From Coach Built To Van Conversion?

[DaveFromBarrow]

Hi,

Has anyone gone from a coachbuilt (we're in an Apache 634 for example) to a van conversion - I'm thinking Auto-Trail V-Line 610 Sport type thing? Interested to know how you found going from lots of space to much less and the pros and cons.

cheers

d

 

[Guigsy]

Last year I went from a 5.4m PVC with a transverse bed to a 6m a-class with a drop-down bed only a couple of outside lockers. The a-class feels 3 times bigger inside. It's far more comfortable in the evenings and when its raining. We can work from the motorhome on laptops, which was impossible in the old van without killing each other. We don't have to play musical chairs where only one of us has the space to stand up at once. Having a shower isn't like shutting yourself in a steamy coffin. But when driving, the width is much more annoying. It was much easier to sneak into towns and cities in the van than the motorhome. And ironically I could carry far more big outside stuff like bikes, chairs, etc in the van because of the space under the bed.

If I were to go back to a PVC, I'd probably get a 6m. But I don't think I'd cope with lack of storage in something like the V-Line. I'd go back to a transverse bed again. But then we don't tend to spend much time lounging in the van. So a large sofa area isn't that important to us.

 

[ontheroadagain]

We considered changing to a PVC last year but at 6'-2" I just couldn't find one that had a long enough bed and sufficient head room.
Also, the storage in some was very limited. Nowhere to store a spare wheel, outdoor chairs, BBQ etc.
We ended up with an Adria Compact SC. It is 2120mm wide which is only 70mm wider than a PVC.
(Actually, as it has the short arm mirrors, the overall width is exactly the same).
Rapido and a number of other manufacturers now also do a Compact range.
Just another option for you to consider.

 

[Terry]

Hi, you will find that you will carry a lot less stuff in a PVC. Needs rather than maybe need It still has all the basics just like your CB Depending on the layout,it will decide how open / spacious/cramped it will be

 

[DaveFromBarrow]

Fantastic responses as always. One of my thoughts was we'd be able to go from the CB plus two cars to only one car as the PVC is kinda usable as a "car" if required. We do work from the van so the comments with respect to that were appreciated - it's one of Mrs Dave's concerns.
In my view, as we travel light anyway, is we could cope with that and we'd get to more of our beloved fishing spots - down wee lanes in Cornwall etc.

Pros and cons I guess. I do like the CB we have, it's getting on but we're slowly upgrading it and it's booked into Regal in October so I want to decide before spending that kind of money on it.

d

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[mikebeaches]

We considered changing to a PVC last year but at 6'-2" I just couldn't find one that had a long enough bed and sufficient head room.
Also, the storage in some was very limited. Nowhere to store a spare wheel, outdoor chairs, BBQ etc.
We ended up with an Adria Compact SC. It is 2120mm wide which is only 70mm wider than a PVC.
(Actually, as it has the short arm mirrors, the overall width is exactly the same).
Rapido and a number of other manufacturers now also do a Compact range.
Just another option for you to consider.

At risk of generalising, many of the British-converted PVCs lack any sort of garage space for storage.

We have a Rapido V68, which is 6.4 metres long and has fixed twin large longitudinal single beds (which can be converted to a giant double).

But there is a decent garage at the back into which goes the relaxer chairs, two outdoor tables, two pairs of ramps (large and small), two folding leg rests, two sun umbrellas, two hook-up cables, a shovel, sweeping brush, outdoor carpet and countless other camping paraphernalia - all comfortably swallowed up. We don't have to carry items loose inside the van, only our personal stuff in the extensive storage cupboards. The wardrobe is the only bit of a compromise regarding storage - the size from top-to-bottom is limited. And yes, the fully equipped shower room is a tad bijou, although again there is good storage.

We had a coachbuilt previously, but the driving aspect is as important to us as the camping side of things. And the PVC is great around town, down narrow country lanes and particularly at speed on the autoroute. It is much more 'planted' than the coachbuilt - think White-van-man travelling at 80+mph down the outside lane of the motorway (we don't usually travel at that speed, I just use the example for illustrative purposes! ).

We especially like the big sliding side door that brings the outside world in, and when it's really hot on the campsite, opening the rear barn doors ensures a flow of cooling draught through the van. On the other hand, although it can cope with any type of weather, it sometimes feels less spacious if days of continuous rain set in.

At the end of the day, it's horses for courses. But we bought the van new over 6 years ago and don't have any regrets. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Adam b]

We have just sold our A class . We are hoping to buy a pvc later this year quite like the Rapido vans but there don’t seem to be any about just now.

 

[Andy MacD]

Went from Benimar 292 coachbuilt to Adria Twin 640. Best thing we could have done. If you’re thinking of it then do what we did, hire one locally for a few days to try before you buy.

 

[SpeedyDux]

It helps if you are both quite slimline and not too tall.

There are some PVCs that at first sight seem more spacious inside, with an open plan layout from cab to rear bed area. Those converters did away with a wardrobe which for us is a must-have.

 

[Brody]

We had a Chausson coach built 5 berth with 5 seatbelts which was ideal as we have 3 kids. There was loads of room (which we needed) for all their gear inc pram etc. The bathroom was really spacious with a separate shower area which again was great to be able to put a baby bath in. We mainly travelled in France using Aires.

For one reason and another we weren't using it enough so decided to sell.

A few years later we bought my hubby's VW T5 from his business and did a self conversion I also used this as my day to day vehicle. School runs, shopping etc. Was brilliant for ferrying the kids and their mates about as it has 5 passenger seats. He did a really fantastic job on it, I actually think he could do conversions for other people after seeing some at the NEC!

But..... It's not the same as having all your facilities, shower/loo/full kitchen etc, then again we have coachbuilt experience so have comparisons.

We have now decided to sell the VW and have bought a PVC it's a 4 berth as one of the kids is now an adult and we don't need the 5th seatbelt. The bathroom is small but functional, there does seem to be enough room for the 'essentials' but I can elaborate further when we come back from our holiday in a few weeks We have tall kids the tallest girl is 5ft 11 but no doubt my son at 13yrs will overtake her and the bunks at the back at 6ft 8 so plenty of leg room for them both.

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[Skez]

Yep. Best thing we ever did in terms of our van life!

 

[dosser]

Yip went from 7.5m Rapido A Class to a 6.4m Adria twin slb, defo not so much living space inside but overall we much prefer it. I'm 6'3 and can walk around no problem inside and one side of the bed is long enough. We did have a 6.4m Globecar before the A Class so knew what we were getting.

 

[uzsnowdrop]

Fantastic responses as always. One of my thoughts was we'd be able to go from the CB plus two cars to only one car as the PVC is kinda usable as a "car" if required. We do work from the van so the comments with respect to that were appreciated - it's one of Mrs Dave's concerns.
In my view, as we travel light anyway, is we could cope with that and we'd get to more of our beloved fishing spots - down wee lanes in Cornwall etc.

Pros and cons I guess. I do like the CB we have, it's getting on but we're slowly upgrading it and it's booked into Regal in October so I want to decide before spending that kind of money on it.

d

Agree with Mikebeaches , had a 7.4 motorhome and now in a 6 metre pvc. Its been fabulous for our type of use, and we dropped one car, so the van gets used daily taking the dog out or having a day out here and there. Love the feeling of bringing the outside in with all the doors open, and we can get to anyplace a delivery van can get. You do have to be a little ruthless over some of the ‘crap’ we all carry around, but it all fits in somehow!
Good luck with your next adventure

 

[Insider]

We had a Chausson coach built 5 berth with 5 seatbelts which was ideal as we have 3 kids. There was loads of room (which we needed) for all their gear inc pram etc. The bathroom was really spacious with a separate shower area which again was great to be able to put a baby bath in. We mainly travelled in France using Aires.

For one reason and another we weren't using it enough so decided to sell.

A few years later we bought my hubby's VW T5 from his business and did a self conversion I also used this as my day to day vehicle. School runs, shopping etc. Was brilliant for ferrying the kids and their mates about as it has 5 passenger seats. He did a really fantastic job on it, I actually think he could do conversions for other people after seeing some at the NEC!

But..... It's not the same as having all your facilities, shower/loo/full kitchen etc, then again we have coachbuilt experience so have comparisons.

We have now decided to sell the VW and have bought a PVC it's a 4 berth as one of the kids is now an adult and we don't need the 5th seatbelt. The bathroom is small but functional, there does seem to be enough room for the 'essentials' but I can elaborate further when we come back from our holiday in a few weeks We have tall kids the tallest girl is 5ft 11 but no doubt my son at 13yrs will overtake her and the bunks at the back at 6ft 8 so plenty of leg room for them both.

Had a 6 berth Dethleff with luton and many years later have a 4 berth Autocruise Forte(PVC) which is brilliant and recently slept 4 grown people on a trip to Germany. I do think the Solaris XL is on another level with their layout and build quality and regret not going the extra few thousand when buying back in 2019. They don't come up for sale in Ireland much and importing is now a no no. The only slight reservation would be the top bunk - I'd be tempted to see could I wee through the skylight at 4 in the morning....LOL

 

[Coolcats]

We considered changing to a PVC last year but at 6'-2" I just couldn't find one that had a long enough bed and sufficient head room.
Also, the storage in some was very limited. Nowhere to store a spare wheel, outdoor chairs, BBQ etc.
We ended up with an Adria Compact SC. It is 2120mm wide which is only 70mm wider than a PVC.
(Actually, as it has the short arm mirrors, the overall width is exactly the same).
Rapido and a number of other manufacturers now also do a Compact range.
Just another option for you to consider.

I’m 6’2 and the HymerCar Ayres rock 5.4mtrs is fine, it has a transverse bed it’s a nice compact van

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[GrahamCardiff]

We hired a 7 metre motorhome and gave it a good trial, but in the end we opted for a Sunlight Cliff 600 (6 m PVC) - as someone said earlier the pros are that it feels good on a motorway or driving down lanes; you can park it almost anywhere in towns or cities; we spent 4 weeks touring Europe in it with our dog and it was fine. Ours has a big permanent double bed and good storage underneath. Downside is that it's a bit cramped and I wouldn't fancy a week in the rain in it.

 

[Suenliam]

We are just getting used to a 6m pvc after having an Adria coachbuilt 7m for 16 years. I am amazed at the storage space in the pvc as I had imagined it was very restricted compared with the Adria. However, this is probably because the Adria was filled with things a) I had forgotten I had already and b) lots of things I rarely/never used e.g. 6 extra wine glasses to cover breakages and visitors!
Sue

 

[Brody]

Had a 6 berth Dethleff with luton and many years later have a 4 berth Autocruise Forte(PVC) which is brilliant and recently slept 4 grown people on a trip to Germany. I do think the Solaris XL is on another level with their layout and build quality and regret not going the extra few thousand when buying back in 2019. They don't come up for sale in Ireland much and importing is now a no no. The only slight reservation would be the top bunk - I'd be tempted to see could I wee through the skylight at 4 in the morning....LOL

It's the daughter that's bagged the top bunk so that's me sorted!

I wish we'd bought it in 2015 when we first saw it at the NEC. Funnily enough (or not) I've still got the brochure which I found the other day. The OTR price was way, way, way less than what it is now

 

[GibAvon]

We swapped our 6 m coach-built (dinette, transverse bed and garage below) for a 6 m PVC with a similar layout. We're both pensioners, and not particularly tall, so the transverse bed layout suits us.

Our experience using our new van over the past few months has generally been positive, and we echo what has been posted in the above replies, e.g. from mikebeaches.

Plus points:
It's nicer to drive.
Our transverse bed is excellent.
The layout of the garage below is fine, and access is easy through the rear barn doors.
The sliding door and rear doors have made all the difference during recent hot weather.
We were initially concerned about storage in the garage and overhead cupboards. So we reviewed our camping gear, and (as others have confirmed) we realised that some of it hadn't been used for years. Now there's a heap of gear languishing in our spare room.
We're happy now, as we have managed to find storage space for the really essential stuff.
(BTW - We don't have any bikes, e-scooters, giant BBQs, or similar toys.)

Minus (?) points:
The corridor between kitchen unit and bathroom is narrow, and we do have to wriggle past each other sometimes.
Wardrobe space is limited. But SWMBO is more selective about her outfits.
We fondly remember the coach-built having had loads of space and more than enough storage .... But we're getting used to it.
And did I say that it's nicer to drive?

Hope this helps.

 

[Badknee]

After having our Vantage Neo @6.35 mtrs for three days we set out on a five week road trip. After our 8.3 mtr Hobby tag it’s a bit different to say the least
We loaded up with what we would need…………wrong! We arrived back this afternoon and took half of our stuff out again and replaced it with what we now think we need

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[Pablotti]

I made the transition from coachbuilt to PVC, and it’s the best move for me. I went from 7m to 6.3m, but that make no real difference. The reduction is width is very noticeable, it’s more steady, and it rattles less.

Like some have said above, storage was the main issue. I actually have more cupboard and under seat storage, but the rear lounge layout offered pitiful space… and uncomfortable seating.

I wanted storage for bikes, SUPs, and kite surf kit. I also like a fixed bed, so I removed the rear lounge and built a fixed bed frame with aluminium extrusion. I have a front dinette area that seats 2-4 already. The ally bed frame is free standing, but fits tightly against the sides. It’s totally solid, yet free standing (meaning no extra holes, so I can revert to factory when I sell).

Before and after below. I now have oodles of storage, and I couldn’t be happier….

 

[Norfolk Nige]

We went from 7.6 mtr autotrail to our 6.4 mtr Autosleeper Kingham. Very similar layout with fixed French bed next to bathroom and a sofa opposite the sliding door to make the most of the views.
once we got used to carrying less of the clutter it has been the best decision we made. It drives so much better and gets down all our windy Norfolk lanes, you can still fit a fair bit in with huge underbed storage and there is plenty of space in the longer chassis. Best move we made changing.

 

[Canucks]

I made the transition from coachbuilt to PVC, and it’s the best move for me. I went from 7m to 6.3m, but that make no real difference. The reduction is width is very noticeable, it’s more steady, and it rattles less.

Like some have said above, storage was the main issue. I actually have more cupboard and under seat storage, but the rear lounge layout offered pitiful space… and uncomfortable seating.

I wanted storage for bikes, SUPs, and kite surf kit. I also like a fixed bed, so I removed the rear lounge and built a fixed bed frame with aluminium extrusion. I have a front dinette area that seats 2-4 already. The ally bed frame is free standing, but fits tightly against the sides. It’s totally solid, yet free standing (meaning no extra holes, so I can revert to factory when I sell).

Before and after below. I now have oodles of storage, and I couldn’t be happier….

That looks like an excellent idea. Well executed.

 

[555 FRY]

We have gone from a Homer Exsis 6.75mtr to a 7mtr Sprinter PVC. Everything about it is a plus apart from the shower and the narrow alleyway down the middle.

 

[OwnedbyCollies]

We went from a Burstner 6.7m french bed layout (7.3m with loaded bike rack) to a 6m Hymercar. We are 2 adults and 2 dogs and use the van all year round - we are fully self-sufficient, prefer wild/off grid camping and rarely use full sites.

We initially loved the large sliding door - great in warm sunny weather but not so good in winter or when its raining. Closing it was also an acquired skill.
The transverse bed was great and gave us loads of storage underneath. We fit 2 Bromptons inside along with the other essentials and loved not having a bike rack.
The bathroom seemed OK when we looked at the van - we tried everything out in the showroom in a dry run - sat on loo with door shut etc.. BUT soon discovered that even though you could sit on the loo with the door shut, you couldn't lean down to pull your pants up without opening the door.
The sink was great - a large fold down - but again you couldn't lean over the sink to wash with the door shut. We never even tried the shower in the end - it was a step too far!
The kitchen was a challenge. I thought that 2 rings would be fine - I can work wonders on 2 rings BUT I soon learned that the 2 rings had pan size restrictions and could only accommodate 2 very small pans at the same time. Using a (rather small) frying pan meant that I couldn't get another pan on the stove (or the kettle!).
We loved the easy driving with fewer worries about size and length.

A PVC seemed a good idea at the time but sadly was not for us and we lost our MH mojo . It lasted about 8 months and we bit the bullet and got our current van - 7m Knaus Sun Ti. Same layout as the Burstner but much posher . The French bed is slightly higher and, with the double floor, gives us a large garage so no need for a bike rack. The bathroom and shower are great and I have a full kitchen again.

PVCs are definitely 'horses for courses' but are not for us.

Good luck with whatever you choose

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[Pablotti]

One thing's for sure, there will be people that rave about PVCs, and people that rave about coachbuilts. We all have different needs and uses, and there's no one size fits all.

Someone above gave great advice... go and hire one for a few days. These are not insignificant purchases, so spending a few £££ on a trial would be very wise. You never know, you might hate it!

 

[SueLH]

In 2016 we hired a PVC with the same layout as we thought would be best for us and did the NC500 (which was lovely & quiet in 2016!). We learnt a lot - the layout was perfect for us but the configuration of the drawers was not. Decided would not buy one made by that manufacturer- was cheap & you could tell! Have absolutely no regrets about the Globescout I bought in 2017 as a 60th birthday present to me!! It suits us and our Labrador perfectly!

 

[Tom G]

Hi,

Has anyone gone from a coachbuilt (we're in an Apache 634 for example) to a van conversion - I'm thinking Auto-Trail V-Line 610 Sport type thing? Interested to know how you found going from lots of space to much less and the pros and cons.

cheers

d

We swapped our Bolero 600 for a V-line 600 in 2014, we love it, no regrets, and have looked around, but can find nothing in the 6m catagory to match it for spec. Si I think this will be a keeper, and of course no worries on water ingress, habitation checks are cheaper too on a PVC.

 

[Colinyellowspanner]

We’ve gone from 7.5m Hymer A class, 2 fixed singles, large garage, to a 6.4m Wildax Constellation XL Ducato.
We’ve lost the fixed beds, the garage, the underfloor storage, the poor kitchen, the tight lounge, the smart split washroom/shower, the tiny wardrobe.
We’ve gained a large open front lounge with long settee. 7foot long kitchen worktop. Full cooker. Tall fridge freezer. Microwave. 2ft+ floor to ceiling double wardrobe.
The sliding door opposite the settee is unobstructed (unusual in a PVC). If it’s cold or wet, we use the rear door.
No fixed beds, so we’ve gone back to our excellent duvalays, -two singles in a minute. Ramps, grip mats, groundsheet, mainslead, water stuff,- all in one cupboard just inside the rear door. Full size (comfy) folding chairs just inside the other rear door. BBQ,- underseat. Everything goes away, I won’t have anything cluttering up the living space! Downsides? Washroom is er, “compact and bijou” but adequate. Bikes now on the back. That’s about it!

 

[Bobbydaisy]

We went from a 7.5m Autotrail Apache to a 6.0m Adria Twin to a 6.0m Elddis CV20. We couldn’t live with the limited space the Adria gave us with the fixed bed and front dining , great for Continental living but not great for UK in the rain, but a lovely spec van. We moved on to the Elddis CV20, love it ! It gives us a rear lounge with 2 1.8m couches that slide out to make a large double or for us wider 2 x 1.8m long twin beds with room in between to get up in the night to the toilet . Gives us the luxury of large couches to lay about during the day when it’s poor weather and large comfy beds at night ( we use Duvalays on top of couches) . Has UK spec hob with gas and 1 elec ring and large oven , big sink and microwave ( not like the small hob/sink combo we had on the Adria) . Has a good size compressor fridge , really good under bed storage and decent bathroom and shower . Internal finish and trim is very good. The main thing for us down sizing was the size of the van , we can use it like a second car and get to more places to visit when away in the van rather than using bikes and buses etc. Each to their own but suits us great .