Devon conversions?

[Slimalex]

Bearing in mind the last thread on here was in 2013, what are people’s views on these vans. I have a friend who would like a 5.4m van or thereabouts and with an ‘English’ style layout.
Thank you

 

[MikeD]

Sorry I don't know much about Devon conversions but when we were looking for a small van I thought the Auto Sleeper Topaz was pretty good.

Auto-Sleeper Topaz - Practical Motorhome

The Practical Motorhome Auto-Sleeper Topaz review – find out what the experts make of this VW Transporter based 'van

www.practicalmotorhome.com

 

[CazPaul]

Peter Gowland who owns the business is OK if you have what you are given
He doesn't compromise and if you ask him if it can be winterised for instance he says'' It could but I'm not doing it''
It's a shame as I work about 2 minutes drive from them and have been a few times to look.

They are just summer vans in my opinion.

 

[mike mcglynn]

We had a VW Devon moonraker many years ago it was a good conversion and worked well .

 

[Slimalex]

Thank you all so,far. My friend is also looking at Autosleeper, but thought Devon maybe better for her. Any other contributions on either van would be welcome.

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

 

[InToon]

Check out a totally unbiased thread from last year by Blue Knight. He was suitably impressed having visited the Devon factory and showroom. I would say your friend “should seriously consider” viewing one if Devon have a layout that suits. But then again I am totally biased as I work there! The factory at Ferryhill, County Durham has a large showroom and you can see the vans in production. There’s no pressure to buy just an opportunity to view the range at leisure. Because Devon sell direct, there’s no “middle man” to feed. Check out other manufacturers and their prices, then call in and see Devon and draw your conclusions in terms of price and build quality.

 

[ramsthom]

I live in Ferryhill and its been there at least 20 years and has a good reputation. I believe he does standard production conversions and also ones made to order to whatever spec you want. Well worth a visit.

 

[34127]

I did read that he they were having the same problem as other converters in trying to get the DVLA to reclassify the vehicle as a Motor Caravan rather than van with windows. It would be worth asking this question if visiting.

 

[CazPaul]

I live in Ferryhill and its been there at least 20 years and has a good reputation. I believe he does standard production conversions and also ones made to order to whatever spec you want. Well worth a visit.

Whatever spec you want? Surely not, it's his way or no way, I would have bought if he could have done some tweaks.

Or have things changed?

 

[thebriars]

We had a look at the Devon conversions at the factory showroom. I have to say I was not all that impressed by the quality of the finish, a bit amateurish. In the end I was very taken with a Benivan - made in the same Grimsby factory as Autotrail. By the time you add on all the Devon extras that were standard in the Benivan, the latter came out quite a bit cheaper too. Much better finished, with many more extras included. In the end decided we needed more storage than a PVC could provide and went for C class.

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

 

[JohnJan]

We looked at Devon and Wildax and ended up buying a Wildax for several reasons. One was the all inclusive aspect from Wildax whereas Devon was advertised at £40k ish and then you added on bits and it shot up. Another reason was onboard water tanks and LPG tanks, all included on the Wildax which is also winterised with heated tanks. And finally from a personal view, the interiors on the Devon were reminiscent of my nans house!
We had also looked at numerous other vans before taking the plunge and ordering and have been more than happy with our choice.
And we have no connection with Wildax other than buying one of their vans

 

[Slimalex]

Thank you all for your comments

 

[CazPaul]

Check out a totally unbiased thread from last year by Blue Knight. He was suitably impressed having visited the Devon factory and showroom. I would say your friend “should seriously consider” viewing one if Devon have a layout that suits. But then again I am totally biased as I work there! The factory at Ferryhill, County Durham has a large showroom and you can see the vans in production. There’s no pressure to buy just an opportunity to view the range at leisure. Because Devon sell direct, there’s no “middle man” to feed. Check out other manufacturers and their prices, then call in and see Devon and draw your conclusions in terms of price and build quality.

Nice to have someone that works there on, what do you feel about the insulation, winterisation, insulation in the over cab area?
That's a lot the complants I have heard about them.

 

[InToon]

As I eluded to in my post, I can only give a biased response so it’s probably best left to other more experienced owners with real life experiences to comment on specifics.