Professionally converted van versus motorhome

[Jasperhola]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I did a search but couldn't find anything.

We want to get either a small 6mish motorhome or a converted van, budget up to 35k. We live in Spain so it has to be a professional conversion if a van. Does anyone have experience of both to give some pro's and con's? The vans look like they might be a bit darker inside, and not as spacious, so I'm wondering why they seem so popular now? Its just for 2 adults, no kids, but a couple of smallish dogs. We could be doing anything from weekends to weeks away in it.

 

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

We (just two of us) have a 6m Hymercar Yosemite (see profile pic), but we did have a good look at a range of motorhomes before we decided to go with a campervan. One of the things that swung our decision is the massive sliding side door. Once that is open you are really connected to the outside. I do wonder what it must be like cooking inside a small motorhome on a warm/hot day with the only ventilation coming from a narrow door and windows, plus skylight(s). When the side door is closed it can get a bit dark as all of our non-cab windows are tinted, but we can live with that. Being only 2.2m wide is also a big feature for us because we often go birdwatching down smaller roads and lanes. We have had no problems with trips from a couple of days up to 6 weeks and could happily stay in it for longer.

 

[Tigger-Tim]

I went for a van: Slimmer, so easier to get into smaller place. (hopefully) less likely to leak. Less insulation. Sliding door is fab, but annoying to other campers if used at night. Interior space is at a premium, so getting the right layout (ie. that works for you) is vital.

Our trips are typically from two nights to two weeks. If we went longer, we might choose differently.

 

[hja]

View as many as you can. We swapped from a 6.4 m coachbuilt to a 6.4 m panel van. Yes, space is at a premium but we have more storage and manoeuvrability is so much improved. We don’t find it dark.

 

[ontheroadagain]

The only negative is the lack of internal space.
If you can live with that everything else is a plus.
Our Adria has a very large roof light so it is very bright inside.

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[L' Hobo]

Another one for the van.

Easier to service and stronger in an accident + less joints for water to ingress!

 

[DandJ]

We (just two of us) have a 6m Hymercar Yosemite (see profile pic), but we did have a good look at a range of motorhomes before we decided to go with a campervan. One of the things that swung our decision is the massive sliding side door. Once that is open you are really connected to the outside. I do wonder what it must be like cooking inside a small motorhome on a warm/hot day with the only ventilation coming from a narrow door and windows, plus skylight(s). When the side door is closed it can get a bit dark as all of our non-cab windows are tinted, but we can live with that. Being only 2.2m wide is also a big feature for us because we often go birdwatching down smaller roads and lanes. We have had no problems with trips from a couple of days up to 6 weeks and could happily stay in it for longer.

Hopefully not taking this off topic but...is that outer edge of mirror to outer edge of mirror? I thought that vans were c 2-2.05m wide, our slimline Chausson is 2.12m wide and is ever so slightly wider than a standard van..(and we can then fold in the mirrors)

 

[PlacidoD]

I went for a van: Slimmer, so easier to get into smaller place. (hopefully) less likely to leak. Less insulation. Sliding door is fab, but annoying to other campers if used at night. Interior space is at a premium, so getting the right layout (ie. that works for you) is vital.

Our trips are typically from two nights to two weeks. If we went longer, we might choose differently.

I absolutely agree. I am currently looking to sell my 6 metre MoHo and replace it with a more modern PVC. The "more modern" bit is important but why not a more modern 6 metre MoHo?:

• Structural integrity
• No ladder to climb to bed
• More aerodynamic profile
• Potential use as an every day driver
• General driveability
• With the right PVC a flexible alternative to a garage.

I absolutely agree that layout is even more vital with a PVC than a MoHo. A lot seem not to have a wardrobe. That is a non-starter for me.
True they are darker but on a modern PVC you have low energy strip lighting (and of course the ability to let in daylight through that giant door.)

My thought process is ultimately to use the PVC as my long distance greyhound and look for a used small EV for short distance commuting. A 6 metre PVC will fit on absolutely any supermarket car park and many urban meter parking bays.

For your purposes however with two small dogs I would suggest that a slim 6-6.5 metre MoHo might suit you better. More floor space and storage space (Dog food, dog beds, etc, etc.)

Hope that helps?

 

[Jasperhola]

Thanks everyone, that has helped a lot, the dogs might swing us to a Moho, but we'll certainly look at both.

 

[PlacidoD]

Thanks everyone, that has helped a lot, the dogs might swing us to a Moho, but we'll certainly look at both.

With the right layout whether MoHo or PVC the dogs could potential sleep etc in the under bed space with direct access from the body of the vehicle. Many have a slide out panel or door accessing the under bed space direct from the body of the vehicle.

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[Grianan]

We have a 6.3m PVC. It’s coming up to 7 year old (how did that happen?) and we are doing our first long tour away in it this autumn. We were always taking 1 medium dog with her as she loves travelling as her number 1 hobby but it looks like our big old boy who hates travelling will have to come too as we’re stuck for home boarding for 1 week . My guess is that 2 months away will define what we’re looking for in our next van … my guess is rear lounge space which means we’ll need to find a way to make up beds quickly and comfortably!

 

[Tigger-Tim]

We have a 6.3m PVC. It’s coming up to 7 year old (how did that happen?) and we are doing our first long tour away in it this autumn. We were always taking 1 medium dog with her as she loves travelling as her number 1 hobby but it looks like our big old boy who hates travelling will have to come too as we’re stuck for home boarding for 1 week . My guess is that 2 months away will define what we’re looking for in our next van … my guess is rear lounge space which means we’ll need to find a way to make up beds quickly and comfortably!

We use 2 x single duvalays, with zip on sheets. Just unroll the duvalay, pop a (single) duvet on top of each and go to bed.

 

[Oldrat]

We have a LWB crafter conversion… plenty of living space and light especially with the super high roof and privacy windows.

6’6” width restrictions - no problem.

Layout
Layout
Layout

 

[Sixty-nine Chevy]

Hopefully not taking this off topic but...is that outer edge of mirror to outer edge of mirror? I thought that vans were c 2-2.05m wide, our slimline Chausson is 2.12m wide and is ever so slightly wider than a standard van..(and we can then fold in the mirrors)

You are correct. Vehicle manual gives width of the body as 2.05 m, but doesn’t give a measurement for edge of mirror to edge of mirror. My 2.20 m is probably a bit short even for folded mirrors, but it is surprisingly tricky to measure accurately.

 

[TC3]

We bought new last year, new to the whole scene and had put it down between 2 models. 1 was a 6m motorhome and the other was a 5.4m pvc. We have a small pup who sleeps on the rear transverse bed with us. We manage for space as we have a decent amount of storage. The motorhome had a better layout but had no internal space for folding ebikes, we fit 2 under our bed, our prefernce for security reasons especially abroad. Of course would be nicer to have the more spacious interior of the motorhome but on many occasions have been thankful for the smaller pvc when parking or forced down a narrow lane.

We are getting a 2nd small pup soon and I would maybe go for 6m pvc if buying again for the lil extra space.