Campervan Confusion: Cali vs Marco Polo vs Conversion
Discussion
Spuffington said:
Well, we're nearly there - contract drafted and a bit of negotiation to include mosquito nets on the side and rear door, second habitation battery and winter insulation panels for the pop-roof sides. Deposit will be paid today and then we need to figure out all the bureaucracy regarding registering the thing. Dealer is paying for the first 5 days registration and plates to get us back to Frankfurt but then a trip to the "Autoamt" will be required to procure plates for my girlfriend and get the vehicle officially registered in Frankfurt. Also need to sort out the best way of getting winter reifen. We're right on the cusp of the change-over here in Germany by the time we collect but a potential ski trip to Austria would mean we need to source some and trying to work out whether it's better getting them sorted with the dealer or getting them from ATS Euromaster once we get back to Frankfurt.
Van comes in at EUR 60k, so not cheap but they hold their value superbly here in Europe and are in high demand. Waiting list is c. 9 months so I have no doubt that it will hold its value well over the near term. I would also normally baulk at 60k for a camper, but the fit and finish and general build quality is superb and there's no way that it would be purchased had it not have had the additional flexibility of having an onboard toilet and potential to shower.
Looks like collection will be second week of March. It's technically almost ready to go, but neither of us can take the time off work to get down there beforehand for any meaningful period of time. We want to have at least two nights in it near the dealer in the event we spot something which needs fixing. The dealer is 3hrs from Frankfurt so can't really afford to keep schlepping back.
Very exciting though! Already sat down last night with Google maps and planned trips as far afield as Lake Como & Dutch Coast to shorter ones like Nurburgring (Eiffel Mountains), Luxembourg, Freiburg, Konstanz, Heidelburg. Can't wait to get on the road and do some "camping" again.
I'll probably open another thread once we take delivery.
Easy to sort as I did , Van comes in at EUR 60k, so not cheap but they hold their value superbly here in Europe and are in high demand. Waiting list is c. 9 months so I have no doubt that it will hold its value well over the near term. I would also normally baulk at 60k for a camper, but the fit and finish and general build quality is superb and there's no way that it would be purchased had it not have had the additional flexibility of having an onboard toilet and potential to shower.
Looks like collection will be second week of March. It's technically almost ready to go, but neither of us can take the time off work to get down there beforehand for any meaningful period of time. We want to have at least two nights in it near the dealer in the event we spot something which needs fixing. The dealer is 3hrs from Frankfurt so can't really afford to keep schlepping back.
Very exciting though! Already sat down last night with Google maps and planned trips as far afield as Lake Como & Dutch Coast to shorter ones like Nurburgring (Eiffel Mountains), Luxembourg, Freiburg, Konstanz, Heidelburg. Can't wait to get on the road and do some "camping" again.
I'll probably open another thread once we take delivery.
open a German Bank Account as I did in order that I could run everything including my plates through my German Bank Account.
Registering is easy in your local office in Germany as I did if you live and work in Germany as you do ?
Kt
Thanks KT.
Yeah, should all be fine. Girlfriend is registered living in Germany and is paid into a German bank account so all of that stuff is fine. It's just the usual German bureaucratic mechanisms which wear you down and all the tiny little hoops they make you jump through. But I think we're pretty much there and know what needs doing now. First trip being planned to Austria off the back of collection!
Yeah, should all be fine. Girlfriend is registered living in Germany and is paid into a German bank account so all of that stuff is fine. It's just the usual German bureaucratic mechanisms which wear you down and all the tiny little hoops they make you jump through. But I think we're pretty much there and know what needs doing now. First trip being planned to Austria off the back of collection!
Regarding motorhomes v campers and thus shower/toilet v no shower/toilet, if you’re a festival regular then a motorhome trumps a camper all ends up. Just as SWMBO about queueing for showers or needing a midnight dump in a festival bog and you’ll be buying a motorhome before you know it!
Obviously there’s a cost difference, but you can get a very good and very reliable motorhome for as little as £20k - ours was even slightly less than that - but if you can get over the size difference and that it doesn’t double up as an every day runner then perhaps a motorhome’s worth considering?
Obviously there’s a cost difference, but you can get a very good and very reliable motorhome for as little as £20k - ours was even slightly less than that - but if you can get over the size difference and that it doesn’t double up as an every day runner then perhaps a motorhome’s worth considering?
Oh dear...
...now we're back to total confusion again after viewing different vehicles over the weekend and different configurations and are re-considering a motorhome (and even wondering about a 4x4 car/conversion + caravan). We see great positives in both, but the negatives are worrying us.
Concerns of a campervan:
- would just feel too small both for weekends away in the UK and week-ish long touring of Europe etc.
- not enough storage (once you've packed in the awning, stove etc)
- still the California seems a ridiculous price for what you get, whilst the conversions seem much better value they are restrictive in terms of finish/fabrics and what happens if it goes wrong?
- we thought the Cali/transporter would *always* get us in multi storey car parks and every supermarket and every car park at the bottom of a hill. Now we're hearing it won't in some. If the low height isn't a massive game changer that opens up a world that motorhomes are barred from, then why would we choose something so small unless it was just to have something we can holiday in and drive as a day car at the same time?
- can anyone recommend a conversion specialist that as well as being technically very good with great pre- and post-sale customer service, has a selection of very subtle and stylish finishes (ie. less of the high gloss/red piping). We've found some of the converters we have looked at restrictive in their design offering and it doesn't really suit our taste.
Concerns of a motorhome:
- too big for the tiny villages, small lanes everywhere we want to get to
- once we arrive at wherever we're going to stay for the night, how do we get into the village centre/town centre/car parks at the base of hills from where we want to hike etc?
- feels like a big lorry to drive
- big depreciation
- if we get this, we'll have to fork out for another car anyway as the campervan was going to serve 2 purposes
- For example, the Chausson 716 (2.35 x 7.49 x 2.92)
The new caravan idea:
- total much hassle to pull around?
- ever needed (in combo with some kind of vehicle you can sleep with) as opposed to a great awning?
...now we're back to total confusion again after viewing different vehicles over the weekend and different configurations and are re-considering a motorhome (and even wondering about a 4x4 car/conversion + caravan). We see great positives in both, but the negatives are worrying us.
Concerns of a campervan:
- would just feel too small both for weekends away in the UK and week-ish long touring of Europe etc.
- not enough storage (once you've packed in the awning, stove etc)
- still the California seems a ridiculous price for what you get, whilst the conversions seem much better value they are restrictive in terms of finish/fabrics and what happens if it goes wrong?
- we thought the Cali/transporter would *always* get us in multi storey car parks and every supermarket and every car park at the bottom of a hill. Now we're hearing it won't in some. If the low height isn't a massive game changer that opens up a world that motorhomes are barred from, then why would we choose something so small unless it was just to have something we can holiday in and drive as a day car at the same time?
- can anyone recommend a conversion specialist that as well as being technically very good with great pre- and post-sale customer service, has a selection of very subtle and stylish finishes (ie. less of the high gloss/red piping). We've found some of the converters we have looked at restrictive in their design offering and it doesn't really suit our taste.
Concerns of a motorhome:
- too big for the tiny villages, small lanes everywhere we want to get to
- once we arrive at wherever we're going to stay for the night, how do we get into the village centre/town centre/car parks at the base of hills from where we want to hike etc?
- feels like a big lorry to drive
- big depreciation
- if we get this, we'll have to fork out for another car anyway as the campervan was going to serve 2 purposes
- For example, the Chausson 716 (2.35 x 7.49 x 2.92)
The new caravan idea:
- total much hassle to pull around?
- ever needed (in combo with some kind of vehicle you can sleep with) as opposed to a great awning?
Decisions decisions eh!
I don't have any answers for you: perhaps write down pro's & con's (& showstoppers), & grade them! Maybe that would help - seriously, we have always done that when house-hunting.....worked for us.
We camp a bit, been considering a 'small' campervan for a while. Kinda think maybe we need one a bit bigger (at least with a loo!), but still want one small enough to let us roam around. Watch loads of youtube videos on ones folk have built!
I think a caravan would drive me mad. A big camper...probably too big. I'd like a relatively 'stealth' van. Perhaps pop-top as option for more headroom - don't fancy a high-top wagon. No idea on the answer....
I don't have any answers for you: perhaps write down pro's & con's (& showstoppers), & grade them! Maybe that would help - seriously, we have always done that when house-hunting.....worked for us.
We camp a bit, been considering a 'small' campervan for a while. Kinda think maybe we need one a bit bigger (at least with a loo!), but still want one small enough to let us roam around. Watch loads of youtube videos on ones folk have built!
I think a caravan would drive me mad. A big camper...probably too big. I'd like a relatively 'stealth' van. Perhaps pop-top as option for more headroom - don't fancy a high-top wagon. No idea on the answer....
I have a lot of sympathy for your concerns since I'm sure that most of us who own either camper, caravan or motorhome have been through similar exercises and questioned the pros and cons. However, there isn't a perfect solution and I would be lying if I said there was. What you need is the one which ticks the most boxes. You'll never tick all of them IMHO.
Let me take the negatives re: motorhome as I can comment pretty well on those given I'm now on my third motorhome now:
- Too big for tiny villages - depends what you mean by too big. I think my 8.9m van is too big for tiny villages, but there are plenty of shorter A-class and coachbuilts which aren't too big, unless you're going for cornish villages in the height of season. Also, I'm not sure of your appetite for the continent, but there's almost no such thing as too big for villages in France, where Aires are tucked right in the heart of villages and cater for motorhoming very well. Only you can decide on the back of where you are planning to go. Of course I wouldn't take my Concorde into somewhere where I think I couldn't park, but there are other ways of doing it - campsites and then getting a bus, walking or cycling.
- How do we get from van to village - a bit like the above - walk, cycle, bus. But I also try and choose my campsites wisely so that I'm nearby where I want to be.
- Feels like a lorry to drive - depends what you're used to. But I didn't find my last 6.7m A-class much different from a normal van to drive. Quite good fun in some respects. The newer chassis from Fiat & Ford are getting more and more car-like to drive both from ergonomics to the handling (although you always have to be aware of the size you're schlepping around)
- Big depreciation - doesn't have to be unless you're buying new. Plenty of used vans out there which hold their value well. My last Hymer I bought and sold for the same amount. See ownership costs over the >2yrs I owned it:
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
Spent a few k in repairs and maintenance, but cheap Holidays.
- Car & campervan - can't speak for that - only you can decide how you want your fleet to look. But if you were to spend a clever 30k on a Hymer with little depreciation still left to do, that still leaves you with 20k for a decent car if you were looking at new Calis.
Just my two-penneth.
Let me take the negatives re: motorhome as I can comment pretty well on those given I'm now on my third motorhome now:
- Too big for tiny villages - depends what you mean by too big. I think my 8.9m van is too big for tiny villages, but there are plenty of shorter A-class and coachbuilts which aren't too big, unless you're going for cornish villages in the height of season. Also, I'm not sure of your appetite for the continent, but there's almost no such thing as too big for villages in France, where Aires are tucked right in the heart of villages and cater for motorhoming very well. Only you can decide on the back of where you are planning to go. Of course I wouldn't take my Concorde into somewhere where I think I couldn't park, but there are other ways of doing it - campsites and then getting a bus, walking or cycling.
- How do we get from van to village - a bit like the above - walk, cycle, bus. But I also try and choose my campsites wisely so that I'm nearby where I want to be.
- Feels like a lorry to drive - depends what you're used to. But I didn't find my last 6.7m A-class much different from a normal van to drive. Quite good fun in some respects. The newer chassis from Fiat & Ford are getting more and more car-like to drive both from ergonomics to the handling (although you always have to be aware of the size you're schlepping around)
- Big depreciation - doesn't have to be unless you're buying new. Plenty of used vans out there which hold their value well. My last Hymer I bought and sold for the same amount. See ownership costs over the >2yrs I owned it:
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
Spent a few k in repairs and maintenance, but cheap Holidays.
- Car & campervan - can't speak for that - only you can decide how you want your fleet to look. But if you were to spend a clever 30k on a Hymer with little depreciation still left to do, that still leaves you with 20k for a decent car if you were looking at new Calis.
Just my two-penneth.
Edited by Spuffington on Tuesday 6th February 09:44
We went down the buy a T5 Transporter and get it converted by a local company to a complete Campervan. We went to the Camper show in Birmingham before buying and saw so many designs and features. However the vans being sold always seemed to be bog standard T28 (weight load) without Air-Con and with a lowly 84bhp. Therefore I found a T5 that had the 6 speed gearbox, T30, 150bhp and air-con. And the trips abroad Air-con is a must.
We have 5 year old twins so needed them to sleep in the popup, and we sleep down stairs. Ours is only a SWB but we manage fine for weekends away or longer trips abroad. If we stay a length of time we take the Vango drive away awning which is massive. However I wished we had bought a side winder awning as it it would be useful for when we didn't want to take the massive awning (e.g. cooking outside in the rain). We use our a lot as a day van, bike carrier (tow bar is a must) and general heavy loading.
Another thing I wished we bought is a solar panel for the roof as it would trickle charge the fridge when we are not plugged in at some places.
The VW California will probably hold its value better.
The Marco Polo just seemed like far too posh a camper (like you wouldn't want to use it encase it gets dirty).
We do envy proper motorhomes and will no doubt upgrade when the kids get bigger.
Here is us down in Switzerland camping:-
We have 5 year old twins so needed them to sleep in the popup, and we sleep down stairs. Ours is only a SWB but we manage fine for weekends away or longer trips abroad. If we stay a length of time we take the Vango drive away awning which is massive. However I wished we had bought a side winder awning as it it would be useful for when we didn't want to take the massive awning (e.g. cooking outside in the rain). We use our a lot as a day van, bike carrier (tow bar is a must) and general heavy loading.
Another thing I wished we bought is a solar panel for the roof as it would trickle charge the fridge when we are not plugged in at some places.
The VW California will probably hold its value better.
The Marco Polo just seemed like far too posh a camper (like you wouldn't want to use it encase it gets dirty).
We do envy proper motorhomes and will no doubt upgrade when the kids get bigger.
Here is us down in Switzerland camping:-
Meerkat1234 said:
Concerns of a campervan:
- would just feel too small both for weekends away in the UK and week-ish long touring of Europe etc.
- not enough storage (once you've packed in the awning, stove etc)
- still the California seems a ridiculous price for what you get, whilst the conversions seem much better value they are restrictive in terms of finish/fabrics and what happens if it goes wrong?
- we thought the Cali/transporter would *always* get us in multi storey car parks and every supermarket and every car park at the bottom of a hill. Now we're hearing it won't in some. If the low height isn't a massive game changer that opens up a world that motorhomes are barred from, then why would we choose something so small unless it was just to have something we can holiday in and drive as a day car at the same time?
- can anyone recommend a conversion specialist that as well as being technically very good with great pre- and post-sale customer service, has a selection of very subtle and stylish finishes (ie. less of the high gloss/red piping). We've found some of the converters we have looked at restrictive in their design offering and it doesn't really suit our taste.
We've stayed in ours for ten nights in a row before, and we've managed to fit everything in no problem. You have to be organised with your packing, that's all. Clothes/coats in the wardrobe and overhead locker, food in the fridge and adjacent cupboard, water carriers and gas in the next cupboard, cutlery/crockery/kettle/toaster in the top loading cupboard, bedding etc under the bed, shoes in the base of the twin passenger seat, random items in the drawer. Having a lwb van does make a lot of difference as you still have some valuable floor space (and room for the portaloo) when the bed is down. We have all we need in there - bed, fridge, hob, sink, tv, loo (although this is ONLY used at night to save having to trudge to the toilet block - we always stay on sites with full facilities and an electric hookup), and a bike rack on the towbar. No problems fitting in car parks, although the lwb can make searching for long enough spaces trickier.- would just feel too small both for weekends away in the UK and week-ish long touring of Europe etc.
- not enough storage (once you've packed in the awning, stove etc)
- still the California seems a ridiculous price for what you get, whilst the conversions seem much better value they are restrictive in terms of finish/fabrics and what happens if it goes wrong?
- we thought the Cali/transporter would *always* get us in multi storey car parks and every supermarket and every car park at the bottom of a hill. Now we're hearing it won't in some. If the low height isn't a massive game changer that opens up a world that motorhomes are barred from, then why would we choose something so small unless it was just to have something we can holiday in and drive as a day car at the same time?
- can anyone recommend a conversion specialist that as well as being technically very good with great pre- and post-sale customer service, has a selection of very subtle and stylish finishes (ie. less of the high gloss/red piping). We've found some of the converters we have looked at restrictive in their design offering and it doesn't really suit our taste.
You're always going to have compromises, you just need to decide which compromises matter most!
I converted mine myself (link to the build thread in my profile), so can't help with converters I'm afraid.
edit to remove huge picture...
Edited by LeighW on Friday 9th February 09:52
Great thread, I've just dipped my toe into the world of camper vans and I'm addicted already!
I started looking at a T6 Kombi Sportline, but thought this was a bit selfish and to get something a little more family friendly so changed my mind to a T6 lwb camper/sleeper conversion with a Reimo bed and pop top, no kitchen. Due to ever increasing costs for the conversion I moved onto a California, but ruled it out as it's only available as a swb, suicide door and not HMRC friendly, even if the depreciation is lower than a conversion. So I went back to a T6 lwb conversion with bed, pop top and kitchen, but it all feels far too cramped and very compromised.
After much deliberation I decided in the end to go back to a 'sporty' van for me, spec it right up with toys and then put a Kombi full width bed in the back and buy a massive drive-away awning (Galli II). My kids and wife can kip in the van and I can sleep in the awning.
For me this has the advantage of being able to use the van daily at work and park in most places without too many issues (it's a lwb so will be a bit tight in car parks), but within 5 minutes I can install the Kombi bed and another 20 minutes I can get the awning blown up and attached to the van to give us a big living area. I remember reading about a guy who did his own camper conversion on a T5 that he used for work during the week and he said the smell of bacon and fat/grease/oil haunted him for weeks after they came back from a camping trip away.
My van has the leisure battery option and electric hook-up, so we'd be looking to pitch up on a site with EHU, showers and toilets etc. We won't be wild camping except perhaps the odd night in the New Forest.
I'm just waiting for the van to come back from the converters, we are hoping to get it by Easter and I've booked 2 nights at Sandy Balls for our inaugural camping trip.
I started looking at a T6 Kombi Sportline, but thought this was a bit selfish and to get something a little more family friendly so changed my mind to a T6 lwb camper/sleeper conversion with a Reimo bed and pop top, no kitchen. Due to ever increasing costs for the conversion I moved onto a California, but ruled it out as it's only available as a swb, suicide door and not HMRC friendly, even if the depreciation is lower than a conversion. So I went back to a T6 lwb conversion with bed, pop top and kitchen, but it all feels far too cramped and very compromised.
After much deliberation I decided in the end to go back to a 'sporty' van for me, spec it right up with toys and then put a Kombi full width bed in the back and buy a massive drive-away awning (Galli II). My kids and wife can kip in the van and I can sleep in the awning.
For me this has the advantage of being able to use the van daily at work and park in most places without too many issues (it's a lwb so will be a bit tight in car parks), but within 5 minutes I can install the Kombi bed and another 20 minutes I can get the awning blown up and attached to the van to give us a big living area. I remember reading about a guy who did his own camper conversion on a T5 that he used for work during the week and he said the smell of bacon and fat/grease/oil haunted him for weeks after they came back from a camping trip away.
My van has the leisure battery option and electric hook-up, so we'd be looking to pitch up on a site with EHU, showers and toilets etc. We won't be wild camping except perhaps the odd night in the New Forest.
I'm just waiting for the van to come back from the converters, we are hoping to get it by Easter and I've booked 2 nights at Sandy Balls for our inaugural camping trip.
I can definitely sympathise with the OP on this one. We've hired a California and loved the experience, and like the idea of getting a campervan conversion for ourselves, but then we've also thought about a proper motorhome and toyed with the idea of a caravan. Still struggling to make a final decision, but it's a moot point at the moment as we have neither the money nor space to store one.
If I could add my thoughts on the matter, the most important thing is to think carefully about what you want to use it for. The way I see it:
- Caravan - used for a week/2 weeks away at a proper site. Probably too much hassle for just a weekend?
- Campervan - perfect for weekends away, and a small footprint makes it more suited exploring narrow lanes, etc. Could also be used for longer but you'd want a site with decent facilities.
- Motorhome - ideal for long and short breaks, although size might limit where you go.
For me personally I like the idea of having something for short breaks or even just day trips, so it'll probably be the campervan conversion in a few years time. Of course that then leaves the question of whether I convert it myself or go to a professional...
If I could add my thoughts on the matter, the most important thing is to think carefully about what you want to use it for. The way I see it:
- Caravan - used for a week/2 weeks away at a proper site. Probably too much hassle for just a weekend?
- Campervan - perfect for weekends away, and a small footprint makes it more suited exploring narrow lanes, etc. Could also be used for longer but you'd want a site with decent facilities.
- Motorhome - ideal for long and short breaks, although size might limit where you go.
For me personally I like the idea of having something for short breaks or even just day trips, so it'll probably be the campervan conversion in a few years time. Of course that then leaves the question of whether I convert it myself or go to a professional...
I think people are getting a little carried away with motorhome sizes and the possible access restrictions associated with their size. In short, we’ve never had a problem, not once, ever. Our MH is approx 25ft x 7.5ft x 9ft - when looking for a site our only consideration is the pitch size.
We’ve probably spent more time in Cornwall than anywhere else including most of the north coast from Bude all the way to Sennen, we’ve toured North Wales and Snowdonia, been around most of Devon and Dorset and a couple of years ago spent a couple of weeks up and down the west coast of France.
Not once did we find a site we couldn’t get on or a road too narrow and have never been stuck, blocked or had to turn round a find a different route. It’s just a big van, not an articulated lorry!
But as most say hire one and find out for yourself. We discounted a caravan straight away as I didn’t want to tow and wanted the ability to wild camp and take it to festivals. We were going to go for a camper but having looked at Bongos and the like - we were never going to pay the VW tax - we dismissed them as too small. For us the motorhome was perfect: easy to drive and park, no complicated bed set up, decent kitchen plus most importantly for SWMBO a shower and WC.
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
We’ve probably spent more time in Cornwall than anywhere else including most of the north coast from Bude all the way to Sennen, we’ve toured North Wales and Snowdonia, been around most of Devon and Dorset and a couple of years ago spent a couple of weeks up and down the west coast of France.
Not once did we find a site we couldn’t get on or a road too narrow and have never been stuck, blocked or had to turn round a find a different route. It’s just a big van, not an articulated lorry!
But as most say hire one and find out for yourself. We discounted a caravan straight away as I didn’t want to tow and wanted the ability to wild camp and take it to festivals. We were going to go for a camper but having looked at Bongos and the like - we were never going to pay the VW tax - we dismissed them as too small. For us the motorhome was perfect: easy to drive and park, no complicated bed set up, decent kitchen plus most importantly for SWMBO a shower and WC.
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
Antony Moxey said:
I think people are getting a little carried away with motorhome sizes and the possible access restrictions associated with their size. In short, we’ve never had a problem, not once, ever. Our MH is approx 25ft x 7.5ft x 9ft - when looking for a site our only consideration is the pitch size.
<snip>
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
Our SMax is under 15ft long x under 7ft wide.<snip>
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
A LWB VW T5 (for example) is 17.3ft x 6ft 2".....
I think it is a leap to decide on a MH as being an easy move. But clearly many do it!
& as you say make a decision.
I can easily see me dying having vicariously enjoyed campervans etc through lack of decision (& too many other things going on!).
What is on my wishlist?
I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. I'd prefer the wagon to be registered as a campervan - can that happen with a 'movable kitchen' ?!
Enclosed awning would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
LeighW - your unit looks lovely, think I said that on the other thread!
Edited by mikeiow on Wednesday 7th February 20:35
mikeiow said:
Antony Moxey said:
I think people are getting a little carried away with motorhome sizes and the possible access restrictions associated with their size. In short, we’ve never had a problem, not once, ever. Our MH is approx 25ft x 7.5ft x 9ft - when looking for a site our only consideration is the pitch size.
<snip>
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
Our SMax is under 15ft long x under 7ft wide.<snip>
Good luck with the search though, but don’t umm and ahh too long or you’ll never buy anything!!
A LWB VW T5 (for example) is 17.3ft x 6ft 2".....
I think it is a leap to decide on a MH as being an easy move. But clearly many do it!
mikeiow said:
What is on my wishlist?
I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. Enclosed awning with that would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
Well, I'd say one of these comes pretty close? I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. Enclosed awning with that would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
In all seriousness, although probably not to most people's taste (mine included), I'd say a Nissan Elgrand would tick most of your boxes:
Petrol (including a V6 and 4WD options), so cruising at 80 no problem (granted, mpg might be a bit poor, but... V6
Auto, comfy seats, lots of gadgets (I'm guessing, but probably cruise control, parking cameras, etc. Maybe heated seats?)
Plenty of conversion options so pop-top roof, removable kitchen, 6 seats/full width bed could be specced
I guess the only issue is it's not particularly "stealth", but perhaps find one in a dull grey and remove all the chromey bits. Or just not wash it.
So there you go, job jobbed... you're welcome
mikeiow said:
What is on my wishlist?
I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. I'd prefer the wagon to be registered as a campervan - can that happen with a 'movable kitchen' ?!
Enclosed awning would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
LeighW - your unit looks lovely, think I said that on the other thread!
Thanks. I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. I'd prefer the wagon to be registered as a campervan - can that happen with a 'movable kitchen' ?!
Enclosed awning would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
LeighW - your unit looks lovely, think I said that on the other thread!
Edited by mikeiow on Wednesday 7th February 20:35
I stopped counting how much money has been sunk into it a long time ago... A T5/T6 with a full width RIB bed (or equivalent), slimline units and a slide pod (see pic) could maybe tick most of your boxes. A Highline spec van will have parking sensors, cruise, nav etc, and front captain's seats are pretty comfy, but I've seen vans with Range Rover front seats fitted etc. I don't see any petrol engine hauling that much mass and returning the MPG you want though, so maybe you're stuck with diesel. All this will cost plenty!
Zetec-S said:
Well, I'd say one of these comes pretty close?
In all seriousness, although probably not to most people's taste (mine included), I'd say a Nissan Elgrand would tick most of your boxes:
Petrol (including a V6 and 4WD options), so cruising at 80 no problem (granted, mpg might be a bit poor, but... V6
Auto, comfy seats, lots of gadgets (I'm guessing, but probably cruise control, parking cameras, etc. Maybe heated seats?)
Plenty of conversion options so pop-top roof, removable kitchen, 6 seats/full width bed could be specced
I guess the only issue is it's not particularly "stealth", but perhaps find one in a dull grey and remove all the chromey bits. Or just not wash it.
So there you go, job jobbed... you're welcome
LOL - certainly one I have considered....rule nothing in and nothing out, although it feels very close to a Bongo.....cheers!!In all seriousness, although probably not to most people's taste (mine included), I'd say a Nissan Elgrand would tick most of your boxes:
Petrol (including a V6 and 4WD options), so cruising at 80 no problem (granted, mpg might be a bit poor, but... V6
Auto, comfy seats, lots of gadgets (I'm guessing, but probably cruise control, parking cameras, etc. Maybe heated seats?)
Plenty of conversion options so pop-top roof, removable kitchen, 6 seats/full width bed could be specced
I guess the only issue is it's not particularly "stealth", but perhaps find one in a dull grey and remove all the chromey bits. Or just not wash it.
So there you go, job jobbed... you're welcome
LeighW said:
If you think that's in poor taste, this is what I used to go camping in before I had the T5... 
I have a fond spot for GMC wagons....classic kind of yank tank (I worked on a funfair in the States for a summer back in '84, saw a few there!). & yes, the idea of slide pod or similar is a possibility....ideally I'd like the option to lift a unit right out if parked up somewhere nice, but I suspect that ight ruin the chances of it being formally registered as a camper....
Oh, did I mention I'd quite like sliding doors both sides......to allow a through breeze in those sunspots I may find myself at....
The Unicorn Camper is the one I think I need!
Zetec-S said:
LeighW said:
If you think that's in poor taste, this is what I used to go camping in before I had the T5...
Have to admit I quite like that, but imagine the fuel costs must have been crippling!
mikeiow said:
What is on my wishlist?
I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. I'd prefer the wagon to be registered as a campervan - can that happen with a 'movable kitchen' ?!
Enclosed awning would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
The T6 now has pretty much all of that,I want a stealth van that attracts no attention....I want to be able to easily 'camp' off-grid, and perhaps with 4WD/AWD, off main roads.
I'd like emergency toilet facilities in this small thing (in my case, SWMBO actually doesn't!!).
I'd like it to cruise comfortably up to 80+ mph with no strain....and I'd like 35-45mpg.
I'd prefer petrol (hate the smell of diesel, even thought we currently run two!).
I want a kitchen unit that is easily removable to use outside if desired. I'd prefer the wagon to be registered as a campervan - can that happen with a 'movable kitchen' ?!
Enclosed awning would be handy.
I need a driving position and seats as comfy as my Volvo: big ask? Heated too please, along with the front screen (& steering wheel? okay, I'll drop that!)
I'd like adaptive cruise control (that rules most things out!), with bells & whistles on the driving side (rear camera, etc)
6 travelling seats would be handy....we could drop the S-Max if that happened....
We would want a full-width comfy bed (5' min)
I'd like decent solar and a pop top.
C'mon, where it this mythical beast ??!
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 7th February 20:35
Stealthy if unmolested with big wheels etc
Toilet, get a Porta Potti etc
150bhp will cruise all day at 80 and return a decent mpg, the 204 will get you there quicker.
T6 now available as a petrol
Removable kitchen unit, Camping Pods from Uberbus
Awning, easy to fix one on the side
Not sure how the seats would compare, they are heated on Highline models
Adaptive Cruise is on the T6, circa £300 on 2018 models
T6 Kombi comes as a 5 or 6 seater, no cost option I think
T6 easily accommodates a full width bed if you don't go for a fitted kitchen
Loads of companies doing pop tops with solar panels as an extra, I like Reimo and Hi-Lo personally
Cannot wait to get out in mine, I shall be dragging the kids along whether they want to or not, iPads can only come out at night!
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