Share your opinions on these brands please!

[RubyOptics]

So, we're in a bit of a "first-world problem" scenario. We want to upgrade to a newer and more spacious van with more room for our kids and our rather big dog. We're torn between a rear twin (converts into huge double) with drop down double low-profile or an A-class with a similar layout. Whilst we do care very well for our current van, we aren't at all precious about it..wet dog...wet muddy boots etc all fine as long as we can clear it up nicely later on. We have an 11 year old boy and a 15 year old girl, so feel they should have their own beds..hence the layout. We've been to look at a number of vans now and i'll brifly sum up what we've looked at and why we have decided against it, then say what's left and ask your opinions on the manufacturers.
Chausson - Nice layouts but hated the dark wood on the VIP Premium line and all the stickers over screw-holes. Made it felt rather cheap for the money we need to spend.
Roller-Team - Very flashy but all the wood feels and looks cheap. Having seen a good few after a season of use, they don't seem to hold together very well at all.
Dethleffs - Gorgeous interior, simply beautiful. Poor design for the rear wardrobes and a lack of useful storage means it's a no-go for us.
Weinsberg - Nice looks. Great storage. No central table available in low-profiles and seats not particularly comfortable for the kids. Nope.
Knauss - Same as above pretty much.

Currently looking at Pilote and Eura Mobil. Im aware that Eura Mobil have a very good reputation for quality and seem to age and hold their value very well, but does anyone have first hand experience of them? Anything I should know?

Pilote - Don't really know much about them. Would love some opinions and thoughts from people more knowledgeable than myself.

Many thanks for anything and everything as always!

Joe

 

[Jonno1103]

Sorry, I'll try and make myself clearer as I think I've not explained myself very well. If one layout is better then that would, of course, trump most other things. The Dethleffs was excluded for that reason. We have seen one Pilote this morning and are going to see a few Eura-Mobil at the weekend, but I don't really know too much about the brands themselves and was just asking for other users experience with them

Euro Mobil are rarely seen on U.K forecourts, I think most of us would struggle to find a U.K. dealer.

As a brand they are owned by the Trigano Goup who for your Euro market also own Adria/Sun living, Benimar, Chausson, Challenger, Ci, Mobilvetta, McLouis, Rimor & Roller Team. In the U.K they own Auto Trail, Auto Sleepers & the Marquis dealership group.

Rationalisation means that to all intents and purposes they're all very similar. Panel vans for Adria, Benimar, Chausson & Roller Team are built by Auto Trail in the U.K. and the Mobilvetta A class are all built by Roller Team in Tuscany.

... and you can opt for light wood in the Chausson.

Your comment on Roller Team is interesting as they're an established brand in the U.K. hire market due to how robust they are. Their huge market leading overcab bed - 200 x 160 or 6'6" x 5'3" is a big selling point and their overhead locker construction is one of the best out there. I'd possibly look again at the 707 with the twin rear bunks, dinette and dropdown bed.

Pilote also own Frankia, Bavaria, Mooveo & Le Voyageur. They own van converters WildAx in the U.K.

Knaus & Weinsberg, same company.

You like Dethleffs, why not look at the other Euro brands within the Hymer group, Burstner, Carado, Etrusco, Hymer, Leika LMC (Geist) & Sunlight? In the U.K. they own Elddis.

French company Rapido are the other big player. They also own Fleurette, Itineo & Giottiline/PLA Low prifles and A Class' plus Dreamer, Campereve & Westfalia van conversions.

 

[Lynne Roy]

Check out the Malibu by Carthage, Alan Kerr has a couple to view and available and another 22 on order

 

[RubyOptics]

Euro Mobil are rarely seen on U.K forecourts, I think most of us would struggle to find a U.K. dealer.

As a brand they are owned by the Trigano Goup who for your Euro market also own Adria/Sun living, Benimar, Chausson, Challenger, Ci, Mobilvetta, McLouis, Rimor & Roller Team. In the U.K they own Auto Trail, Auto Sleepers & the Marquis dealership group.

Rationalisation means that to all intents and purposes they're all very similar. Panel vans for Adria, Benimar, Chausson & Roller Team are built by Auto Trail in the U.K. and the Mobilvetta A class are all built by Roller Team in Tuscany.

... and you can opt for light wood in the Chausson.

Your comment on Roller Team is interesting as they're an established brand in the U.K. hire market due to how robust they are. Their huge market leading overcab bed - 200 x 160 or 6'6" x 5'3" is a big selling point and their overhead locker construction is one of the best out there. I'd possibly look again at the 707 with the twin rear bunks, dinette and dropdown bed.

Pilote also own Frankia, Bavaria, Mooveo & Le Voyageur. They own van converters WildAx in the U.K.

Knaus & Weinsberg, same company.

You like Dethleffs, why not look at the other Euro brands within the Hymer group, Burstner, Carado, Etrusco, Hymer, Leika LMC (Geist) & Sunlight? In the U.K. they own Elddis.

French company Rapido are the other big player. They also own Fleurette, Itineo & Giottiline/PLA Low prifles and A Class' plus Dreamer, Campereve & Westfalia van conversions.

Than k you for so much fantastic information, we're both very grateful for your time.

 

[RubyOptics]

Check out the Malibu by Carthage, Alan Kerr has a couple to view and available and another 22 on order

Bit of a journey from Poland, but thanks for looking!

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[Blackadder]

For what it's worth we have one of the "German" vans which are often credited with better quality, in our case a Buerstner. It's not been perfect by any means most notably having just had it's 3rd roof spoiler (just above the windscreen - they keep disintigrating), recurring door seal damage due to poor design of the stay and leaks from the bathroom. You pays your money and keeps your fingers crossed
However, the one thing that many of this type of van has in common is a central grey water drain. This is fine when in most EU countries where they are more motorhome orientated and every site has a drive-over waste point. Different story in UK where sites are more caravan centric. I've had to modify the outlet so I can drain into a waste-hog which is a pain in the backside. Depends on where you intend using it I suppose.
We seriously considered a Chausson but heard so many stories of electric bed problems (not just with Chausson) we decided to avoid them.

 

[AG 2602]

We went to look at the G740 today. Very nice machine with the only downside is that the headroom in the rear bedroom (in the queen bed model) was a little limited for me as the floor raises up about 4 inches at that point. It also made the shower a bit of a bugger to use with my 6'4" frame!

I think I have a solution to your problem.....
An external shower point!!
You’ll just have to keep your budgie smugglers on!

 

[The Coops]

Hi we started off with a Carrado, brilliant, simple and well made, Then we made the mistake of *upgrading to a German brand by the name of ***BBY * never again! it looked fantastic, was a great layout but must have been built on a Friday afternoon/Monday morning! Was not just ours spoke with other owners of similar vans and guess what? All the same problems with poor fitting , windows warping, water leaks and .so on! It turns out we had all driven to the factory in Fockbeck, Germany to get the faults fixed as that disappointed/frustrated with the UK dealership! Speaks volumes , in fact a t the NEC show the owners made a point of avoiding us! Now got a Pilote and must say it is a cross between the Carrado and the **bby! Great layout ( **bby) great build quality ( Carrado) and great dealership back up, one or two very minor problems but fantastic customer service.
PS after 5 years of ownership whoever bought the ****** got a great van as we had spent 5 years sorting all the problems!

 

[deleted79651]

We have a new Knaus and love it, in our opinion the build quality is very good.

We parked behind you recently and were dazzled by the brilliant white paintwork! We were in the shade, literally and metaphorically ...

Steve & Elaine

 

[knickam]

Oh, I would also love to hear from any Adria owners as well as the Matrix Access layout also looks to fit the bill as well!

If you go for an Adria, I would take a look at the plus as well as the axess.
The plus was updated for 2021 with a few nice features although it will be a bit more expensive

Now has a double floor with flat floor throughout the van
New Power connection locker with room to store cable.
TV bracket now located beside the habitation door allowing larger TV's
Drawer storage below one of the rear single beds
Does not have a stupid false cupboard door below the drop down bed

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[lorger]

We parked behind you recently and were dazzled by the brilliant white paintwork! We were in the shade, literally and metaphorically ...

Steve & Elaine

Should see the state of it now

 

[gpat]

Hi we started off with a Carrado, brilliant, simple and well made, Then we made the mistake of *upgrading to a German brand by the name of ***BBY * never again! it looked fantastic, was a great layout but must have been built on a Friday afternoon/Monday morning! Was not just ours spoke with other owners of similar vans and guess what? All the same problems with poor fitting , windows warping, water leaks and .so on! It turns out we had all driven to the factory in Fockbeck, Germany to get the faults fixed as that disappointed/frustrated with the UK dealership! Speaks volumes , in fact a t the NEC show the owners made a point of avoiding us! Now got a Pilote and must say it is a cross between the Carrado and the **bby! Great layout ( **bby) great build quality ( Carrado) and great dealership back up, one or two very minor problems but fantastic customer service.
PS after 5 years of ownership whoever bought the ****** got a great van as we had spent 5 years sorting all the problems!

Thumbs up for carado from us. First time ever we have not made a single warranty claim in 2 years. Not a single snag or issue at all. Almost uncanny.

 

[Ridgeway]

Have to say we've been happy with our Laika and still like the brand and models available today. If you want higher than most quality but without getting into exotic stuff then Bimobil are worth a look at, my storage neighbour has one and has driven around the World, literally and it seems amazingly solid.

 

[RubyOptics]

If you go for an Adria, I would take a look at the plus as well as the axess.
The plus was updated for 2021 with a few nice features although it will be a bit more expensive

Now has a double floor with flat floor throughout the van
New Power connection locker with room to store cable.
TV bracket now located beside the habitation door allowing larger TV's
Drawer storage below one of the rear single beds
Does not have a stupid false cupboard door below the drop down bed

Looks lovely, I'll take a look at the used market as a new one is over-budget for us. Thanks for pointing it out!

 

[RubyOptics]

Have to say we've been happy with our Laika and still like the brand and models available today. If you want higher than most quality but without getting into exotic stuff then Bimobil are worth a look at, my storage neighbour has one and has driven around the World, literally and it seems amazingly solid.

I absolutely love their 4x4 Mercedes based vehicles!

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[Peppadog]

Euro Mobil are rarely seen on U.K forecourts, I think most of us would struggle to find a U.K. dealer.

As a brand they are owned by the Trigano Goup who for your Euro market also own Adria/Sun living, Benimar, Chausson, Challenger, Ci, Mobilvetta, McLouis, Rimor & Roller Team. In the U.K they own Auto Trail, Auto Sleepers & the Marquis dealership group.

Rationalisation means that to all intents and purposes they're all very similar. Panel vans for Adria, Benimar, Chausson & Roller Team are built by Auto Trail in the U.K. and the Mobilvetta A class are all built by Roller Team in Tuscany.

... and you can opt for light wood in the Chausson.

Your comment on Roller Team is interesting as they're an established brand in the U.K. hire market due to how robust they are. Their huge market leading overcab bed - 200 x 160 or 6'6" x 5'3" is a big selling point and their overhead locker construction is one of the best out there. I'd possibly look again at the 707 with the twin rear bunks, dinette and dropdown bed.

Pilote also own Frankia, Bavaria, Mooveo & Le Voyageur. They own van converters WildAx in the U.K.

Knaus & Weinsberg, same company.

You like Dethleffs, why not look at the other Euro brands within the Hymer group, Burstner, Carado, Etrusco, Hymer, Leika LMC (Geist) & Sunlight? In the U.K. they own Elddis.

French company Rapido are the other big player. They also own Fleurette, Itineo & Giottiline/PLA Low prifles and A Class' plus Dreamer, Campereve & Westfalia van conversions.

A good post, but I think you will find Rapido own Wildax, not Pilote!

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Pilote Group.... recommended from here

 

[DuxDeluxe]

A good post, but I think you will find Rapido own Wildax, not Pilote!

Pilote own Danbury

 

[Peppadog]

These group awareness reminders demonstrate just how few ownership groups there are. Brands are no more than names really nowadays. Component and tech sharing is visible in so many products. Its the same in so many products areas now. Cars, white goods, whatever. We hope these tech advances give us better products and economies of scale. If so. we can see and feel the difference. Unfortunately, I read and hear of so many quality issues with new motorhomes that are unacceptable. Maybe fewer owners with monopoly positions just breeds contempt?

I’ve never owned a Rapido motorhome, but I did buy a new folding caravan from them back in the eighties. I towed it with old VW T2 in my avatar!! We went to the factory in Mayenne and were shown around by the owner. I understand the group that has grown from it is still in the same family ownership. That is a great achievement if still true.

 

[two]

I hope you're looking at Payload, as well as layout.
We had a Euromobil and thought it was very well-made with a good layout, but the payload was insufficient for us.

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[RubyOptics]

I hope you're looking at Payload, as well as layout.
We had a Euromobil and thought it was very well-made with a good layout, but the payload was insufficient for us.

We look at that before we even look at the layout!

 

[MrsC]

Just my perspective after 20 plus years of MH and being the driver/housekeeper/goodly wife. The first you buy will be great but you will find with use and time you’ll see how you’d really like things. My favourites have been the first Hymer which was a grand old lady when we bought her. A tag axle Hobby which I would still have but for the practicalities of storing, parking and then emissions. I prefer German vans cos they are solid, steady and give a good ride. Fantastically draft proof in cold weather. But I think the drive quality is important too - effortless to handle, quiet with extra under the bonnet when you need it. And reliable etc etc. Especially with back seat drivers, children and dogs as passengers.

 

[clanjones]

We have a Rapido and very happy with it and the after sales service. Yes we have had some issues but all sorted with no agro. They are heavy though! If we ever replace it they would be our go to brand to start with.

They are still in private ownership and seem to value their reputation.

 

[bolicam]

I'm going for ride to Ayr to check out the Mclouis vans., which are similar?

 

[RubyOptics]

Thank you so much all for you contributions to this thread. Hearing other's experiences with their vans is invaluable to us as obviously you are the ones in the know! We really liked the Pilote we viewed the other day so it has been reassuring to hear some of the positive views that owners have of the. We are off to look at an Adria tomorrow so we'll see how it goes!

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[Ridgeway]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Adria.