Mobilvetta (1 Viewer)

[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Has anybody got any words of wisdom on the Mobilvetta Yacht K80?
We are looking at one of these to replace our Adria Axcess Matrix 590 which is a bit on the small size. I love the layout, versatility and finish of the Mobilvetta.

We have been told that a new UK "mirror image" version will be available soon which will have a drivers door and the habitation door on the nearside. This will also come with an increased payload as standard (485 kg rather than 340kg).

Would we be better buying one of these? Or maybe the new UK version would mean that we could get a deal on the older version. Our licenses are such that we can drive the increased payload vehicle until we are 70. We don't take a lot of stuff with us and there are only 2 of us so would the MPM 3500 one be OK for us or would we find it difficult to sell in a few years time due to the low payload?

Oh and has anyone put a microwave oven in one of these? If so where???!

Any other advice/comments would be most welcome.

 

[mojo]

340 kg would not be enough for us ,a bit tight !

 

[Lenny HB]

485 kg is a very low payload, we reckon we need at least 600 - 700kg for us two lightweights. Don't forget you need to reduce the payload by any factory and dealer fitted extras, easy to loose 200kg of payload on options.

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[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Lenny - Luckily it comes with all the "extras" (solar panel, TV aerial). Only other available extra would be automatic gearbox which we would not have in any case. We don't take bikes as the dog is not keen to run along beside us! He weights 10 kilos by the way and we are skinny lightweights ourselves. I think if we were going to upgrade we would have to go the whole hog and get a 4400 with 1195kg payload. Not much point just getting the extra 135kg when even that puts you in the medical for license position at 70. Microwaves are not light though, maybe have to forgo that.

 

[Lenny HB]

Totaly agree last year we bought the current van on a 4500kg chassis with 1300kg payload so nice not to have to worry about payload, I've only a couple of years until 70, if I fail the med a good excuse for a new van.

 

[Blue Knight]

Lenny - Luckily it comes with all the "extras" (solar panel, TV aerial).

Janey, it may come with all the extras but these are not included in the standard payload/MIRO figures.

The current 80-series van has a payload of 340kg so that reduces to about 270kg if you've fitted an awning too. If you were to add a tow bar (and extensions) plus an extra leisure battery then your payload reduces further to about 170kg.

Mobilvetta is very public about stating the +/-5% European mass variation in its brochures and they do this because they build heavy vans.

If we take the 270kg figure and apply the European regs above, say 4%, then you may IMO only have a realtime payload of 140kg with a 3.5T van. This is one of the reasons why Marquis Lesiure recommnd the 3.65T version.

These vans (in payload terms) are totally unusable in 3.5T guise hence the reason why Mobilvetta owners probably never visit a weighbridge.

All the best,

Andrew

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[Nevis]

I'm expecting delivery of the K80 with 4400kg chassis and in the next few weeks. Hopefully, I'll have something to report if it is on time!

 

[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Nevis

Look forward to hearing what you think and hope that it is on time. Are you intending to put a microwave in it?! Sorry to bang on about this. It is just that I do all my cooking at home, pack it in the fridge/freezer and then it is very easy to have a home cooked meal whilst we are away using the microwave.

We thought we might visit a weighbridge when we take our current motorhome out next weekend and see what the actual weight is of what we take with us. That should give us some idea.

 

[Nevis]

Nevis

Look forward to hearing what you think and hope that it is on time. Are you intending to put a microwave in it?! Sorry to bang on about this. It is just that I do all my cooking at home, pack it in the fridge/freezer and then it is very easy to have a home cooked meal whilst we are away using the microwave.

We thought we might visit a weighbridge when we take our current motorhome out next weekend and see what the actual weight is of what we take with us. That should give us some idea.

Hi JaneyB,
I see where you're coming from re. microwave. I'm not sure what to put in it as yet. Thought I would see what my needs are when in use. I did, however, make an early decision when I ordered last October, to go for the 4400 chassis so that I had more options as to what to fit and include. I'll keep you posted when it finally arrives.

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[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Nevis
I think we might go for the 4400 too. We measured the cupboard above and to the right of the sink etc as it has a plug point in it. We have the very smallest microwave out. It would go in width wise and height wise but would stick out as microwaves do have quite a depth on them (so that you can get a plate in). Also the bottom of the cupboard curves up so you would have to put it on a stand. but it might work once you are sited. Other than that it would have to go on the hotplate cover which would be a tad inconvenient.

We are off to see the "mirror" image UK version when it arrives mid May. Although I am not convinced that would be any better, practically, than the current one - apart from the drivers door that is. Our Adria already has an offside habitation door so we are used to it now, parking on UK sites by driving in not reversing. And of course the Mobilvetta has a lounge at both ends!

 

[Nevis]

Nevis
I think we might go for the 4400 too. We measured the cupboard above and to the right of the sink etc as it has a plug point in it. We have the very smallest microwave out. It would go in width wise and height wise but would stick out as microwaves do have quite a depth on them (so that you can get a plate in). Also the bottom of the cupboard curves up so you would have to put it on a stand. but it might work once you are sited. Other than that it would have to go on the hotplate cover which would be a tad inconvenient.

We are off to see the "mirror" image UK version when it arrives mid May. Although I am not convinced that would be any better, practically, than the current one - apart from the drivers door that is. Our Adria already has an offside habitation door so we are used to it now, parking on UK sites by driving in not reversing. And of course the Mobilvetta has a lounge at both ends!

Mine is supposed to be 'mirror-image' too I am informed, as they are starting to be delivered with that configuration. I was also told it would have 'enhanced spec' but the dealer couldn't elaborate on that one!

 

[TheDogMan]

My mate has a Mobilvetta A class but he cannot drive over 3.5t, with a spare wheel and towbar he is buggered, he cannot take hardly anything with him and check how big the fuel tank is if considering one as his is only 45 litres so he is stopping a lot for fuel a lot the time at overpriced places, not good for long journeys, he is on about swapping his wife for a lighter one

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[terryallan]

It is true that the Mobilvetta has a smaller fuel tank than would be desirable but to my knowledge many models of motorhome are not equipped with a spare. The Mobilvetta can of course be uprated to 3650Kg.

 

[Blue Knight]

The Mobilvetta can of course be uprated to 3650Kg.

Sadly for the Mobilvetta owner that is not very reassuring as most vans have already surpassed their rear axle weight before they get a chance to reach 3650kg.

We viewed the Mobilvetta range today (59, 79, 80 and 85) and I'll say now that these vans will not stand the test of time. The interior designs are quite refreshing to the eye but the different bits are not well screwed together. The 10 examples at Marquis today are already showing some significant quality issues so that to me would be a big concern.

Cheers,

Andrew

 

[Nevis]

Sadly for the Mobilvetta owner that is not very reassuring as most vans have already surpassed their rear axle weight before they get a chance to reach 3650kg.

We viewed the Mobilvetta range today (59, 79, 80 and 85) and I'll say now that these vans will not stand the test of time. The interior designs are quite refreshing to the eye but the different bits are not well screwed together. The 10 examples at Marquis today are already showing some significant quality issues so that to me would be a big concern.

Cheers,

Andrew

Now I'm depressed!

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[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Nevis - so am I! I looked at a Corinium Autosleeper with the island bed last year and really loved it. But when I looked at it again last week after seeing the Mobilvetta 80 it just looked so old fashioned. We now have more choice as we have a storage place just down the road now. Present Adria just fits on the drive but it is only 6m. I like the Adria as it is pretty modern but we have had issues with the electric bed for a year (nearly there now, just a bit of electrics to sort but we are on our 3rd repairer). First made it worse, second went bust and Adria themselves have been an absolute nightmare to deal with. Their customer services are so slow to do anything. I would not buy another Adria for that reason.

Blue Knight/Andrew - did you see any other makes that you preferred? This is a big step and we must get it right.

 

[Nicepix]

We viewed the Mobilvetta range today (59, 79, 80 and 85) and I'll say now that these vans will not stand the test of time. The interior designs are quite refreshing to the eye but the different bits are not well screwed together. The 10 examples at Marquis today are already showing some significant quality issues so that to me would be a big concern.

Cheers,

Andrew

We viewed quite a few of the Trigano brands when we were contemplating buying a new van and came to the same conclusion.

 

[chippy63]

If you are after the two lounge idea as with the mobilvetta 80 is it?,

Then what about a rapido 8094df or 9094df ?, or http://simpsonsmotorhomes.co.uk/new-motorhomes/fiat-rapido-9094df-2

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[Blue Knight]

Blue Knight/Andrew - did you see any other makes that you preferred? This is a big step and we must get it right.

Hi Janey,

My wife and I only looked at a number of branded A-Class vans yesterday including Frankia, Rapido, Hymer and Pilote. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Pilote: We currently own a MY17 Pilote P740GJ (low profile) so being inquisitive I looked at the same van but in A-Class guise. In general the quality was as good as last years model but I could still see a few slight deficiencies where the company has tried to reduce weight. However, at a temporary reduced dealer price of £66k then it was a great bargain price. That said, the front end of the Pilote A-Class was made or very poor quality plastic panels with an ill-fitting bonnet so I discounted it straight away. The front end is quite uuuurrrrgly too.

2. Hymer: The price range was between £90K and £113K and to be honest I found the Hymer range to lack lustre compared to the various price tags stamped on the front screens. The quality was OK but like the Pilote you could see some areas where Hymer was desperately trying to reduce weight. The outside of the Hymers looked quite smart and they were practical vans but just not worth the money - overpriced IMO by 10-20%.

3. Next was the Rapido A-class range from the 8094 to the tag-axle (£78k to £123k). The exteriors looked great and well put together but the interiors resembled the type of room that you would find in a dodgy Soho hotel. I was not impressed by any of the Rapido A-Class vans in terms of quality but even more worrying was the incredibly poor payloads that came with the vans (not the £123k tag-axle though).

4. Lastly, and the one we went to view and buy was the Frankia Range (£90k to £165k). They are incredibly well built vans but to buy a Frankia you need to have the interior design taste of a 1920's pit village house, preferably with pebble dashed exterior and with three ducks on the living room wall. The interiors were bl@@dy awful. We looked at the 8400 Platin and all I can say is that it looked like a Soviet refuelling tanker from the cold war - enough said, we will no longer be buying one.

It was a most disappointing day but the whole experience proved that an A-Class van is no longer on our Xmas list. We will keep the van we have currently.

In conclusion- my mutterings above will probably be as much use to you as a chocolate fireguard; sorry!!

Best wishes,

Andrew

 

[Nevis]

On the contrary - I find this all useful (and entertaining) info. for reference when researching vans. I'm a bit partial to Soviet Socialist realism myself!

 

[Blue Knight]

I also concluded the following:

1. I want a drivers door.
2. A-class engines can often be much more expensive to fix due to greater access issues under the bonnet and above the sub-frame.
3. Windscreen replacement on an A-class can be a pain in the bum.
4. The large style windscreen is too 'goldfish bowl' for me and lets in too much sun in summer.
5. A-Class vans are for older folk and are not for the likes of me who still has the full use of his hips and knees.

I think that's about it guys.

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[Blue Knight]

On the contrary - I find this all useful (and entertaining) info. for reference when researching vans. I'm a bit partial to Soviet Socialist realism myself!

- The problem with the big dull grey Frankia is that it would have been equally at home wearing a suffix number plate from the 1960's as it would an 18-plate today.

We also considered an N&B tag axle van but after reading a number of very poor articles on the supplying UK Dealer we decided it was just not worth the hassle and didn't pursue it further.

 

[JaneyBMotorhomer In Hants]

Chippy - very useful, thanks. But, would like to stick to 7m if possible because it will just go on the drive for loading/unloading. Also Rapido's are a bit more than we wanted to pay.

Blue Knight - wow, thanks for all this detail! They are all pretty pricey too. Partner is now saying we should look at coach built ones again!

I must admit being rather disappointed by a lot of the interiors, not being a greige/neutral fan myself. Nor do I like boucle pile sofas. That is why the Mobilvetta was so refreshing.

 

[Speve]

Chippy - very useful, thanks. But, would like to stick to 7m if possible because it will just go on the drive for loading/unloading. Also Rapido's are a bit more than we wanted to pay.

Blue Knight - wow, thanks for all this detail! They are all pretty pricey too. Partner is now saying we should look at coach built ones again!

I must admit being rather disappointed by a lot of the interiors, not being a greige/neutral fan myself. Nor do I like boucle pile sofas. That is why the Mobilvetta was so refreshing.

Have you considered importing from Europe? You get quite a bit more for your money and it’s not difficult of course it would be LHD.
We are about to collect a new Hymer B678 DL and we got nearly as much for our old van as we paid for it three years ago. The new one has lots of extras already on it and it was discounted on screen price by €20000.

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[Nicepix]

We found that the Carado and Etrusco vans were as well put together as Hymers, had exactly the same layout and were a lot cheaper. Also, Fleurette are the same vehicle as Rapido, but with more modern interior designs.

 

[Blue Knight]

Partner is now saying we should look at coach built ones again!

Good luck with the search Janey. The choice of motorhomes is a very subjective business but my recent search of vans has concluded that I'm not quite ready for an A-class yet.

Perhaps in a few years eh

 

[terryallan]

The 10 examples at Marquis today are already showing some significant quality issues so that to me would be a big concern.

I am sure that many current and prospective Mobilvetta owners would be interested in knowing more about what evidence you have to substantiate this assertion. What exactly do you mean by "significant quality issues:?

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[Blue Knight]

I am sure that many current and prospective Mobilvetta owners would be interested in knowing more about what evidence you have to substantiate this assertion. What exactly do you mean by "significant quality issues:?

Broken bits, loose screws and fixings, hab doors dropping off their hinges (same with the rear boot/garages), shower doors jamming and made of such shoddy quality materials that a young kid would break them if force were to be applied. The door hinges, cupboard fasteners and tv supports were misaligned, weak or broken in some case.

If this is the quality of the stock on display then who knows what the vans will look like after several years of ownership.

 

[terryallan]

Broken bits, loose screws and fixings, hab doors dropping off their hinges (same with the rear boot/garages), shower doors jamming and made of such shoddy quality materials that a young kid would break them if force were to be applied. The door hinges, cupboard fasteners and tv supports were misaligned, weak or broken in some case.

If this is the quality of the stock on display then who knows what the vans will look like after several years of ownership.

Well you could be right. Like with any van, only time will tell how the Mobilvettas will stand up to the rigours of motohoming life and Britain's roads. It must have been an interesting session for a salesman to open one van after another and have such faults pointed out by you in all 10 Mobilvettas you viewed.

 

[Nicepix]

I looked at some new and used Mobilvettas and Maclouis vans at a local dealer in Ruffec. I too wasn't impressed with the quality of fittings and the fit and feel of the cupboard doors compared for example to the 10 year old Fleurette on the same pitch.

I didn't point out any of the issues I found and would be surprised if anyone else did. I viewed, didn't like what I saw and moved on. Same with the other five or six dealers we visited. In most instances we were left alone and went to find the sales person if we wanted to ask a question.

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