Hymer a class or c class (1 Viewer)

[bubble]

Hi, we have been without a motorhome for a few years, moving, job, etc, but know looking to re kindle our love for adventure. We have a budget of about £20,000 and would really love a Hymer, having owned several previously. But we don’t need anything very large. Just want it for a few days away and days out. We were looking at a b544, but a c class might also be great for our needs, but we are confused over the C Class vans, but so many different models. Please help. Camp, classic , swing. What are the differences please, thanks in advance.

 

[Boringfrog]

I thought the Hymer Camp was an old model based on the Talbot, but looking you can newer versions too.

 

[Theonlysue]

Lots for sale on ebay. You can check out the photos.
There is also a hymer owners group on fb.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[bubble]

Yes I have looked at pictures but nothing explains the difference. Between camp classic or swing, somebody must know please.

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't think there is much difference, they just changed the names over the years.
Have a look on Broken Link Removedplenty for sale on there.

 

[Speve]

The reason we prefer A Class is there’s no draughty cab area and more useable space, especially if you get one with a nice garage also we have found Hymers to be more honest with their excellent payloads ( on the ones we have had) both over 4000 kg GVW though.
Good luck with whatever you choose and @Lenny HB s advice about mobile.de is sound if you want an import you get more for your money.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jollyrodger]

C class Hymer Tramp festival 3.0 Renault. (@Leftlegger ) rear fixed bed 6.5mt 2005
A class B574 (mine) 2.5tdi. rear fixed bed and drop down front double 6mt .1998
Both comfy reliable and get most places.

 

[nicholsong]

I cannot cover all models in this post, but if you want a garage with a fixed bed over then the main day living space is the front lounge and there I think the 'A' Class wins hands down as it has a panoramic view and feels roomier.

I also prefer driving an 'A' Class as the 'C' Class cab feels more like the vans I used to drive for a living- but that is just me.

This is all based on my MH experience of our N&B Arto.

Geoff

 

[Stewart J]

There is a Hymers for Sale Facebook group, some nice vans currently listed, you will need to join to view so not sure if link will work.https://www.facebook.com/groups/1163667860398188/

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[deleted-member02]

Hi, we have been without a motorhome for a few years, moving, job, etc, but know looking to re kindle our love for adventure. We have a budget of about £20,000 and would really love a Hymer, having owned several previously. But we don’t need anything very large. Just want it for a few days away and days out. We were looking at a b544, but a c class might also be great for our needs, but we are confused over the C Class vans, but so many different models. Please help. Camp, classic , swing. What are the differences please, thanks in advance.

Most of it is an age thing - similar products renamed over the years.
They're all 'lower' down the hierarchy - so lighter cabinets, sometimes cheaper upholstery, cost savings in the bathroom, no double floor, other bits and pieces downgraded/done differently compared to B Klasse.
Used models can be far cheaper and can represent excellent vfm compared to B Klasse. (some sellers will offer at B Klasse prices hoping that an unsuspecting buyer will be unaware)
You also have 'GT' coachbuilt models that have double floor and are far closer spec'd to B Klasse.
Best bet is download some old brochures (via Google) to compare the various models and trim levels.
2005 brochure for example
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...390&dl=start&usg=AOvVaw3xGTK4A3YAFeCA4Cc1I4SJ

 

[hymerman]

Probably stating the obvious here , but there's much more usable space in an A class than C class for the same length of van.
Drop down bed at night , then pushed up and out of the way and huge lounge for the day.The driver and passenger seats revolve giving loads of space in the cab area.
I'm biased as only ever owned older A class Hymers ( 5 in all ) but viewed inside many other types and noted how small they feel.
584 is a very roomy van under 6 meters and £20k

 

[nicholsong]

Most of it is an age thing - similar products renamed over the years.
They're all 'lower' down the hierarchy - so lighter cabinets, sometimes cheaper upholstery, cost savings in the bathroom, no double floor, other bits and pieces downgraded/done differently compared to B Klasse.
Used models can be far cheaper and can represent excellent vfm compared to B Klasse. (some sellers will offer at B Klasse prices hoping that an unsuspecting buyer will be unaware)
You also have 'GT' coachbuilt models that have double floor and are far closer spec'd to B Klasse.
Best bet is download some old brochures (via Google) to compare the various models and trim levels.
2005 brochure for example
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwj9lvf2ifffAhUmRBUIHdVMBgcQFjAAegQIBxAC&url=https://www.hymer.com/de/service-und-zubehoer/kataloge/archiv/download.html?file=390&dl=start&usg=AOvVaw3xGTK4A3YAFeCA4Cc1I4SJ

Where he is using 'B Klasse' he is using Hymer's term for what everybody else calls an 'A' Class.

I do not know why they do it, especially as they are in a large group - and now American owned.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Where he is using 'B Klasse' he is using Hymer's term for what everybody else calls an 'A' Class.

I do not know why they do it, especially as they are in a large group - and now American owned.

Hymer invented the A Class style which they call the B Class so it's everyone else who has got it wrong

 

[BusyBuilder]

Our first (and previous van) was 2009 Ford based T552 CL. It was very good, plenty of carrying capacity and in our view, well built. We did 18000 miles in about 20 months all over Europe and North England . Also plenty free camping. Fixed bed with lots of storage fortwo of us with our Pointer.

 

[deleted-member02]

Where he is using 'B Klasse' he is using Hymer's term for what everybody else calls an 'A' Class.

I do not know why they do it, especially as they are in a large group - and now American owned.

Not quite what I’m saying, B Klasse is what I would describe as typical ‘standard’ A Class Hymer, as you also have ‘classic’ (budget) and ‘S class’ (premium) along with the recent variations, all of which are A Class vehicles....
Hymer B544 ‘B Klasse’ is a very different vehicle to Hymer B544 ‘Classic’ for example...

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[bubble]

Thank you, so classic is budget , s is premium, a class is same size as the same model in c class, I never knew that thought they looked a lot smaller. We have had both but never really understood the differences. We will keep looking.thanks again.

 

[nicholsong]

I always thought that Hymer's prefix of 'S' to the number designated that the chassis is Mercedes. I do not know if that makes it 'Premium'

 

[bubble]

Not sure still , judging from the brochure star line is the top of the range, but so people say that certain year models build quality is better, maybe before 2001? Any body know please, thanks in advance

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Dave and Ginny]

Not sure still , judging from the brochure star line is the top of the range, but so people say that certain year models build quality is better, maybe before 2001? Any body know please, thanks in advance

I may be a bit late with any input @bubble, but it may help if your still looking.

We had a 2002 B544 Classic for over 5 years and we absolutely loved the van. True, the Classic is one of the 'budget' model Hymers. The habitation is built entirely on the Fiat Chassis so they have a single floor throughout. Many Hymers are built on the Alko chassis so are double floored. Classics are still 'Winterised', except the waste tank is below the floor. Some are insulated though so still pretty good and never caused us any issue during Winter use. We sold ours just 18 months ago at @ £17500. There are still lots about to be had at a bargain, but have a good crawl about underneath to be happy that the chassis is sound.

We only parted with ours due to needing a garage for Ginny's trike. Although I had a rack on the back, it was hard going loading and unloading.

We were lucky second time around to pick up a lovely Starline 680 that we are very much enjoying. It's a 2004 and I have no issues with the quality of workmanship on the habitation side. Solid as a rock! Built on the same Mercedes chassis that many older Hymers were, 1994 to 2006 I seem to recall.

Good luck with your search if still looking.

 

[Figaro]

Beware of eBay Hymer scams, lots around at the moment but easy to spot.
All give brief info and urge contact through email.
I started reporting them but they get taken down and reappear a few days later.

 

[hymerman]

Don't know about the new vans but the with the older models 'S' class was the premium model and built on a Merc chassis .
Most of the other models were normally built on the FIAT chassis.
The 584 was a good layout for 2 people built on the FIAT, a very similar model was put on the Merc but I can't remember the model number.
I've had a number now of different models and layouts , all were good and none leaked or had damp issues even though 20 years old.
My current van was available with 5 different internal layouts but all identical outside , it's 18 years old and I love it.
I was informed by a dealer of quality issues from about 2006 onwards but this may just be a myth. The teardrop headlights were prone to break and very expensive to replace. Don't know as all mine were much older.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't know about the new vans but the with the older models 'S' class was the premium model and built on a Merc chassis .
Most of the other models were normally built on the FIAT chassis.

All change for this year with the B class on a front wheel drive Merc chassis and the more expensive B class SL on a Fiat, but it has the Super Lightweight Chassis that Hymer developed with Merc and now manufactured by Al-KO.
All rather confusing really.

 

[BusyBuilder]

My B544 is on Fiat Maxi chassis rated at 4250kg, also has double floor with water tanks in between. Also if deep step inside door, that can be a give away to double floor.
Best way to check for double floor I'd to look inside for floor lockers/cavities and look underneath to see if water tanks show.
Good luck if you need help just ask.

 

[bubble]

Hi, purchased a B544, and very happy with it, thanks so much for your imput

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[pandas]

Our B544 was brilliant, enjoy yours.

 

[Northernraider]

I always thought that Hymer's prefix of 'S' to the number designated that the chassis is Mercedes. I do not know if that makes it 'Premium'

You get hymer b models on Mercedes too
But tend to lose some underfloor storage die to rear wheel drive.

 

[Larrynwin]

We also get on great with our B544, lots of lounging space in a small mhome.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wagoneer]

It may be worth noting that the Fiat 2.8 JTD had a fairly significant upgrade in 2002. Recognised by an oval speedo binacle.

We bought a 2002 Hymer B544 Classic with latest Fiat upgrade. Brilliant vehicle, kept it for 10 years.

In retrospect, wish I'd bought the more upmarket B544 with maxi chassis 3900kg based on 16" wheels. This model had double floor and full length GRP roof.

The Classic chassis was 3400kg, 15" wheels, single floor and more basic roof construction which sloped at the front over the sleeping area.

Only sold it because we needed more payload to carry a scooter.

 

[bubble]

Hubbys stuck in ours been there for days, see the leisure battery and spare wheel chat.