Your Favourite Panel Van Conversion

[Jim]

Given that, most of us will see sense one day and buy a PVC. . Which one will you buy? The price needs to be a consideration, so no fantasy stuff, but what will it be?

I've been looking hard, and for a couple of years I thought my next van would definitley be an Adria Twin. But it's looking more likely to be a fixed bed Consort. I was really impressed with them at their factory tour last year.

What's your fave van conversion?

 

[Tonks]

My current PVC is a dinky version, and given that it's currently in the workshop having a considerably expensive lithium plus other bits upgrade, I expect to be driving it for at least the next few years.
However, when I'm at a point where I can tour more and for longer (work limits at the moment), my current fav is either the Hillside Hopton based on a MAN TGE MWB. Or the same base vehicle, but with a bespoke conversion built by a nearby specialist van converter.
I like small vans though, and there's only me to worry about (most of the time). So I'd possibly buy a top spec used LWB Transporter T6.1 and again have the interior build done bespoke.
Whatever the choice there's always a compromise somewhere...

 

[Kannon Fodda]

I too would seriously look at Consort.

But as a singleton the rear lounge layouts work so long as the front seats can properly swivel as a day seating area and thus bed is made at the rear for slobbing out if I stay put somewhere. Real concern is the suitability of the van's systems for being unplugged yet not moving, for a few days stay. Current Autotrail clearly designed to arrive on a campsite with ehu. I wouldn't want to be making so many changes on gas and 12v on any future purchase.

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Another New one........ It would have to be a Renault PVC , loved the Timberland conversion one and the Wildax Ducato PVC conversions we have had,They were both the same layout,in through the side door into living space making 6' 4"' by 6' double bed at night,kitchen/loo down the back,won't be having another new one or second hand,so its us, Mira the dog and the Ducato Wildax Conny Three. chasing down the sunsets..........
Tea Bag

 

[hja]

We like our Possle Globecar Summit Prime 6.40. It’s the only PANEL van we’ve had but we did do a lot of research before buying. We would prefer a 6m van but it wouldn’t give us two fixed singles, plenty of kitchen work surface and adequate garage. We are not impressed with the sky roof over the cab. Yes it lets in lots of light but even with the retro fix it is still noisy.
We have an auto, wouldn’t have anything else. Really easy to drive. Loads of storage, more than our previous coachbuilt of the same length.
We can keep below 3.5 which is essential for our licenses. I look at descriptions of other vans but they fail on some essential criteria or other.

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[JockandRita]

What's your fave van conversion?

I know it's maybe not the feedback you are looking for, but that is such an easy one for me to answer Jim, ie, it's got to be Ralph-n-Bev's. The quality self build and attention to detail, especially insulation, power needs, and layout, ticked all my boxes.
I can't remember though if it ticks the 3500Kgs B Category Licence box, or not.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Skez]

Currently lusting after a Hymer Grand Canyon S700 4x4. Need the premium bonds to come good first.

 

[andyvan1]

Another vote for Pössl (Globecar) we had a 5.4m Roadcamp R ...... Very manoeuvrable, brilliantly designed and well executed conversion, every bit was useful, practical and well engineered and finished.... Best of all and a pleasant surprise was how usable the 'corridor' shower was...... We're with a 6m Chausson 510 now, but this season are likely to return to a 6m van conversion, so watching this thread with interest, but we'll definitely be looking again at Pössl group vans.

 

[ontheroadagain]

I would love a panel van and as we already have an Adria which has been great, I would have said an Adria Twin SLB. But I was recently disappointed when I looked at one as the beds are just too short. Unfortunately this is a problem with most panel vans when you are almost 6’- 2”. The Consort looks like a great van but again the bed is only 6’-3”. Perhaps I will have to have one built.

 

[TheAleMan]

The one we’ve had on order for yonks. RP Rebellion 2 with the alternate front lounge. Just wish it’d hurry up and get here. Been told build to now start around mid Feb.

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[Lenny HB]

Our current A Class isn't much bigger than a PVC so I can't see us changing. Did get tempted with a Font Verdome a few years ago they have some interesting designs.
The Mega Mobil that Simon Select is importing look very interesting.

 

[Gaston aires]

We had an Adria twin once. Very nice van in 2016 but the equivalent model now is almost double the price .
My real favourite is a “home made special” built by my grandson Joe. An Old Ford transit, It had a camping gaz cooker and an old sofa bed plus a curtain for privacy ?
He used it in Cornwall where he taught surfing, the chicks loved it, I’ll bet they did. Cool machine indeed.
Phil

 

[Oldrat]

The one we designed ourselves, built by Richard Hales, Rhales ltd. There was nothing available on the market, perhaps even now, that suited us.

But I would say that.

Of course everyone has different opinions, but after 5 years, we really wouldn’t have done it any differently at all.

 

[PaulW2]

I think it's relatively easier with PVCs. One can sequence the decisions in some sort of priority.

First, maximum size (6m in my case).
Second, layout (fixed rear bed with garage).
Steering wheel side (left).
Whoosh bang door side (right).

Then look at the available sample.

Still quite happy with my Globecar.

 

[Reallyretired]

My favourite is probably the Murvi Morello, preferably the oldest model with the extra swivel table on the passenger seat. Only really suitable for solo use though.

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[L' Hobo]

I'm reasonably happy with my 2007 Murvi Morello now that I've tinkered with it a bit.

I would prefer it on one of the latest MAN chassis BUT then it would come with a lot more electronic gubbings.

After looking for some months, I bought it specifically because, although Euro 4, it was manufactured just before emission regulations became law without a Cat or DPF.

I like a simple life!

 

[Swamp]

Our first foray into the world of panel van conversions and we’re really happy with our Globe Traveller Voyager Z.
Love the layout and the double floor is a real bonus. Seems very well screwed together with quality fixtures and fittings

 

[Jenben]

We had a Vantage when they first came out and loved that, we changed to our Hymer Exsis as we wanted to have a garage.

We have toyed about what would we get next, we are not sure that going back to a pvc would work for us. We don’t want bikes on the back - someone tried to steal them off our last van.

We spent ages looking at pvc layouts trying to get one that worked when we were selling the Vantage. We then changed to the Hymer, we haven’t yet seen a layout that works for us with our bikes.

 

[cyberyacht]

I'm too old to be changing anyway but even if I was younger, I couldn't see me swapping my Compactline either. I notice that a few of those extolling PVCs are solo travellers, so that may have a bearing.

 

[Mikeco]

It would have to be my own conversation which cost me £27000 in 2012 which included a new Peugeot Boxer base vehicle The Ford Puma engine has done 50,000 miles and now purrs like a kitten and is very quiet. I do spend a bit on it each year but it will not be changed and will last us out.

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[Pocket Rocket]

Some of the PVC’s that we have seen where we’re impressed with the layout, build quality, and innovation are:

Rapido Dreamer XL (if you want 2 double beds and a great shower room)

Wildax Aurora XL (best kitchen in a PVC and well built cupboards)

Knaus Boxlife 600 DQ (height adjustable rear bed so bikes can go underneath and you can still use the bed)

 

[Astranomicalblue]

A Redtail Overland if my lottery numbers come up

 

[Morning Major]

I like the look of the Malibu Genius at Southdowns Motorhomes

Malibu Genius Campervan

Experience Compact Luxury: The Malibu Genius! Unparalleled motorhome living & driving comfort. The NEW Malibu Genius at Southdowns Motorhomes

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[Badknee]

We love our Vantage Neo, great build quality.