Yes…….gone and done it..…….went to the NEC just to check a few things...…..bought a new MoHo!!!
Had received a couple of complimentary tickets to the Show from VW, as we were keen to have a look at the new VW Crafter based "Grand California" - part of the attraction being the publicised level of post-purchase support from some 71 VW Commercial Van Centres in the UK at which VW claim they will also have staff trained to support the habitation parts of the MoHo. Only a pre-production left-hand drive model was on show. This was the smaller of the two variants and had a rear transverse double bed, which is what we wish to get away from in our current PVC. Both this and the larger model are scheduled to start production in right-hand drive form in May with delivery from September, but will only be available in the UK with an automatic gearbox (not DSG, but torque-converter). Surprised to find how cramped it seemed inside, until I discovered the base vehicle width is narrower that the more common Fiat/Peugeot PVCs. SWMBO took an instant dislike to the interior harsh white finish and uphoulstery. Also, not cheap - probably starting at around £70,000 for the larger of the two models...... plus extras! Not for us.
A Funster Friend who bought a new Adria last year has had a fair few warranty fixes needed. He did not buy it from his local Adria dealer, as he got a better deal elswhere. Of course, his local dealer (not surprisingly) will not undertake any warranty work! Conscious of this we decided to have a look at IH conversions, as they are made/sold about 7 miles from where we live - convenient and they are often mentioned as having good customer support. However, for us the main drawback is that all of their models appear to need bed assembly each day - not for us.
Wandering on....... we came to the SMC Globecar stand. They are based some 45 miles from home, so manageable for any support needed we think. Yes - the Campscout met most of the desirable features we think suit us (from some 30 years of owning a smallish sail boat, we well understand the need for compromise), with a permanent fore/aft bed (unlike our current Autocruise Accent, with the inconvenience of nocturnal visits), 4 belted seats for occasional passengers - but only wanting one double berth, at 6.3m length and usual PVC width, SWMBO happy to help with the driving and should be little different from our present PVC for parking when needed in urban locations. SWMBO also liked the "Elegance Finish" of the internal fittings and uphoulstery.........SOLD!!!
So, I am now avidly reading the postings on the MHFun "Continental Models/Globecar" and becoming quite obsessed with what we may wish to modify/add post-delivery later this month, especially thanks to @Minxy Girl for her very helpful postings........the only problem being keeping the weight under 3,500 kg to meet our licence restrictions.
Not getting too excited......just lying awake in bed wondering if all the specified modifications/additional kit will take us too close to the weight limit!
.
Had received a couple of complimentary tickets to the Show from VW, as we were keen to have a look at the new VW Crafter based "Grand California" - part of the attraction being the publicised level of post-purchase support from some 71 VW Commercial Van Centres in the UK at which VW claim they will also have staff trained to support the habitation parts of the MoHo. Only a pre-production left-hand drive model was on show. This was the smaller of the two variants and had a rear transverse double bed, which is what we wish to get away from in our current PVC. Both this and the larger model are scheduled to start production in right-hand drive form in May with delivery from September, but will only be available in the UK with an automatic gearbox (not DSG, but torque-converter). Surprised to find how cramped it seemed inside, until I discovered the base vehicle width is narrower that the more common Fiat/Peugeot PVCs. SWMBO took an instant dislike to the interior harsh white finish and uphoulstery. Also, not cheap - probably starting at around £70,000 for the larger of the two models...... plus extras! Not for us.
A Funster Friend who bought a new Adria last year has had a fair few warranty fixes needed. He did not buy it from his local Adria dealer, as he got a better deal elswhere. Of course, his local dealer (not surprisingly) will not undertake any warranty work! Conscious of this we decided to have a look at IH conversions, as they are made/sold about 7 miles from where we live - convenient and they are often mentioned as having good customer support. However, for us the main drawback is that all of their models appear to need bed assembly each day - not for us.
Wandering on....... we came to the SMC Globecar stand. They are based some 45 miles from home, so manageable for any support needed we think. Yes - the Campscout met most of the desirable features we think suit us (from some 30 years of owning a smallish sail boat, we well understand the need for compromise), with a permanent fore/aft bed (unlike our current Autocruise Accent, with the inconvenience of nocturnal visits), 4 belted seats for occasional passengers - but only wanting one double berth, at 6.3m length and usual PVC width, SWMBO happy to help with the driving and should be little different from our present PVC for parking when needed in urban locations. SWMBO also liked the "Elegance Finish" of the internal fittings and uphoulstery.........SOLD!!!
So, I am now avidly reading the postings on the MHFun "Continental Models/Globecar" and becoming quite obsessed with what we may wish to modify/add post-delivery later this month, especially thanks to @Minxy Girl for her very helpful postings........the only problem being keeping the weight under 3,500 kg to meet our licence restrictions.
Not getting too excited......just lying awake in bed wondering if all the specified modifications/additional kit will take us too close to the weight limit!
.
!['\](/forum/styles/default/xenforo//smilies/oldsmilies/bigGrin.gif "BigGrin '\")
Those of you who succumb on the day keep the shows alive. I can sense your excitement. Wishing you lots of fun filled adventures in your new van 
So we decided to go to hte NEC so all units were there and we could compare all together.
Well, we bought it there and then and from a dealer only a few miles away from home.
then drink his plain and boring Hot Chocolate.
