Does size (width) matter?

[lizibit]

We are going on a 6 month European trip this year (EU passports before anyone says we can't) and are planning to buy in France and sell again after our trip.
For 2 of us and our dog, toying between a panel van conversion or 6m motorhome with pavilion bed.
For anyone who has had both, is the extra 25cm width very noticeable?
Will have reversing cameras but hard to know what the roads will be like and maybe worth sacrificing some comfort/space for practicality.
We'll stay mostly in campsites and farms but keen to explore areas too. TIA

 

[Jake Royd]

I have a standard 2.3m wide motorhome, I also drive a Ducato minibus.
Yes that difference does make a difference but you learn to drive accordingly.
ie. that car that you can squeeze through in a PVC, with a car oncoming becomes , wait until it's clear, then go.
You also have to be careful of course down narrow lanes and parking will be more difficult etc.
However, having said that , many many motorhomes are driven many thousands of miles without an issue.
The plus side is that the extra width makes a big difference inside the vehicle and noting you are planning a 6 month trip you may consider a PVC too cramped for such a long trip.
Others opinions will differ.
Both styles of vehicle will do the job.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Our van is coachbuilt but still quite narrow, a compromise but more room inside
Elddis accordo range, there's another make too but can't remember it

 

[Don Quixote]

After 5 years we went from a motorhome to a VW camper van January 2021. It took some getting used to as no built-in toilet, bathroom (if you are staying on camp sites this is not a problem) and fixed bed and in the first month thought we had made a big mistake. Three months into owning it, things go easier and found fix bed was not needed as could sleep in pop up roof or folding bed. We do not miss the fitted bathroom as you can wash happy enough in the van and as for toilet we have a portable one which works just fine. So thats the bad bits out of the way.
Now the good bits..... Driving it is just like a car, so getting in and around small villages is easy and parking so simple. Cooking is the same as motorhome and heating is the same (not needed so much in Spain). We tend to not use campsites so much as just find a nice spot and park up. To date completed trips around Spain, France and Germany clocking up around 9K (km) or 96 days away last year.
The wife also loves driving it as she never wanted to drive the motorhome.
Do we now miss the motorhome.................. not really

 

[Vic]

If you only intend to have the van for 6 months go for layout. It will not be a long term mistake which ever you choose.

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

 

[lizibit]

After 5 years we went from a motorhome to a VW camper van January 2021. It took some getting used to as no built-in toilet, bathroom (if you are staying on camp sites this is not a problem) and fixed bed and in the first month thought we had made a big mistake. Three months into owning it, things go easier and found fix bed was not needed as could sleep in pop up roof or folding bed. We do not miss the fitted bathroom as you can wash happy enough in the van and as for toilet we have a portable one which works just fine. So thats the bad bits out of the way.
Now the good bits..... Driving it is just like a car, so getting in and around small villages is easy and parking so simple. Cooking is the same as motorhome and heating is the same (not needed so much in Spain). We tend to not use campsites so much as just find a nice spot and park up. To date completed trips around Spain, France and Germany clocking up around 9K (km) or 96 days away last year.
The wife also loves driving it as she never wanted to drive the motorhome.
Do we now miss the motorhome.................. not really

Wow, that is a big change. Sounds like it has suited you really well. So practical for narrow roads. My concern is the length of our trip and dealing with less space. Def think a fixed bed is a must for us

 

[lizibit]

Our van is coachbuilt but still quite narrow, a compromise but more room inside
Elddis accordo range, there's another make too but can't remember it

Thanks, will keep looking!

 

[lizibit]

I have a standard 2.3m wide motorhome, I also drive a Ducato minibus.
Yes that difference does make a difference but you learn to drive accordingly.
ie. that car that you can squeeze through in a PVC, with a car oncoming becomes , wait until it's clear, then go.
You also have to be careful of course down narrow lanes and parking will be more difficult etc.
However, having said that , many many motorhomes are driven many thousands of miles without an issue.
The plus side is that the extra width makes a big difference inside the vehicle and noting you are planning a 6 month trip you may consider a PVC too cramped for such a long trip.
Others opinions will differ.
Both styles of vehicle will do the job.

Good advice thanks. Yes, hard to compromise on size. The extra width makes for some very appealing layouts

 

[Richard n Ann]

Thanks, will keep looking!

Just remembered Adria compact.

Compact

The new generation Compact. Stylish, slim-fit and agile motorhomes, which can reach more places. Smart automotive styling and compact dimensions yet generous living spaces, with an unbeatable combination of style, practicality and comfort, all-year round.

adria.co.uk

 

[Riverbankannie]

In your situation, I would go for a larger MH. In general the roads in Europe are better, emptier and wider than the UK. Of course the pretty medieval hilltop villages would be a no no, but you wouldn’t want to go in there in a PVC either.

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

 

[mikebeaches]

We had a 6-metre coachbuilt, 2.3m wide, for five years. Travelled extensively in Europe and the UK.

We then changed to a 6.4-metre van conversion (Rapido), 2.05m wide, six years ago, again with extensive trips at home and abroad.

For us, the reduced width has made a big difference - much more relaxing to drive, especially down country lanes and visiting small villages. Parking is generally easier too.

But another real advantage for us is the ability to throw open the big sliding side door and let the outside in. And when really hot, the rear barn doors can be opened to let the breeze through.

The van conversion is much more planted and sure footed at speed on the motorway.

Because our current van conversion is a bit longer but narrower than the previous coachbuilt, it has roughly the same internal living space.

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for.

 

[Jake Royd]

Good advice thanks. Yes, hard to compromise on size. The extra width makes for some very appealing layouts

Consider that a fixed bed will be very welcome in my opinion for a 6m trip. PVC's with a fixed bed do exist but are relatively rare. You could get tired of making the bed up. Many fixed bed motorhomes allow one to go to bed whilst another stays up. With PVC's probably possible but again relatively rare.
But none of this precludes a PVC doing the job , it will be arguably less comfortable but easier to drive and park.

 

[Guigsy]

We did 6 months around Europe in a 5.4m Ducato van. I had no issues with the width except on some roads in the Sierra Nevada mountains that had grass growing up the middle where a bit less width would have made it a bit less hairy with a rockface on one side and a drop on the other. Being a small van, we managed to squeeze into spots overnight that we wouldn't have got away with in a motorhome. We would quite happily drive into city centres and find somewhere to park on-street. I could even squeeze it into a standard parking space without taking the piss too much. I pretty much treated it like a car. My brother has a VW T5 LWB and there's little difference in where he can drive and I could, except he could sometimes squeeze under height barriers. But my Ducato had a bathroom and a permanent bed with good headroom, it was far more liveable. It was a great van and we were really sad to see it go, but the biggest complaint was there was pretty cramped inside. If one person was doing the cooking, the other either had to sit in the cab or chill on the bed. And do a swappy dance if we wanted to go to the loo.

Last summer we moved to a 6m a-class. It feels 3 times bigger inside. We can both walk around at once. There's masses of table to sit at. On the vast majority of roads, it's fine. The issue comes in urban areas where a car parked on the side of the road means you have to stop and wait for oncoming traffic to pass. And in the back roads in North Norfolk and Cornwall, the extra width is more stressful. And I can't park in a supermarket car park amongst the cars anymore... its my only motorvehicle, so it also does the DIY and tip runs.

We're going to try out the a-class for a couple of years. But we might well go back to a van in the future... although maybe 6m.

 

[Sapper520]

Consider that a fixed bed will be very welcome in my opinion for a 6m trip. PVC's with a fixed bed do exist but are relatively rare. You could get tired of making the bed up. Many fixed bed motorhomes allow one to go to bed whilst another stays up. With PVC's probably possible but again relatively rare.
But none of this precludes a PVC doing the job , it will be arguably less comfortable but easier to drive and park.

Take a look at the Sunlight Cliff range…..all PVC’s with fixed beds and not rare in Europe. These are popular on the continent, so if buying over there then should be available to Op.

We’ve got the 600…..

 

[glenn2926]

You will soon see that you can get everywhere the bin wagon or fire appliance will go. Having spent many years driving trucks, mostly red ones with blue lights on top. I tend to think if I could get the fire appliance down there then the motorhome will fit with loads of room to spare. If you’re having thoughts about difficulties in driving your motorhome you can have training through either of the big two clubs to boost your confidence.

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

 

[dash300]

Don't forget there are PVC's with pull down double beds being an excellent use of space, Rapido Dreamers for example which swung us.

 

[Tonks68]

Narrow PVC with nice barn rear doors vs roomier compact coachbuilts with better lounging. Probably my favourite Fun Topic and I’m still no closer to working out which will be right for me.

 

[Outdoors Dad]

I converted a vauxhall vivaro van into a camp van a few years ago, we enjoyed it but the size frustrated us. Yes it was a swb and not long but the width was only 1.65m meaning you have to sleep length ways which takes up lots of room. My neighbor converted a XL mercedes sprinter and put a garage in back hence double bed and had same problem. This maybe offset by having a 'pop top' but having had a similar experience and now having a coach built I'd rather have coach built! Ours is an older Autosleeper which is narrower than some more modern vans. Approx 6.5 X 2.5 no bother driving it around town I just go steady.

 

[Sapper520]

Narrow PVC with nice barn rear doors vs roomier compact coachbuilts with better lounging. Probably my favourite Fun Topic and I’m still no closer to working out which will be right for me.

Fixed bed and able to park on the drive were two of our main considerations. However, my wife said she didn’t like vans that look like a van with a caravan mounted on the back of it………..all complaints to her please, no me.

 

[Jamesh]

I converted a vauxhall vivaro van into a camp van a few years ago, we enjoyed it but the size frustrated us. Yes it was a swb and not long but the width was only 1.65m meaning you have to sleep length ways which takes up lots of room. My neighbor converted a XL mercedes sprinter and put a garage in back hence double bed and had same problem. This maybe offset by having a 'pop top' but having had a similar experience and now having a coach built I'd rather have coach built! Ours is an older Autosleeper which is narrower than some more modern vans. Approx 6.5 X 2.5 no bother driving it around town I just go steady.

Get a ducato or transit and if average height you can sleep transversely.

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

 

[two]

I had a wide liner once. I found that the size of it made other traffic stand back and let you through. So, in that case, size can be an advantage. Go smaller and you need a lot of discipline with what you take and where you put it.

 

[ChrisL]

If you're buying in France, do you need a french address from which to insure the van? I don't know myself but it occurred to me that it may be an issue.

 

[lizibit]

Just remembered Adria compact.

Compact

The new generation Compact. Stylish, slim-fit and agile motorhomes, which can reach more places. Smart automotive styling and compact dimensions yet generous living spaces, with an unbeatable combination of style, practicality and comfort, all-year round.

adria.co.uk

Looks ideal!

 

[lizibit]

We had a 6-metre coachbuilt, 2.3m wide, for five years. Travelled extensively in Europe and the UK.

We then changed to a 6.4-metre van conversion (Rapido), 2.05m wide, six years ago, again with extensive trips at home and abroad.

For us, the reduced width has made a big difference - much more relaxing to drive, especially down country lanes and visiting small villages. Parking is generally easier too.

But another real advantage for us is the ability to throw open the big sliding side door and let the outside in. And when really hot, the rear barn doors can be opened to let the breeze through.

The van conversion is much more planted and sure footed at speed on the motorway.

Because our current van conversion is a bit longer but narrower than the previous coachbuilt, it has roughly the same internal living space.

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for.

Very convincing, thanks!

 

[lizibit]

We did 6 months around Europe in a 5.4m Ducato van. I had no issues with the width except on some roads in the Sierra Nevada mountains that had grass growing up the middle where a bit less width would have made it a bit less hairy with a rockface on one side and a drop on the other. Being a small van, we managed to squeeze into spots overnight that we wouldn't have got away with in a motorhome. We would quite happily drive into city centres and find somewhere to park on-street. I could even squeeze it into a standard parking space without taking the piss too much. I pretty much treated it like a car. My brother has a VW T5 LWB and there's little difference in where he can drive and I could, except he could sometimes squeeze under height barriers. But my Ducato had a bathroom and a permanent bed with good headroom, it was far more liveable. It was a great van and we were really sad to see it go, but the biggest complaint was there was pretty cramped inside. If one person was doing the cooking, the other either had to sit in the cab or chill on the bed. And do a swappy dance if we wanted to go to the loo.

Last summer we moved to a 6m a-class. It feels 3 times bigger inside. We can both walk around at once. There's masses of table to sit at. On the vast majority of roads, it's fine. The issue comes in urban areas where a car parked on the side of the road means you have to stop and wait for oncoming traffic to pass. And in the back roads in North Norfolk and Cornwall, the extra width is more stressful. And I can't park in a supermarket car park amongst the cars anymore... its my only motorvehicle, so it also does the DIY and tip runs.

We're going to try out the a-class for a couple of years. But we might well go back to a van in the future... although maybe 6m.

Thanks - yes I would like to avoid stressful driving situations. I'm sure you're enjoying the spacious a-class when not on narrow roads

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

 

[lizibit]

If you're buying in France, do you need a french address from which to insure the van? I don't know myself but it occurred to me that it may be an issue.

My OH is French so we'll insure through his family

 

[Minxy]

Quite a few thread about this dilemma which may be worth perusing, along with things to think about with each option, eg:

6m or 6.36m pvc?

hi all, Looking to draw on the experience from the owners of the above size PVC’s, we are looking to change our Bailey 79-6 and whilst it will take some getting used to! Is there really any need to go down as low as 6m? The reason for change is it will fit on the drive, easier for my wife to...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Broken Link Removed

Advice sought: Slimline A class, low profile or PVC?

Hi, We've been researching what to buy as our next van having not had one for many years. We'd value comments on drivability, convenience and comfort of PVCs versus slimline A Class versus low profile B class (both sub 2.12m width) vans e.g. Carthargo Compactline 138 or Adria Compact Supreme...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Downsizing from coachbuilt to PVC

I’m thinking of downsizing from a Benimar 282, a 7.4m coachbuilt, to a PVC and looking for feedback from anyone who has actually done this in the last couple of years. Currently looking at either Adria Twin Supreme 640 SLB or Malibu 640. Reason for change? Benimar has transverse drop down...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[MitchandJenny]

We are going on a 6 month European trip this year (EU passports before anyone says we can't) and are planning to buy in France and sell again after our trip.
For 2 of us and our dog, toying between a panel van conversion or 6m motorhome with pavilion bed.
For anyone who has had both, is the extra 25cm width very noticeable?
Will have reversing cameras but hard to know what the roads will be like and maybe worth sacrificing some comfort/space for practicality.
We'll stay mostly in campsites and farms but keen to explore areas too. TIA

Proper Motorhome every time !!
Space !!!
Mitch

 

[dazandandrea]

Does size (width) matter?​

Wife says YES

 

[Lenny HB]

Our first van was 2.35m wide last two have been 2.21m find the narrower van much easier in tight situations. I must be near the top of the league on Fun when it comes to getting stuck in tiny villages.
Next van temped with a Carthago Compact Line only 2.12m wide not much wider than a panel van but a lot more room inside & a big garage.

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