Opinions on Hymer 614 or 504 (1 Viewer)

[Frontblunt]

Hi All,
Looking at buying either the Hymer 614 or the 504, anyone own either of these Hymer models? Would like to know if the 504 6m length is more user friendly than the 7m 614? and is the reduced garage and bed size worth the extra 1m? I'm going to be living in it for a while on my own so the single bed is fine but would like the extra space in the garage.
I have seen some older models £25,000ish and was wondering if the equipment ,shower, plumbing, heating, water tanks etc: need replacing? Do they have a shelf life before they need replacing?
Or do I go newer around the £35,000ish for less potential problems.

Any thoughts?
Regards Bob

 

[Aspenshaw]

We have a 2013 Hymer 504 130bhp and are thinking of selling but its not in the best of condition at present. However everything works! The only thing that has failed on ours over time is the water pump. Design is pretty good, build quality not as good as our previous 2005 Hymer but better than most other makes.. There is a small double floor.

Oury 504 has a short 3m wheelbase which makes for a tight turning circle but a bumpy ride unless you tackle the suspension. The shower is good with a swing panel to to ensure theatre is retained where it should be. Plumbing is good - the best seen by the guy does our habitation checks according to him. No water ingress. Water tanks are fine although filling them might take you over the weight limit. Heater is a Truma 6 Electric and Gas which has not failed us.

The big drawback of the 504 there is little room to spread out. Others include the width and the wing mirrors sticking out.

I travel with my wife, sometimes on my own, and occasionally use it on the drive. I've always slept in the drop down bed, wife uses the rear bed.

Our reasons for buying the 504 were to get separate beds (missus needs a different mattress to me), fit on our drive, a Hymer.

We've had ours for 10 years and don't regret buying it and we can't find a better one for our purpose.

 

[Frontblunt]

Nice one for the speedy and honest reply, I think I need to go and see both of my choices and compare. A mate has a 7m sprinter conversion and the length doesn't bother him and its slim enough for Cornish roads, The wing mirrors I hadn't considered! The width I'm willing to deal with for space when parked up. I would like to go to the Alps so the Hymer has been recommended for its winterised protection.
Do you think the 2005 models used better materials? More wood less plastic?
What mph do you get on a long run?
What Hymer are you looking for next?

Regards Bob

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[Red Sonja]

We have a 2004 B614 and have owned it for over 12 years. We had 3 vans in 3 years before we settled on this one. The build is fantastic and solid. We can store loads in both the garage and inside the van. I sleep in the back bed and hubby in the overcast. Our van has been uprated from 3500 to 3850. It has a large shower and toilet. The only thing I dislike about it is the fixed table. It is too big and bulky. I've not seen another van I like as much yet.

 

[Frontblunt]

Hi Red Sonja, Is there any way to make the table temporary? is it bolted to the floor in a cuff? I guess if you move it you need somewhere to put it whilst not in use. I would imagine there's a clever Trevor out there who could come up with a solution. Cut it in half and put hinges on it and a brace to secure it.
Well the rest of the van looks great and a good size to call home. The garage size looks like what I need. Thanks for the reply.

Regards Bob

 

[paddymcc]

I don't think that the length is that critical although it can impact on parking and the cost of some ferries. I considered the B504 but found a B525 and bought that. It's 6.4m on a Merc chassis. The equivalent fiat is the 524. It has a single at the back and drop down. The advantage over the B504 was that there is a bit more space in the lounge and it has a larger fridge (not under the worktop). The garage size hasn't been a problem ( 2 doors helps) but if you want the larger garage you will end up with a double bed at the back such as the B630).

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[Aspenshaw]

"Hymer has been recommended for its winterised protection.'
Not surprisingly because Hymer was one of the early, or even the first, to sell the two floor motorhome in the UK. Two floors improves insulation and space.

Do you think the 2005 models used better materials? More wood less plastic?
2005 models did not have to include all the recent vehicles legislation which has increased weight. My 504 seems to have designed and built with keeping within the 3500 kg weight limit with 2015 legislation in mind. This was not much of an issue for my 2005 544 which seemed more solid.

What mph do you get on a long run?
I've been motorhoming since 1995 and in the UK I've always averaged 27mpg whatever van I had - from a 1994 2.5 Talbot onwards. Not been on the Continent in the 504.

What Hymer are you looking for next?
Probably an Exsis which has a single floor, is slimmer, and slightly longer if I bought second hand - which I will because I am getting old! Misses is not keen though. I will be staying in GB.

I'd reckon the 504 is less suited for the Alps because of the need to dry clothes.

 

[Red Sonja]

Hi Red Sonja, Is there any way to make the table temporary? is it bolted to the floor in a cuff? I guess if you move it you need somewhere to put it whilst not in use. I would imagine there's a clever Trevor out there who could come up with a solution. Cut it in half and put hinges on it and a brace to secure it.
Well the rest of the van looks great and a good size to call home. The garage size looks like what I need. Thanks for the reply.

Regards Bob

It's bolted to the floor. We have thought of hinging it. It's obviously not that bad as we've put up with it for so long. Some people have removed it completly.

 

[Frontblunt]

Thanks folks food for thought.