Fancy changing my van, suggestions??

[MaidinDevon]

Hi all

I am considering changing the van, as I am thinking of taking a year off to travel, the UK and abroad, if I can after B+++++t and have a wish list, but not sure what to go for. Budget is approx 30k.

Essential

Must be winterised.
Under 7m (as will need to store on a parking space when I eventually go home.
Would like a garage, or big locker that will take the electric bike (it is a folder).
Must have a comfy sofa for curling up with a book, either two parallel or with a half dinette.

Would like

Prefer a fixed bed, as well as a drop down.
Prefer cruise control or automatic gearbox.
Prefer electric and gas heating, for when on site but not essential
Decent sized fridge and freezer
A class or coachbuilt.



I do like @Northernraider Hymer, but not sure if you can store a bike inside.

I have had 2 vans as a single person, a Murvi Morello, which was great to drive, and very well designed but I didnt like having a sliding door, on campsites. Partly because of the noise every time i had to use it, but also because there is no privacy. The current van is great, but not winterised, and very little outside storage. I have got used to the drop down bed now, and can sleep in it, but not when the bike is on the passenger seat! Cassette and gas lockers on the rear, so a bike rack has to be high, and i cant lift a bike up there.

So any suggestions. I know that all vans are a compromise. I am not able to buy anything until I get back in the spring, but thought i would consult the funster collective.

What about a bunk bed design like this
Broken Link Removed

 

[Tude]

I’d never ask someone else about changing van I’d just work it out me self is that wrong ??

 

[DBK]

I would have a look at Hymers - some certainly have large garages. Wandering around dealers is probably as good a tactic as any. Leaving cheque book behind of course.

 

[Jim]

You are at that stage of motorhome ownership where you know exactly what you want in a van, but don’t know what van that it is yet. You need to do a big show, Say Peterborough in April, sit in 30 or 40 vans and I’m sure your new van will reveal itself as soon as you step inside. Best of Luck. yy

 

[MaidinDevon]

Thanks for the input guys. I think that part one of my year out travelling is likely to be shows and dealers!. I am looking online as well. I will book Peterborough Jim, as a starting point.

However, if anyone does know of a quality van with sofas, a fixed bed and a garage under 7m, do let me know. There are so many options out there. I even found a Frankia with a rear slide, which extends a single bed to a double!! Not sure of the benefits of that really.

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[MaidinDevon]

Duplicate post

 

[scotjimland]

I do like @Northernraider Hymer, but not sure if you can store a bike inside.

then look at
Hymer B644 , I had a 2001 model

under 7mt, big garage that with double transverse fixed bed above.. and drop down bed

double floor, fully winterised.. tons of indoor locker space with under floor lockers accessed from outside.

look for one with a MAM of 4,000kg, that gives you 1,000kg payload.

Prices.. 2001 about £20k..

ideal for extended travelling

 

[PhilG]

My Euramobil has all of that but its a Tag at 8m, there are shorter ones that will fit the bill though, seen a few out on the road. that are a fair bit shorter, but have what you are after. In price easily as well.

 

[MaidinDevon]

[QUOTE="scotjimland, post: 3119597, member: 15"then look at
Hymer B644 , I had a 2001 model

under 7mt, big garage that with double transverse fixed bed above.. and drop down bed

double floor, fully winterised.. tons of indoor locker space with under floor lockers accessed from outside.

look for one with a MAM of 4,000kg, that gives you 1,000kg payload.

Prices.. 2001 about £20k..

ideal for extended travelling[/QUOTE]


Lovely van, @scotjimland. Thanks for sharing, and on my list.

 

[MaidinDevon]

@canopus / Thanks for helping me. Lovely van, bu i think it is a bit too long for me. Also a bit over budget.

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[paddymcc]

Hymer B525 and B630 would fit the bill. Both 6.4m long (before 2007) with the former having a single bed at the back (so over a smaller garage, still large enough for 2 bikes) and a large fridge whilst the B630 has a double bed at the back (larger garage) and a smaller fridge under the hob. Our B525 has a L shaped lounge - comfy, but so are the rotated reclining cab seats. The drop down bed is excellent.

 

[Podney]

I’ve heard Rapido’s are good

 

[jearing]

I'd look at a Carthago love mine.