coachbuilt to PVC

[Fidge]

were thinking of downsizing from an Autotrail Dakota to a PVC, possible an Autosleeper Warwick xl or similar, we like the long day bed layouts. If possible I would like to 'try before I buy' does anyone know of any firms that hire out these vans so we can see what its actually like to live in one. Any suggestions, comments etc from anyone who has actually downsized (benefits pitfall etc) would be helpful.

 

[dipsie]

We looked at Auto Sleeper before we bought our V Lines and luckily it was a very hot day and could not get over the lack of opening windows, stifling and they seemed glomey due to the dark glass. Pricey compared to the Auto Trail.

Maybe we have been lucky and have had two really well put together V Lines, our 610 ( long lounge ) had no warrantee faults in the 13 months we used it.
Our present 635SE we changed to as the extra room at the front makes a useful second lounge/dining area and I like to sit well back when driving whereas the 610’s bathroom restricted this.

We owned 10 larger motor homes over some 20+ years before going the PVC route and once used to the ability to go/park with more freedom than the coach builds we will not go back. In fact we are just putting a deal together on a new 635 Sport (160 motor )

BernieT

 

[Blue Knight]

Find your layout first (fixed bed, no bed, caravan seats, dinette, functional washroom), then check the storage capacity for your gear and then the payload.

Be sure to check the technical stuff such as equipment needed, oven or not, water tank capacities, insulation properties, battery capacities, compressor or absorber fridge.

........that said, make sure that you first establish if you want to be an off-grid camper or mainly sites-only as your style and spec of van will depend on your camping style.

And ask loads of questions about the different vans etc

Good luck,

Andrew

 

[Viennese]

Our friends have a Warwick and they are pleased with it. I like the single beds option but think the van is slightly claustrophobic - the ceiling seems to be lower than our WildAx

 

[Blue Knight]

Any suggestions, comments etc from anyone who has actually downsized (benefits pitfall etc) would be helpful.

I put a few notes together for the reasons why we chose our particular PVC in post #24 of this thread yesterday.

Which would you choose and why

Dreamer D62 Rapido 68 Swift Select 164 Mrs C likes a small oven! Colyboy

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[Stonemags76]

We love our Warwick Duo, & perversely find it feels larger than the Warwick XL due to the more open layout. We like the dark windows for privacy, & don’t find the interior is dark at all. When it’s very hot we open the roof lights, the sliding door & the kitchen window, & find it creates a perfect through draft - of course, we could also open the back doors if needed. We downsized from full timing in a coach built (via another pvc) , & love the manoeuvrability of a pvc. Over time we have whittled down what we carry, but find the over cab space & under the bench seats swallow masses of stuff. We have partitioned off under one bench seat, & have bedding in one half with hook up cable etc in the other half. We do up to three months with two of us and a spaniel & don’t need an awning (although we bought one, as we thought we would need the space, but haven’t, so we sold it). I love the light and airy feel of our van, & having the rear seats to stretch out on & relax is lovely!

 

[SpeedyDux]

Yesterday we had a day out at the seaside and parallel parked the PVC into a space in a line of parked cars near the sea front. Only slightly harder than parallel parking a big car even though we only have reversing sensors and no camera. One advantage of a 5.4m PVC is using it as a practical day van. Own private loo, and tea/coffee making facilities, yay!

 

[olley]

Just bought an Autocruise 165 to see how we fare compared to the 31' 9.5 ton twin slide RV sitting in our drive that we have had for the last 15 years, definitely a little bit more cramped.

 

[The Lord Squid]

We love our Warwick Duo, & perversely find it feels larger than the Warwick XL due to the more open layout. We like the dark windows for privacy, & don’t find the interior is dark at all. When it’s very hot we open the roof lights, the sliding door & the kitchen window, & find it creates a perfect through draft - of course, we could also open the back doors if needed. We downsized from full timing in a coach built (via another pvc) , & love the manoeuvrability of a pvc. Over time we have whittled down what we carry, but find the over cab space & under the bench seats swallow masses of stuff. We have partitioned off under one bench seat, & have bedding in one half with hook up cable etc in the other half. We do up to three months with two of us and a spaniel & don’t need an awning (although we bought one, as we thought we would need the space, but haven’t, so we sold it). I love the light and airy feel of our van, & having the rear seats to stretch out on & relax is lovely!

I agree with sentiment of the above, although I didn't downsize, don't have a dog and haven't had such long holidays. Favourite aspects of Warwick Duo for me are size of windows and comfort for lounging with back doors open. I can easily fit in two Bromptons, one between the seats and one strapped behind the passenger seat which stores in passenger footwell when parked up.

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Wildax Elland Yorkshire. Have some " Hire " models.check the lay outs and hire the one you may like. I think that if you buy one ( A Wildax ) The hire costs are knocked off the price BUT CHECK FIRST.
Tea Bag

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[Coolcats]

Yesterday we had a day out at the seaside and parallel parked the PVC into a space in a line of parked cars near the sea front. Only slightly harder than parallel parking a big car even though we only have reversing sensors and no camera. One advantage of a 5.4m PVC is using it as a practical day van. Own private loo, and tea/coffee making facilities, yay!

Spot on, also if the PVC has roof lights rather than a pop top it is bright inside

 

[Coolcats]

were thinking of downsizing from an Autotrail Dakota to a PVC, possible an Autosleeper Warwick xl or similar, we like the long day bed layouts. If possible I would like to 'try before I buy' does anyone know of any firms that hire out these vans so we can see what its actually like to live in one. Any suggestions, comments etc from anyone who has actually downsized (benefits pitfall etc) would be helpful.

rent easy motorhome rental - premium motorhome rental

Motorhomes for rent in Germany & Europe. Reservation +49 7562 91389290. ✓ Premium equipment ✓ new motorhomes ✓ insurance ✓ extensive service.

www.rent-easy.co.uk

 

[XxAnthxX]

What about down sizing to a smaller coach build rather than a PCV?

 

[Minxy]

I agree with sentiment of the above, although I didn't downsize, don't have a dog and haven't had such long holidays. Favourite aspects of Warwick Duo for me are size of windows and comfort for lounging with back doors open. I can easily fit in two Bromptons, one between the seats and one strapped behind the passenger seat which stores in passenger footwell when parked up.

An aside ... check the insurance for your Bromptons as you may not be covered if they are 'in view' even inside the camper.

 

[dipsie]

Stone mags, it’s all very well opening the rear doors, we have been on a C&CC rally where a couple next to us had to do that in their A/S due to the heat but the in the evening they were fighting midges and mozzies, and,as we were last week, sweltering/close and humid, rain pelting down we were able to open our rear lounge windows.

It is a good job we all do’nt like the same make and models or life would be boring, enjoy your A/S

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[Cheshirecat57]

From the other side
I went from a 7.4 m coachbuilt to an Adria Twin 6.36 (PVC) [ IMO one of the top 5 PVCs you can buy] and could not cope with the down-size element

Just us, we are not all the same

 

[TheMachMan]

We‘d set our minds on a rear lounge until we realised how little storage space there was for our gear. So it’s worth thinking about your bedding, chairs, table, cable, ramps, shoes, BBQ, awning etc.
We opted for a fixed rear bed and have plenty of storage for all of the above.

 

[Mr Colpot]

From the other side
I went from a 7.4 m coachbuilt to an Adria Twin 6.36 (PVC) [ IMO one of the top 5 PVCs you can buy] and could not cope with the down-size element

Just us, we are not all the same

Not just you - we did the same - went from a 7.4 Coachbuilt to a 5.4 PVC which was a step too far so changed the 5.4 to 6.3 Autocruise Rhythm which was a nice piece of kit. Changed though as we use the van all year and found it a tad noisy and cosy when it was raining and we couldn't have the doors open. Also we kept our outside chairs in a roofbox so had to climb the ladder to get them if we wanted to sit out.

 

[Rodneyplonker]

We sold our lovely Hymer B678 with the full intention of downsizing to a PVC. Our logic for doing so was to be more nimble and tour places like Scotland and the West Country... amongst several other reasons - too numerous to list. We had done lots of research and had several makes/models in mind when pouring over them at the NEC last October.

With that in mind, when touring Australia and N Z earlier this year we thought it would be a good idea when we got to N Z to rent a PVC. It was the best thing we could have done for us, to avoid making a very big mistake!

It was a 7m Mercedes based van with rear bed...and we hated it! It drove well but that was it! Driving as we did all day most days, was fine but, we dreaded the evenings and going to bed. I banged my head on cupboards and overhead shelves above the cab every time I turned around and actually broke an arm off my new specs. We hated the stick to your bum shower curtain and cooking was something we regularly tried to avoid - opting instead, for the occasional Barbie or, eating out. We genuinely wanted to like it and we can understand completely why many do.

Basically, it simply wasn't for us! We are by no means well built and are quite active but felt like Elephants locked in a small enclosure. What saved the day was the location and the great outdoors. We stayed outside until almost bedtime and actually did not look forward to the bed making process. I am just under six feet tall but my feet were dangling in fresh air all night and we hated making a bed out of cushions - not to mention the faff every morning putting everything back and trying to shower before we could breakfast and set off for another long days touring. I won't even mention storage! It was just about bearable for the five weeks we had it but the thought of having one as our main Motorhome and spending years touring in it turned us completely off. The advantages - and there are some, of course but, for is, far outweighed by the disadvantages!

We now have a 6.9m Burstner coach built with electric queen-size drop down bed with a huge shower and changing area. It feels so open and airy and is a joy to drive with its 9speed auto box. It fits the bill for us perfectly. Thank goodness we gave the PVC a practical workout rather than just looking at them in a show setting. I would advise anyone seriouly considering downsizing to rent one first - before parting with your hard earned dosh.

 

[OwnedbyCollies]

We went from a 6.7m coachbuilt to a 6m PVC. It didn't last long! Although we loved the seating area, the fixed transverse bed, good under bed storage and 2 sets of 'patio' doors (and of course the manoeuvrability and 'nippiness'), the bathroom was unusable and just 2 rings in the kitchen was a step too far for us.

We thought we had really considered those bits too and really wanted to make it work - we tested sitting on the loo and closing the tambour door and did a dry run with the shower etc but soon realised that although you could (just about) sit on the loo, you couldn't bend down down to pull your pants up without opening the door and washing was a challenge with the door shut - you couldn't even lean over the sink to wash your face. (I'm a 5'3" midget)

I really thought I could manage with 2 rings on the cooker and no grill or oven - I had loads of 2 pan recipes in my armoury and along with an omnia oven and an hob top toaster, I was good to go. I soon realised that the size of the pans was restricted and it was difficult to get 2 pans on the hob at the same time!

We really lost our MH mojo and last September we bit the bullet and went back to a coachbuilt

Normal service is resumed. The PVC was not for us - maybe it was just the wrong van. I think its a great idea to hire one first - and try to avoid a very expensive mistake

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[Clivepin]

We changed this year from Coachbuilt 2 berth autocruise with 2 single beds and end kitchen layout. We had ruled out PVC until we say the Autotrail 635. its 6.36m long and slightly narrower but the layout is very spacious and adaptable. We chose the sport over the SE but it was a close thing. The sport has a U shape lounge and a boot and felt more like a Coachbuilt and is more comfortable (for us) as a lounge. Only compromise really was we changed our chairs to some Helinox Sunset. Saved loads of space and we can take them on our bikes 1000miles and 1 month in and we have no regrets. Easier for driving on narrow roads, great specification and overall built pretty well.

 

[DavidMarsh]

We are seriously thinking of getting a PVC, we did try a VW California a couple of years ago........what a disaster, she who must be obeyed hated everything about it. So it had to go. We now have a Geist Phantom and love it. But, as age is catching up on us, we're both past the mid seventies, we think a smaller PVC would suit our needs. We did have many many years ago an AutoSleeper Duetto on a none turbo Ford Transit and we thought it was brilliant at the time. No-one seems to do a similar layout these days. As we need to have a vehicle or all of our vehicle with automatic gearboxes we are finding it more and more difficult in finding a used PVC with an auto box. I still maintain my 'Over 3500kg licence' but am looking for something around the 6 metre length with a high roof. I'm sure something will turn up, fingers crossed.

 

[Langtoftlad]

We went from a 6.7m coachbuilt to a 6m PVC. It didn't last long! Although we loved the seating area, the fixed transverse bed, good under bed storage and 2 sets of 'patio' doors (and of course the manoeuvrability and 'nippiness'), the bathroom was unusable and just 2 rings in the kitchen was a step too far for us.

We thought we had really considered those bits too and really wanted to make it work - we tested sitting on the loo and closing the tambour door and did a dry run with the shower etc but soon realised that although you could (just about) sit on the loo, you couldn't bend down down to pull your pants up without opening the door and washing was a challenge with the door shut - you couldn't even lean over the sink to wash your face. (I'm a 5'3" midget)

I really thought I could manage with 2 rings on the cooker and no grill or oven - I had loads of 2 pan recipes in my armoury and along with an omnia oven and an hob top toaster, I was good to go. I soon realised that the size of the pans was restricted and it was difficult to get 2 pans on the hob at the same time!

We really lost our MH mojo and last September we bit the bullet and went back to a coachbuilt

Normal service is resumed. The PVC was not for us - maybe it was just the wrong van. I think its a great idea to hire one first - and try to avoid a very expensive mistake

Interesting - the Wildax Aurora avoids all those issues - three burner hob + oven/grill as standard now.

 

[busby]

Just bought an Autocruise 165 to see how we fare compared to the 31' 9.5 ton twin slide RV sitting in our drive that we have had for the last 15 years, definitely a little bit more cramped.

We only tend to sleep in ours as we try and spend as much time as possible Sat outside,,Don't do bad weather if we can help it.BUSBY.

 

[olley]

Got the number wrong its a Swift Autocruise 164 PVC, not an Elddis Autoquest 165 which google comes up with.

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[Skez]

We sold our lovely Hymer B678 with the full intention of downsizing to a PVC. Our logic for doing so was to be more nimble and tour places like Scotland and the West Country... amongst several other reasons - too numerous to list. We had done lots of research and had several makes/models in mind when pouring over them at the NEC last October.

With that in mind, when touring Australia and N Z earlier this year we thought it would be a good idea when we got to N Z to rent a PVC. It was the best thing we could have done for us, to avoid making a very big mistake!

It was a 7m Mercedes based van with rear bed...and we hated it! It drove well but that was it! Driving as we did all day most days, was fine but, we dreaded the evenings and going to bed. I banged my head on cupboards and overhead shelves above the cab every time I turned around and actually broke an arm off my new specs. We hated the stick to your bum shower curtain and cooking was something we regularly tried to avoid - opting instead, for the occasional Barbie or, eating out. We genuinely wanted to like it and we can understand completely why many do.

Basically, it simply wasn't for us! We are by no means well built and are quite active but felt like Elephants locked in a small enclosure. What saved the day was the location and the great outdoors. We stayed outside until almost bedtime and actually did not look forward to the bed making process. I am just under six feet tall but my feet were dangling in fresh air all night and we hated making a bed out of cushions - not to mention the faff every morning putting everything back and trying to shower before we could breakfast and set off for another long days touring. I won't even mention storage! It was just about bearable for the five weeks we had it but the thought of having one as our main Motorhome and spending years touring in it turned us completely off. The advantages - and there are some, of course but, for is, far outweighed by the disadvantages!

We now have a 6.9m Burstner coach built with electric queen-size drop down bed with a huge shower and changing area. It feels so open and airy and is a joy to drive with its 9speed auto box. It fits the bill for us perfectly. Thank goodness we gave the PVC a practical workout rather than just looking at them in a show setting. I would advise anyone seriouly considering downsizing to rent one first - before parting with your hard earned dosh.

Horses for Courses - We did exactly the same - rented PVC's in NZ and Oz for 3 months.

Convinced us to sell our Frankia A Class and buy our Murvi Morocco. TBF the bed in our rental vans was a painful jigsaw, whereas the Murvi bed is simplicity itself.

As said many times over - rent to see if it's for you!

 

[Rodneyplonker]

I agree with that Busby! Unfortunately, my wife spends the high summer months helping out our daughter with her business and therefore we spend a good part of our travels during the winter months in Europe...as well as the U.K. As you well know... even in Europe it can be quite cool in the evenings at that time of year... if not blinking freezing! So that puts a big damper on sitting outside for us In the long evenings. I have to say though, I can remember the times when to have something like a PVC instead of our trailer tent would have been something to only dream about. It's simply that, having wanted it to work for us now, it just wasn't to be. Horses for courses, as they say!

 

[SteveRallye]

Had a 650 Tribute with the front lounge and loved the layout apart from making beds up. The full size continental Fridge freezer was a boon for touring round France and Spain. Would have prefered a rear easy single bed layout but none were available in 2008 when we got that. Compact kitchen but good bathroom with seperate walkin shower, double wardrobe and good storage once we figured out best way to store stuff. It worked well with Thule large box on bike rack and bikes on towbar rack. 6 years and 50k miles and we moved onto vans where no bed make up was required.

 

[stevewagner]

WE tried downsizing in 2015. Bought a Kemerton XL and had it uprated to 4500kg to carry a scooter on the back. Lovely van and well made but couldn't get used to the lack of proper storage so it had to go.

 

[Lenny HB]

One couple we know have recently downsized from a 9m Carthago liner to a 6.4m Malibu PVC and they are loving it.

If we downsize I think it will be to a Carthago CompactLine. Only a tiny bit bigger than a PVC and you still get a big garage and the vista of the A Class cab. I hate the cramped cab of the standard Fiat front end.

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