I'm looking for a campervan... Any recommendations?

[MattR]

Hi

We're looking to get a newer 'van to take us into retirement....

I'm looking for a van that:

• Is 10 years old or less
• At least 4 berths and 4 passenger seats
• Around 6m long, 2m wide
• Driver's seat to be able to recline when resting (ideally) and be pushed back all the way for driving as I'm over 6ft tall.
• Can accommodate bicylces inside when there's only 2 of us sleeping in the vehicle
• Doesn't require us to be contortionists when getting into / out of bed or require us to climb over each other when getting out of bed

Any suggestions on 'vans that meet these kinds of criteria?

 

[MisterB]

I think adding your budget might encourage a better defined suggestion from other funsters

 

[Nirvanauk]

Doesn’t exist.

 

[MattR]

I think adding your budget might encourage a better defined suggestion from other funsters

Agreed to some extent but I don't want that to limit the options .... Ideally less than £60k but some flexibility if the criteria are met.

 

[MattR]

Doesn’t exist.

Okay.... I had wanted a Tardis but why aren't there more vehicles which don't require the flexibility of a gymnast to get in and out of bed or legs shorter than 25 inches?

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

 

[nicholsong]

Double or single beds, fixed or make-up?

 

[chaser]

Okay.... I had wanted a Tardis but why aren't there more vehicles which don't require the flexibility of a gymnast to get in and out of bed or legs shorter than 25 inches?

The only way really is design and build your own around the things you need but leaving out the things you don't need.
Ours was completely designed around a good shower and toilet. Everything else just had to fit in.

 

[MattR]

Double or single beds, fixed or make-up?

Double but flexible on the rest

 

[CazPaul]

The storage of 2 bicycles inside is difficult, if a 6m pvc you would probably have to have a transverse bed with garage underneath, even then it would be folding bicycles.
Unless you had the bed that rises for more garage space when travelling so the bikes could fit it, then remove them when at the destination.

 

[chaser]

The storage of 2 bicycles inside is difficult, if a 6m pvc you would probably have to have a transverse bed with garage underneath, even then it would be folding bicycles.
Unless you had the bed that rises for more garage space when travelling so the bikes could fit it, then remove them when at the destination.

For the bikes, we don't have any so not talking from experience but instead of having them in the van, is it not possible to build a sort of box on the back that would hold them and maybe other bits and pieces and have a really secure lock on it and so save having to have them inside.

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

 

[Aly1]

If you’re over 6ft tall and you are looking at a PVC you would not be comfortable in a transverse bed so you need to look at longitudinal beds. This then limits your choices if you want 4 seatbelts in a 6m van.

 

[Littlewheels]

My view on adding a box to the rear is if going to that trouble for your storage needs you may as well get a longer MH with a garage.

 

[cyberyacht]

You don't say if the bikes are folders. I would imagine any van less than a Winnebago will have you tripping over them.

 

[Shipps]

I think for your requirements you will need to go for a 6.4m van. Probably one with a pop top roof and a bed in the roof tent. This sort of van is a more recent style and so difficult to get one for this kind of budget. The Adria 640SGX Sport would meet your needs but to get one for £60k would be impossible.

In a 6M van then bed is usually transverse so have to climb over someone to get out to the bathroom. Storing 2 bikes inside (unless compact folding bikes) would be tricky. I can't think of any 4 berth vans at 6m. Typically they are a 2 +1 with the additional bed being about big enough for a child and have seen 2 squeezed into the 3rd bed.

 

[DJIT]

Just reading this and agree with the above - to get close to what you want, you really need to be considering a 6.4m van.
As far as I can tell, there are some 6m vans with longitudinal beds - but they are strictly 2 seats / 2 berth and the drivers seat won't recline due to the furniture placement being at the front. There are a number of 4 berth 6m vans, but they are all transverse beds.

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

 

[AndyPK]

What sort of engine do you want, MattR ………??
(surely not a diesel…..?!?! )

 

[Simon Select]

Hymer Yosemite?

 

[MattR]

Hymer Yosemite?

That looks great. It ticks many of our requirements. I wonder if there is a similar version that is in a lower price bracket.

 

[Simon Select]

That looks great. It ticks many of our requirements. I wonder if there is a similar version that is in a lower price bracket.

Maybe some older versions. I know Autotrail do a version as well as Roller Team with the Toleno.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Older Wildax 4 berth vans with 2 bunk beds might be worth looking at.

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

 

[berni109]

Sunliving.
You won't get your bikes inside unless you are prepared to climb around them.
Another compromise is the shower space.

 

[Minxy]

Does it have to be a PVC?

 

[Speve]

Have a look at the Hymer Exsis range particularly the newer versions they have large garages and either double or twin singles at back plus a drop-down in the front

 

[MattR]

Does it have to be a PVC?

No. But it seems though that coach-built vans don't have the option of putting bikes inside AFAIK.

 

[MattR]

Older Wildax 4 berth vans with 2 bunk beds might be worth looking at.

We hired a Solaris years ago but weren't keen on the bed position and I think the bunks aren't removable for bikes... I do not know about other models.

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

 

[MattR]

You don't say if the bikes are folders. I would imagine any van less than a Winnebago will have you tripping over them.

They will be mountain bikes or road bikes

 

[MattR]

I think for your requirements you will need to go for a 6.4m van. Probably one with a pop top roof and a bed in the roof tent. This sort of van is a more recent style and so difficult to get one for this kind of budget. The Adria 640SGX Sport would meet your needs but to get one for £60k would be impossible.

In a 6M van then bed is usually transverse so have to climb over someone to get out to the bathroom. Storing 2 bikes inside (unless compact folding bikes) would be tricky. I can't think of any 4 berth vans at 6m. Typically they are a 2 +1 with the additional bed being about big enough for a child and have seen 2 squeezed into the 3rd bed.

I'm finding similar conclusions... the pop top bed for the second bed seems like a good solution.

Transverse beds are a pain based on current knowledge.

 

[MattR]

You don't say if the bikes are folders. I would imagine any van less than a Winnebago will have you tripping over them.

Full size bikes ... Most of the time it will just be two of us traveling but we want the option of taking passengers if we don't take the bikes.

 

[MattR]

What sort of engine do you want, MattR ………??
(surely not a diesel…..?!?! )

Unfortunately it will have to be diesel

 

[ontheroadagain]

Full size bikes

Replacing these with Bromptons will open up more options.

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