have globecar and Brownhills Adria(mostly new I think in the big shed)

Yes. When we were looking to swap from our coachbuilt it was really useful having the two so close together to be able to compare Adria and Globecar on the same day. SMC also do Autosleeper so we were able to confirm that those didn’t fulfill our requirements.

 

[Brains]

Thanks HJA really interesting as we do a lot of cooking from scratch also hadn’t thought of 2 singles but might be a better option as I’m 6 ft so not sure how practical a pvc transverse bed would be .

You could go up a size and get the Hymer MLT 560 (Transverse bed/6.5m) or MLT 580 (Twin beds/6.7m)
But they are 'box on the back' design

 

[Broko]

Thanks HJA really interesting as we do a lot of cooking from scratch also hadn’t thought of 2 singles but might be a better option as I’m 6 ft so not sure how practical a pvc transverse bed would be .

We have a Westfalia Columbus. Transverse bed which is big enough for us as there is only two of us. Bed easily long enough and I am 6'2". Masses of storage, front seats tilt forward for loads more storage. Build quality is the best we have had in twenty years. On a Fiat heavy chassis auto. Fiat are wide enough to sleep across others are not. That's why a lot of VW etc have a side pop out which I didn't like. Diesel heating and hot water under the van which means more space for stuff. 6m but other variations.
I like that we can go anywhere and have just gone over the A2205 from Ainsa to Alquazar in Spain.

 

[PaulW2]

Thanks HJA really interesting as we do a lot of cooking from scratch also hadn’t thought of 2 singles but might be a better option as I’m 6 ft so not sure how practical a pvc transverse bed would be .

I'm 6'1" and it's ... ok. My previous van had a huge bed - 2.15m length, from memory - and this one is reported as 1.96 - so about 6'5". In practice it's a few cm less given internal hardware. The bed is 1.4m wide so one can also take advantage of some of the width. (On the diagonal it would in theory give about 2.4m - in practice it's about 2.2 m - though of course unless you're sharing your bed with a chihuahua you may not be able to take full advantage of that.)

It is a bit of a trade-off, but I wouldn't at this stage want a van that is 0.4m longer. Also, single beds in the longer vans are often only about 2m - i.e. just a few cm longer than mine - with less opportunity for 'diagonal offset' unless they can be configured as a double bed.

I would definitely be prepared to take shoes off and spread out on the beds to get a proper sense of how they will work for you!

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[Adtan]

Good luck with your quest they're all great vans in their own right, hope you get a van that suits your needs, as to your original post we never regretted downsizing from a big van to a small van

Thanks Captain Paul that’s our thinking I’ve seen your van on a view posts so it’s definitely one to look

 

[Adtan]

The two dealers in Newark, SMC have globecar and Brownhills Adria(mostly new I think in the big shed)

That’s great I’ve seen the dealers not a huge distance from us so will have a look to see what they have in.

 

[Adtan]

We had a A Class Eura Mobil and went to a 6m Rapido v53 then changed to a 6m Pilote g600 after becoming resident in Spain .

Had it 6 and a half years and no plans to change, even though the last two were changed at 5 years our first C Class at 2.

We prefer the Pilote with the high fridge and the lower cupboards are drawers, it has a nice size shower as the sink slides out the way and the shower tray is great having a lower channel so you don't have to be level and to improve the solid structure of the tray. Bob.

Hi the g600 are a nice van but it would mean sticking with a smaller AClass I think we’re pretty set on looking at the PVC options but we haven’t ruled anything out yet

 

[Adtan]

Yes. When we were looking to swap from our coachbuilt it was really useful having the two so close together to be able to compare Adria and Globecar on the same day. SMC also do Autosleeper so we were able to confirm that those didn’t fulfill our requirements.

That sounds like a useful trip I know from the past how hard it is to remember the bits u like on Vans you have seen at different dealers

 

[Adtan]

I'm 6'1" and it's ... ok. My previous van had a huge bed - 2.15m length, from memory - and this one is reported as 1.96 - so about 6'5". In practice it's a few cm less given internal hardware. The bed is 1.4m wide so one can also take advantage of some of the width. (On the diagonal it would in theory give about 2.4m - in practice it's about 2.2 m - though of course unless you're sharing your bed with a chihuahua you may not be able to take full advantage of that.)

It is a bit of a trade-off, but I wouldn't at this stage want a van that is 0.4m longer. Also, single beds in the longer vans are often only about 2m - i.e. just a few cm longer than mine - with less opportunity for 'diagonal offset' unless they can be configured as a double bed.

I would definitely be prepared to take shoes off and spread out on the beds to get a proper sense of how they will work for you!

Yes I said to my wife would have to try lying on the beds to check size and comfort that will be one of the disadvantages of downsizing from the Aclass with an island bed.

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[BrochMike]

I think all WildAxes have washrooms. Had mine since 2012 and it's been brilliant. We used to get out the double bed which was huge (7 ' across), but now set it up as 2 singles. My partner is 6'2'' and sleeps well in the van.

Similar situation for us with Wildax Europa. Use generally as 2 singles (leaving spare cushions at home), but keeping space for dog in between.

I avoided transverse options as typically a bit tight for over-six-footers and not great for inevitable night-time loo trips either...

(of course, when the urge takes you, or if travelling alone, oyou can still use the massive double for extra comfort).

PS. Nick Whale, Evesham is probably your nearest dealer.

Good luck with the search.
Let us know the outcome.

 

[Pausim]

Adtan if a Malibu Van is still on your list this video might be of interest.

Yes I said to my wife would have to try lying on the beds to check size and comfort that will be one of the disadvantages of downsizing from the Aclass with an island bed.

We downsized from a Carthago A Class and the bed comfort is just as good. Fixed beds, proper mattresses and proper springing beneath the mattresses the same as the A Class.

 

[CaptainPaul]

I visited the Malibu factory in Ormož last month but unlike the Carthago factory unfortunately there's no access for the public as yet to look around, not even an accessories shop, lots of load loaders coming and going with shiny new vans on board theres also a nice free aire (including EHU) a few hundred yards away and it's a lovely little town to visit

 

[bobandjanie]

Hi the g600 are a nice van but it would mean sticking with a smaller AClass I think we’re pretty set on looking at the

PVC options but we haven’t ruled anything out yet

Sorry should have put V600G it's a panel van conversion. Bob.

Our old Rapido V53 and our present van Pilote V600g

 

[MillieMoocher]

We changed from A class to PVC and as ever found layout was king. But felt in the smaller footprint of the PVC it was even more import.

We settled on an Autosleeper Kingham, which for our two berth use is ideal. Most fixed bed PVC layouts have a small front dinette, which for us is no go as we both like to have our feet up. The Kingham has a fixed French bed at the rear and a settee at the front, with swivelling front seats so you can use them facing each other as another settee. The bed also has a day bed position which is also useful. Kingham is on the 6.36 Boxer/Ducato chassis.

The build is not as good as our previous A class, but other than that have no regrets about downsizing.

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[CaptainPaul]

We changed from A class to PVC and as ever found layout was king. But felt in the smaller footprint of the PVC it was even more import.

We settled on an Autosleeper Kingham, which for our two berth use is ideal. Most fixed bed PVC layouts have a small front dinette, which for us is no go as we both like to have our feet up. The Kingham has a fixed French bed at the rear and a settee at the front, with swivelling front seats so you can use them facing each other as another settee. The bed also has a day bed position which is also useful. Kingham is on the 6.36 Boxer/Ducato chassis.

The build is not as good as our previous A class, but other than that have no regrets about downsizing.

Great van the Kingham, had one on loan for a weekend while getting warranty work done a few years back, fantastic van and very comfortable

 

[Bernie P]

Thanks HJA really interesting as we do a lot of cooking from scratch also hadn’t thought of 2 singles but might be a better option as I’m 6 ft so not sure how practical a pvc transverse bed would be .

We too have a Summit Prime 640. Having just downsized from a Rapido A Class. We were staggered by the amount of storage it has so hardly downsized.
We wanted longitudinal beds.The biggest downside of a transverse bed as far as we were concerned is if the far occupant needs a wee in the night.

Should note we've spent 10 weeks in Scandinavia and another 2 in the outer hebrides with no issues regarding space.

 

[mikebeaches]

Morning all really appreciate all of your recommendations so far on the shortlists will be
Malibu
Globecar
Adria Twin
Hymer Grand Canyon
It’s a pity we’ll miss the motorhome show at the NEC but we will be travelling from France to Portugal for a family holiday so will have to use some dealer searches.

You might want to add the Rapido V55 to your list. https://www.rapido-motorhome.co.uk/motorhome_vans_vans_v55.chtml

Rapido has quite a long and illustrious record of producing quality van conversions, as well as coachbuilts. Lots of innovative and sensible features.

We downsized from a coachbuilt to a Rapido V68 (6.8m with twin longitudinal beds), but if you are seeking a transverse bed and want more of a daily driver, then the 6m V55 would be the one to look at.

Our very first van was a Rapido coachbuilt and we were very happy to go back to the brand when we downsized to the V68 with comfortmatic - that was 8 years ago.

Good luck with your quest, whatever your choice!

 

[Pausim]

The build is not as good as our previous A class, but other than that have no regrets about downsizing.

Converted Panel Vans can be built to the same standard as an A Class. On ours the upholstery, joinery and fitting out are all up to the usual Carthago standard. The blinds are lighter weight and the sliding doors on the washroom are less substantial. There are obviously some compromises on space and layout, the compressor fridge is smaller but works far better than our AES ones did.

If I have any regrets it is that people keep calling them PVCs. PVC is a cheap plastic not a motorhome.

 

[fred_jb]

We have an Etrusco (part of the German Hymer group) model CV540 DB with virtually all the options plus the 180 engine and auto box. Unlike you we are coming from smaller vehicles but we find the van perfectly comfortable for 2, and at 185cm tall I fit fine in the transverse bed which I think is 190cm.

We really value the low weight giving lots of payload, and the great performance where it has no problems with steep mountain roads. Best of all the 5.4m length means we can park it almost anywhere without a height barrier.

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[David BW]

We’re very happy with our Globecar Campscout.
Excellent beds, loads of storage, big washroom and very well put together. A bit of a faff to use the shower and dry it off but this is a minor issue.

 

[Simon G]

Hi all
We are seriously considering downsizing from our current Pilote A class to a pvc . We have recently bought an apartment in the same block as my daughter in Servoz France and have found the A class a bit to big to use round the alps as a daily driver. Ideally would like any recommendations from Funsters who have downsized. We know there will be lots of compromise the things we would ideally want would be a transverse bed auto transmission ( have the new 9 speed Fiat auto on the Pilote) and probably around 6 metres long. Just starting to look now so any suggestions would be appreciated. The same with dealers either in West Midlands or Hertfordshire.

As you'll know, you are spoiled for choice... One comment I'll add is that at just about 6ft tall, Ducato/Boxer/Relay base van gives me enough length in a transverse bed. From what I've seen, Sprinter and Crafter based vans need a foot-box attached to the van side, which is another penetration through the metalwork.

 

[Swamp]

We’ve just downsized from a small A class to a panel van - a Globe Traveller Voyager Z which we’re delighted with. It’s 6.4m on a Ducato base and the quality of fixtures and fittings is very good. Two longitudinal beds in the back that can convert to a huge double and a decent washroom with a proper separate shower. It’s advertised as a 4 berth with a clever fold down front bed but we’ve ditched the front mattress and use the over cab space as additional storage.
Possibly worth a look?

 

[Grianan]

We’ve just downsized from a small A class to a panel van - a Globe Traveller Voyager Z which we’re delighted with. It’s 6.4m on a Ducato base and the quality of fixtures and fittings is very good. Two longitudinal beds in the back that can convert to a huge double and a decent washroom with a proper separate shower. It’s advertised as a 4 berth with a clever fold down front bed but we’ve ditched the front mattress and use the over cab space as additional storage.
Possibly worth a look?

Ive been watching Globe Traveller line up for a few years now - very impressive! Where did you buy?

 

[Swamp]

Ive been watching Globe Traveller line up for a few years now - very impressive! Where did you buy?

Hartleys over in Ellesmere Port.