Modding the Hymer ML-t 580 4x4

[Abgs]

I may have cracked mine ….! Though on the German forums they say Hymer will replace them under warranty. I’ll see if I can get them to next time I’m down that way,

 

[Brains]

MLT570 shower is not big enough to change in.
I tend to chuck the duckboard to outside the door, have the shower and then step out onto the duckboard to dry and dress.

If I have neighbours admiring looking, then I just close the windscreen and kitchen blinds.

 

[Brains]

I may have cracked mine ….! Though on the German forums they say Hymer will replace them under warranty. I’ll see if I can get them to next time I’m down that way,

I'd be inclined to give the original to a yacht fitter and ask for a copy in teak.
It will outlast the vehicle!

 

[CazPaul]

I'd be inclined to give the original to a yacht fitter and ask for a copy in teak.
It will outlast the vehicle!

It might do, but getting the old one out and fitting the new teak one is the problem, on a new vehicle if it’s still in warranty too.

 

[Brains]

It might do, but getting the old one out and fitting the new teak one is the problem, on a new vehicle if it’s still in warranty too.

Mine simply lifts out. (2018 MLT570)
I remove it every time I have a shower so that is does not get wet.

I guess they must have changed the design

Not the best pic, but the only one I can find on line

 

[Jane NotRog]

Have you got the extra infill on the beds, Abgs ? It looks a lot more like a super king than ours, which I like. But we have decided not to put in the infill, as that way we have better access to the steps, and can just pull out the "drawer" that would support it when we go out, to stop Flynn climbing on the bed.

 

[Abgs]

Have you got the extra infill on the beds, Abgs ? It looks a lot more like a super kind than ours, which I like. But we have decided not to put in the infill, as that way we have better access to the steps, and can just pull out the "drawer" that would support it when we go out, to stop Flynn climbing on the bed.

Yes, the infill is in. The steps have an extension that folds into rear step when not in use.

 

[CazPaul]

Mine simply lifts out. (2018 MLT570)
I remove it every time I have a shower so that is does not get wet.

I guess they must have changed the design

Not the best pic, but the only one I can find on line

View attachment 1150802

Sorry my mistake I thought we were talking about the shower tray cracking not the duckboard.

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[Rog NotJane]

We have a duckboard but don't use it. A sheet of coin rubber cut to size over the shower tray is easier to clean, protects it better and less bulky when you take it out.

Also, Grianan have you looked at the even bigger new Crosstrail. Hymer say it "...it is the logical answer to the desire for freedom without compromise." so I can't see why everyone doesn't have one. More realistically, it looks like it has a bigger bathroom. It's at the expense of a massive arse though.

Crosstrail also comes with a lightbar so you'll be cooler than Abgs I don't think it comes with the dinky Crossover shovel though :-(

 

[Jane NotRog]

Yes, the infill is in. The steps have an extension that folds into rear step when not in use.


View attachment 1150821View attachment 1150822

I like that. Wonder if that would work for us.

 

[Grianan]

We have a duckboard but don't use it. A sheet of coin rubber cut to size over the shower tray is easier to clean, protects it better and less bulky when you take it out.

Also, Grianan have you looked at the even bigger new Crosstrail. Hymer say it "...it is the logical answer to the desire for freedom without compromise." so I can't see why everyone doesn't have one. More realistically, it looks like it has a bigger bathroom. It's at the expense of a massive arse though.

Crosstrail also comes with a lightbar so you'll be cooler than Abgs I don't think it comes with the dinky Crossover shovel though :-(

Oh interesting … I’d assumed the extra length was down to ladders and spare wheel in the back. I’ll look now!

 

[Abgs]

Also, Grianan have you looked at the even bigger new Crosstrail. Hymer say it "...it is the logical answer to the desire for freedom without compromise." so I can't see why everyone doesn't have one. More realistically, it looks like it has a bigger bathroom. It's at the expense of a massive arse though.

The Crosstrail is a MLt 580 in a tarty frock, as opposed to the dramatic, understated metallic black and silver of mine !

Both are the same length but Hymer quote 7.19m length for the CT as it includes the rear mounted spare as standard.

Mine was optioned with the spare on the rear and about 90% of the Crosstrail kit plus the expensive dramatic paint option - did I mention that before ...... ? Though the CT has bigger wheels, better body protection and a router.

The CT would be better value for the option pack if you are paying UK list. If you are looking for a regular 580, LHD from Germany I reckon you could get about 20% discount compared to UK list.

Crosstrail also comes with a lightbar so you'll be cooler than Abgs I don't think it comes with the dinky Crossover shovel though :-(

I haven't finished yet ! I've been installing the wiring loom for these two bad-boys this afternoon.

 

[Abgs]

Oh interesting … I’d assumed the extra length was down to ladders and spare wheel in the back. I’ll look now!

It is. The CT is just a MLt580 but as a special edition with a packaged lump of kit on it.

Mine has the ladder and spare wheel as an option but I generally 'forget' that they are there when booking ferries with a under 7m ticket price step!

 

[Abgs]

New 2 x (113 dB) deep bass horns fitted.

I still can't work out how to remove the grill on the Sprinter. Three torx along the top edge and then pull, are the instructions. Doesn't feel right to me.

Luckily I managed to get my hand down behind it and fit the bracket and plug in to the existing horn wire.

It's quite loud now.

 

[Grianan]

It is. The CT is just a MLt580 but as a special edition with a packaged lump of kit on it.

Mine has the ladder and spare wheel as an option but I generally 'forget' that they are there when booking ferries with a under 7m ticket price step!

To be honest we’d probably look at starting with 580 experience and speccing up for more lithium, solar, router and air … at the moment Cathargo C2/Malibu equivalent looking more suitable for layout/storage though 20 cm longer BUT MLT has the vibe we like and has diesel heater etc. Cathargo not listing that as an option yet.

 

[Abgs]

To be honest we’d probably look at starting with 580 experience and speccing up for more lithium, solar, router and air … at the moment Cathargo C2/Malibu equivalent looking more suitable for layout/storage though 20 cm longer BUT MLT has the vibe we like and has diesel heater etc. Cathargo not listing that as an option yet.

I had a Compactline Carthago before the MLt. I found the build quality better than than Hymer and the double floor was a huge bonus.

The 580 Experience is RWD and Mercedes which I find preferable to a FWD Fiat based. I've had two Mercedes and two Fiat based - I find the driving position better in the Mercedes whether right, or left hand drive. Diesel heating is a huge bonus, I'm still on my original 6Kg gas bottle after 120 nights of use. I think it's still about a 1/3 full.

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[CaptainPaul]

It is. The CT is just a MLt580 but as a special edition with a packaged lump of kit on it.

Mine has the ladder and spare wheel as an option but I generally 'forget' that they are there when booking ferries with a under 7m ticket price step!

Yes my man has just brought in 5 new Crosstrails and sold one already and has serious interest in another one....
TBH Im not mad about them as you say just a fancied up version of your van, i think they are trying to be the Xtura but failing badly lol

 

[layne]

To be honest we’d probably look at starting with 580 experience and speccing up for more lithium, solar, router and air … at the moment Cathargo C2/Malibu equivalent looking more suitable for layout/storage though 20 cm longer BUT MLT has the vibe we like and has diesel heater etc. Cathargo not listing that as an option yet.

We have recently been through a similar thought process. After lots of spreadsheets and “science” (aka manmaths) ordered an MLT Crossover which is based on the 570. The Crosstrail is the same vibe as the Crossover but based on the 580 and about 40cm longer.
We sat and stood in both at shows and dealers so haven’t actually experienced them like other folks here but it seemed to us that the only material difference was a bigger garage and the bathroom. For me I actually preferred the 570 shower which felt slightly more roomy than the 580 one as that is in its own enclosure rather than a folding wall and felt a bit tight when I closed the screen/door.
Cost wise when I spec’d up a 570 Xperience with everything I’d want it came pretty close to the cost of a Crossover. Some options are available on one and not the other so inevitably the bits you want you can’t always have!
We got a reasonable discount off list I think as they seem in demand (around £8k plus some other freebies. Please don’t anyone tell me if you did better ) but unfortunately have to wait until around April for delivery .
Following this thread with interest and building up a list of future upgrades .
Happy hunting
Layne

 

[mylastidea]

New 2 x (113 dB) deep bass horns fitted.

I still can't work out how to remove the grill on the Sprinter. Three torx along the top edge and then pull, are the instructions. Doesn't feel right to me.

Luckily I managed to get my hand down behind it and fit the bracket and plug in to the existing horn wire.

It's quite loud now.

View attachment 1150872View attachment 1150874

Great work there. Added new horn on mine last week and Laser Grill lights this weekend. In process of adding the Wolfbox three camera system. I did get grill fully removed so admiring your perseverance getting horn in there without moving grill !!

 

[Grianan]

We have recently been through a similar thought process. After lots of spreadsheets and “science” (aka manmaths) ordered an MLT Crossover which is based on the 570. The Crosstrail is the same vibe as the Crossover but based on the 580 and about 40cm longer.
We sat and stood in both at shows and dealers so haven’t actually experienced them like other folks here but it seemed to us that the only material difference was a bigger garage and the bathroom. For me I actually preferred the 570 shower which felt slightly more roomy than the 580 one as that is in its own enclosure rather than a folding wall and felt a bit tight when I closed the screen/door.
Cost wise when I spec’d up a 570 Xperience with everything I’d want it came pretty close to the cost of a Crossover. Some options are available on one and not the other so inevitably the bits you want you can’t always have!
We got a reasonable discount off list I think as they seem in demand (around £8k plus some other freebies. Please don’t anyone tell me if you did better ) but unfortunately have to wait until around April for delivery .
Following this thread with interest and building up a list of future upgrades .
Happy hunting
Layne

Where did you go to see them? We were hoping to see them at the NEC in February but Hymer are not on the manufacturer list .

 

[CaptainPaul]

We have recently been through a similar thought process. After lots of spreadsheets and “science” (aka manmaths) ordered an MLT Crossover which is based on the 570. The Crosstrail is the same vibe as the Crossover but based on the 580 and about 40cm longer.
We sat and stood in both at shows and dealers so haven’t actually experienced them like other folks here but it seemed to us that the only material difference was a bigger garage and the bathroom. For me I actually preferred the 570 shower which felt slightly more roomy than the 580 one as that is in its own enclosure rather than a folding wall and felt a bit tight when I closed the screen/door.
Cost wise when I spec’d up a 570 Xperience with everything I’d want it came pretty close to the cost of a Crossover. Some options are available on one and not the other so inevitably the bits you want you can’t always have!
We got a reasonable discount off list I think as they seem in demand (around £8k plus some other freebies. Please don’t anyone tell me if you did better ) but unfortunately have to wait until around April for delivery .
Following this thread with interest and building up a list of future upgrades .
Happy hunting
Layne

Good luck with your new van, hope you have great enjoyment with it,
we also went with the 570, mainly because we had downsized from having big vans for years to pvc size vans which we loved but a shockingly badly built Malibu experience got me looking for something else and i had always liked the Crossover since seeing them out in Morocco before they arrived in the UK purely because they are compact, ive found that it is very similar dimensions to a pvc just taller which i can live with... they also seem to be very well built vans plus i feel the AWD aspect of it opens up more opportunities to explore off the beaten track a bit more, hence im heading off to drive the west African coast as far as the Gambia in a couple of weeks time and hope to put it through its paces a little bit, nothing too dramatic just a bit of a dusting over lol
I'll be sure to post back on here how we're getting on or not!...

 

[ChrisL]

i feel the AWD aspect of it opens up more opportunities to explore off the beaten track a bit more, hence im heading off to drive the west African coast as far as the Gambia in a couple of weeks time and hope to put it through its paces a little bit,

The rainy season in Gambia extends to the end of March so some mud roads may be difficult or impassable depending on how much rain they get, the following clip is Liberia but it will give you an idea of what to expect, go to 7.29 minutes to see where it starts getting difficult.

 

[Grianan]

The rainy season in Gambia extends to the end of March so some mud roads may be difficult or impassable depending on how much rain they get, the following clip is Liberia but it will give you an idea of what to expect, go to 7.29 minutes to see where it starts getting difficult.

I remember watching her ride through the mud roads in Africa - Lorrie’s stuck there for months!

 

[Lenny HB]

The rainy season in Gambia extends to the end of March so some mud roads may be difficult or impassable depending on how much rain they get, the following clip is Liberia but it will give you an idea of what to expect, go to 7.29 minutes to see where it starts getting difficult.

That was amazing, what a brave girl doing it all on her own.

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[Lenny HB]

Where did you go to see them? We were hoping to see them at the NEC in February but Hymer are not on the manufacturer list .

Best place is Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, best Motorhome show in the world but not until the end of August.

Your best bet would be to pop across the channel you could start at Campirama in Belgium they keep good stocks, we have brought 3 vans from them. Then head for Germany quite a few big dealers.

 

[ChrisL]

That was amazing, what a brave girl doing it all on her own.

She's been travelling the world by motorcycle for the last 8 years Lenny, currently she is in Tajikistan en-route to China, having already passed through Afghanistan, her channel is called itchyboots and her name is Noraly Schoenmaker.

 

[Lenny HB]

She's been travelling the world by motorcycle for the last 8 years Lenny, currently she is in Tajikistan en-route to China, having already passed through Afghanistan, her channel is called itchyboots and her name is Noraly Schoenmaker.

I've already subscribed to her channel, one of the few You tubers worth watching.

 

[Grianan]

Best place is Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, best Motorhome show in the world but not until the end of August.

Your best bet would be to pop across the channel you could start at Campirama in Belgium they keep good stocks, we have brought 3 vans from them. Then head for Germany quite a few big dealers.

Thanks. We’re thinking about Düsseldorf and starting our autumn break earlier. Good idea to pop into a few in EU first though, tentatively wondering about adding in a spring break this year .

Lenny HB any idea if/when Cathargo may introduce a Truma diesel heater option?

 

[layne]

Where did you go to see them? We were hoping to see them at the NEC in February but Hymer are not on the manufacturer list .

They were at NEC in October.
Emm Bee near Manchester had a good selection and local to us

 

[layne]

Good luck with your new van, hope you have great enjoyment with it,
we also went with the 570, mainly because we had downsized from having big vans for years to pvc size vans which we loved but a shockingly badly built Malibu experience got me looking for something else and i had always liked the Crossover since seeing them out in Morocco before they arrived in the UK purely because they are compact, ive found that it is very similar dimensions to a pvc just taller which i can live with... they also seem to be very well built vans plus i feel the AWD aspect of it opens up more opportunities to explore off the beaten track a bit more, hence im heading off to drive the west African coast as far as the Gambia in a couple of weeks time and hope to put it through its paces a little bit, nothing too dramatic just a bit of a dusting over lol
I'll be sure to post back on here how we're getting on or not!...
View attachment 1151014

Thanks.
Gambia sounds like an amazing trip. Look forward to the pics!
Yes, can’t wait to get ours next year and take some adventures