Base Vehicle Conversion to create a Morelo

[stewartwebr]

In proportion and more robust I will give you Jon but better driving not sure as the Daily does drive well although could do with a bit more grunt, you know I read a lot and the German forum seems to come out in support of the Daily although of course under 7500kg is a must.

I agree Martin, out of all the motorhomes we have owned. My first Morelo, which was a Palace based on a Daily was by far the nicest motorhome to drive we have ever owned. I think the ZF gearbox played a big part. It was like driving a car, really nice drive. On moving to Liners you know you have moved into the more commercial, agricultural side of the market, but you also get a reassurance that everything is more solid, they feel unbreakable. But certainly a different driving experience.

 

[funflair]

It’s good to have a balanced view from someone who has had a good few different chassis, thanks stewartwebr

 

[Paul F]

I agree Martin, out of all the motorhomes we have owned. My first Morelo, which was a Palace based on a Daily was by far the nicest motorhome to drive we have ever owned. I think the ZF gearbox played a big part. It was like driving a car, really nice drive. On moving to Liners you know you have moved into the more commercial, agricultural side of the market, but you also get a reassurance that everything is more solid, they feel unbreakable. But certainly a different driving experience.

I totally agree, the Daily is a good base model, and I found the drive of my Palace to be excellent for such a big vehicle (with the caveat mentioned by funflair that the engine could do with a bit more grunt to pull so much weight). My only other criticism would be the sound of the intercooler fan when the engine is working hard which can be a bit disconcerting until you get used to it.

When moving to the Liner in 2025 I was concerned about moving to the more commercial type of chassis and how different the drive would be. It was essential in my mind to get a test drive before taking the plunge. I can best summarise the difference as a noisier, slower, heavier, more mechanical experience when accelerating, but more stable with similar noise levels at cruising speeds. It is however always very apparent that you are driving a lorry rather than a van. I do prefer the reassurance of a more solid chassis, and it goes without saying the lack of payload worries is great.

The S-Way by all accounts is a very good drive, and perhaps less mechanical than the Atego (more like the Actros perhaps) so I will be interested to hear feedback from stewartwebr once he gets the new model later in the year.

 

[funflair]

I totally agree, the Daily is a good base model, and I found the drive of my Palace to be excellent for such a big vehicle (with the caveat mentioned by funflair that the engine could do with a bit more grunt to pull so much weight). My only other criticism would be the sound of the intercooler fan when the engine is working hard which can be a bit disconcerting until you get used to it.

When moving to the Liner in 2025 I was concerned about moving to the more commercial type of chassis and how different the drive would be. It was essential in my mind to get a test drive before taking the plunge. I can best summarise the difference as a noisier, slower, heavier, more mechanical experience when accelerating, but more stable with similar noise levels at cruising speeds. It is however always very apparent that you are driving a lorry rather than a van. I do prefer the reassurance of a more solid chassis, and it goes without saying the lack of payload worries is great.

The S-Way by all accounts is a very good drive, and perhaps less mechanical than the Atego (more like the Actros perhaps) so I will be interested to hear feedback from stewartwebr once he gets the new model later in the year.

You are right that the fan can be a bit noisy but since I added a shroud and increased the frontal area to the cooling package it seems to not need the fan nearly so much, useful comparison thanks, enjoy your new “truck”

 

[jongood]

In proportion and more robust I will give you Jon but better driving not sure as the Daily does drive well although could do with a bit more grunt, you know I read a lot and the German forum seems to come out in support of the Daily although of course under 7500kg is a must.

I suppose it depends what you like to drive, I prefer something more solid, I also prefer to select my own gears and the extra control a clutch pedal gives me. I certainly didnt enjoy my 3500 miles driving an automatic daily based motorhome in Australia but then they are not the refined product a Morelo is.

 

[Dorwyn]

It reminds me a bit how the early Rolls Royce cars were made. RR made the chassis then the bodywork was added by a coachbuilder like Hooper or Mulliner.

So I guess Morelo can be viewed as a coachbuilder but unlike RR it's there name on the front of the vehicle. More or less the same with every MH maker I guess.

I used to go to Chiswick Poly College which was just in front of the Mulliner Coachworks. A Rolls Royce chassis would arrive driven by a guy with WW1 type flying glasses, leather strap-on flying helmet, sitting on the bare ladder chassis in a sort of temporary bucket seat. There would be a place by the entrance for it. This tractor-like thing would reappear some months later as a gleaming Mulliner limousine. My Velocette Viper neo Clubman meanwhile could be parked at the back of the college, to be ridden home at the day's end of my oggling at the gorgeous fellow students, with maybe a little study and even less learning!! It was previously an art school for girls. Happy Days

 

[funflair]

I suppose it depends what you like to drive, I prefer something more solid, I also prefer to select my own gears and the extra control a clutch pedal gives me. I certainly didnt enjoy my 3500 miles driving an automatic daily based motorhome in Australia but then they are not the refined product a Morelo is.

Clutch and gears were fine in the Flair but spoilt now so won’t be going back I know you like your trucks Jon, my only experience was the Eurocargo and it didn’t tempt us for one second, even the sales manager taking us out wasn’t convinced saying they were for people that wanted to be truck drivers, then the other consideration of course is the licence are we aren’t going down that road.

To be fair though I imagine if you drive and are used to trucks anything else is going to feel a bit flimsy and inferior.

 

[jongood]

Clutch and gears were fine in the Flair but spoilt now so won’t be going back I know you like your trucks Jon, my only experience was the Eurocargo and it didn’t tempt us for one second, even the sales manager taking us out wasn’t convinced saying they were for people that wanted to be truck drivers, then the other consideration of course is the licence are we aren’t going down that road.

To be fair though I imagine if you drive and are used to trucks anything else is going to feel a bit flimsy and inferior.

I wouldnt consider a 4 cylinder EuroCargo Martin, They even have a repuation for being far worse on fuel than the 6 Cylinders, even makes the accountants thing twice, 4 cylinder Atego is also pretty noisy. I go back to my earlier assertion that you re better off getting a C licence.

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[funflair]

I wouldnt consider a 4 cylinder EuroCargo Martin, They even have a repuation for being far worse on fuel than the 6 Cylinders, even makes the accountants thing twice, 4 cylinder Atego is also pretty noisy. I go back to my earlier assertion that you re better off getting a C licence.

For sure if we wanted to go truck it would have to be a 6 and take the test but it ain’t happening

 

[Carpmart]

The 18t S Ways 400 with all my extras should still give us a 6.2ton payload according to Morelo calculations. It doesn’t include the car in the back but think that should eat another ton. Still not decided on new car, seriously considering the electric Abarth 595ce

Alpine A290 GTS would be my choice.

 

[stewartwebr]

Alpine A290 GTS would be my choice.

It doesn’t fit. We opted for the 103 model which can only fit an Abarth 595, Toyota AygoX, Hyundai i10 and a few others. Being honest I would rather have stayed with the smaller 99 size Motorhome at 10m in length but it only takes a Smart Car and our current 2019 model was one of the last petrol Smart For-twos registered in the U.K. Being a small car I’m not sure how long it shall last, although still in great condition and only done 11k miles. I was thinking about the future. The battery operated smart which is also now discontinued had a range of 60 miles so not an option.
Interestingly, we are having to have a special order on our 103 which in standard format carries the cars listed but doesn’t take the Smart car. This is due to the height being reduced in the 103 garage as it’s assumed nobody with a 103 would want to carry a Smart and would buy a 99. We are having the garage built as a special order which can take the Smart until we decide to change. I do like the petrol Abarth, used to tow one on an A Frame back in 2010. But they are starting to look very dated, I prefer the look of the updated electric model. The range of 165 miles sounds do able, need to convince other half about the colours.
Edit to add picture of what I’m considering, but new model. Other half hates it

 

[funflair]

It doesn’t fit. We opted for the 103 model which can only fit an Abarth 595, Toyota AygoX, Hyundai i10 and a few others. Being honest I would rather have stayed with the smaller 99 size Motorhome at 10m in length but it only takes a Smart Car and our current 2019 model was one of the last petrol Smart For-twos registered in the U.K. Being a small car I’m not sure how long it shall last, although still in great condition and only done 11k miles. I was thinking about the future. The battery operated smart which is also now discontinued had a range of 60 miles so not an option.
Interestingly, we are having to have a special order on our 103 which in standard format carries the cars listed but doesn’t take the Smart car. This is due to the height being reduced in the 103 garage as it’s assumed nobody with a 103 would want to carry a Smart and would buy a 99. We are having the garage built as a special order which can take the Smart until we decide to change. I do like the petrol Abarth, used to tow one on an A Frame back in 2010. But they are starting to look very dated, I prefer the look of the updated electric model. The range of 165 miles sounds do able, need to convince other half about the colours.
Edit to add picture of what I’m considering, but new model. Other half hates it View attachment 1156510

He obviously has good taste

 

[CazPaul]

It doesn’t fit. We opted for the 103 model which can only fit an Abarth 595, Toyota AygoX, Hyundai i10 and a few others. Being honest I would rather have stayed with the smaller 99 size Motorhome at 10m in length but it only takes a Smart Car and our current 2019 model was one of the last petrol Smart For-twos registered in the U.K. Being a small car I’m not sure how long it shall last, although still in great condition and only done 11k miles. I was thinking about the future. The battery operated smart which is also now discontinued had a range of 60 miles so not an option.
Interestingly, we are having to have a special order on our 103 which in standard format carries the cars listed but doesn’t take the Smart car. This is due to the height being reduced in the 103 garage as it’s assumed nobody with a 103 would want to carry a Smart and would buy a 99. We are having the garage built as a special order which can take the Smart until we decide to change. I do like the petrol Abarth, used to tow one on an A Frame back in 2010. But they are starting to look very dated, I prefer the look of the updated electric model. The range of 165 miles sounds do able, need to convince other half about the colours.
Edit to add picture of what I’m considering, but new model. Other half hates it View attachment 1156510

Great stuff you really think of everything Stewart, it must take you so much time studying and planning when you both sit down to order a new Motorhome. There’s so much to think about.
I bet you go through some paper and pens whilst considering and writing down every detail and option. I have dreams of winning a fortune and doing the exact same with a Variomobil.

Me, I wrote my budget down first, 30k, knew we wanted a Concorde LHD, twin rear wheel drive and 3 litre timing chain and under 7 metres I wrote. Eventually one came up in Hamburg so I was on the flight the following day.

 

[Flairy]

Don’t worry about your Smart car ours is now done 95,000 running like a train this is our second our first the wife wrote off by locking it,but instead pressed the soft top to open it rained so heavy it filled it like a bucket insurance said wasn’t viable

 

[stewartwebr]

He obviously has good taste

Don’t you support him, I think it looks great

 

[funflair]

Great stuff you really think of everything Stewart, it must take you so much time studying and planning when you both sit down to order a new Motorhome. There’s so much to think about.
I bet you go through some paper and pens whilst considering and writing down every detail and option. I have dreams of winning a fortune and doing the exact same with a Variomobil.

Me, I wrote my budget down first, 30k, knew we wanted a Concorde LHD, twin rear wheel drive and 3 litre timing chain and under 7 metres I wrote. Eventually one came up in Hamburg so I was on the flight the following day.

By the time your Vario turns up in two or three years time you could have forgotten what you ordered anyway.

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[Bertilak]

I was having an interesting conversation with Morelo last week around some of the safety features I want to upgrade on my new van. The discussion was around what the chassis converter Meier can actually do and create from the original cab. I was surprised to learn that the base vehicle is actually supplied by Iveco complete with cab which needs to be cut away and replaced.

meanwhile, across the valley at Concorde, their motor-caravans start as motor-tents!
- I do wonder how far they are driven like that!

 

[funflair]

meanwhile, across the valley at Concorde, their motor-caravans start as motor-tents!
- I do wonder how far they are driven like that!
View attachment 1156756

I imagine they come from IVECO looked that as Concorde then do their own chassis prep work as opposed to using an outside converter like Meier as Morelo do.

 

[funflair]

Found one “in the wild” stewartwebr this one in the back streets of Rome but without the dodgy half finished paint job,

Or if you fancy going Chinese you might get two of these in

 

[stewartwebr]

Found one “in the wild” stewartwebr this one in the back streets of Rome but without the dodgy half finished paint job,

View attachment 1156954

Or if you fancy going Chinese you might get two of these in

View attachment 1156955

It’s the ‘half painted’ job I’m attracted to the most! Must admit the Abarth E comes in some way out colours. Seriously looked at a YoYo as a replacement to the Smart to allow me to stay at 10m on the new van. Some very worrying reports about reliability and build quality, they are the first 3D printed car. Still think they look like a modern day Smart. It’s not until you start looking at smaller cars you realise how few are actually around, even electric models.

 

[Rog NotJane]

Going back to the original video, with all those changes, do you have to go back to Morello and/or Meier for servicing or can base vehicle dealers help?

 

[jongood]

It’s the ‘half painted’ job I’m attracted to the most! Must admit the Abarth E comes in some way out colours. Seriously looked at a YoYo as a replacement to the Smart to allow me to stay at 10m on the new van. Some very worrying reports about reliability and build quality, they are the first 3D printed car. Still think they look like a modern day Smart. It’s not until you start looking at smaller cars you realise how few are actually around, even electric models.

Each to their own of course but wouldnt an EV version bring its own set of limitations? We had relatives staying with a relatively new EV, what a pita finding an available working charger close to somewhere you were ok being for an hour. It also didnt make it here on one charge despite the actual journey length being only 2/3rds of the stated range.

 

[funflair]

Going back to the original video, with all those changes, do you have to go back to Morello and/or Meier for servicing or can base vehicle dealers help?

The basic chassis is still the responsibility of the chassis dealer so IVECO Mercedes etc, the bits added by the likes of Meier so air suspension, hydraulic jacks etc would need to be serviced by the individual component dealer network much the same as if they had been fitted in the UK, the biggest chunk of work done by Meier is the raised dashboard and moving all the controls forward and further out towards the side of the van but thankfully this element seems to be reliable but I imagine any warranty work on the component would still be the responsibility of the chassis company so IVECO Mercedes etc as all conversions are approved by said chassis suppliers.

For example when our van was new there was a leak on one E&P jack and SAP sorted it, likewise when it was plugged in at IVECO the computer said that it needed a camera for the lane departure system so they supplied and fitted that.

 

[stewartwebr]

Going back to the original video, with all those changes, do you have to go back to Morello and/or Meier for servicing or can base vehicle dealers help?

As Martin funflair said all the modifications are approved by the engine manufacturer so no issues. The only issue is trying to arrange a service. Mercedes work on the VIN to book it in and see the history and recommended service requirements and updates. When Meier carry out the modification the vehicle is issued with a new Certificate of Conformance and an updated VIN Number. The original Mercedes VIN is stamped across XXXXXX and a new label attached but Mercedes do not have the new VIN in their system as it’s not Mercedes. Luckily, I’m able to see the original VIN and always quote that to Mercedes. Difficulty arises when trying to get work done in Spain, France and Germany. They always ask for a copy of the V5 to book it in, seems like a legal requirement. The problem arises when they identify the VIN on the V5 is not the same as the Mercedes one quoted. Lost count of the times I have tried to explain and given up. Luckily, I found a great Mercedes Main Dealer in Spain who seem to understand the reasoning behind the change in VIN and do a great job servicing at a huge discount to U.K. prices.

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[stewartwebr]

Each to their own of course but wouldnt an EV version bring its own set of limitations? We had relatives staying with a relatively new EV, what a pita finding an available working charger close to somewhere you were ok being for an hour. It also didnt make it here on one charge despite the actual journey length being only 2/3rds of the stated range.

Thanks I had just convinced myself that I may be able to live with an EV I appreciate not as convenient as a conventional car. Now you have me thinking again, how would we get on in Europe where we seem to be spending more and more time. I know how to find petrol stations but not charge stations. Oh here we go again