Which Campervan - Globestar v Malibu

[cacbeag]

Hi All
We have been researching campervans for our first van purchase. We have narrowed it down to either a Globecar Globescout or a Malibu 600db.
Would really appreciate any advice -are we on the right lines with these two? Any reviews of either, good or bad would be great, or are there others we have missed or discounted, which you would recommend we consider.
Thanks in advance for any comments

 

[GPW]

I see a couple of notes here about Globecar PVCs only having compressor fridges, yet our Globescout Plus has a 3-way absorption fridge that we usually run on gas.

I.e: all the Burstner PVCs I saw had compressor fridges - the point here is that you have to look at the exact model you like to see what type of fridge it has - it's not a manufacture thing, it's a model thing.
Generally in a PVC a compressor fridge can be tucked into more convenient places whereas an absorption one needs a little more space, so you may find a nice high fridge is a compressor one but a floor level one is gas, it all depends on the model layout and design.

You can spot an absorption fridge by any gas flame markings on any controls, a gas switch with a snowflake symbol, big exterior vents top and bottom and of course by asking and brochure study.

I will agree however that the absorbtion fridges are far easier to live with away from EHU. The 'downside' of getting level enough for the fridge also means it's level for the cooker, table, shower, sink etc and the upside means it will sit there for days using only a tiny amount of gas.

I was quite pro compressor fridge when I was looking but the best value van (The GS Plus) happened to have an absorption type which has made me pro absorpion, mainly because I can do a 5 day wildcamp with no driving, using all facilities including heating and hot water - and not run out of power - all on the standard battery that came with the van.

Also note many brands are the 'same' in the PVC space:
Hymer = Burstner
Weinsberg = Knaus
Globecar = Possl (= Dethleffs)
Dreamer = Rapido

etc.

BTW If you do like the Malibu spend some time in the shower moving the toilet and putting up all the shower screens in place for a shower, I found that was a good way to see if I was ok with a bathroom. If it took longer than 10 minutes I'd move on.
Additionally in my experience a fixed sink is more useful than a folding one, which counted out a lot of Hymer and Burstner for me.

Notes about length: 5.4m is the ideal size as you can park pretty much anywhere, but because 5.4m sales are less than 6m sales manufacturers concentrate on 6m vans the most. So there's less 5.4m vans to choose from, so most end up buying 6m vans which means they sell less 5.4m vans - on so on around the circle.
5.4m vans are a better drive. 6m can be parked ok if you select your spots carefully - i.e. 2 Tesco bays or backing over a verge with the front sticking out 0.4m.
6.4m vans are a double bay park and the overhang and turning is trickier.

My advice is get the shortest you can with the features/price you need as you can park in more places, the shorter ones are lighter and more agile and easier to live with at home on the drive.

 

[cacbeag]

That would be my take too Mike.

cacbeag Be aware that the '6m rule' only applies to the big ferry routes from Scotland (Scrabster + Aberdeen) to Orkney and Shetland Mainland.

There are several dozen smaller ferries to the outer islands of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland and they all use the '5.5m rule'.

Example: If you were to travel from Aberdeen to Shetland (return trip) using a 6.36m Globecar/Malibu/Rapido PVC then the trip, depending on cabin choice, would cost £500. If you travelled in a sub-6m van then the whole return journey price would only reduce by 20-quid.

You'll be paying about £50,000 cash for your van or £60,000 if done via HP credit so £20 In the whole scheme of things is very little.

To make the 6.36m option even more tasty then be aware that the likes of the Shetland group of ferries only charge for a car rate and not a PVC so they don't even use their own rules - so cheaper again.

We'll be off to Harris and Uist soon and guess what - all of the ferries have a 5.5m rule.

It's not easy choosing a motorhome or PVC; that's for sure.

Good luck,

Andrew

Good points re ferries. The thing is though, we actually live on an island. The return difference is only £12 but it adds up every time you come off. We also regularly visit other inner islands for short breaks as they are very easily accessible to us. So the difference would really mount up.
we would be always off grid on the islands so the fridge would be important. The globescout and the globescout R come with an absorber fridge.

 

[cacbeag]

I see a couple of notes here about Globecar PVCs only having compressor fridges, yet our Globescout Plus has a 3-way absorption fridge that we usually run on gas.

I.e: all the Burstner PVCs I saw had compressor fridges - the point here is that you have to look at the exact model you like to see what type of fridge it has - it's not a manufacture thing, it's a model thing.
Generally in a PVC a compressor fridge can be tucked into more convenient places whereas an absorption one needs a little more space, so you may find a nice high fridge is a compressor one but a floor level one is gas, it all depends on the model layout and design.

You can spot an absorption fridge by any gas flame markings on any controls, a gas switch with a snowflake symbol, big exterior vents top and bottom and of course by asking and brochure study.

I will agree however that the absorbtion fridges are far easier to live with away from EHU. The 'downside' of getting level enough for the fridge also means it's level for the cooker, table, shower, sink etc and the upside means it will sit there for days using only a tiny amount of gas.

I was quite pro compressor fridge when I was looking but the best value van (The GS Plus) happened to have an absorption type which has made me pro absorpion, mainly because I can do a 5 day wildcamp with no driving, using all facilities including heating and hot water - and not run out of power - all on the standard battery that came with the van.

Also note many brands are the 'same' in the PVC space:
Hymer = Burstner
Weinsberg = Knaus
Globecar = Possl (= Dethleffs)
Dreamer = Rapido

etc.

BTW If you do like the Malibu spend some time in the shower moving the toilet and putting up all the shower screens in place for a shower, I found that was a good way to see if I was ok with a bathroom. If it took longer than 10 minutes I'd move on.
Additionally in my experience a fixed sink is more useful than a folding one, which counted out a lot of Hymer and Burstner for me.

Notes about length: 5.4m is the ideal size as you can park pretty much anywhere, but because 5.4m sales are less than 6m sales manufacturers concentrate on 6m vans the most. So there's less 5.4m vans to choose from, so most end up buying 6m vans which means they sell less 5.4m vans - on so on around the circle.
5.4m vans are a better drive. 6m can be parked ok if you select your spots carefully - i.e. 2 Tesco bays or backing over a verge with the front sticking out 0.4m.
6.4m vans are a double bay park and the overhang and turning is trickier.

My advice is get the shortest you can with the features/price you need as you can park in more places, the shorter ones are lighter and more agile and easier to live with at home on the drive.

Is the globescout plus the same as the globescout R ? I can’t see a plus one in the brochure.
Although I did not try the shower set up in the Malibu it looked a bit fiddly to me and was one of the things that put me off. Maybe not fair having not tried it, I will have another look at the fair.
We have not ruled out a 5.4 for the very reasons you state. I also have concerns about my driving skills lol.

 

[Garratt]

Compressor versus absorption fridge was the key decision point for me when choosing my Rapido Dreamer D55. I looked long and hard at the Adria Twins but decided that the compressor fridge ruled them out. I have read that compressor fridges work well during the summer in southern countries, but are not so good in northern winter conditions, whereas the 3 way types struggle more in high summer temperatures, and people have added electric fans to improve performance.

The Dreamer Select range are in fact better specified than their Rapido V series cousins; it is the Fun range that are cheaper than the Rapidos. My silver screens live quite happily in my separate shower compartment across from the washroom, although I don’t tour with them in the summer months when the sky roof really comes into its own.

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[mikebeaches]

We have the Globescout Plus on a maxi-chassis, so some info, a mini findings dump:

The front of the van tilts down a little so we always park front up the slope and have only needed a 'ramp' (a bit of 2" timber once on a rather hilly site in Germany. I see others parking the other way and using huge ramps - I have no idea why they do that.

Great informative post!!

Reference positioning the van, particularly if the ground slopes - like most we prefer to avoid using ramps if possible. BUT, orientation to both the sun and the view are equally, if not more important, factors for us.

During winter in Spain we like to have the windscreen facing east or south east, to benefit from the greenhouse effect as the sun rises, and then get it flooding in through the big sliding side door later in the day (the sliding door is on the UK offside of our continental-built van).

Whereas, in the heat of summer, we often park with the windscreen facing north.

And as already mentioned, the view is important too, so we'll also use ramps if they enable us to obtain the best panorama.

 

[Blue Knight]

This is one of those horses-for-courses scenarios.

1. Compressor fridges = more power usage but, with the correct battery set-up and the ability to visit camp-sites for mains battery charging every few days, then the risk of running out of power is mitigated sufficiently IMO.

2. Absorber fridges = more gas usage and as long as you can identify an LPG refill source or a replaceable bottle distributor then the risk of running out of gas is also mitigated.

3. Personally speaking I don't even realise that the fridge is on so the noise is not an issue for me. I would be more concerned about the rattles in the van but being a Globecar owner I don't have any!!

4. Either way you'll need to find a place to empty your potty every 4-5 days so serial-1 is probably a win-win situation as you get to empty the loo and charge your batteries before venturing off again.

5. I've always said, and I still say, that a 6m van is the best size for the Highlands & Islands but I would never downsize from a 6.36m van as that extra 36cm is priceless.

There is no right or wrong to this PVC-thing as it's all about your style of camping and your ability to adapt.

As Liz Grianan said above, have a rummage around the show and see what takes your fancy and don't be pressurised by the dodgy sales people who tell you to order at the show or lose the best deals!

Good luck,

Andrew

 

[mikebeaches]

... I have read that compressor fridges work well during the summer in southern countries, but are not so good in northern winter conditions, whereas the 3 way types struggle more in high summer temperatures, and people have added electric fans to improve performance...

Somewhat to my surprise I discovered, during our first hot spell in France, that the refrigerator in the Rapido V68 already has a thermostatically controlled fan - fitted as standard - to improve performance.

I've never read it in any of the specification, but when it's very hot you can hear it purring and quietly clicking in and out occasionally. It's not the slightest bit intrusive and it has to be fairly quiet to even hear it running.

Not sure if you've noticed one on your Dreamer?

 

[SpeedyDux]

Somewhat to my surprise I discovered, during our first hot spell in France, that the refrigerator in the Rapido V68 already has a thermostatically controlled fan - fitted as standard - to improve performance.

I've never read it in any of the specification, but when it's very hot you can hear it purring and quietly clicking in and out occasionally. It's not the slightest bit intrusive and it has to be fairly quiet to even hear it running.

Not sure if you've noticed one on your Dreamer?

I switch off the compressor fridge before going to bed. None of the contents have gone off.

Rapido Van PVCs give the impression that they have been well thought out, and include useful standard features that other PVC converters omit, or offer as options. Examples being the switch to run the radio off the hab battery, speakers near the bed, and the exterior awning light. The build date of mine featured hidden improvements such as insulation in the sliding door. The prices on Rapido's options list were significantly cheaper than some competitors. The Van Pack for only £250 was exceptional value for Cab AC, passenger airbag, cruise control, and much more. A similar Adria PVC would have cost me about £3k - £5k more for options to achieve the same spec as mine. It became a no-brainer on cost grounds.

On the subject of 5.4m PVCs. mine (V43) has been deleted from the current Rapido catalogue. Maybe they didn't sell enough. It is quite a challenge to fit everything into the fixed bed layout in only 5.4 m without compromising living space somewhere.

 

[jezport]

We've had two Globecars: a Familyscout L (no longer made) and a Campscout which we px'd for our Carthago in October. The Familyscout had a 3-way fridge, the Campscout a compressor ... to say we hated the compressor one is an understatement! It demanded a lot of electric and even with 2 x 100w solar panels and an MPPT solar controller in Spain over winter it really put a strain on our 2 x 78ah gel batteries, this is with extremely little TV/DVD watching (one x 1 hour a week if that!). It was also noisy and kept us awake at times. Unfortunately even if we were in the market for another panel van conversion I would NOT ever get one with a compressor fridge again so this would unfortunately rule out another Globecar and many other makes too as most camper builders now seem to be using them.

I know others aren't that bothered about their compressor fridge, or use sites where 'feeding' the fridge's demand for power isn't an issue, but we wild camp or used aires so it wasn't ideal, unfortunately we didn't realise how 'unsuitable' it was for our intended use otherwise we probably wouldn't have bought the Campscout in the first place and may have stuck out to try to get a used model with the 3-way fridge in.

One thing to investigate is whether you can 'special order' a Globecar with the larger 3-way fridge in, I believe it used to be an option so may still be the case, this would then get around the compressor fridge issue.

Some info below on our ownership of the Campscout:

Globecar Campscout Info

We are hoping to be mainly off grid so will have to seriously consider the points you have made about the fridge. Thank you. Impressed with the work you have done on the van and we will defo refer to your information if we go with the globecar. We will not go for the campscout though as we do a lot of ferry travel in Scotland and will have to keep to 6m. I would imagine though a lot of the tips and tricks would be relevant to both. This is a great forum, everyone has been so helpful. I am sure we will be taking full advantage of everyone’s knowledge in the coming months.

Globecar still offer an upgrade to the large 3way fridge in the Campscout Revolution.

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[Treeeev]

I’ve had a Malibu db600 for nearly 4 years now. We upgraded from a self build VW T4 as we wanted a little more comfort as we had started touring for longer (we normally have 2 breaks a year of at least a month each, plus numerous shorter breaks). We went to the NEE in October 2015 and looked at all the 6m PVC’s. we discounted a few because we didn’t like bathroom layout or position. I stood in the shower and imagined having a shower, some were very tight, so were discounted, some had clingy plastic curtains, they were also discounted. I also tried sitting on the toilet, in some vans it was almost impossible to move without having the door open.

in the end, we settled on the Malibu. There was plenty of room for using the toilet, and to use the shower, the toilet is swung out of the way and the folding screens are quickly deployed. There is plenty of room in the shower and it is a pleasure to use.

For cooking, the two ring hob is more than adequate for us and we manage without problems not having a grill, oven or microwave. There is plenty of storage throughout the van.

The only changes to the van we would like would be to swap the positions of the fridge and wardrobe (ie have a high level fridge and low level wardrobe), which I think this is now an option with the newer Malibu’s. The other would be to have the 6.4m van rather than 6m so that you have longitudinal beds rather than transverse (it is a little bit of a pain climbing over each other for night time excursions ).

Would we buy another Malibu, yes definitely

Cheers

Trevor

 

[Treeeev]

Deleted, double post

 

[GPW]

Is the globescout plus the same as the globescout R ? I can’t see a plus one in the brochure.

The layout is the same but the colours, trim levels, van brand and specs differ. I'm not a fan of the R's trim.
Dethleffs (Globecar/Possl) makes 2 or 3 'Plus' models as a tie-up from Peugeot. That's why you get more power, equipment and features for less money than the other Fiat based models (see below).

https://duckduckgo.com/?q="Globescout+Plus"

There's a German PDF floating around with the extra free Peugeot bits. Dethleffs also added on some touches, essentially it's discounted by Peugeot which is why you get all the free stuff. Fiat normally charges quite a bit for extras but they cost peanuts to manufacture so Peugeot threw a whole bunch of them in to gain camper market share.

At last years NEC the GS Plus was the cheapest camper in the show (pretty much of any class) but fully featured. The German list price used to be around €39.9k.

 

[Garratt]

SpeedyDux, the 5.4m vans have moved to Dreamer - they offer two layouts, one conventional continental, and one French bed with alongside bathroom. I’d imagine the latter would be great for single people, but the bed looks a bit narrow for couples.

 

[carolyn]

I know Wombles have a Globecar but I can’t remember which one, they did import it new from Germany but did a huge amount of research before buying theirs and are always very pleased ti help with info. I think they have a compressor fridge and at least one solar panel. If there’s a deal to be had Karen will know!

We have an IH but they’re a different type of PVC altogether.

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[Wombles]

I know Wombles have a Globecar but I can’t remember which one, they did import it new from Germany but did a huge amount of research before buying theirs and are always very pleased ti help with info. I think they have a compressor fridge and at least one solar panel. If there’s a deal to be had Karen will know!

We have an IH but they’re a different type of PVC altogether.

We do!

It's a Globecar Summit 600 Plus imported from Germany, very happy with it & no problems with it so far (fingers crossed). We have 200w solar & 2 batteries 95Ah (factory fitted), one Safefill refillable bottle & one standard German one as back up. Love our compressor fridge - it works very well, don't have to keep refilling gas bottles & can pitch up anywhere without having to use ramps. Our 3 way fridge in our previous motorhome would alarm if not on the level which was fun on bumpy rally fields! Best points for us are the clever bathroom with pull across panel making a shower cubicle, build quality of cabinetry, huge bed & garage. Having changed from a bit larger coachbuilt the large sliding door bringing the outside in & interior layout in light modern colours the smaller van conversion actually makes it feel more spacious.
In case it helps anyone - photos here https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/globecar-summit-600-plus-pvc-photos.184474/ & some of our mods https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...vc-modding-accessories-discount-codes.184590/ . Lots more info. on Globecar & other members experiences if you do searches on the forum for keywords. We learnt loads about importing on here & had some great help from Funsters so happy to share our experience with anyone considering doing this or which extras options to specify - just send us a PM.

 

[cacbeag]

We have appreciated everyone’s help, Really been invaluable in our considerations. Can I ask for a bit further assistance please. What is your opinion on pop up roofs? Has anyone had one on a globecar and if so any problems.

 

[gerry mcg]

The Gaslow looks a good system but we live in North West Scotland and LPG stations are unfortunately far and few between.
Maybe forgo oven and invest in more solar power and batteries instead. If we find we really miss the oven, I believe you can get small portable ones.

where in NW Scotland are you? ?
I'm in Glasgow, have a Globecar 600L revolution and a refillable LPG system - if you want a look see - you are welcome.
Gerry

 

[cacbeag]

where in NW Scotland are you? ?
I'm in Glasgow, have a Globecar 600L revolution and a refillable LPG system - if you want a look see - you are welcome.
Gerry

Very kind offer Gerry. We live up near Oban but we are visiting our son in Manchester just now and going to go to exhibition in Birmingham tomorrow. Hopefully get to see the globecar range at it.

 

[gerry mcg]

Very kind offer Gerry. We live up near Oban but we are visiting our son in Manchester just now and going to go to exhibition in Birmingham tomorrow. Hopefully get to see the globecar range at it.

no worries - if you are passing through Glasgow - get in touch - we are in Jordanhill - just between Clyde tunnel and anniesland X - we self imported from Germany as well. 3 yrs and love it - no issues.
Gerry

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[Grianan]

where in NW Scotland are you? ?
I'm in Glasgow, have a Globecar 600L revolution and a refillable LPG system - if you want a look see - you are welcome.
Gerry

gerry mcg how do you find number of lpg places to fill up in central belt. We’re Ayr and considering it but don’t want to put it in only to find we can’t fill up in Scotland!!

 

[gerry mcg]

I normally use the BP Castlebank filling station at Partick, just off the Clydesyde expressway - really convenient for me - as its only 5 min away. I've never had a problem filling up - there is a place on the Black Isle and on Skye - I use the website https://www.filllpg.co.uk

 

[Blue Knight]

We have appreciated everyone’s help, Really been invaluable in our considerations. Can I ask for a bit further assistance please. What is your opinion on pop up roofs? Has anyone had one on a globecar and if so any problems.

The Globecar Pop-tops are a new addition to the UK market for the 2020 season.

My take:

1. If you need to take more than 2 people then the extra space is fab.

2. They are great in calm to moderate weather but in extreme winds you may have to strap an additional securing cover over them to help protect the Pop-top mechanism for being damaged in the wind. I've seen this done before and it's an arse-ache to do properly.

3. They do let more heat out during the cold so your gas consumption will increase moderately.

4. Some people find it difficult to find a dealer who can successfully attach and affix the solar panels in a way that doesn't stress the connecting power leads from the movable roof to the van base.

5. Nice and airy in the summer months.

They've not been a big seller in Germany and by my reckoning you could be one of the first, if not the first to buy one.

They look nice though.

Andrew

 

[Grianan]

I’m not sure I’m as pro as Andrew is. Before we bought our Campscout we looked seriously at the possibility of a T6 with pop up roof. In fact, if when we change the van we’ll look again at a hard top high roof T6 with bathroom ?
We decided that for our use - in Scotland the pop up would not be good - a mixture of winds and rain ... I think it could be hard to dry it out enough. Also, people saying they let water in if you lean against them ... children will inevitable roll against them ...
are there any high top vans with a bed up front? I did post up about one but my mind is blank ... if I remember the name I’ll get back to you.

 

[gerry mcg]

I saw a pop top T5 get its roof bent overnight in a storm in Torridon not good .
we went to bed and the T5 beside us had its roof up - it was really windy / stormy overnight and when we got up in the morning, the T5's roof was down and had a big crease in it. ouchI - would put me off a pop top for good

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[GPW]

What is your opinion on pop up roofs?

Heavy (right on the roof too). Expensive. Usually prevent the nice skylights. Heating, damp, maintenance issues. They catch the wind too, rocking the van and are always a good 'I'm camping' sign when a silver/neutral coloured PVC in a car park is not always so obvious. A terrible idea.

Hymer added them last year to a bunch of vans - I'm not convinced they were easy to sell so beware possible resale problems.

If you are usually 2 but sometimes 3 people get the 3rd bed option, on most PVCs these are < £300. If 2 sometimes 4 people then get a van with rear bunk beds. If you stay at campsites then carry a pop-up tent instead..

 

[Grianan]

If you need more beds look at these ... only seen one in France and it looked the bees knees ...

<Broken link removed>

 

[Wombles]

Most van conversions have the optional extra 3rd bed but it is bulky & blocks the sliding door as an exit when in place. Another way of adding extra beds for children https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/cabbunk-extra-beds-for-kids-£50-saving-for-van-conversion-model.206776/

Or Campsleep https://www.l-parts.de/cempsleep-zusatzbett.html for single bed that adult could use too:

 

[Minxy]

Having seen the Globecar Campscout Revolution previously, if necessary you 'could' stick a kiddie in the overcab storage area (with a suitable restraining net for safety) as its massive! I know you can have 2 double beds at the rear but there is an option to exclude one I believe but this still gives you a tall and airy camper. With the use of the overcab storage area you'd still be able take a grandkid or two if you also made-up a bed on the lounge seating (by making a low support base to go in place of the fixed height table) and the swivelled cab seat, or even just turning the cab seats to face each other with a suitable 'mattress' placed on top.

 

[Grianan]

Most van conversions have the optional extra 3rd bed but it is bulky & blocks the sliding door as an exit when in place. Another way of adding extra beds for children https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/cabbunk-extra-beds-for-kids-£50-saving-for-van-conversion-model.206776/

View attachment 363341

Or Campsleep https://www.l-parts.de/cempsleep-zusatzbett.html for single bed that adult could use too:

View attachment 363344

I’ve not seen the Campsleep before ... I presume you could use it upside down for RH drive?
It looks a great alternative to the 3rd bed.
Could you use both together?

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[Wombles]

I’ve not seen the Campsleep before ... I presume you could use it upside down for RH drive?
It looks a great alternative to the 3rd bed.
Could you use both together?

Don't think it would be suitable to be turned over as from the video below it has fittings on the underneath for stability so presume it has a board base that they fix to then foam & a cover.
Can't be positive but when we fitted our third Globecar bed think we had to push the front seats forward to make sufficient room & if so would think that would make it too small a space left for the Campsleep.
UPDATE- Campsleep do make this bed for RHD too - see following posts by Grianan