Campervan

[Robbo]

Hi we are looking to buy a autotrial v line sports 2015-19 or similar looking for any do or don'ts as we have always had
Motorhomes not sure as now I'm 83 it's going to de our last van appreciate any advice
Thanks ROBBO

 

[irnbru]

Bump

 

[ChrisSue]

We're on a similar mission for a year or two. I'm doing a comparison spreadsheet and the we will do Peterborough next year to view the favourite ones

 

[Sapper520]

We looked at this van, but was able to purchase a new Sunlight Cliff 600, with lots of bells and whistles for less than a 2nd hand V-Line.

 

[Devon Sue]

Can't comment on the specific model you are looking at, but the layout is the same as our Wildax Europa, we like the rear lounge for relaxing when weather is less than ideal, then we have a huge double bed that is really easy to make up just by dropping down the backrest.

We downsized from a larger coachbuilt and one point I would make about the layout in general is the need for storage lockers for all the gear that you would stuff in the coachbuilt garage or external locker without thinking about it. Our side seats have lockers with doors accessed inside the van, but are not big enough to store things like chairs (we have Brunner that fold into circa 8" square by about 2'6) as one side holds the batteries, the other the Truma. Fortunately, although we cannot use them to get in and out, we still have rear doors and can access a locker space under the rear seat for the chairs, cables, fluids, bbq etc. Another locker saving is an underslung gas tank.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ChrisSue]

I have to say lounger and leveller storage is our main worry hence the short list for viewing

 

[Robbo]

Thanks Devon sue the storeage is something I will look at

 

[Robbo]

Thanks to you all your comments are all helpful something to note when we go looking

 

[Kannon Fodda]

obvious differences between the standard PVC and Sport version are the windows, (I've read some reports of problems with earlier van windows getting quite uneven, so look closely) and the U shaped rear lounge rather than bench seats replacing the rear barn doors with a lift up rear boot to access the storage externally. So does the rear seating layout offer sufficient storage, of the right size. Part will be taken up by the heater and leisure battery. The larger flat folding chair storage, as mentioned above, could be the biggest challenge.

Front of the vehicle, again check the layout. Most have a bulkhead for the fridge / wardrobe behind the driver's seat and that may limit the driver seat positioning. Any PVC has a tight internal space, due to the limited van width. Really do make sure you can use the bathroom (which will apply not only to the v-line, but most compact MHs).

 

[busby]

I have to say lounger and leveller storage is our main worry hence the short list for viewing

My chairs/loungers and levelling blocks go on the back doors together with my bikes.BUSBY.
/

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ChrisSue]

busby do you do that using a bike rack?

 

[busby]

busby do you do that using a bike rack?

I have two aluminium boxes on the back doors for storage and cycle rack above them.Chairs sit on top of box behind bikes..BUSBY.

 

[TheMachMan]

We ended up with the rear high fixed bed, as there is so much more storage.
Coming from a spacious caravan we had been set on a rear lounge too, but realised that there is not enough storage space. As previously said a fair chunk under the lounge seating is taken with heating and tank system.

 

[Robbo]

Cheers something else to look for we know it will take some getting used to got to get it right it will be our last van I've said that before

 

[tonka]

As a past Autotrail owner and regular on the AT groups. If buying used then check ref the side windows. They seemed to have some issues with them during a particular time. A websearch may bring up more info.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Robbo]

Thanks for that I most certainly will

 

[Stonemags76]

Maybe look at the Autosleepers Warwick Duo or Duo xl. We are pleased with our Duo, and the layout is similar to the V Line. I love the space in the kitchen, and we find we have a fair bit of storage which can be accessed inside or out. The whole of one bench seat and som of the other side, if you juggle things around. We did consider the V Line, but went for this one in the end!

 

[bobandjanie]

Hi Robbo, always remember if it's not got a fixed bed the bedding has to be stored, and Van's with fixed beds have storage underneath.
We are on motorhome number four since 2007 , and the last and present have been panelvan conversion, and although we was not restricted to 6 meter when we got the first, we are now to be able to park at home.

The first was a Rapido v53, fixed bed usable bathroom and low 3 way fridge, apart from that much the same as our second one a Pilote v600g, except apart from being newer it has high 3 way fridge, and instead of crawling around for things in cupboards it has slide out draws, much better so something to checkout when viewing van's, also the Pilote has a great bathroom the sink slides over the toilet when showering all easy wipe down surfaces, we have looked in some bathrooms and they look like you could never use them, so when looking at them imagine using them, Ideally it's better to try and rent one that you think you like before taking the plunge, because it's easy to buy the wrong one. Bob.

V600G - Pilote

P23F5920TGF1ST

vans.pilote-motorhome.uk

 

[Robbo]

Hi Bob thanks for that if we see one we like we may ask if we could rent for a week and if it's ok deduct of the final price
Take care and stay safe