A layout conundrum

Chrisvh

Chrisvh

Joined
Aug 11, 2019
Posts
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Location
North Pembrokeshire
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63,171
MH
Knaus Sun TI 700
Exp
A newbie
As a newcomer, and having only hired motorhomes previously, I am struggling to refine my layout requirements.
We currently think we are looking for a 7-7.5m A class. We both have C1 licences. Happy with LHD or RHD.
We want two single beds, one suitable for a 6’2” male, over a garage. Garage to be capable of carrying 2 x Ebikes. Possibly a trailer for a motorbike. We do not need additional berths and certainly not a drop down bed over the cab. I need headroom. Good kitchen space. I cook a lot. Not particularly bothered about an oven though. Roomy shower, either separate or combined with loo/ washroom. Intentions are for European trips up to 2 months. We like comfort and space, but with the obvious limitations of a Motorhome. Have a fairly generous budget. Auto gear box. Satnav and whatever driver aids are available. I drive a Volvo and have been seduced by safety features.
Suitable for a day or two off-grid.
Am I asking the impossible or does anyone have any suggestions as to possible solutions? I have looked at pre-owned Carthago and Hymer models but am struggling to find a good fit. Having spent hours poring over brochures and websites I am at an impasse. Current 5 mile lockdown restrictions are not conducive to visiting loads of dealers.
Many thanks.
 
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It is difficult looking at websites and brochures. Our initial wish list detailed features and what we thought would be nice to have. As we progressed in our search, the wish list reduced and our thoughts were more about how we want to use our motorhome and for us, this simplified things. From seriously looking at 7.0m + A class motorhome's (what we thought we wanted) to talking about where we want to go on our travels, our thoughts changed. We want to access towns and villages with (relative) ease and make use of our motorhome for day trips. This meant a panel van conversion would be best, and once we made that decision, we found our search was easier. We visted many dealers (difficult for you at present), which helped and found this more beneficial than websites.
 
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www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk

Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd.

www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk

got a drop down bed but you Don’t have to use it!

seems like a reasonable layout to be looking for - there haVe to be others!
its one of my frustrations that searching layouts on secondhand vans is not easy!
 
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Carthago do the layout you're after, in both the standard width and Compactline models, we were originally drooling over a twin single bed one but didn't want the extra length it required, so in the end went with one that has a transverse rear bed and front drop down (over the cab seats) and use those instead as 2 individual beds. If length hadn't been a big consideration then we'd likely have gone for one of the single bed versions. One thing we didn't want though was a 'fatty' so ours being 2.12m wide instead of 2.27m wide is a bonus and we don't know how having the extra width would actually have benefitted us.

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Lets us know how the search goes. Good luck.
 
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Most European converters have and A class with the layout you want. It is by far the most popular in the rest of Europe at the moment. Your height may be a problem as far as bed length goes in a 7.5m motorhome, but you do not say how much longer you want the bed. Our 7.5m Hymer has twin singles one 6' 4" and one 6' 1". Would that be enough? Headroom should be OK but obviously not when you are climbing the steps to the beds. Headroom in the cab is also limited with the overhead bed, but then you are sitting down in that area when you use it.

I think the biggest problem will be the kitchen space, by which I assume you mean worktop space. Most are limited, and you will only get more if you are willing to look for a longer motorhome. We tend to use the table when prepping which is only a couple of feet away from the kitchen. And, when it is a warm, a good versatile BBQ, like our Weber Q1000, will enable you to cook and eat outside more

Showers and toilets will never be as roomy as the ones at home, you just have to learn to cope with it, unless you again buy longer. You will not have enough hot water to have long luxurious showers. Most twin rear bed layouts have shower and toilet opposite one and other and the area in between will make a good private drying and changing area as there is usually a door to shut it off from the front of the motorhome

Extend your search to makers such as Niesman & Bishoff (more expensive), Frankia, Dethleff, Hobby, Rapido, Laika, Chausson and Pilote all of whom make A classes with the layout you want.

Please do not decide what to buy just on brochures. You will almost certainly be disappointed. Wait until you can get out and see some in the flesh, but be prepared to travel far and wide to get what you want. Try them out thoroughly, at least an hour or two pretending to do whatever you want to do in them, but no, not that ;) :ROFLMAO: .
 
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Thank you Peter for that comprehensive reply. A lot of food for thought. I am 6’3” and have the stature of a No 7, slightly gone to seed. A long bed is a requisite. I am ex-military so have no problems roughing it. Just hoped that was in the past! Always had boat showers, even in Raffles in Singapore. Old habits die hard.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
 
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Our 6ft 4in friend can stand upright under the dropdown bed in our van - just :)

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Hymer ml620,not a class but they do do one.
I am 6'3" was 110kg.
Good garage, takes our ebikes.
Twin rear beds over garage. Reduced headroom when in bed, can get a lower garage option.
Separate shower and toilet compartments
Merc auto, rwd get the rear air suspension.
Kitchen has an oven as well as 3 burner hob, compromised food prep area but use table good fridge freezer.
Suits us for 2 to 3 months, uk or Europe.
She wouldnt let me have the a class version.
Watch out for fiat based coachbuilts as I find the windscreen too low, no prob with A Class thoough.
Tows a glider trailer just fine
Jon
 
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Nearly all A Class vans have an option of cupboards instead of a drop down bed at the front. You won't fi d many on the second hand market so would probably have to be a new factory order.
If you go upmarket to a Concorde or Morelo cupboards are standard and the drop down bed is an option.
 
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I’m not so familiar with the Hymer models, but Carthago do several that would seem to fit the bill. The Compactline 143 has two single beds over a garage, and so do the C line 4.8, 4.9, and C tourer 141, 143, 144, 148, 149 and models. Whether or not you get the drop down bed over the cab is a matter of luck, as taking it out would be an option, not as standard. Although I don’t suppose there is any reason you couldn’t have it removed, if it’s really in the way for you. I’m sure you have seen them, so perhaps there are other factors? There are definitely a couple of C lines for sale without it atm, though.

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My brother who is 6’4” and his wife bought a Cathargo liner for two, it has the layout you seek but is at the top end of a “fairly generous budget”
 
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Have a look at the Adria Coral Axess 670LS. Seems to fit your needs.
Large garage, twin bunks over (mine is 6"3", hanging space under the foot of the bunks, tall wardrobe, separate shower and loo, three hob burner but no oven, table to fit five, no drop down bed over the table. WE travel with two cats and there is plenty of room for us.
 
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Thank you everybody for the valuable advice. After a lot of viewings and many miles we have settled on a Hymer T Class S 685. Seems to tick most of our boxes.
 
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Plan revised Have just purchased a Knaus Sun Platinum 700TI. After looking at circa 200 vans. Pick it up in 3 weeks. Ample headroom for me and a 200cm bed. Pleased with the layout and glad to have a double floor for extra storage.

I would just like to pick the collective brains. I will fit 2 x 11kg Alugas/Gaslow/Gasit, solar panel and alarm/tracker. Dealer has offered to do this, at a price. Would it be better to take the van straight to a specialist, such as Vanbitz, to get that work done rather than have the dealer do it? Van is in S Yorks and I am in SW Wales so logistics regarding travel take some thinking about.

Really grateful for the wisdom on the forum. Dealing with the minutiae of water filling, EHU cables, bedding, cookware etc. has been greatly informed by trawling these pages.

Planning 2 local shake-down weekends and then a month in France from mid September, Covid situation permitting.
 
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Chrisvh said:
As a newcomer, and having only hired motorhomes previously, I am struggling to refine my layout requirements.
We currently think we are looking for a 7-7.5m A class. We both have C1 licences. Happy with LHD or RHD.
We want two single beds, one suitable for a 6’2” male, over a garage. Garage to be capable of carrying 2 x Ebikes. Possibly a trailer for a motorbike. We do not need additional berths and certainly not a drop down bed over the cab. I need headroom. Good kitchen space. I cook a lot. Not particularly bothered about an oven though. Roomy shower, either separate or combined with loo/ washroom. Intentions are for European trips up to 2 months. We like comfort and space, but with the obvious limitations of a Motorhome. Have a fairly generous budget. Auto gear box. Satnav and whatever driver aids are available. I drive a Volvo and have been seduced by safety features.
Suitable for a day or two off-grid.
Am I asking the impossible or does anyone have any suggestions as to possible solutions? I have looked at pre-owned Carthago and Hymer models but am struggling to find a good fit. Having spent hours poring over brochures and websites I am at an impasse. Current 5 mile lockdown restrictions are not conducive to visiting loads of dealers.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Have a look at the Laika range. They have a good head height, nice galley, roomy showers and a nice finish. Southdowns in Portsmouth are excellent Laika dealers. Edit; I see I might be too late, still worth a look though.
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Chrisvh said:
Plan revised Have just purchased a Knaus Sun Platinum 700TI. After looking at circa 200 vans. Pick it up in 3 weeks. Ample headroom for me and a 200cm bed. Pleased with the layout and glad to have a double floor for extra storage.

I would just like to pick the collective brains. I will fit 2 x 11kg Alugas/Gaslow/Gasit, solar panel and alarm/tracker. Dealer has offered to do this, at a price. Would it be better to take the van straight to a specialist, such as Vanbitz, to get that work done rather than have the dealer do it? Van is in S Yorks and I am in SW Wales so logistics regarding travel take some thinking about.

Really grateful for the wisdom on the forum. Dealing with the minutiae of water filling, EHU cables, bedding, cookware etc. has been greatly informed by trawling these pages.

Planning 2 local shake-down weekends and then a month in France from mid September, Covid situation permitting.
Click to expand...
We never used vanbitz but they do get great recommendations from previous customers however if the dealer gives you a good price for the additions maybe it’s not worth the extra hassle.
 
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Just check that when on solar both leisure and Starter battery get a charge

Our security stuff is powered from the starter battery, so there is a constant draw.
The solar charges the lesuire only.
Vanbitz fitted their battery master that provides a small top up current to the starter battery and thereby prevents it from being run flat.
 
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The dealer will fit an alarm that has been specifically designed for a car. The Vanbitz alarm is designed specifically for a motorhome. I know which one I would prefer. But then I am biased because I have got one already :LOL: (y)

Alugas is best fitted by the people who are the official UK importer of the bottles, i.e. Autogas 2000 in Thirsk. Very good service I am told (I fitted my own Gasit bottles, which are cheaper but heavier).
 
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Chrisvh said:
Plan revised Have just purchased a Knaus Sun Platinum 700TI. After looking at circa 200 vans. Pick it up in 3 weeks. Ample headroom for me and a 200cm bed. Pleased with the layout and glad to have a double floor for extra storage.

I would just like to pick the collective brains. I will fit 2 x 11kg Alugas/Gaslow/Gasit, solar panel and alarm/tracker. Dealer has offered to do this, at a price. Would it be better to take the van straight to a specialist, such as Vanbitz, to get that work done rather than have the dealer do it? Van is in S Yorks and I am in SW Wales so logistics regarding travel take some thinking about.

Really grateful for the wisdom on the forum. Dealing with the minutiae of water filling, EHU cables, bedding, cookware etc. has been greatly informed by trawling these pages.

Planning 2 local shake-down weekends and then a month in France from mid September, Covid situation permitting.
Click to expand...
Your insurer might want alarm/tracker fitting straight away in which case it is certainly easier to let the dealer do it, dealer most likely just outside Doncaster ;) they did our alarm and tracker before we picked it up although I am sure the insurers would have given us time to get the tracker fitted and they were not bothered about alarm anyway(y) some won't give you the time though.

Martin
 
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funflair said:
Your insurer might want alarm/tracker fitting straight away in which case it is certainly easier to let the dealer do it, dealer most likely just outside Doncaster ;) they did our alarm and tracker before we picked it up although I am sure the insurers would have given us time to get the tracker fitted and they were not bothered about alarm anyway(y) some won't give you the time though.

Martin
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Good point Martin. Our insurers at the time (Safeguard) insisted on a Cat 1 alarm but gave as a month to fit it, and we managed to get booked in to eddievanbitz within that time.

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Chrisvh said:
Plan revised Have just purchased a Knaus Sun Platinum 700TI. After looking at circa 200 vans. Pick it up in 3 weeks. Ample headroom for me and a 200cm bed. Pleased with the layout and glad to have a double floor for extra storage.
Click to expand...
Looks like a nice van, I hope you went for the maxi chassis as the payload is small on the 3500kg version.
 
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It depends how DIY competent you are:

Gas - fitting it is easy really but the dealer will charge quite a premium for doing it.
Solar - fitting isn't difficult and if your MH is pre-wired for solar so much the better, again it's not difficult to do even if it isn't
Alarm - obviously this has to be done by a professional - I appreciate the 'quality' of the Vanbitz alarm systems but we've never had one and those that we have had are more than sufficient for our needs and those of the insurance company - they are in Cat 2-1 alarms (ie they upgrade the existing immobiliser to Cat 1 as well as adding in the 'alarm' bits). We have an Autowatch alarm and have had it on a few MHs without any issues at all.
 
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I agree with what you say, Minxy. We fitted all that stuff and fitted our own alarm and it works perfectly well.

We are insured with NFU and they are really good. They don't require anything other than the alarm we have.
 
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Definitely go to vanbitz for the alarm. Previously had one fitted by dealer and not a patch on vanbitz (we all have to be big people and get over his rugby witterings 🤣).
Terry
Ps. Nice van, good luck. Lots of nice sites near you to try it out on.
 
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