Advice sought: Slimline A class, low profile or PVC?

[avmac]

Hi,
We've been researching what to buy as our next van having not had one for many years.

We'd value comments on drivability, convenience and comfort of PVCs versus slimline A Class versus low profile B class (both sub 2.12m width) vans e.g. Carthargo Compactline 138 or Adria Compact Supreme SP. We need a maximum of 3.5tonne and 6.4m max length is practical for our driveway. Due to areas around us bringing in emissions fees, Euro 6 is a high priority.

We previously had an old 6.4m PVC. There's only the two of us and we like walking, hillwalking, cycling and skiing and would value the option of some wild/remote camping. Though driving out to ski is not a priority given ongoing restrictions, winterisation is a consideration. Initially we'd thought we'd go for another hightop PVC e.g. Murvi Morello or similar. However, having the bikes secured safely out of sight has increased the emphasis on some form of garage. Of the various vans we've looked at the Adria Twin 640 SGX had looked promising but the seating wasn't that comfy, whereas the seating in a Malibu van felt relaxing, though its rear bed is not high enough for easy bike stowage. This has led us on to considering compact motorhomes. We've looked at a second hand Carthago Compactline 138 and were impressed with its quality and layout. However, we've not driven an A Class and a test drive was not available at the time.

Any comments on handling of a Carthago CL 138 vs a PVC? Is the narrower width of the Carthago 138, really more PVC-like or is it still going to feel 'brick-like'. Is the lack of a driver's door a pain in real world use? Are there other slimline options? Others seem to be available (e.g. Hymer DL444) in 2.22m width but we're not keen on feeling restricted on narrow lanes so our perception is to stay as narrow as possible.

We're going to be looking at an Adria C.S. SP (also 2.12m width) and hope that it might feel more comfy than the Twin. BTW, yes we'd love to hire one first but haven't seen any available to hire on our short list. As we live in a hilly part of the country and like going to the hills, views on recommended engine powers for the various options would also be appreciated e.g is 140bhp ok on an A class?

We'd value any and all opinions and comments, including recommended (or not) dealerships.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AG 2602]

Can’t comment on the brands you have mentioned.
With regards to driving an A Class when we started looking (2019) we opted for coach built low profile as it seemed like one step up from driving a car. However took the plunge and traded in for an A Class in April this year and to be honest by the time we’d driven it back from the dealers I was 100% comfortable with it.
Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

 

[avmac]

Thank you AG 2602.

 

[Bleau’s]

We have a near 9 metre A class and I do not have a problem with its size , was doubtful when we changed our old A class with both front doors for this one with no drivers door but I now find it better owing to having more glass on drivers side on not such a big blind spot. Please ask if you have any more questions.

 

[avmac]

Thank you Bleau's - helpful point about the better visibility without the driver's door.

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[Lenny HB]

We have a Hymer DL and the narrow body is definitely an advantage with some of the villages we get stuck in. Compact Line will make it even easier and you have a garage for the bikes.

A Class vans are easier to drive nice flat sides and a big screen, driving position is exactly the same as a van.
If you want a drivers door find a LHD one. Our last two A Class have been LHD I much prefer it.

 

[Pappy]

We have the slightly longer Carthago Compactline 141. Don't worry about the lack of a driver's door. I was worried but don't even notice now. Very nice vans.

 

[iandsm]

We changed from a Rapido A class to a PVC (Warwick XL). so far we have had one summer in it and it isn't really that different to the A class to drive although its a little narrower which is an advantage but the same length. We really like the big barn doors at the back and the big sliding door at the side. With these both open in good weather it's really like being outside. If the weather isn't so good but dry even with the barn doors only fully open its quite comfortable rather like being in a big shelter looking out. On balance I miss the A class pull down bed but the PVC bunks are very comfortable and can easily be made into a large double. We did tour Europe for two and three months at a time in the A class and never had a problem with storage, if we did the same with the PVC we would probably find storage a little tight in that we would have to visit the laundry every week or so and shop for foodstuffs more frequently due to the smaller fridge and not quite so mugs cupboard space but I wouldn't be concerned about that.

 

[Blackadder]

G'day
We were in a very similar position when looking for our first van 3 years ago. We live in a small village with very narrow lanes so width was a big concern. We saw the Malibu PVC and loved it - apart from having the same concerns about storage under the beds and thinking it was a bit pricey for a van conversion. We went looking at other van conversions and were describing our dilemma about width-v-storage to a salesman when he said "have you looked at a Buerstner Travel Van?" We did, we bought one and we're very happy with it - it's a great compromise between size and space. At the time only the T620G (twin bed) version was available which was effectively the same length as the Malibu, was only a few cm wider (though significantly narrower than most coachbuilts) but had a huge garage that we can lock bikes and other kit away in overnight. We also like the swing-wall bathroom/shower and that long term issues like servicing, replacement windscreens etc are standard Ducato and consequently easily sourced and relatively cheap. Otherwise the accommodation was almost identical to the Malibu and the dealer threw in twin Gaslows, an alarm, tv aerial and PV for the same price.
Nowadays I think the same van is also available in a shorter, transverse bed configuration for those who don't have to use the bathroom at night. I don't really understand why Buerstner don't promote it more extensively (if at all!) compared to their full-width models; maybe they don't make much profit from it but I suggest you take a look before plunging ahead with an A-class.

 

[Devon Sue]

We swapped from a 6.9metre Burstner to a 6.4 Wildax pvc. We found it rather confining after the space of the Burstner and the turning circle was awful, the Burstner was far more manoueverable. Finally decided to get an Adria compact with island bed, same width as the pvc, but may be too long for you at 6.9. Not had it long but first trip was very comfy and we don't have to faff around with beds twice a day.

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[dash300]

We changed from a Rapido A class to a PVC (Warwick XL). so far we have had one summer in it and it isn't really that different to the A class to drive although its a little narrower which is an advantage but the same length. We really like the big barn doors at the back and the big sliding door at the side. With these both open in good weather it's really like being outside. If the weather isn't so good but dry even with the barn doors only fully open its quite comfortable rather like being in a big shelter looking out. On balance I miss the A class pull down bed but the PVC bunks are very comfortable and can easily be made into a large double. We did tour Europe for two and three months at a time in the A class and never had a problem with storage, if we did the same with the PVC we would probably find storage a little tight in that we would have to visit the laundry every week or so and shop for foodstuffs more frequently due to the smaller fridge and not quite so mugs cupboard space but I wouldn't be concerned about that.

I would add to your post that I was actually going for a compact A class until I discovered that the Rapido Dreamer range of PVC's do have some pull down beds in their range. In our case the Dreamer Living Van swung it for us. Worth a look.

 

[138go]

We love our Carthago 138 Compactline. It's a dream to drive and the turning circle is a thing of beauty. When we go away, we use it like a car. We go out in it most days, and we have no concerns about country lanes and parking.

We downsized and I was concerned that we'd miss the space but we don't because of the excellent design. This is our fourth motorhome and it's by far my favourite, I love it.

Don't worry about a driver's door, you really don't miss one. Oh and being able to store our bikes in a garage is a massive bonus. We bought ours from Southdowns in Portsmouth and would highly recommend them as a dealer.

 

[Orion]

Finally decided to get an Adria compact with island bed, same width as the pvc, but may be too long for you at 6.9. Not had it long but first trip was very comfy and we don't have to faff around with beds twice a day.

Have the same model on order for delivery late Spring 2022. Fixed bed and overall width were important in the decision process, along with quality of build we saw and winterisation. Any crits with yours so far?

 

[avmac]

We swapped from a 6.9metre Burstner to a 6.4 Wildax pvc. We found it rather confining after the space of the Burstner and the turning circle was awful, the Burstner was far more manoueverable. Finally decided to get an Adria compact with island bed, same width as the pvc, but may be too long for you at 6.9. Not had it long but first trip was very comfy and we don't have to faff around with beds twice a day.

Hi Devon Sue, Many thanks. We're viewing an Adria Compact Supreme SP tomorrow; it's the 6.4m variant. Good to hear that its bigger version is comfy. The seats in the Adria Twin didn't feel too inviting, especially not in comparison with a Malibu.

 

[Sapper520]

We’ve got a Sunlight Cliff 600, 6m, fixed bed (that can be removed) ample storage under the bed, 140bhp engine returning just under 30mpg.
I can post photos of storage etc if required.

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[Devon Sue]

Not yet, only picked it up in November and had 1 weekend away so far. Bed is lovely and comfy. We bought a water hog as the van comes with a whale connector, just need a longer hose as the one supplied is not long enough to reach from the high level water filler to the bottom of the hog.
Grey waste emptying is the best we have ever had, filled a bucket (the pipe is high enough for a bucket to fit underneath) and it took longer to walk to the drain to empty than to fill it. I have seen many comments on Adria FB about water leaks, their connectors are not the best so we are getting ours all replaced.

 

[avmac]

We have a Hymer DL and the narrow body is definitely an advantage with some of the villages we get stuck in. Compact Line will make it even easier and you have a garage for the bikes.

A Class vans are easier to drive nice flat sides and a big screen, driving position is exactly the same as a van.
If you want a drivers door find a LHD one. Our last two A Class have been LHD I much prefer it.

Thanks Lenny HB - good to know about ease of driving.

 

[avmac]

We love our Carthago 138 Compactline. It's a dream to drive and the turning circle is a thing of beauty. When we go away, we use it like a car. We go out in it most days, and we have no concerns about country lanes and parking.

We downsized and I was concerned that we'd miss the space but we don't because of the excellent design. This is our fourth motorhome and it's by far my favourite, I love it.

Don't worry about a driver's door, you really don't miss one. Oh and being able to store our bikes in a garage is a massive bonus. We bought ours from Southdowns in Portsmouth and would highly recommend them as a dealer.

That sounds really positive feedback so thank you for responding 138go

 

[avmac]

We have the slightly longer Carthago Compactline 141. Don't worry about the lack of a driver's door. I was worried but don't even notice now. Very nice vans.

Many thanks Pappy

 

[avmac]

G'day
We were in a very similar position when looking for our first van 3 years ago. We live in a small village with very narrow lanes so width was a big concern. We saw the Malibu PVC and loved it - apart from having the same concerns about storage under the beds and thinking it was a bit pricey for a van conversion. We went looking at other van conversions and were describing our dilemma about width-v-storage to a salesman when he said "have you looked at a Buerstner Travel Van?" We did, we bought one and we're very happy with it - it's a great compromise between size and space. At the time only the T620G (twin bed) version was available which was effectively the same length as the Malibu, was only a few cm wider (though significantly narrower than most coachbuilts) but had a huge garage that we can lock bikes and other kit away in overnight. We also like the swing-wall bathroom/shower and that long term issues like servicing, replacement windscreens etc are standard Ducato and consequently easily sourced and relatively cheap. Otherwise the accommodation was almost identical to the Malibu and the dealer threw in twin Gaslows, an alarm, tv aerial and PV for the same price.
Nowadays I think the same van is also available in a shorter, transverse bed configuration for those who don't have to use the bathroom at night. I don't really understand why Buerstner don't promote it more extensively (if at all!) compared to their full-width models; maybe they don't make much profit from it but I suggest you take a look before plunging ahead with an A-class.

The Buerstner Travel Van looks good. As far as I can tell though it's a little wider than the 2.12m options we're looking at currently. The thought of the cost of chipped A class windscreen is another factor to consider, so a good point about standard Ducato parts on the Travel Van. Thank you.

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[Lenny HB]

The Buerstner Travel Van looks good. As far as I can tell though it's a little wider than the 2.12m options we're looking at currently. The thought of the cost of chipped A class windscreen is another factor to consider, so a good point about standard Ducato parts on the Travel Van. Thank you.

A Class screen are not really a problem just scaremongering by the hate A Class brigade. Most proper Motorhome insurance will have unlimited windscreen cover. Cost me £75 excess to get my screen changed last year.

 

[Minxy]

avmac We have the same reasoning as you for wanting a narrower MH.

We've had coachbuilts, PVCs and A-class, long ones, short ones, fat ones, and thin ones, from various makers and of differing quality, and our current one is a Carthago C-Compactline 138.

We liked the PVCs for their narrowness but the turning circle was pants due to the longer wheelbase (you can have a shorter one for a coachbuilt or A-class as the rear body hangs out more). It was a difficult decision to go from our PVCs as we really liked the sliding door and rear opening doors but it was sometimes tight for storage (we had 2 small and 1 large dog at the time!) and having to open the sliding door to let the dogs out was a nuisance as it meant a lot of heat was lost, much more than a hab door. Our last one was a Globecar Campscout with 2 single beds which worked well as there was no need to clamber over each other (or should I say I didn't have to 'scale' the mountain which was my hubby! ).

We originally looked at the longer Compactline models due to their narrow body width (only 7cm wider than a PVC) with single beds but didn't really want to go much longer than the Campscout (6.36m) as we didn't want to have issues parking etc and since we'd just built a new fence at the end of our drive and it would've meant moving it back by 1m+ which I did NOT want to do as that's where we had just moved it from!! It suddenly dawned on me that we could still have separate beds, hubby using the front drop down and me using the rear transverse - such luxury to have a double bed to ourselves. Despite our not intending to buy at that show, having only gone for a chill-out weekend, as the deal was stonking and we knew that if we wanted one that was the time to get it so we did - we'd seen them a good few years earlier but it they were well out of our reach then.

Payload: I note you don't want to go over 3,500kg, with the 138 it is possible to stick to this but you'll probably not be able to fill the freshwater tank up fully if you have a load of stuff in the garage, we could've got away with it but were sailing too close to the wind (especially with 40kg of dogs and all their food etc) so ours was uprated to 3,850kg by the dealer and in order to increase the rear axle capacity from 2,000kg to 2,240kg we also fitted semi air but I'll warn you now it is NOT a cheap option and cost us £2,000 (probably a fair bit more now), so if you can keep to 3,500kg you'll avoid this - best bet would be to get the dealer to take it to a weighbridge empty and get the front and rear axle weights for you so you can see how much is left for you to play with.

Storage galore! We have loads of storage space due to the large garage and in the the double floor which also has the fresh water tank, piping etc is inside so no worries about freezing, additionally this adds to the winterisation as it allows more 'air space' to prevent cold coming up through the floor. The insulation is very good too, much better than any 'off the peg' PVC, both for winter and summer use. If you intend to go skiing with it you will most definitely appreciate the better insulation and also that you will have somewhere to easily store you skis either in the underfloor storage which goes right through or in the garage which would also be somewhere to hang your wet clothes so they can dry, same with windscreen covers, you can stick them in there if you want. It means that we can take loads of clothes with us too so no need to go to a laundry (so long as you buy enough pairs of knickers to last ... we have for a 3 month trip both when clean and dirty (I recommend getting some sealable waterproof bags though to 'trap' the smell of the socks).

Doors: we have a cab door next to the passenger at the front left side and a hab door on right side behind the driver, this works well as it means we have access/egress at both sides which is important to use with dogs as it means if we need to get out safely we can use whichever is best, especially useful for the UK.

Driving: it's great, no issues at all, with the body running full length it's much easier to gauge than a coachbuilt with a narrower cab and as good as a PVC although with an A-class you have much better mirrors. Ours goes like the proverbial off a stick ... we have the 2.3 150bhp with Comfortmatic gearbox (2019 model) and it fair tramps so our fuel consumption isn't quite as good as it could be a hubby seems to think he's in a racing car ... we should get over 30mpg but are usually around 25-27mpg however it's not even fully run in yet with only 8,500 approx miles under it's belt so once it gets to 10,000 it will be even better.

Facilities: with many PVCs you only get a 2 burner hob and smallish fridge which is often electric only which can be restricting, when we talked about what we'd like in the future hubby's wish list included a 3 burner hob and a larger 3-way fridge (he does all the cooking) so when I stepped into the first Compactline at the show where we bought ours at I told him to get his bum inside as he'd be very happy due to having a couple of the things on his wish list!

Parts: we've used the same reasoning ref parts but to be honest the gubbings are Fiat so it's just the other bits and bobs to consider such as the windscreen but so long as you get the correct insurance cover (ie unlimited windscreen cover) there's no point in worrying about it as although they can break it is very, very rare (says she crossing everything!!!).

Sorry, better get to bed now ... seeing as it's 1.00 am!!!

 

[cyberyacht]

Another vote for a Carthago 138 here. Lots of storage, good build quality, and manoeuvrable. I've surprised myself at the parking slots I've squeezed into.

 

[Minxy]

Just another thought on payload, with the Carthago due to the underfloor storage its much easier to balance it over both axles so as not to overload the rear one and still keep within 3,500kg so long as you don't load it to the gunnels. This is much more difficult on a PVC especially if it's on the light chassis with a 2000kg rear axle limit as the lack of storage space at the front means you can easily overload the rear axle even if you stay within 3,500kg. Our latter PVCs (both 6.36m) were rated at 4,250kg and as they were on the heavy chassis with a 2400kg rear axle even with the lack of storage space at the front we could still take away what we wanted to and got reduced VED duty too.

 

[avmac]

avmac We have the same reasoning as you for wanting a narrower MH.

We've had coachbuilts, PVCs and A-class, long ones, short ones, fat ones, and thin ones, from various makers and of differing quality, and our current one is a Carthago C-Compactline 138.

We liked the PVCs for their narrowness but the turning circle was pants due to the longer wheelbase (you can have a shorter one for a coachbuilt or A-class as the rear body hangs out more). It was a difficult decision to go from our PVCs as we really liked the sliding door and rear opening doors but it was sometimes tight for storage (we had 2 small and 1 large dog at the time!) and having to open the sliding door to let the dogs out was a nuisance as it meant a lot of heat was lost, much more than a hab door. Our last one was a Globecar Campscout with 2 single beds which worked well as there was no need to clamber over each other (or should I say I didn't have to 'scale' the mountain which was my hubby! ).

We originally looked at the longer Compactline models due to their narrow body width (only 7cm wider than a PVC) with single beds but didn't really want to go much longer than the Campscout (6.36m) as we didn't want to have issues parking etc and since we'd just built a new fence at the end of our drive and it would've meant moving it back by 1m+ which I did NOT want to do as that's where we had just moved it from!! It suddenly dawned on me that we could still have separate beds, hubby using the front drop down and me using the rear transverse - such luxury to have a double bed to ourselves. Despite our not intending to buy at that show, having only gone for a chill-out weekend, as the deal was stonking and we knew that if we wanted one that was the time to get it so we did - we'd seen them a good few years earlier but it they were well out of our reach then.

Payload: I note you don't want to go over 3,500kg, with the 138 it is possible to stick to this but you'll probably not be able to fill the freshwater tank up fully if you have a load of stuff in the garage, we could've got away with it but were sailing too close to the wind (especially with 40kg of dogs and all their food etc) so ours was uprated to 3,850kg by the dealer and in order to increase the rear axle capacity from 2,000kg to 2,240kg we also fitted semi air but I'll warn you now it is NOT a cheap option and cost us £2,000 (probably a fair bit more now), so if you can keep to 3,500kg you'll avoid this - best bet would be to get the dealer to take it to a weighbridge empty and get the front and rear axle weights for you so you can see how much is left for you to play with.

Storage galore! We have loads of storage space due to the large garage and in the the double floor which also has the fresh water tank, piping etc is inside so no worries about freezing, additionally this adds to the winterisation as it allows more 'air space' to prevent cold coming up through the floor. The insulation is very good too, much better than any 'off the peg' PVC, both for winter and summer use. If you intend to go skiing with it you will most definitely appreciate the better insulation and also that you will have somewhere to easily store you skis either in the underfloor storage which goes right through or in the garage which would also be somewhere to hang your wet clothes so they can dry, same with windscreen covers, you can stick them in there if you want. It means that we can take loads of clothes with us too so no need to go to a laundry (so long as you buy enough pairs of knickers to last ... we have for a 3 month trip both when clean and dirty (I recommend getting some sealable waterproof bags though to 'trap' the smell of the socks).

Doors: we have a cab door next to the passenger at the front left side and a hab door on right side behind the driver, this works well as it means we have access/egress at both sides which is important to use with dogs as it means if we need to get out safely we can use whichever is best, especially useful for the UK.

Driving: it's great, no issues at all, with the body running full length it's much easier to gauge than a coachbuilt with a narrower cab and as good as a PVC although with an A-class you have much better mirrors. Ours goes like the proverbial off a stick ... we have the 2.3 150bhp with Comfortmatic gearbox (2019 model) and it fair tramps so our fuel consumption isn't quite as good as it could be a hubby seems to think he's in a racing car ... we should get over 30mpg but are usually around 25-27mpg however it's not even fully run in yet with only 8,500 approx miles under it's belt so once it gets to 10,000 it will be even better.

Facilities: with many PVCs you only get a 2 burner hob and smallish fridge which is often electric only which can be restricting, when we talked about what we'd like in the future hubby's wish list included a 3 burner hob and a larger 3-way fridge (he does all the cooking) so when I stepped into the first Compactline at the show where we bought ours at I told him to get his bum inside as he'd be very happy due to having a couple of the things on his wish list!

Parts: we've used the same reasoning ref parts but to be honest the gubbings are Fiat so it's just the other bits and bobs to consider such as the windscreen but so long as you get the correct insurance cover (ie unlimited windscreen cover) there's no point in worrying about it as although they can break it is very, very rare (says she crossing everything!!!).

Sorry, better get to bed now ... seeing as it's 1.00 am!!!

Wow, Minxy, what a fabulous reply. Absolutely fantastic info and really giving a thorough insight into a 138. Thank you so much.
Well, we just returned from a trek to see an Adria Compact Supreme and it was underwhelming. Though we should be able to get the bicycles in its garage there were several intrusions that might mean having to take the front wheels out. At present a 138 is looking to be the front-running option though relevant dealers are not open to pursue at present. Watch this space…

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[hja]

We like our 6.4m Globecar Summit Prime. We find more useable space than the AS Broadway of same length. Having two fixed beds, we like. Plenty of storage under the beds via the back doors. Are your bikes "full size" or are they foldable? We dont do bikes, but there seem to be plenty of "mixed terrain" foldables that would fit easily in the "garage". The single beds do tilt up and can be attached in that position, (which would allow room for bikes standing up) but as we have never done that, a) I dont know how easy it is to tie up & release on a regular basis and b) whether bedding can stay in place.
We like the narrowness of the Globecar - it means we can use on street parking.

 

[howsitgoingdud]

Hi there
We have a slightly longer compactline the 143
People say about parking - not an issue as we always look for ones with an overhang onto grass or waste ground.
Ours is a 19 plate bought new in Kendal

We looked at loads and sat in loads and turning point was wow factor and garage
Storage is great ours too is uprated on plate slightly to 3650kg
It’s a manual which is super smooth and now on 9k miles does late 28/gallon it was late 27’s so it’s gaining as breaking in !
We sleep in long singles in back over garage and super comfy , front drop down as when our adult children join us and it too is comfy but a stuffy for 2 adults they moan.
Storage pods all over which is great and so easy to access
We carry a 110cc scoot in boot as well as a micro and shoes , walk boots , spare tyre
We also had 2 bikes in there with the scooter and that was rammed !! Lol
During Covid it’s been great where we have friends that haven’t holidayed .- we have

A full water tank gives us a week no shower in van and 2.5 days max using shower which is small but totally fine (my wife agreed if it was bigger you’d spend more time in it and end up using more water so be filling up)
We’ve been over Scotland and isle of mull narrow roads but was fine , I drive a Mercedes’ sprinter every day for work and the Carthago is under a meter longer and tiny bit wider - with much better bus mirrors .
We both love it and have done 5 weeks in it this and last year , more next year we hope .

We go with friends whom have caravans ( and they are better for large social crowds ) but we have had caravans and setting up and dragging thing about always a chore and never spontaneous- we can park anyway and we do , old Barbour’s in Scotland , quiet car park and even services en route somewhere no problems

We go with friends with. VW T6 great moving around but as year goes on and colder it’s not practical and too ruddy small !
We’ve sat 6 adults in ours - bit tight but very doable

We fitted an inverter and 2 solars and a dish and more importantly a battery master thingy as the vehicle battery will drain if u leave media button left on if not on EHU .
But we both luv it and it’s great

And most of all when people ask to come on and have a look or sit - there’s a massive wow factor - which always makes me smile
Best of luck

 

[Adrianlle]

Fascinating and useful thread. We are in the posit of considering a change- to be our last. Have a 2004 Westfalia James Cook at moment on Mercedes 2.7 auto. A veritable Tardis and meets our need of 2 big comfortable beds and a simultaneously usable kitchen ( as insomniacs with odd sleep clocks!). But as we approach 70 want to avoid having to make/ unmake beds twice a day but still have comfortable lounge, decent kitchen ,big garage, narrow footprint and easy driving. So been thinking about Carthago Compact line. Would prob have to be used Comfortmatic( though would prefer torque converter). Width great but would length be an issue? 138 is 6.49, 144LE is 6.99. Current van 5.6 or 6.5 with elec bikes on back. So after all this rambling, could those who’ve gone for 138 or 144 share any further thoughts about length and whether extra .5m an issue if go fir 144. We like CLs or best of all wild and not often on ehu. Thanks

 

[avmac]

We like our 6.4m Globecar Summit Prime. We find more useable space than the AS Broadway of same length. Having two fixed beds, we like. Plenty of storage under the beds via the back doors. Are your bikes "full size" or are they foldable? We dont do bikes, but there seem to be plenty of "mixed terrain" foldables that would fit easily in the "garage". The single beds do tilt up and can be attached in that position, (which would allow room for bikes standing up) but as we have never done that, a) I dont know how easy it is to tie up & release on a regular basis and b) whether bedding can stay in place.
We like the narrowness of the Globecar - it means we can use on street parking.

Thanks HJA. Our bikes are full size non-folding gravel/road ones so while there is lots of scope to carry them inside while travelling, most over garage bed heights in PVCs mean that the bikes would have to be outside of the van overnight, which we're not keen on.

 

[avmac]

Hi there
We have a slightly longer compactline the 143
People say about parking - not an issue as we always look for ones with an overhang onto grass or waste ground.
Ours is a 19 plate bought new in Kendal

We looked at loads and sat in loads and turning point was wow factor and garage
Storage is great ours too is uprated on plate slightly to 3650kg
It’s a manual which is super smooth and now on 9k miles does late 28/gallon it was late 27’s so it’s gaining as breaking in !
We sleep in long singles in back over garage and super comfy , front drop down as when our adult children join us and it too is comfy but a stuffy for 2 adults they moan.
Storage pods all over which is great and so easy to access
We carry a 110cc scoot in boot as well as a micro and shoes , walk boots , spare tyre
We also had 2 bikes in there with the scooter and that was rammed !! Lol
During Covid it’s been great where we have friends that haven’t holidayed .- we have

A full water tank gives us a week no shower in van and 2.5 days max using shower which is small but totally fine (my wife agreed if it was bigger you’d spend more time in it and end up using more water so be filling up)
We’ve been over Scotland and isle of mull narrow roads but was fine , I drive a Mercedes’ sprinter every day for work and the Carthago is under a meter longer and tiny bit wider - with much better bus mirrors .
We both love it and have done 5 weeks in it this and last year , more next year we hope .

We go with friends whom have caravans ( and they are better for large social crowds ) but we have had caravans and setting up and dragging thing about always a chore and never spontaneous- we can park anyway and we do , old Barbour’s in Scotland , quiet car park and even services en route somewhere no problems

We go with friends with. VW T6 great moving around but as year goes on and colder it’s not practical and too ruddy small !
We’ve sat 6 adults in ours - bit tight but very doable

We fitted an inverter and 2 solars and a dish and more importantly a battery master thingy as the vehicle battery will drain if u leave media button left on if not on EHU .
But we both luv it and it’s great

And most of all when people ask to come on and have a look or sit - there’s a massive wow factor - which always makes me smile
Best of luck

Hi Howsitgoingdud,
Thank you, yet more really helpful info. What a fab bunch of folk on MHF! We were up on Mull for walking in September. The single track section north and east of Calgary Beach to and beyond Dervaig is certainly narrow and twisty so if the CL is ok on those roads then that's an excellent recommendation. We're certainly interested in having solar and an extra leisure battery. We'll make sure that we factor in a battery master so as not to end up inadvertently drained. Knowing that the water capacity is ok for 2.5 days with showers and a week without them is a useful guide. Fitting a scoot and bicycles in the garage is going some and impressive . Probably a good job that my small m/c is too tall to fit the garage - one temptation resisted at least…