Adria Twin Supreme 640 SLB or Globecar Summit Prime 640....and dogs

[Philnanks]

Hello everyone from Cornwall. Been a while since I’ve been on here but after a lot of research on the tinterweb and visiting a few dealers have decided against a coach built in favour of a PVC.....in particular the 2 above.

Renewed my subs yesterday to pick the collective brains on here for opinions and advice. Considerations for the right van for us are:
* Size..... living in Cornwall and the narrower roads am thinking PVC will be better and 6.36m shouldn’t be too much of a problem? Thinking 6m will be too small given our needs.
* Use...... will be mainly day trips out and long weekends as were both working full time for a few more years yet. Will be selling my VW Caddy Life and get a small runabout for day to day use.
* Dogs......big big part of our lives and want to take them with us most of the time. They travel and sleep in a Lintran dog cage so thinking the layout will be right to store that under the beds? We’ve got a Lab, Lab x Cocker and a springer. Also want occasional access into the hab area....can the divider under the beds that acts as a step be removed??
* Beds/washroom.....being a 6’4 tall, heavy set Cornishman (too many pasties over the years I’m afraid) I appreciate a PVC is going to be a compromise in all regards however I would like to sleep comfortably, if possible, and use the shower. Am I being too hopeful??
* Location..... as lovely as Cornwall is we’re a bit lacking when it comes to Dealers. Highbridge in Devon is the closest and they are an Adria dealer. Any warranty issues wouldn’t be too far to go.....hence favouring the Twin Supreme at the mo.
* Brand...... reading on the Forum here the Adria quality appears good. I thought the Globecar would be up there with it (being German) but surprised to read about some members’ disappointment ...another reason not to have one given where I live maybe?
* Budget...... would like a 12 month old one ideally but unlikely that will come about so will most likely have to bite the bullet and finance a new one in the next 12 months. Typically for us, a dealer said yesterday that prices will likely be rising next year by about 3%? Not sure how true that is?

Im planning on hiring the exact Adria model in October for a few days so no doubt that will be the deciding factor as to whether it’s going to work for us....I really hope it does!

As a complete novice to the motorhome world I’d be really interested to hear about your views and thoughts....especially from those with these 2 vans.
Any other considerations or van choices to add to the list that I might have missed? Must have the space for the dog cage under the bed.....have looked at (& decided against) Rapido V68, Malibu Charming GT, and Dreamer.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Lucky]

Another European brand to consider is Sunlight, part of the Dethleffs group. Their 'Cliff 640' has the layout you asked for, and yes the partition between underbed storage and hab area is removeable. Your nearest dealer is in Ilminster. Here's a link to an Essex dealer with a van in stock although that one is a 2019 model.
<Broken link removed>

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Ex Adria SLB owner here
Duplex washroom great
Single bed config may be too short for you As you are 6ft 4

Kitchen a bit snug, Large one-piece drawers awkward to open ( you have to stand to one side)

Very good build quality

No chance of a used one at any kind of a discount

Price rise 3-5% prediction accurate AND potential Brexit tariffs for ‘21

 

[Philnanks]

Thanks Lucky.... Just had a look at that. Looks a nice van for the price. Unfortunately the space beneath the seats would be too narrow for a dog cage.
Not a deal breaker but not a fan of shower curtains and prefer the front over cab area not to have the shelf. I’ll be constantly banging my head.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Do you know anyone who has a new one by the way?

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[Philnanks]

Ex Adria SLB owner here
Duplex washroom great
Single bed config may be too short for you As you are 6ft 4

Kitchen a bit snug, Large one-piece drawers awkward to open ( you have to stand to one side)

Very good build quality

No chance of a used one at any kind of a discount

Price rise 3-5% prediction accurate AND potential Brexit tariffs for ‘21

Thanks Cheshire..... I saw that you had one recently. Good to know you rated the build quality.
I think im going to struggle in any mh bed to be fair. My test run in October will confirm that I expect? I’m hoping the fact I don’t sleep fully stretched out will help.

I’ve noticed some come with a grill/oven and some dont. Is that a factory fit option?

 

[Philnanks]

Do you know anyone who has a new one by the way?

No I don’t unfortunately

 

[Philnanks]

Motor homes next year are going to be mega-mega money if Brexit tariffs and a 3-5% price rise are likely!

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Yup

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Thanks Cheshire..... I saw that you had one recently. Good to know you rated the build quality.
I think im going to struggle in any mh bed to be fair. My test run in October will confirm that I expect? I’m hoping the fact I don’t sleep fully stretched out will help.

I’ve noticed some come with a grill/oven and some dont. Is that a factory fit option?

Yes, it is, but we didn't miss it on ours

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[klaatu]

We have a Summit 640 (not the Prime) for the two of us, a Border Collie, and a cat. It’s perfect for us. We have the rear bed permanently made up as one large double. I’m not as tall as you, but the bed is easily big enough for us. We’re not exactly slim, but the shower is fine.

I’m pretty sure the step is removable.

We’ve had ours just over a year now (from new) and haven’t had any major issues. Any small problems we’ve had have been down to third party components (e.g. currently the relay for the water pump in the CBE 12v controller sticks on occasionally).

Overall, we’ve been very happy with it, we’re not looking to replace it any time soon.

 

[loutalucat]

A vote for the Adria. We've had our slb since last April so have only done 6 weeks in it so far in France/Spain but It’s been great. We would recommend it for build quality and had no issues on our trips. It’s comfortable and a good size, we had plenty of room and storage although we did sizeup from a smaller camper but had a coach built before that. It’s been fine in our Devon lanes!

 

[mikebeaches]

As you are 6'4" tall, have you considered a Globecar Campsout Revolution? They have a much higher roof, which would provide more comfortable headroom inside.

I'm exactly six feet tall, and find the headroom in our Rapido V68 (which I know you have considered and discounted), has just about sufficient headroom for me to avoid knocking the roof.

From memory, the Adria has similar, or marginally less headroom.

One of the fixed beds in the Rapido is very long, so suspect you'd be OK on that score.

Purely out of nosey curiosity, I'd be mildly interested to know what turned you off the V68?

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for.

 

[TheMachMan]

Vote for Malibu here. Just back from a week in Devon, can agree they are better for negotiating the narrow roads!

 

[TheBig1]

being 6ft4 and built like a brick outhouse myself, I understand some of the issues

We had 2 large staffies and the 2 of us in a small pvc fora while. Never again, especially as we now have 3 big dogs. The space is ok on paper, but living with it and the compromises especially on wet days is not pleasant. You or your wife would be seriously wound up very quickly

Great idea to rent before committing, but I would speak to the dealer and explain your concerns about space and offer to pay a cleaning charge if they could let you sit in the van for half an hour with the dogs. Imagine that limited space and 5 large beings competing for space, 2 being larger than the rest. Then take your shoes off, try the bed and have a virtual shower. Would that lack of space work for you? It is a massive investment of funds and will depreciate quickly, so you want to get the decision right

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[Philnanks]

As you are 6'4" tall, have you considered a Globecar Campsout Revolution? They have a much higher roof, which would provide more comfortable headroom inside.

I'm exactly six feet tall, and find the headroom in our Rapido V68 (which I know you have considered and discounted), has just about sufficient headroom for me to avoid knocking the roof.

From memory, the Adria has similar, or marginally less headroom.

One of the fixed beds in the Rapido is very long, so suspect you'd be OK on that score.

Purely out of nosey curiosity, I'd be mildly interested to know what turned you off the V68?

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for.

To be honest Mike theyve all got their pros and cons it’s just the Adria as an all round package appears to tick the most boxes.
I do like the V68....the downsides (for me) was the width beneath the beds looks smaller than the Adria, wasn’t keen on a shower curtain, and the wife wasn’t keen on the wardrobe overhanging the bed. Prefer the non glazed rear doors though.

 

[Philnanks]

being 6ft4 and built like a brick outhouse myself, I understand some of the issues

We had 2 large staffies and the 2 of us in a small pvc fora while. Never again, especially as we now have 3 big dogs. The space is ok on paper, but living with it and the compromises especially on wet days is not pleasant. You or your wife would be seriously wound up very quickly

Great idea to rent before committing, but I would speak to the dealer and explain your concerns about space and offer to pay a cleaning charge if they could let you sit in the van for half an hour with the dogs. Imagine that limited space and 5 large beings competing for space, 2 being larger than the rest. Then take your shoes off, try the bed and have a virtual shower. Would that lack of space work for you? It is a massive investment of funds and will depreciate quickly, so you want to get the decision right

All good and valid points

I’m gutted the NEC show is cancelled in October as wouldve been an ideal chance to compare them all under one roof. Hopefully the Feb one is still on? Couldn’t in all honesty buy unseen or tested which is why I’m glad I can rent one in October. Unfortunately the dealer nearest me haven’t got any left.
The rental company is Abacus in Hampshire and I can take the dogs (for a surcharge). Going to cost nearly £400 for 3 days rental which im hoping will be long enough to make my mind up?

 

[Philnanks]

We have a Summit 640 (not the Prime) for the two of us, a Border Collie, and a cat. It’s perfect for us. We have the rear bed permanently made up as one large double. I’m not as tall as you, but the bed is easily big enough for us. We’re not exactly slim, but the shower is fine.

I’m pretty sure the step is removable.

We’ve had ours just over a year now (from new) and haven’t had any major issues. Any small problems we’ve had have been down to third party components (e.g. currently the relay for the water pump in the CBE 12v controller sticks on occasionally).

Overall, we’ve been very happy with it, we’re not looking to replace it any time soon.

Good to hear youre pleased with your Summit 640. I need to see one of these and the Malibu in the flesh as both lovely vans!

 

[Philnanks]

Vote for Malibu here. Just back from a week in Devon, can agree they are better for negotiating the narrow roads!

Passed one of these yesterday at Lands End.....was on my motorbike and for two pins was gonna spin round to follow them until they stopped for a chat and look-see..... thought it might freak them out and decided against it! It had the rear port holes which did look good!

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Renting a great idea
If anything like us, we started with a “Need” list

Two hires in...1/2 the stuff on the list, we didn't actually need

More importantly, 1/2 The things we DID need were not even on the original list

(and we still got it wrong)

1st question i would ask myself is ?How are we going to use it?
2nd is How will my use split Sleeping/Washing/LOUNGING/ Cooking/Showering

So many sacrifice, say, a lounge that we will sit in for a few hours on a rainy day, for a fancy shower that we spend a few minutes in, maybe every other day

See what I mean?

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[Philnanks]

Yes I definitely do..... in fact the lounging aspect is a concern. Having come from a caravanning background I would much prefer the rear lounge that makes up into a large bed but that clearly wouldn’t work with my need to take the dogs in the cage and unfortunately I’m not a fan of having them loose when wet and mucky in the hab area.
Caravanning was great in that regard.....dogs lived in the tow vehicle and we had the space in the caravan. That was then though and now the kids have reached that age and no longer want to come with us, a MH would be my preference....if we can find one that works for us of course.
I am a bit worried about whether we will be able to lounge/relax enough in the front though!.....Are the captains seats comfortable enough for that?

 

[mikebeaches]

I am a bit worried about whether we will be able to lounge/relax enough in the front though!.....Are the captains seats comfortable enough for that?

Speaking personally, we find the captain's chairs supremely comfortable. With adjustable armrests and reclining backs, they're ideal. Certainly far better than any seats we ever had in our various caravans. Also, Mrs mikebeaches frequently enjoys reading on her bed at the back in the evening, so I swivel both seats at the front to face each other and put my feet up - perfect!

 

[Philnanks]

That’s reassuring to hear......

 

[mikebeaches]

I do like the V68....the downsides (for me) was the width beneath the beds looks smaller than the Adria, wasn’t keen on a shower curtain, and the wife wasn’t keen on the wardrobe overhanging the bed. Prefer the non glazed rear doors though.

Thanks - appreciate that! I'm sure you're probably right about the width of storage in the garage, underneath the beds - admit I haven't checked. And understand re shower curtain and overhanging wardrobe. As it happens, my other half is completely relaxed about the wardrobe over the foot of her bed - but I know what you mean. And having previously had a coachbuilt van, the wardobe in the V68 is titchy and in my view a reasonably significant compromise. There is plenty of other storage, just not very good clothes hanging space.

 

[Jane And Rog]

We have the Adria Twin SGX - masses of space under the raising bed for the dog, and storage.

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[Minxy]

Personally I would be wary of having 3 largish dogs in a PVC ... the problem is moving around when you want to without falling over dogs! I appreciate you will have the area under the bed for them but they won't stay there all the time. We have 3 dogs, 2 small and one largish and when we had PVCs it was be a pain, we used to put the little ones on the rear bed to slob out but obviously that's not gonna be a 'solution' for you.

However, if you're set on one of the 2 mentioned then IMV the Adria has the edge - much better upper locker storage and additional storage under the raised fridge (can't beat a raised fridge!) too which you'll need due to not having the rear underbed area.

What you COULD do is do a trial run at home ... get some furniture/boxes etc and mock up the space to as closely as possible reflect the dimensions of those in the PVCs, ie 2 dining chairs as captain seats, another couple to represent the dinette seats, boxes where the shower and kitchen would be etc, etc, this will then allow you to physically see and try the aisle etc spaces and see how it works with the dogs in it ... it's a bit of faff but it will soon tell you if you are barking up the wrong tree ... sorry about that, couldn't resist .

 

[Philnanks]

Personally I would be wary of having 3 largish dogs in a PVC ... the problem is moving around when you want to without falling over dogs! I appreciate you will have the area under the bed for them but they won't stay there all the time. We have 3 dogs, 2 small and one largish and when we had PVCs it was be a pain, we used to put the little ones on the rear bed to slob out but obviously that's not gonna be a 'solution' for you.

However, if you're set on one of the 2 mentioned then IMV the Adria has the edge - much better upper locker storage and additional storage under the raised fridge (can't beat a raised fridge!) too which you'll need due to not having the rear underbed area.

What you COULD do is do a trial run at home ... get some furniture/boxes etc and mock up the space to as closely as possible reflect the dimensions of those in the PVCs, ie 2 dining chairs as captain seats, another couple to represent the dinette seats, boxes where the shower and kitchen would be etc, etc, this will then allow you to physically see and try the aisle etc spaces and see how it works with the dogs in it ... it's a bit of faff but it will soon tell you if you are barking up the wrong tree ... sorry about that, couldn't resist .

Lol the wife will def think I’ve gone mad if I do that.....hoping we will know either way when hiring the Adria in October.
The dogs will be in the cage most of the time whilst in the van.....theyre working dogs so used to sleeping in my current van when we go away......Its a hard job to get them out to be honest, they love it!
Thanks for the advice

 

[Philnanks]

We have the Adria Twin SGX - masses of space under the raising bed for the dog, and storage.

Havent discounted the SGX to be honest as I do like that rising bed! What made you choose yours over the SLB if you don’t me asking? Is the reduced payload an issue?

 

[Jane And Rog]

Well, at the time we thought it was an increased payload as it was misquoted in the Adria info. We preferred it for the rising bed - more space for dogs and bikes, and cargo generally.

 

[denisejoe]

Check out Danbury Motorhomes some different layouts

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