6m van OR 6.4m van?

[TonyC123]

The question I'm curious about is this: is the extra space of a 6.4m campervan worth the extra hassle of parking it, when compared to a 6m van?
I'd really appreciate hearing the views of folks who've driven both types of van, and have compared their 'parkabilty' in person - but obviously any feedback is more than welcome.
The context is that I'm planning to buying a Wildax Constellation 3 in Spring next year, to live and travel in full time, both in Europe and the UK/Ireland (PS - the Moto Trek Leisure Treka EB also looks pretty good).
But vans with big front lounges dont seem to very good for storage, so I am planning to rent a cheap storage location for the bulk of my personal gear.
So in theory I won't need to carry too much stuff in the van. Just some basic tools, suitable seasonal clothes, and whatever else I need for the next few months - at least thats the theory!
My suspicion is that I ought to go for the 6.4m version, because even its modest increase in storage space will be invaluable.
But if it were feasible to live full time in a 6m campervan, I think that's what I'd prefer - as long as the sacrifices involved are not too hardcore.
To help me decide if its worth considering the 6m version, I'm curious to know what places a 6m van can easily park where a 6.4m van can't?
E.g. do you usually have to buy two parking tickets for a 6.4m van because of its length? (Assuming you cant find a spot on the outside where the rear can overhang a grass verge).
My understanding is that a 6m van can park almost anywhere that a car can be parked. But have you found places where a 6.4m van was just a bit too long, or difficult to park? Is it worth going for the shorter van and giving up storage space for the sake of being able to reach more places, and park more easily etc?

 

[fred_jb]

Looks good. Did you screw it the floor or use glue? Can you remember where you got the parts?

The outer angle piece is screwed to the floor and the sliders are bolted to it. The inner angle piece is bolted to the inner section of the slider, and I think the plywood is bolted to that. These heavy duty sliders don't come apart so a bit fiddly as from what I remember you have to repeatedly use different amounts of extension to uncover each bolt hole in turn in the inner and outer runners.

Parts were obtained as follows:

Heavy duty drawer slides with lock from vevor.co.uk

https://www.vevor.co.uk/drawer-slid...r-slides-34inch-long-with-lock-p_010460245965

£49 - not in stock at the moment


Aluminium angle from aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk

63.5mm x 63.5mm x 3.2mm (2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 1/8") Aluminium Angle -
1000 mm
Length: 1000
Grade: 6063T6
item 1: length 1 of 2 - Cut
item 1 Cut 1: Length: 900 mm Quantity: 1
item 2: length 2 of 2 - Cut
item 2 Cut 1: Length: 900 mm Quantity: 1
Weight (Kg): 2.14
Order Information: Repeat cutting values
Offcuts: send

76.2mm x 76.2mm x 3.2mm (3" x 3" x 1/8") Aluminium Angle - 1000 mm
Length: 1000
Grade: 6082T6
item 1: length 1 of 2 - Cut
item 1 Cut 1: Length: 900 mm Quantity: 1
item 2: length 2 of 2 - Cut
item 2 Cut 1: Length: 900 mm Quantity: 1
Weight (Kg): 2.60
Order Information: Repeat cutting values
Offcuts: send

Subtotal £59.74
Delivery £10.95
VAT £14.14
Total incl. VAT £84.83

 

[JHuwJ]

We had a 5.4m Renault Trafic conversion and we never had a problem parking it. It had no toilet or shower room so we always stayed on a camp site. We had a great time with it but living in it permanently would be the last thing I’d want to do.

We now have a 6.4m Dethleffs with two single beds / one double if required. It has a bathroom, a decent kitchen, a 2 person bench seat and 2 captains chairs. It has a big garage, lots of storage inside, good heating and hot water etc. and we would be happy to live in it permanently. Parking is harder but can depend where you live. Powys, where we live is campervan friendly, Pembrokeshire is the opposite.

I think, as more people buy vans instead of renting, councils will begin to clamp down on camper vans. I understand this is already happening in Sussex. Amazing Grace Alternative Living have a YouTube channel and have been living in a van for a few years. It might be worth dropping them a line re parking a larger van.

 

[TonyC123]

A brompton will fit in an IKEA Frakta carrier bag:

FRAKTA carrier bag, large, blue, 55x37x35 cm/71 l - IKEA UK

FRAKTA carrier bag, large, blue, 55x37x35 cm/71 l After 30 years in our range, it’s one of the most hardworking bags in the world. It’s big and strong and carries most things. Be it shopping, doing laundry or going to the beach, it goes wherever you go. Easy to clean – just wipe with a damp cloth.

www.ikea.com

Tbh, as soon as I sell the boat and get the van, I'm getting rid of the brompton.
I've had it sat at the end of bed for 4 years and only ever used the thing for journeys involving a train, of which I've done about a dozen.
The ride is so harsh on rural roads and towpaths, its almost unusable in some places. I paid over £3k for the thing, thinking it would be a great all round solution, and I've probably done less than 50 miles on it.
Its not even going to be useful in van, to do the last mile or two into town - because I dare not leave it locked outside a shop or anywhere else- they are the most stolen bike in the country apparently.
It was a waste of money and its waste of space on the boat, at least from my viewpoint.

 

[TonyC123]

Can I suggest that you hire a very small PVC, like a 540. To see if you can manage with small. You might surprise yourself...

I appreciate the suggestion Bob, honestly. But to live in full time for perhaps 5 years, even with some lockup storage as a backup, and with my intrinsic dislike of small living spaces, I just dont think it is even remotely possible that I could be happy in a 5.4m PVC.
I'm seriously doubting that I could live in a 6.4m PVC tbh.

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[TonyC123]

I went up to the roof twice with the tape measure and took lots of measurements. All the panels i could find on the Internet were too big. The dealership said I'd only get 200 watts up there at most.

Vanbitz, which is now Wattguardz didn't seem interested in putting rigid panels up there and were more interested with the semi flexible panels.

Now that i know that 300 watts can go on the roof please disregard my comment about going to Wattguardz as they will probably try to steer you in a different direction. I believe telling people to truth is very important

Kind regards,

Clewie

I get the impression that some dealerships think they can slap a 100 watt panel on the roof and call it 'off grid capable'.
So I'm not inclined to trust their assessments of solar capacity.
The roof vents are going to be a challenge, no doubt about that. But I know from experience what a great contribution solar can make when you dont often use campsites, and I want as much as possible.

 

[TonyC123]

We had a 5.4m Renault Trafic conversion and we never had a problem parking it. It had no toilet or shower room so we always stayed on a camp site. We had a great time with it but living in it permanently would be the last thing I’d want to do.

We now have a 6.4m Dethleffs with two single beds / one double if required. It has a bathroom, a decent kitchen, a 2 person bench seat and 2 captains chairs. It has a big garage, lots of storage inside, good heating and hot water etc. and we would be happy to live in it permanently. Parking is harder but can depend where you live. Powys, where we live is campervan friendly, Pembrokeshire is the opposite.

I think, as more people buy vans instead of renting, councils will begin to clamp down on camper vans. I understand this is already happening in Sussex. Amazing Grace Alternative Living have a YouTube channel and have been living in a van for a few years. It might be worth dropping them a line re parking a larger van.

Thanks, to me its very interesting to hear you say that you could live full time in it, if you wanted to.
What model is that?
I'm wondering about 6.4m vans with rear U lounges as they usually have boots, but the total storage in any 6.4m van is going to have a limit.

 

[JHuwJ]

Thanks, to me its very interesting to hear you say that you could live full time in it, if you wanted to.
What model is that?
I'm wondering about 6.4m vans with rear U lounges as they usually have boots, but the total storage in any 6.4m van is going to have a limit.

We had a look at the Wildax 6.4 van with the bunks near the back. We liked the build but found it a bit low on storage space. It seemed like a good solid van but I’m not sure how much weight you could carry, just because it’s so solid.

In answer to your query though, the 6.4m Dethleffs come in a number of different configurations (as do their 6m vans). We have the ES. We chose that configuration because my wife’s back is suffering from a variety of problems and it’s easy to get in and out of bed. We had it weighed before we bought it and it was 2950Kg. We filled it with gear for a 3 month trip to Europe and with two people and a dog, 20% water and a 3rd of a tank of fuel, it left room for a further 150kg. I did post further info on that and what was in the van - in Motorhome Chat. The single beds in the back can be converted in to a bigger double’ish bed and you could adjust the rear to take a bike. We use the garage for storage and you can get a pull out storage locker on one side. Most of the storage inside is in overhead lockers and there is a lot of room. There are also three good draws under the cooker / sink. There is a standard 2 swivelling captain’s seats, a table and 2 person bench seat at the front. That seat can (if you get the cushions) be converted in to a bed. All the different layouts are on the Dethleffs Globetrail website (we have the Fiat version).

I assume, if you are going to be off grid most of the time. You could adjust the large gas locker to take maybe 1 small gas bottle for cooking and extra electrical systems, batteries etc. you might also want to consider winterising the van, lots have underslung water tanks that will freeze if you don’t.

Because the van is built to be under 3500kg, there are some compromises on build. Some things are nice and solid, others less so. We are very careful by nature but it’s not built for the ‘bull in a china shop’ type person. I think most vans under 3500kg suffer from similar issues.

Our previous van was 5.4m and built to our specifications, which worked well in many ways. You might want to buy a 6 or 6.4m van and convert that exactly to your needs. Most of the good converters will be able to give you exactly what you want for storage, winterising, living space etc.

 

[MaidinDevon]

Hi
I have full timed in a 5 4m Murvi pvc, and a Hymer B654 A class.
The Murvi has a huge front lounge, good kitchen and bathroom is usable. Mine was quite old, but now they do a 6 4m xlb, with a vertical garage behind the bathroom. Making the bed took about 30 seconds. The advantage was feeling confident to drive it anywhere, including narrow lanes.
The disadvantage was insulation was nit great, and I didn't like being on show to the world when parked up, with the sliding door open.
The Hymer is much bigger, with a garage, proper sofas and a fixed bed. Good kitchen and bathroom.
I have just been to Ireland, and managed the narrow roads fine. The width is more of an issue than the length. I tend to use the far end of a car park, and avoid small ones.
I've had her 6 years, and she is much more comfortable. I wild camp, use pub car parks, and travel with friends who have shorter vans.
We all go to the same places.
I also lived on a narrowboat for 8 months, i loved it but a motorhomecan travel much further, obviously.
at some point I will ho back to a pvc, and use it as my daily driver, I woukd have another Murvi (if it had a fly screen) but also like the Consort vans.
I would go to dealers and get into as many as possible, and pretend you are using the facilities, cooking a meal etc.
Good luck!

 

[ian27]

If I go for a coachbuilt or A class, I should have tons of room up there.

A class is a significant gain over coachbuilt because the over cab roof area is usable.

The problem is that until you get up close with the specific van you want, its really difficult to be sure about the exact size and the exact position of all the roof vents.

just want to make you aware of the solar panel approach that I have used on a 7m A class : https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/solar-panel-sizing.325407/#post-6735803 . pretty sure I could get to 1.6kw at least with this method .

also - not sure if you've considered this, you keep referring to front lounge layout as a must. I am not a full timer , far from it, but I mostly travel solo. The 2 front driving seats are very comfortable and adjust in lots of ways, so in the evening I turn the passenger seat round and recline it. So, a dedicated lounge seat may not be needed. putting feet up is layout dependent - easily improvised with a bit of carpentry for a foot rest flap/stool, or if you have extra travel seats they may be reachable by your legs. The benefits of not having front lounge is gain elsewhere : I have longitudinal beds over vast garage. My expensive ebikes are inside.

strongly recommend you hire to try and narrow your options down, I did. look on gooboony.

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[TonyC123]

My Honda 2.0 E generator ran off LPG on a dry break connector , no need to c

We had a look at the Wildax 6.4 van with the bunks near the back. We liked the build but found it a bit low on storage space. It seemed like a good solid van but I’m not sure how much weight you could carry, just because it’s so solid.

In answer to your query though, the 6.4m Dethleffs come in a number of different configurations (as do their 6m vans). We have the ES. We chose that configuration because my wife’s back is suffering from a variety of problems and it’s easy to get in and out of bed. We had it weighed before we bought it and it was 2950Kg. We filled it with gear for a 3 month trip to Europe and with two people and a dog, 20% water and a 3rd of a tank of fuel, it left room for a further 150kg. I did post further info on that and what was in the van - in Motorhome Chat. The single beds in the back can be converted in to a bigger double’ish bed and you could adjust the rear to take a bike. We use the garage for storage and you can get a pull out storage locker on one side. Most of the storage inside is in overhead lockers and there is a lot of room. There are also three good draws under the cooker / sink. There is a standard 2 swivelling captain’s seats, a table and 2 person bench seat at the front. That seat can (if you get the cushions) be converted in to a bed. All the different layouts are on the Dethleffs Globetrail website (we have the Fiat version).

I assume, if you are going to be off grid most of the time. You could adjust the large gas locker to take maybe 1 small gas bottle for cooking and extra electrical systems, batteries etc. you might also want to consider winterising the van, lots have underslung water tanks that will freeze if you don’t.

Because the van is built to be under 3500kg, there are some compromises on build. Some things are nice and solid, others less so. We are very careful by nature but it’s not built for the ‘bull in a china shop’ type person. I think most vans under 3500kg suffer from similar issues.

Our previous van was 5.4m and built to our specifications, which worked well in many ways. You might want to buy a 6 or 6.4m van and convert that exactly to your needs. Most of the good converters will be able to give you exactly what you want for storage, winterising, living space etc.

Thanks Huw, I do like the look of the Dethleffs models. I've not been inside one yet, but even from the pics on autotrader, the fitout and the materials do look very nice - but that layout isnt quite right for me, and they are very expensive brand new!
My problem with a front dinette and a rear lengthways bed is that I would really like more lounging space than a dinette offers. Even a metre or so would be good.
The wildax with the bunk beds is not bad- the front lounge space can turn into a small sofa which is great, and one of the rear single beds could be converted to storage, so that could work.

I think for me, transverse single bed/sofa at the back would be a bit better use of space. It would allow a decent boot, and also a bit more lounge space at the front - and that might be a compromise I could live with more happily.
But there are very few of those - most transverse beds are double, and for me that is wasted space.

I haven't ruled out a custom-designed build, but the problem is that if/when I want to move back onto the water, I'll struggle to sell on a van that was built to my very unusual requirements.

I found an A class with a decent front lounge and single transverse beds at the back, but going back a few years, I recall some disparaging remarks about some aspects of the build quality of itineo MHs, in terms of how well the interior might stand up to the more intensive stress of 24/7 full time use.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202410185324837?sort=price-asc&searchId=711e49d6-d9da-4201-a025-f7ce4228cabf&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=Itineo&max-exterior-length=6750&maximum-mileage=35000&min-exterior-length=5750&page=1&postcode=L4%200RT&year-from=2019&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_motorhomes%26flrfc%3D1%26make%3DItineo%26max-exterior-length%3D6750%26maximum-mileage%3D35000%26min-exterior-length%3D5750%26postcode%3DL4%25200RT%26sort%3Dprice-asc%26year-from%3D2019

On the payload issue, I think most 6.4m PVCs wont have brilliant payloads, and whatever I buy, I'll definitely have to get it uprated to at least 3850 kg if possible and affordable - so if I do opt for a PVC, thats an extra cost I have to build into the budget.

I heard some discussion about the UK allowing 3850kg on a standard license at some future point (I think its been suggested because the EU are considering it).
If we do that, I wont need to be retested to get a C1 at age 70. That is 8 years away for me anyway, so plenty of time to go back to a 3500kg van if I'm still full timing, and there's a problem for me getting a C1.

 

[TonyC123]

Hi
I have full timed in a 5 4m Murvi pvc, and a Hymer B654 A class.
The Murvi has a huge front lounge, good kitchen and bathroom is usable. Mine was quite old, but now they do a 6 4m xlb, with a vertical garage behind the bathroom. Making the bed took about 30 seconds. The advantage was feeling confident to drive it anywhere, including narrow lanes.
The disadvantage was insulation was nit great, and I didn't like being on show to the world when parked up, with the sliding door open.
The Hymer is much bigger, with a garage, proper sofas and a fixed bed. Good kitchen and bathroom.
I have just been to Ireland, and managed the narrow roads fine. The width is more of an issue than the length. I tend to use the far end of a car park, and avoid small ones.
I've had her 6 years, and she is much more comfortable. I wild camp, use pub car parks, and travel with friends who have shorter vans.
We all go to the same places.
I also lived on a narrowboat for 8 months, i loved it but a motorhomecan travel much further, obviously.
at some point I will ho back to a pvc, and use it as my daily driver, I woukd have another Murvi (if it had a fly screen) but also like the Consort vans.
I would go to dealers and get into as many as possible, and pretend you are using the facilities, cooking a meal etc.
Good luck!

Thanks for that useful info. I think the preference to drive a van (as opposed to a full width coachbuilt) definitely seems to be an individual thing, and I'll only know my feelings for sure when I actually hire one for a week and try driving in the sorts of rural places I want to visit.
So time will tell on that issue, although I've never been a massively confident driver of a car when in tighter spaces.

On the feeling of being in a 'goldfish bowl' with people gawping in, I'm thinking that if I get a PVC, I'll have an insect screen fitted to the sliding door anyway, and that will reduce visibility into the lounge. And if still feel too 'easily visible' to passers by, I'll hang some kind of net curtain.
I did this on the boat. Very few boats have net curtains, but I fitted them on my windows because of that same feeling that every passer by had a birds-eye view of your interior (and you).

I've been to some dealers this year, and I'll be going to more in due course. Having to hire a car to visit them is a pain, but I should get to see enough different models I think.

 

[TonyC123]

A class is a significant gain over coachbuilt because the over cab roof area is usable.

just want to make you aware of the solar panel approach that I have used on a 7m A class : https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/solar-panel-sizing.325407/#post-6735803 . pretty sure I could get to 1.6kw at least with this method .

also - not sure if you've considered this, you keep referring to front lounge layout as a must. I am not a full timer , far from it, but I mostly travel solo. The 2 front driving seats are very comfortable and adjust in lots of ways, so in the evening I turn the passenger seat round and recline it. So, a dedicated lounge seat may not be needed. putting feet up is layout dependent - easily improvised with a bit of carpentry for a foot rest flap/stool, or if you have extra travel seats they may be reachable by your legs. The benefits of not having front lounge is gain elsewhere : I have longitudinal beds over vast garage. My expensive ebikes are inside.

strongly recommend you hire to try and narrow your options down, I did. look on gooboony.

I agree that its one of the pluses of an A class that you can fill more of the roof with panels.
After a few years living my current 1400 watt setup, I think I'd be really happy if I could squeeze 1000 watts of panels on a van. 1000 watts of panels will run a lot of stuff, even in the UK.

Those small panels look a great solution, and the big plus is because they're all the same power rating, you can combine them all through one or two MPPTs, instead of needing a different MPPT for each panel - as you might if they were all different sizes.

I think solar can be a true game changer for off grid living in a van or a boat, as long as you can get enough of it. With my 1400 watts of panels, the boat is totally self sufficient for most of the year. I have no need to generate any electricity (or use other energy sources) between about April and end of Sept, on most days. My boat never has a mains supply and is completely solar powered (but not the engine!), and I dont have to live like a Neanderthal with candles for my light, and watching films on my phone (they discovered recently Neanderthals did have phones, but only those old Nokia ones with about five pixels).
From April/May to August there's usually enough extra solar power to heat a tank of water (or two), and to cook electrically too. And even outside those months I still get plenty of power.

I must be honest and say this weird obsession I have with a big lounge is not a rational thing, and its not even about having a comfortable chair or sofa to lounge in (on?). Its about having a feeling of space around me. There are some PVC and MH interiors that are so spacious they almost feel like a tiny apartment when you sit in them. The Wildax Constellation XL and Autosleepers Kemerton XL both pull off that feat (but they have limited storage), but no other PVC that I've sat in had the feeling of space that I would ideally like.

Autotrail seem to specialise in these lovely big front lounges, but they dont seem to have decent boots.

But I am planning to hire both a PVC and a full width coachbuilt, to compare the driving experience in narrow lanes, and get an idea if a PVC really is that much easier. I'll be checking out Goboony, I like that you can hire for just a couple of days too, that will save some cash.

 

[TonyC123]

I need someone to talk me out of this madness:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202507174562224?sort=price-asc&searchId=458aa97f-55ce-40ce-b1d3-45f1e042b62b&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=Moto-Trek&max-exterior-length=7250&maximum-mileage=35000&min-exterior-length=5750&page=1&postcode=L4%200RT&year-from=2019&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_motorhomes%26flrfc%3D1%26make%3DMoto-Trek%26max-exterior-length%3D7250%26maximum-mileage%3D35000%26min-exterior-length%3D5750%26postcode%3DL4%25200RT%26sort%3Dprice-asc%26year-from%3D2019

This is possibly the most attractive living space of any PVC I've seen, but there is almost no storage space.
I cant see anywhere to store a pair of chocks, a hookup lead, a couple of folding chairs, or any tools, let alone a wheel jack and brace.
It's impossible to imagine you could full time in this van with almost no large storage spaces at all.
But part of me desperately wants it to be true. I want that lovely living space.
If loving this van this is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Is there a way to make it work?
Maybe I could tour without spare clothes, or bedding? Or chocks. Or anything, really.
Maybe I could hire a chap to follow me around in a second van, to carry all my gear?

Maybe I just need a blow on the head with a blunt object.

 

[BrochMike]

This is possibly the most attractive living space of any PVC I've seen

Have you seen it, or just the fish-eye lens photos?

Not familiar with Moto-trek, but it looks like there's one for rent in Lancashire:

Moto-Trek Treka Elite for Hire 3.5t | Barlow Trailers

Here at Barlow Trailers, we have this Moto-Trek Leisure-Treka Elite for hire. End bathroom 2 berth, gross weight 3.5t, can be driven on a standard licence!

www.barlowtrailers.co.uk

So you could see how you get on with just 70l fresh water, for example.

Is there a way to make it work?

Towbar boxes can add a lot of space but with the penalty of a longer outfit, increased rear axle weight & limited access to your boot...

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[TonyC123]

So you could see how you get on with just 70l fresh water, for example.

Water is overrated. I could lick rainwater from the roof.

 

[Minxy]

Maybe I just need a blow on the head with a blunt object.

I have a nice lump hammer which I could use if you wish?

 

[mikash]

Maybe I could hire a chap to follow me around in a second van, to carry all my gear?

Well, I do know a fulltimer who usually travels with a sauna trailer in tow. Has some storage for genny etc stuff you dont want in the van too

 

[JHuwJ]

Thanks Huw, I do like the look of the Dethleffs models. I've not been inside one yet, but even from the pics on autotrader, the fitout and the materials do look very nice - but that layout isnt quite right for me, and they are very expensive brand new!
My problem with a front dinette and a rear lengthways bed is that I would really like more lounging space than a dinette offers. Even a metre or so would be good.
The wildax with the bunk beds is not bad- the front lounge space can turn into a small sofa which is great, and one of the rear single beds could be converted to storage, so that could work.

I think for me, transverse single bed/sofa at the back would be a bit better use of space. It would allow a decent boot, and also a bit more lounge space at the front - and that might be a compromise I could live with more happily.
But there are very few of those - most transverse beds are double, and for me that is wasted space.

I haven't ruled out a custom-designed build, but the problem is that if/when I want to move back onto the water, I'll struggle to sell on a van that was built to my very unusual requirements.

I found an A class with a decent front lounge and single transverse beds at the back, but going back a few years, I recall some disparaging remarks about some aspects of the build quality of itineo MHs, in terms of how well the interior might stand up to the more intensive stress of 24/7 full time use.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202410185324837?sort=price-asc&searchId=711e49d6-d9da-4201-a025-f7ce4228cabf&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=Itineo&max-exterior-length=6750&maximum-mileage=35000&min-exterior-length=5750&page=1&postcode=L4%200RT&year-from=2019&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_motorhomes%26flrfc%3D1%26make%3DItineo%26max-exterior-length%3D6750%26maximum-mileage%3D35000%26min-exterior-length%3D5750%26postcode%3DL4%25200RT%26sort%3Dprice-asc%26year-from%3D2019

On the payload issue, I think most 6.4m PVCs wont have brilliant payloads, and whatever I buy, I'll definitely have to get it uprated to at least 3850 kg if possible and affordable - so if I do opt for a PVC, thats an extra cost I have to build into the budget.

I heard some discussion about the UK allowing 3850kg on a standard license at some future point (I think its been suggested because the EU are considering it).
If we do that, I wont need to be retested to get a C1 at age 70. That is 8 years away for me anyway, so plenty of time to go back to a 3500kg van if I'm still full timing, and there's a problem for me getting a C1.

That Itineo looks, apart from maybe the length, perfect for your needs. The other one you linked just above looks ok at first look but the lack of storage would make it hard work as a full time home.

 

[ian27]

take a look at something like a Carado V337? compact length (6.6) and width (2.1) 2 berth coachbuilt . twin singles at the back you could convert one to storage easily. convert back to bed when you sell it. . Garage under for more storage. reasonable water (116fresh 92 waste). smaller fridge but you can workaround that.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202402196712500

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[TonyC123]

take a look at something like a Carado V337? compact length (6.6) and width (2.1) 2 berth coachbuilt . twin singles at the back you could convert one to storage easily. convert back to bed when you sell it. . Garage under for more storage. reasonable water (116fresh 92 waste). smaller fridge but you can workaround that.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202402196712500

Thanks Ian, its a nice van and I bet its pretty well screwed together, with Hymer being the parent company.
But that dinette lounge is just not quite big enough for my preference.
The minimum lounge size I'm looking for is something like this Carado A class, although at 7.4m this van is a bit longer than I would want:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202506063229191?sort=price-asc&searchId=ce507984-5f3c-4884-85fe-92aab20b3c18&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=Carado&maximum-mileage=35000&page=1&postcode=L4%200RT&year-from=2019&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_motorhomes%26flrfc%3D1%26make%3DCarado%26maximum-mileage%3D35000%26postcode%3DL4%25200RT%26sort%3Dprice-asc%26year-from%3D2019

I think Carado look like good value and they're a brand I'm including in my 'approved' list when I'm ready to splash the cash. But sadly, they mostly seem to have those small dinette-lounges

 

[Minxy]

Tony have a look at this ... this is the sort of quality you get by going for an older vehicle.

Reluctant sale of our Concorde

2006 Concorde Concerto I695H

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Montezuma]

So, we are talking vans, not coachbuilts ?

A big problem with coachbuilt vehicles in car parks is not just the fore-and-aft space that they take up, but the fact that 'inconsiderate folk' will park next to you, on both sides, even if you park in the farthest corner of Tesco's car park (other supermarket car parks are available).

Thus, when moving off, any rear overhang will cause a problem if there is not sufficient space in front to allow enough 'straight-ahead' travel before attempting to turn.

Supermarket car parks are not set out with motorhomes in mind. Not only that but many modern cars often struggle to fit into bays that were marked out donkey's years ago for vehicle which were a lot smaller.

 

[CazPaul]

I would agree with that, but it has been more than one incident.
I posted earlier (lost somewhere in this thread) that I'd seen reports of at least half a dozen accounts of open hostility from locals in the last few months, and there were many others before that which I never mentioned.
I am convinced that the climate of public opinion towards vehicle dwellers has changed in the last 4-5 years, and in a few areas it seems to have turned into outright vandalism, as in this case.

If people know you’re living in it you’re doing something wrong

 

[Clewie68]

If people know you’re living in it you’re doing something wrong

They'll probably think you're cooking up some crystal and start calling you Heinsenberg.

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[blue-skies]

My first impression is that it is most definitely a 'budget' model and from a practical point of view there is very little storage in the main lounge/kitchen area ... the big overcab window and the drop down bed means you don't get the locker space there so you'll really struggle to store stuff, even as someone just using it as a holiday vehicle for a month it must be a bit difficult to take all they want with them. I seriously doubt the quality is anything like the older MHs - this is something that has been extensively discussed on the forum and as the base vehicle gets heavier they are constantly reducing the quality of the interior furniture etc to allow for them to still have usable payloads but many fail miserably. Being 'budget' the quality of the boarding etc used for the furniture will likely be ore susceptible to knocks etc - we noticed this when we had a Chausson, just looking at it made it dint!

I've had a look at this for the specs etc: https://www.goodmansmotorhomes.com/motorhome/2024-dethleffs-just-camp-t-6762-manual/

and this for a review: https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/r...hleffs-just-camp-t-6762-low-profile-motorhome

The payload is stated as 493kg but that's before anything is added which would mean you'd need to up-plate it, as I can't tell what chassis it's on I suspect it's the light MH one so you'd be looking at rear suspension upgrades and possibly tyres too. I suspect the water tanks are underfloor as I can't easily see where the fresh one would go internally.

I know there is a massive temptation to go for a newer MH but £ for £ you won't get anything like the same quality as one of the more premium models that a few years older, even Hymer, always having a good reputation for build quality, have gone down in how well they are built over the last few years.

At the end of the day if you buy a newer one you'll suffer more depreciation than an older one which has already 'settled' into a more sensible price bracket so if you decide it's not for your, or you've decided you need a different layout etc you won't get stung with such a massive hit when you change. It's also wise to keep some money back for repairs etc as well as accessories - one thing to be aware of is that although newer ones will come with (some) warranty it's often negated when they find out you live in it full-time as that's not what they make them for - Swift are notorious for this.

This is excellent advice. I too will soon be in a position financially, though my available budget would never stretch to a new one.
Your comments support what ive already researched, that older motorhomes are generally of better quality and build.
This fills me with hope and optimism that I will find a good MH for me.
Thank you.

 

[blue-skies]

I’m a complete newcomer, or was 2 years ago, and I got a 5.4 metre van conversion. I had the same questions as you, but where I live the standard parking space is no more than 5.5 metres.

The reason for getting the smallest was that it’s much harder to downsize once you’ve got used to having more space, so start small and see if it works out. Surprisingly it has. I have to be careful what I take with me, but can still get a decent size table and 2 chairs along with 2 fold up bikes under the bed at the back. The shower works, just, but would be too small for some larger folk. But I figure that “just” is OK, and a little bit bigger may not be that essential. Unless I was already used to it, which I’m not.

BTW, it also came with a spare wheel mounted underneath.

I find the small size means I can do very small, in fact tiny, lanes and can parallel park almost anywhere.

Good luck with your decision.

I may be wrong, but it sounds as though you don't live in it full-time. Is that the case?

 

[blue-skies]

I would agree with that, but it has been more than one incident.
I posted earlier (lost somewhere in this thread) that I'd seen reports of at least half a dozen accounts of open hostility from locals in the last few months, and there were many others before that which I never mentioned.
I am convinced that the climate of public opinion towards vehicle dwellers has changed in the last 4-5 years, and in a few areas it seems to have turned into outright vandalism, as in this case.

People are getting murdered all over the country, most commonly by people they know, but most people do not get murdered.
In these days of super- fast communication world-wide, we are made aware of incidents and events from all places within minutes or hours.
I know it's a possibility for anyone to suffer local aggro, but if you live considerately I believe the chances are slim.
I do think perhaps you're over-worrying about this.
Wishing you all the best in your future.

 

[blue-skies]

Yes, the YT algorithm will no doubt feed you any amount of examples of whatever drama it is that you actively search for. But in this case I wasnt searching. I routinely watch 6 or 7 small vanlife channels that I believe give a true and unvarnished picture of vanlife in the UK (how does one obtain water, or find good parking spots for example).
I've watched these folks for the last few years (and some for longer), and they very seldom post anything dramatic. It's mostly just day to day stuff. That's why I trust their accounts.

And this year, for the first time, I've seen accounts of public hostility on 5 of those channels. The various vanlifers I watch gave their accounts in a very matter of fact tone (like the guy in that example video.
I dont previously recall seeing a single example of direct vandalism by a person in a public car park, when it was very likely that the occupant of the vehicle was still inside. The person doing this did not care whether someone was inside the van - they were willing to take the chance of a full-on confrontation with an occupant whose vehicle they'd just damaged.

I think its important that people considering full timing in the UK (using mostly free parking) should have a realistic idea of what might await them, in terms of public hostility. That will be my reality some time within the next year, and I want to be mentally prepared for whatever that reality is.
I am hoping that some UK full time UK wildcampers will add some comments here to contradict these YT accounts, but so far I havent seen much of that.
Do you full-time in the UK, or make extended tours? And if you do, do you use free parking/overnight spots?

There are many thousands of van- lifers who do not have you tube channels. Those who do are in the extreme minority. I imagine far more people would post if they had something special to say, like getting abused or attacked on a regular basis. But they don't.

 

[TonyC123]

Tony have a look at this ... this is the sort of quality you get by going for an older vehicle.

Reluctant sale of our Concorde

2006 Concorde Concerto I695H

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Apologies for my belated reply Mel, and yes I do like the motorhome- the layout seems to be hugely versatile with two double beds, and yet still a good sized lounge.

The only slight concerns I have about a 20 year old MH are that:

1. As it will soon be into its third decade. there will be a few mechanical issues that needs sorting out over the coming years, and I would need to find a trustworthy and competent mechanic to keep on top of the wear and tear things that will creep in with age. Since the vehicle would be my primary accommodation, I would have to factor in a potential cost for hotel stays. during the time it might spend getting mechanical things repaired or replaced.
Not a showstopper, obviously, but if I jump from 30k to say 45k, it seems I can get a much newer vehicle. Although the down side is that around 2015, it seems like reliability issues start creeping in, with the changes need to meet more stringent emissions regs.
But all that said, if replacement parts can easily be found for a 20 year old vehicle, then maybe on balance that is a better choice than a 2016 vehicle.

2. At about 20 years old, it is already starting to look a bit 'classic'.
Whilst I dont mind that personally, I do feel that the sorts of vehicles that are more likely to draw negative attention from locals are the ones that look a bit older.
Again, not a showstopper, but something that might put me off a little bit.

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[CazPaul]

Apologies for my belated reply Mel, and yes I do like the motorhome- the layout seems to be hugely versatile with two double beds, and yet still a good sized lounge.

The only slight concerns I have about a 20 year old MH are that:

1. As it will soon be into its third decade. there will be a few mechanical issues that needs sorting out over the coming years, and I would need to find a trustworthy and competent mechanic to keep on top of the wear and tear things that will creep in with age. Since the vehicle would be my primary accommodation, I would have to factor in a potential cost for hotel stays. during the time it might spend getting mechanical things repaired or replaced.
Not a showstopper, obviously, but if I jump from 30k to say 45k, it seems I can get a much newer vehicle. Although the down side is that around 2015, it seems like reliability issues start creeping in, with the changes need to meet more stringent emissions regs.
But all that said, if replacement parts can easily be found for a 20 year old vehicle, then maybe on balance that is a better choice than a 2016 vehicle.

2. At about 20 years old, it is already starting to look a bit 'classic'.
Whilst I dont mind that personally, I do feel that the sorts of vehicles that are more likely to draw negative attention from locals are the ones that look a bit older.
Again, not a showstopper, but something that might put me off a little bit.

That Motorhome will have much less maintenance engine wise than newer ones, extremely reliable, it’s a quality made van not cheap 2 bit lightweight rubbish you see today.
For living in its ideal and will stand upto the continuous wear and tear. Absolute wonderful build quality you won’t find better for the year or price, compared with a lot of today’s offerings it’s a wonderful choice to fulltime in.