Downsizing

[Gardenpotter]

We are considering downsizing from our 7.5 metre MH to something around 6 so that we can park closer to places of interest without the overhang. We also tow a small motorbike trailer. We like the Burstner Ixeos. We are realising the obvious compromises to this like less storage. Possibly an electric bed coming down from the roof or over the garage beds. Just wondering if you've done the same and regretted it?

 

[Kingham]

Started out with an 8.67m tag axle, downsized to 7.7m in 2012 and further reduced that in 2017 to 6.34m with my current van and never regretted a single moment.

Admittedly, each downsize coincided with changing needs, but I go pretty much anywhere I want in my current van, whereas the tag axle rarely came off site once I’d parked it up.

 

[the1andonly]

18 months ago upsized from the Bongo to a 6m rapido, amazed at the amount of space indoors 4 berth (electric bed in roof). Stiĺ can be a faff to park or travel down single track lanes. No bus pass so tow an up instead (in uk)

 

[PeteH]

If you are still fit, then it should be little of an issue. to downsize. Most however will involve either making the bed(s) up every night OR a climb up into either an over garage bed or drop down (manual or electric.). often too the Wash-room can be an issue?. With the issues we have, I suspect we are at the limit as far as size @ 7.4M.

 

[Fragle]

We downsized and don’t regret one bit. As above though health can quickly change requirements and 2 years later we are upsizing due to bathroom needs no regrets really loved the small van but needs must and looking forward to a bit of room

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[PhilMary]

Keeping a watch on this thread as I'm also thinking to downsize as the grandchildren are growing up and it's not cool.
My Elddis 155 is up for sale in the Classifieds and I am also looking at 6mtr size.
Phil

 

[Potty]

We downsized from a 7.5m to a 6.3m, AT Imala 615, 5 years ago. 2 side settees that just need the bases pulling out a few inches to let the back cushions drop down to make beds. Bedding lives in the massive over cab lockers. Separate shower (the larger van just had a wet room), masses of kitchen storage, although the fridge is a bit small.

Absolutely no regrets about downsizing.

 

[woodstock]

We are looking at campervans but with single beds. Changing from Apache 700.

 

[Minxy]

Can I interest anyone in a lovely Globecar Campscout, 2 single beds in rear, half dinette up front ...

 

[GROMIT69]

Downsized from 7.4mtr Bailey to 6.3mtr ih PVC not regretted it

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[Stealaway]

What bike is it many ixeos come with a garage

 

[Grianan]

Totally recommend Minxy Girl s van .... well I don’t know her specific one, but we have an identical one at it is great.
All depends where you’re coming from. We had had a lovely caravan in the past but hated making the beds up so wanted a fixed bed. But we had a luxurious spacious end bathroom in the caravan whilst the one in the Campscout is more modest.
When we decided to buy a van we set our hearts on a VW T6 but it became clear that for 2 adults and an adult sized teenager it was not going to work. So I’m grateful for the 2 single beds, the large storage space underneath, the ensuite and the kitchen corner.
Good luck with your search!

 

[wiljoy]

Can I interest anyone in a lovely Globecar Campscout, 2 single beds in rear, half dinette up front ...

Get in there. You should sell motorhomes but maybe you're to honest.
Good luck with your sale, it's a lovely van.

 

[Sasbo]

Just gone from a 7.5m Pilote A class to a 5.96m Chausson 530 Welcome VIP Premium.

Apart from ditching all the stuff in the Pilote garage we carried but rarely used, we are finding the change fine, with the last two weeks spent in Devon and Cornwall not causing any problems even when Sygic satnav sent us down butt clenching narrow roads, but that's another thread.

Plenty of living space with the pooch having her own sofa and the electric bed in the ceiling is great. Good seperated washroom with toilet and shower and this model also has a boot for storage.

Only downside is will have to carry bikes on the rear, when we need to take them which will be less often as we can get into the majority of places we need to, unlike with the Pilote which was a bit restrictive.

All in all really happy with our downsizing decision as we looked at PVC options but they did not suit our needs.

 

[Gardenpotter]

Stealaway our main bike is a BMW tourer but we are considering a scooter or similar to take away.

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[Stealaway]

Stealaway our main bike is a BMW tourer but we are considering a scooter or similar to take away.

I don't think the beemers going to go in but a 600 twin might. Be careful of the weight though there might be only 500 Kg payload --- in total!!!!
I'm actually fancying one of these Hondas - light- 102 Kg and it takes two. Could be fun.

MSX 125

 

[Gardenpotter]

It does look fun

 

[Adrian1]

We went from 7.5 MT to a 5.99 pvc dont miss the space more mpg easy to park done a 5 week trip to Italy just got back from a 3 week trip to Yorkshire and use like a car at home great

 

[Gardenpotter]

Interesting thanks

 

[jemhorn]

We have 6.50m Frankia and lots of space. Duo drop down bed. Added storage box for all the light weight rubbish we seem to cart around!

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[Vipar]

We are looking at campervans but with single beds. Changing from Apache 700.

Had a row?

 

[Minxy]

Had a row?

We've got single beds in our Globecar and are changing it for an a-class with 2 doubles ... one at each end!