Compact Motorhome or Van Convesion?

[JohnandCass]

Hi,
After a few years of touring the UK and France with a caravan we're going to change to either a motorhome/van conversion in the next 12 months. We want greater freedom to tour/wild camp where possible and hence are looking at the sub 6m options that are open to us. We have been drawn to van conversions, thinking they're easier to get about in, however are now also considering coach built as the space gains inside the van seem to be worth it. We'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this topic, particularly those who have moved from caravan to motorhome/van - how did it suit you?

We'd like to have as much freedom as possible, which will need to include the ability to drive on single track roads comfortably and generally be able to get to places we can't towing our caravan. Given the extra space, are there practical disadvantages with a compact motorhome, over a 5.99/6.36m van conversion?

We'd also be interested in specific brands/models that we should be looking at. So far we think the following are interesting:

Autotrail - F62, V-line Sport 635
Elddis - Accordo 105, Avantgarde 115
Autosleepers - Warwick XL, Nuevo ES
Roller Team - Toleno L, T-line 590

Are we on the right track? Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks John & Cassie

 

[Phill D]

Hi welcome,

problem is your are going to get personal preferences on brands not necessarily what suits you. a pvc is without doubt likely to be a better option for very narrow roads.
a compact coach built will have considerably more room than a PVC but again its layout preferance and payload needs.

I hope you find what suits your needs.

 

[DBK]

Length isn't really an issue unless you want to go for something really short like a Romahome. Width is the critical factor. For longer vehicles rear overhang and height can restrict where you go but for vehicles around 6m these should be too excessive.

I live in South Devon and own a 6m long Murvi PVC. I've taken it down numerous single track roads in both Devon and Cornwall and have done a few mountainous gravel tracks in Spain.

You can get slim A Class, such as the Cathargo ones but they are not too common if you are looking to buy second hand.

 

[Sapper520]

Our criteria was no longer than 6m (so we could fit it outside our house), fixed bed, 2 berth but capable of carrying four passengers (so we can transport a couple of the Grandkids).

We settled for a Sunlight Cliff 600, then added all the extras we’d identified we wanted such as solar, extra leisure battery, MiFi, tow bar, reversing camera and sat nav to mention just a few.

 

[GeoffnDee]

Autocruise Alto/Accent/Rhythm PVC if looking at used (, later ones and new, now known as Swift Select PVC) could be added to your list.

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[138go]

We have a 6.4 slim A class Carthago and we love it. You get so much more space in an A Class and a coach built, than you do in a van conversion.

It pains me to say it but I wouldn't buy British.

 

[sciac2001]

Like Sapper520, we went for a sub 6m length so we could fit into many parking slots, albeit sometimes slightly over a grass verge or similar.

As a result, we regularly find space in locations where a longer vehicle would have had to leave.

 

[St3v3]

For years we (2 adults plus 1 child) had a MWB sprinter and it was great. It was a good layout that included a (small but fine) shower and made use of the cab space for the double bed. You didn't have to fully pack away the bed to have the table available, or get in and out of the sliding door.

Only went 7.5t, 8.5m long when boy got to being full time in an electric wheelchair and we needed the space.

Everything is a compromise!

 

[St3v3]

For years we (2 adults plus 1 child) had a MWB sprinter and it was great. It was a good layout that included a (small but fine) shower and made use of the cab space for the double bed. You didn't have to fully pack away the bed to have the table available, and could always get in and out of the sliding door.

Only went 7.5t, 8.5m long when boy got to being full time in an electric wheelchair and we needed the space. It still fits in 2 standard spaces that are end to end in the supermarket/pub/wherever.

Everything is a compromise!

 

[Jamesh]

For years we (2 adults plus 1 child) had a MWB sprinter and it was great. It was a good layout that included a (small but fine) shower and made use of the cab space for the double bed. You didn't have to fully pack away the bed to have the table available, or get in and out of the sliding door.

Only went 7.5t, 8.5m long when boy got to being full time in an electric wheelchair and we needed the space.

Everything is a compromise!

How did that cab space double bed work? Intrigued!

Cheers James

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[St3v3]

How did that cab space double bed work? Intrigued!

Cheers James

Maybe difficult to explain...

Look in through the side door and a table is directly in front of you, with two fixed seats facing forward to the right (or the rear) of the van. The front seats could swivel to face the table for 4 seated.

Swivel the seats both facing inward and drop the table down would make the most of the bed, then there were bits that would drop in between the two seats, and another piece between the seats and the dash. All of the odd bits and cushions would store in the bunk bed when not in use.

If you're looking to try and build something PM me and I'll try and dig out some pics and do some drawings.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Hi,
After a few years of touring the UK and France with a caravan we're going to change to either a motorhome/van conversion in the next 12 months. We want greater freedom to tour/wild camp where possible and hence are looking at the sub 6m options that are open to us. We have been drawn to van conversions, thinking they're easier to get about in, however are now also considering coach built as the space gains inside the van seem to be worth it. We'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this topic, particularly those who have moved from caravan to motorhome/van - how did it suit you?

We'd like to have as much freedom as possible, which will need to include the ability to drive on single track roads comfortably and generally be able to get to places we can't towing our caravan. Given the extra space, are there practical disadvantages with a compact motorhome, over a 5.99/6.36m van conversion?

We'd also be interested in specific brands/models that we should be looking at. So far we think the following are interesting:

Autotrail - F62, V-line Sport 635
Elddis - Accordo 105, Avantgarde 115
Autosleepers - Warwick XL, Nuevo ES
Roller Team - Toleno L, T-line 590

Are we on the right track? Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks John & Cassie

We've got the Elddis Accordo 105, bought it from new 7 years ago. Good van and the interior quality and layout is spot on. What lets it down is the chimpanzees that build them. We've had missing sealant underneath round the wheel arches and waste pipe fittings upside down so far. But overall we'd buy again, at £10k cheaper than the similar autotrail it's a no brainer

 

[Pausim]

We have a 6.4 slim A class Carthago and we love it. You get so much more space in an A Class and a coach built, than you do in a van conversion.

It pains me to say it but I wouldn't buy British.

Another vote for Carthago Compactline A Class, narrower than most Coachbuilts but more space and easier to drive. I find judging width and spaces far more intuitive driving an A Class or Van Conversion because you are not sitting in a narrow cab with greater width behind. Width is more important than length if you want to get to out of the way places.

Sadly must agree about UK built bit as well.

 

[dash300]

Hi,
After a few years of touring the UK and France with a caravan we're going to change to either a motorhome/van conversion in the next 12 months. We want greater freedom to tour/wild camp where possible and hence are looking at the sub 6m options that are open to us. We have been drawn to van conversions, thinking they're easier to get about in, however are now also considering coach built as the space gains inside the van seem to be worth it. We'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this topic, particularly those who have moved from caravan to motorhome/van - how did it suit you?

We'd like to have as much freedom as possible, which will need to include the ability to drive on single track roads comfortably and generally be able to get to places we can't towing our caravan. Given the extra space, are there practical disadvantages with a compact motorhome, over a 5.99/6.36m van conversion?

We'd also be interested in specific brands/models that we should be looking at. So far we think the following are interesting:

Autotrail - F62, V-line Sport 635
Elddis - Accordo 105, Avantgarde 115
Autosleepers - Warwick XL, Nuevo ES
Roller Team - Toleno L, T-line 590

Are we on the right track? Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks John & Cassie

Doing the same. On point of ordering a Rapido Dreamer Living Van after much research. Rear lounge makes to double which can be left up as a permanent double with storeage under if you wish, plus a front lounge with pull down double over when required. Nearest we have seen to an A class in a PVC. Upgrade to Maxi chassis for increased payload.

 

[Norfolk Nige]

Hi,
After a few years of touring the UK and France with a caravan we're going to change to either a motorhome/van conversion in the next 12 months. We want greater freedom to tour/wild camp where possible and hence are looking at the sub 6m options that are open to us. We have been drawn to van conversions, thinking they're easier to get about in, however are now also considering coach built as the space gains inside the van seem to be worth it. We'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this topic, particularly those who have moved from caravan to motorhome/van - how did it suit you?

We'd like to have as much freedom as possible, which will need to include the ability to drive on single track roads comfortably and generally be able to get to places we can't towing our caravan. Given the extra space, are there practical disadvantages with a compact motorhome, over a 5.99/6.36m van conversion?

We'd also be interested in specific brands/models that we should be looking at. So far we think the following are interesting:

Autotrail - F62, V-line Sport 635
Elddis - Accordo 105, Avantgarde 115
Autosleepers - Warwick XL, Nuevo ES
Roller Team - Toleno L, T-line 590

Are we on the right track? Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks John & Cassie

We did the same last year. Changed from years of towing to a large C class which we love. Unfortunately illness for me has forced us to look again. We need something that Mrs Norfolk would be happy driving, which means we have had to look at PVC’s. It took a lot of research but we think that we have found the ideal compromise of C class space and PVC size. We take delivery of an Autosleeper Kingham next month. Fixed French bed, comfy sofa and decent size shower. It’s on the longer Fiat chassis (6.36 mtrs) with the auto gearbox. Would we go back to a caravan. Never. Should have done this years ago.

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[deleted79651]

We bought the Burstner Ixeo Time IT 590 Sovereign some 16 weeks ago. The 5.99m body could have been shorter if Burstner had chosen a snappier name ... It's technically a 4 berth, but in practice a 2 berth with enough day seating for 5 or 6 adults, and a drop down transverse bed. Clever use of space and when the 3am WC visit occurs, it's 'one out, all out' and the one with the lesser need turns right into the kitchen area to wait his/her turn ... Wee bit of a 'Ladies Excuse Me' manouvre but perfectly comfortable, and the length of the van means that trips to supermarkets are a doddle. Brunhilde is my Avatar photo thingy!

Steve & Elaine

 

[Gary217]

We have toured, mostly in Europe, for around 15 years and we enjoy off the beaten track places both here and in Europe so van size is a consideration for us. We started with a VW T5 pop-top which was very easy to explore in for obvious reason of size. We then wanted a van with washroom facilities so went up to a Transit based La Strada PVC which was 5.9M long and 2M wide and to be honest the difference in size was not very noticeable and we could get to most places we wanted without much stress. However in this country we did suddenly find ourselves barred from lots of car parks by height barriers, not so prevalent in Europe but of course city based multi-storey car parks were no longer possible either. We ran PVC's until a couple of years ago when with a rush of blood to head I was taken in by the comfort offered in a coachbuilt. "It's only 2.4M wide and still only 5.99M long, so it won't make much difference" I told myself. It did! It was a pain to drive on narrow roads, the extra width did make a difference and so often passing oncoming vehicles there was the horrible scratching sound along the plastic side of the van. We found we were now planning our routes much more carefully to avoid small roads which is not our nature and while, lengthwise, we could still park in one space by doing the 'rear overhang the grass' thing the width meant we literally filled the car park slots so neighbouring cars would struggle to open their doors. You'll also find that coachbuilts that are not 'compact' have massively wide wing mirrors and yes we did get hit by an oncoming van's mirrors in the first week of ownership even though I was on my side of the road (maybe my mirror had strayed over though....).
The other thing we disliked about the coachbuilt was the creaking and wallowing when driving but that is another issue, and we missed the airyness of the side door (although sliding side doors are not liked on this forum due to noise).
Needless to say, the coachbuilt found its way back to dealer pretty quickly and we now have a Ducato based PVC and love it, we're back to exploring just taking off.
To me it depends on what type of touring you want to do, coachbuilts are more for going somewhere and parking up for a while, maybe using bikes to get around or even a little towed car but they are not for nipping off to explore here and there; with our PVCs we are rarely parked on a site for the day instead we use it to take off and explore locally or we are moving on.
I've mentioned the width issue but length does make a difference too. If you are 6M or less you can usually park in a normal car parking slot by going to a slot on the edge and overhanging your rear over the grass or similar, and your front will just be tucked into the space. Obviously this isn't always an option if there is no suitable edges, but at least you have the option to do this. Over 6M will make this more tricky.
Without doubt the coachbuilt we had was more spacious inside, had more of a 'caravan' feel about it and more storage so if we were just heading to a site for two weeks it would have been fine. For us however, because we love to explore, the disadvantages of having less fun driving it outweighed the extra internal comfort. As always with MoHo's/vans there are compromises and no 'one size fits all' so you just need to work out what is best for you.

 

[TheMachMan]

6m PVC for us after decent sized caravans. Soon get used to compact space inside. Rear fixed bed means loads of storage.
Its great to be able to park on a street or car park and extend our weekends away, rather than having to hitch and tow straight home afterwards.

 

[Borisburgh]

We went from a VW California to a Swift escape 622 with a U lounge which converts to a massive bed. I appreciate this may be a pain for some but it works for us. Great accommodation for a couple. To have a decent fridge, microwave, 3 gas hob, efficient heating, toilet and shower all in a 630 length is great.
Been to Orkney and Highlands - no issues on single track roads and shorter length does make finding parking spaces easier.

build quality is not great on the Swift compared to the VW - but a few running repairs have resolved these. No regrets in changing to a Motorhome. Fiat 130 bhp engine with 6 speed auto box has performed well and ‘relatively’ economical.

 

[Graham Mew]

Length isn't really an issue unless you want to go for something really short like a Romahome. Width is the critical factor. For longer vehicles rear overhang and height can restrict where you go but for vehicles around 6m these should be too excessive.

I live in South Devon and own a 6m long Murvi PVC. I've taken it down numerous single track roads in both Devon and Cornwall and have done a few mountainous gravel tracks in Spain.

You can get slim A Class, such as the Cathargo ones but they are not too common if you are looking to buy second hand.

We research f

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[Graham Mew]

We went from a VW California to a Swift escape 622 with a U lounge which converts to a massive bed. I appreciate this may be a pain for some but it works for us. Great accommodation for a couple. To have a decent fridge, microwave, 3 gas hob, efficient heating, toilet and shower all in a 630 length is great.
Been to Orkney and Highlands - no issues on single track roads and shorter length does make finding parking spaces easier.

build quality is not great on the Swift compared to the VW - but a few running repairs have resolved these. No regrets in changing to a Motorhome. Fiat 130 bhp engine with 6 speed auto box has performed well and ‘relatively’ economical.

Research for two years with thoughts like yours, PVC won the day width and length is so important when driving. We have a 6m IH motorhome based on a VW Crafter ideal for two of us and can highly recommend it.

 

[CWH]

It's all about compromise and individual preference but I find the ability to have my side (sliding) door open gives me a much better feel of openness and space than I ever had in a wider C-class.
Have a look at the WildAx range of van conversions https://wildaxmotorhomes.com/

 

[cyberyacht]

If you are looking at Accordo's, The Marquis dealer variants come with a few more goodies. I had a Marquis 125 before my present Carthago Compactline. Both slimline. The Marquis 125 has a reasonable size garage over the fixed bed and, IMHO, makes better use of the 6M length.

 

[ontheroadagain]

Have a look at some of the narrow body coach built motorhomes.
They are not much wider than a PVC but have much more space inside.
For example -
Elddis Accordo (already mentioned above)
Rapido "C" Series
Adria Compact
Carado Van.

 

[drpeej]

We have just ordered the new Chausson X-550

.

We currently have an AS Symbol and are impressed with the much better use of space.

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[Evolution]

Just a thought - can you live with the sliding door? Personally I couldn't, and I hate being parked next to one. Weeee Bang!

 

[Sapper520]

Just a thought - can you live with the sliding door? Personally I couldn't, and I hate being parked next to one. Weeee Bang!

Only close ours once a day (bedtime)…..twice if we got out somewhere.

 

[Evolution]

Only close ours once a day (bedtime)…..twice if we got out somewhere.

Thank you Sapper, that's great, but sadly not everyone is as considerate.

 

[Wyvern]

On our second PVC for exactly the reason others have said, we can get to parts others just can’t. However, we had a nose around the Adria compact range and was very impressed with that. Ours is a 7m sprinter which we love but unless you are going seriously off the beaten track the Compact seems a really good compromise and worth a look.

 

[Gillym]

Hi,
After a few years of touring the UK and France with a caravan we're going to change to either a motorhome/van conversion in the next 12 months. We want greater freedom to tour/wild camp where possible and hence are looking at the sub 6m options that are open to us. We have been drawn to van conversions, thinking they're easier to get about in, however are now also considering coach built as the space gains inside the van seem to be worth it. We'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this topic, particularly those who have moved from caravan to motorhome/van - how did it suit you?

We'd like to have as much freedom as possible, which will need to include the ability to drive on single track roads comfortably and generally be able to get to places we can't towing our caravan. Given the extra space, are there practical disadvantages with a compact motorhome, over a 5.99/6.36m van conversion?

We'd also be interested in specific brands/models that we should be looking at. So far we think the following are interesting:

Autotrail - F62, V-line Sport 635
Elddis - Accordo 105, Avantgarde 115
Autosleepers - Warwick XL, Nuevo ES
Roller Team - Toleno L, T-line 590

Are we on the right track? Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks John & Cassie

Elddis autoquest cv20 is my baby. 5.99, cheaper on insurance, tax, etc. Easy to drive and perfect for 2. 6'2" benches/single beds at back. Love it.