Evenin' All - first time buyer.... (1 Viewer)

[Rouleur]

Hello Folks, new to the forum and in the research/shopping around phase of joining this 'World of Fun'. Hope you can give me a couple of pointers.
Have done a few weeks of 'improvised motorhoming' - i.e. surviving in a SWB Renault Trafic with 2 gas burner stoves, sleeping bags, a 'shower-from-a-bag', etc, but that was mostly in benign Spanish summer temperatures.
Looking to do a lot more UK stuff, with better facilities, most likely 2-10 night duration - 6-10 'weekenders' per year and 1-2 of the 7-10 day excursions. 2 adults, 2 medium sized dogs, 2 pushbikes most of the time.
For storage/garaging I know a coachbuilt with a hefty rear compartment would likely be best, but I think the width saving on a van conversion may swing things as we'll do a decent amount of mileage on minor roads. The vehicle may occasionally need to double up as 'second car' or 'load carrier', so driveability (at least to out-of-town shops etc) would be a factor. Cost also comes into it. Happy to be buying second hand, hopefully sub-20,000 miles on the clock, seems to put us in £30k-£40k territory?
Currently assessing 6.00-6.40m van conversions. Is there notably better build quality from particular manufacturers/converters? Or are there any to steer clear of because of quality concerns? Have looked at dozens of video reviews online (most reviewers seem to praise just about everything they get their hands on) and visited the NEC show around this time last year. But that hasn't massively helped me narrow down particular manufacturers or models to focus the search on.
So.....watcha reckon? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[Figaro]

can`t help with your question, but welcome to the fun

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[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Vipar]

Greetings peeps good luck with your search

 

[mikebeaches]

As a pvc owner, agree with your assessment of the advantages. And that's after 2 coachbuilts owned previously.

I reckon you should be able to get a decent used van for your budget.

You need to try to work out what layout would work best for you. If you can manage with a fixed transverse double bed across the back, you'd probably be OK with a 6-metre van. But if you prefer longitudinal singles or giant double then the 6.4-metre van is likely to be best.

We prefer continental brands, as a lot do on here. Globecar are popular and Adria. Also Rapido - we've got a Rapido V68 (6.4m). And we sometimes use it as an alternative to the car.

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for!

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[Snoopy]

Hi and welcome ?

 

[Rouleur]

As a pvc owner, agree with your assessment of the advantages. And that's after 2 coachbuilts owned previously.

I reckon you should be able to get a decent used van for your budget.

You need to try to work out what layout would work best for you. If you can manage with a fixed transverse double bed across the back, you'd probably be OK with a 6-metre van. But if you prefer longitudinal singles or giant double then the 6.4-metre van is likely to be best.

We prefer continental brands, as a lot do on here. Globecar are popular and Adria. Also Rapido - we've got a Rapido V68 (6.4m). And we sometimes use it as an alternative to the car.

Good luck, whatever you decide to go for!

Is a transverse double viable if I'm 1m 85cm myself? Thanks for the observation on continental brands - is that primarily for build quality? Cheers!

 

[Campervan_man]

Broken Link Removed
Autocruise Panel vans are quite versatile. Steer clear of the Coachbuilt Autocruise as they can suffer from water ingress tracking down side join screws causing soft walls and floors.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Simon Select]

Welcome! Make sure you get a good dealer!

 

[Al-Di]

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[The Dudess]

 

[Jo662]

 

[Bailey 15]

Looking forward to hearing and seeing all about your purchase
Your at the right place for help n support

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[Alf_Hucket]

Hello and welcome

 

[mikebeaches]

Is a transverse double viable if I'm 1m 85cm myself? Thanks for the observation on continental brands - is that primarily for build quality? Cheers!

It might be a bit tight if you like to stretch out in bed. I think you'd be best to try lying on one at a dealer or show.

We're a bit vintage, and the longitudinal twins are more about access and not disturbing each other on nocturnal visits to the bathroom.

Continental versus British-built is a tricky one - and can be a potentially sensitive issue on here...

I guess much of it is subjective, but personally I prefer the general design, practicality and aesthetic of the finished product. Others who have chosen British vans will see it differently.

 

[Simon Select]

Hello Folks, new to the forum and in the research/shopping around phase of joining this 'World of Fun'. Hope you can give me a couple of pointers.
Have done a few weeks of 'improvised motorhoming' - i.e. surviving in a SWB Renault Trafic with 2 gas burner stoves, sleeping bags, a 'shower-from-a-bag', etc, but that was mostly in benign Spanish summer temperatures.
Looking to do a lot more UK stuff, with better facilities, most likely 2-10 night duration - 6-10 'weekenders' per year and 1-2 of the 7-10 day excursions. 2 adults, 2 medium sized dogs, 2 pushbikes most of the time.
For storage/garaging I know a coachbuilt with a hefty rear compartment would likely be best, but I think the width saving on a van conversion may swing things as we'll do a decent amount of mileage on minor roads. The vehicle may occasionally need to double up as 'second car' or 'load carrier', so driveability (at least to out-of-town shops etc) would be a factor. Cost also comes into it. Happy to be buying second hand, hopefully sub-20,000 miles on the clock, seems to put us in £30k-£40k territory?
Currently assessing 6.00-6.40m van conversions. Is there notably better build quality from particular manufacturers/converters? Or are there any to steer clear of because of quality concerns? Have looked at dozens of video reviews online (most reviewers seem to praise just about everything they get their hands on) and visited the NEC show around this time last year. But that hasn't massively helped me narrow down particular manufacturers or models to focus the search on.
So.....watcha reckon? Thanks in advance for any help.

Sun Living V65 SL all day long!

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[WynandJean]

Hello and welcome from West Midlands. ?

Wyn

 

[StitchesnFluff]

Hi & welcome to Motorhome’fun’ ??

see as many vans as po