Is it much harder to drive? Considering upgrading length from 6.140M to 7.77M

[ElddisNotElvis]

We are considering upgrading our starter van - Elddis Autoquest 130 to a Bessacarr 574 that is quite a bit longer (1.63M), and wondered how different the drive would be. I realise that cornering would require a wider berth; but in general, is there much difference in feel? We feel we are now ready to move up in spec and size having a few years use under our belt.

Are there any pitfalls with going over 7.5M?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mr porky]

We are 9m and on some campsites we would be too long but I think you will be fine going up to 7m and a bit.

 

[The Wino]

I think you will need to also think about the back swinging out in the opposite direction depending on the overhang it's a bit less obvious. We are only 6m too but I don't think it would bother me too much.

 

[ElddisNotElvis]

We are 9m and on some campsites we would be too long but I think you will be fine going up to 7m and a bit.

Sorry, as 7.77 is nearer to 8M, I’ve amended to over 7.5M

 

[ElddisNotElvis]

I think you will need to also think about the back swinging out in the opposite direction depending on the overhang it's a bit less obvious. We are only 6m too but I don't think it would bother me too much.

When I first started driving ours, the back swing caught me out at first, (and nearly did some damage). Now I’m aware of it; I pull out a lot slower and watch my mirrors like a hawk. I would imagine 7.77M would have even more rear swing on it.

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[Geo]

Don't worry about it at all ,
I'm 99.9% certain the back end will follow the front

 

[Gaston aires]

Once you get used to the rear out swing should be OK The height and width have the main difference potential.
Phil

 

[ElddisNotElvis]

Once you get used to the rear out swing should be OK The height and width have the main difference potential.
Phil

It would be 18cms wider but is lower in height due to not having an over cab bed bulbous front that ours had.

 

[Yorkshire Puds]

head to your nearest dealer, take one for a drIve. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[RandallC]

Short answer NO

Long answer only if you forget the rear overhang and maybe longer wheelbase.

At <8M your still ok for Nationwide recovery. At <7M some sites get a bit picky, often had to ring rather than use web booking as we weren't allowed at 8.5m

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[Realist]

I’m used to driving large vehicles (HGV) but you’ll have no issues it’s just getting into a mindset, routine that’s all once your mind became used to it the extra width/length becomes second nature.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

It’ll all feel perfectly normal after the first couple of times driving it, we are at 6.6m and can get in some normal car park spots if there’s a low kerb at the back. The difference you will notice is where you can access because of the length compared to what you are used to.

 

[Landy Andy]

It’s the width and the weight that would concern me more.

 

[Gerby]

ours is 8 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, its like any other new vehicle take it steady till you are used to it then it will be like you have never driven any other one

 

[CazPaul]

I go against others on this one, I think it's a massive difference going up by that much, when you add it to the length you already have.

It doesn't look much to people when they use their hands to look at the extra length but putting on the back of what you already have can seem huge.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

Going forward is not that much of an issue. Just make sure you have a good reversing camera or someone to direct you if reversing until you are used to the length.
You will soon get used to a longer van

 

[tacr2man]

The difference is basically you just need to stop a fraction earlier when you are reversing , the difference in cornering or rear swing is so little that normal safe clearances would take care of it . There is more potential for handling error down to wheelbase differences than body length . You need to get almost twice as long to really start having to make big allowances . Use your mirrors very frequently so that your mind can quickly build a spatial map and you will soon wonder what you were worrying about .

 

[Pausim]

I think you will find the extra width far more of an issue than the length.

 

[PeteH]

The last R-V, by the time you took into account the Tow Gear, was getting close to 10 M Beyond having to watch the front and back swing, once you have practised a bit. I suggest you Find a big empty car park. (evenings or weekends?) You will have very little problems. As for parking. I look for places where you can overhang behind. Google Earth can be useful. For example there are 2 standard places in Morrisons car park where there is space to the rear to overhang and fit. I found that using google maps.

After a while, you get Space savvy.

 

[RandallC]

Seriously you'll have no problems, just be calm and sensible. If using a sat nag don't follow it blindly, if it looks a bit iffy find somewhere to stop recheck sat nag AND MAP.

Only thing you need to watch really is the mirrors. If fitted with the fiat Long arm ones, A) get a set of mirror guards, B) fit bright coloured reflective tape to them (inc mirror guards) so they stand out for the less aware.

Just purchased some bright yellow reflective tape for new MH mirrors. So live in hopes that the T*at double glazing van (with side hanger) cutting the corner in my last MH this time sees the mirror. (Yes they slow'd due to impact and then drove away) before I'd clocked the plate number. Stopped to pick up the lower mirror and replace the main hanging by its heater wires, got abuse for blocking the road.

2" hole in the outer mirror housing.

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[63720]

My problem with a long rear overhang is kerbs on sites in Spain. I once reversed into a large space with ample room and damaged the rear valance when turnng out. Once in the space there was no alternative when leaving and I didn't spot the hazard. Live and learn.

 

[sweetie]

As long as the mirrors go through you are usually ok

 

[Landy Andy]

One of the reasons I fitted air assist on the rear, so I can pump my arse up.

 

[ElddisNotElvis]

I have noted the very long overhang from the rear axle which is something I worry about. Would it “bottom” easily, say, going up a steep hill for example?

 

[RandallC]

As long as the mirrors go through you are usually ok

Yes, Long arm mirrors were good, If they fit no issues, if you need to pull them in be careful.

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[ElddisNotElvis]

My problem with a long rear overhang is kerbs on sites in Spain. I once reversed into a large space with ample room and damaged the rear valance when turnng out. Once in the space there was no alternative when leaving and I didn't spot the hazard. Live and learn.

I have noted the very long overhang from the rear axle which is something I worry about. Would it “bottom” easily, say, going up a steep hill for example?

 

[Vic]

Started with a 6m van, currently have a 7.5m and 1.5m Hydratrail. Never noticed any difference. Had a narrower 7m van in between, noticeably easier to drive.

 

[63720]

I have noted the very long overhang from the rear axle which is something I worry about. Would it “bottom” easily, say, going up a steep hill for example?

Unlikely but keep an eye out for scrapes in the road surface, and, don't use full lock when parallel parking and moving off just keep plenty of room ahead then turn out gradually.

 

[Lenny HB]

Swing out at the rear is dependant on overhang not length, our 7.5m has less swing out than our previous 7.2m van as the overhang is shorter.
If you have a long overhang and are worried about grounding fit air suspension.

 

[denisejoe]

Point the front and the back will follow

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