What is possible at close to 5 meters?

[Robin Schell]

OK, I am in the process now of looking at 2nd hand campervans and browsing different brands and layouts etc. The thing is I need to stick pretty close to 5m length so that I can park in my current regular parking slot and also because I need something relatively small that is practical for general local use as well as eventually being able to take it down to southern Spain in the winters. (I do not have to commute to work everyday though as I work from home).

Soooooo, here's my question: Are there any good options in an older model that would incorporate a shower and toilet? Or is that just not possible in such a small vehicle?

I have seen the Chausson 500 which is (I think) 5.9m but what I have seen is relatively new and more expensive than I am contemplating at the moment, so is there anything similar that is likely to be found 2nd hand?

Basically, I only need one bed and it can be folded up or otherwise out of the way most of the time. A lot of the layouts I see incorporate more seats and berths than I need.

 

[John Mee]

I don't know how old you want to go, but our Autocruise vista (2001) is 5 metres. Has loo, shower,sink in "bathroom." Full size cooker, fridge, central heating/ hot water, captain seats to front, loads of storage, double bed light and airy inside and is like a Tardis. It is great for what we need and can be parked in a normal parking space.

 

[Robin Schell]

Wow, the Autocruise Vista looks perfect! It's certainly the perfect size. I'll start reading up. Many thanks!

 

[Guigsy]

I was doing some research a couple of years ago for a van that would fit in my single parking space. Here's a list of ~5.4m vans with full bathrooms and at least a double bed:

• Buerstner Citycar c540
• Chausson Twist V594S / V594S CS
• Dreamer D42
• Dreamer D43
• Globecar Roadscout R
• Hobby Vantana K55
• Hymer Car Ayers Rock
• Hymer Van 314
• Knaus Boxstar 540
• Pilote Foxy V540G
• Rapido V43
• Weinsberg CaraTour 541MQ
• Westfalia Amundsen 540D
• Malibu Van 540

 

[Janine]

My Autosleeper Nuevo is 5.4m and has full bathroom and kitchen

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

 

[DBK]

I don't think you'll get what you want under 5.5m give or take a few inches.
It is possible there is a Romahome model which fits but I don't know much about them other than they are quite compact and well regarded by their fans.

 

[hilldweller]

well regarded by their fans.

Most of whom are named Bilbo.

 

[DiggerJon]

Nu venture Rio might be worth a look. There are many different layouts, but all have toilet and kitchen as minimum.

 

[NickA]

I also had an Auto Sleeper Nuevo, it was a perfect 'small' van. Less than 51/2 metres with 4 berth or two berth options. I had the 4 berth because the overact bed was used for storage (a lot).

 

[Flatlander]

I used to have a Knas Sport Traveller. At 5.3 metres, slightly over the OP's length, but it had everything needed.

Generally speaking, it seems to me that older models, say around 2000 - 2005 or so, make better use of the available space.

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

 

[MikeD]

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/reviews/motorhomes/details/auto-sleeper-topaz/922422

Its a touch longer than 5 meters

 

[Robin Schell]

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/reviews/motorhomes/details/auto-sleeper-topaz/922422

Its a touch longer than 5 meters

That's an interesting layout. I like the washroom at the back. Basically they have divided the kitchen space to allow the ability to tack on the washroom. It's different and I kinda like it. I probably need just a wee bit more storage.

 

[WelshSu]

Talbot Express symphony autosleeper for sale here 1993. 5mtrs length..

 

[lunarman]

You could get one of these if you stretch to 5.9mtr ( same as the Chausson)

 

[Koppersbeat]

My Wildax Pulsar Hi-Top is just under 5m and has full bathroom and kitchen.It also has underslung LPG tank and water tanks.The roof is big enough for a solar panel and a Snipe satellite system.

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

 

[mikebeaches]

The Adria Twin 500 pvc is 5 metres long - has a fixed toilet and partial bathroom.

But is a modern van, so possibly over budget. Worth looking it up, however, because it's got quite an innovative design.

 

[SpeedyDux]

VW Westfalia California Exclusive. End washroom with cassette toilet, and centre kitchen in a LWB T4 by the best of all the converters.

There's a cheap one for sale on Gumtree:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/campervan...california-exclusive-lwb-campervan/1307682747

 

[CazPaul]

VW Westfalia California Exclusive. End washroom with cassette toilet, and centre kitchen in a LWB T4 by the best of all the converters.

There's a cheap one for sale on Gumtree:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/campervan...california-exclusive-lwb-campervan/1307682747

Good find, that looks pure quality for the money, if engine is good a great bargain.

 

[Minxy]

That's an interesting layout. I like the washroom at the back. Basically they have divided the kitchen space to allow the ability to tack on the washroom. It's different and I kinda like it. I probably need just a wee bit more storage.

For extra storage you could easily add a top box or a removable rear box when needed.

 

[John Mee]

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

 

[rod_vw]

All SWB Volkswagen T4, T5 or T6 by what ever converter you like, high roof or elevating.

LWB T4, T5 or T6 are just over 5m by what ever converter you like, high roof or elevating.

I have a LWB high roof for sale at

It's been superseded by a similar T6.

Rod

 

[cokit0]

hi, new on the forums, i have no motorhome, but i love compact ones, since i am broke i just enjoy see them,
one of the very best i saw is a "Wingamm Brownie 5.0 City Edition" of just 5,25m and full of space, crazy design, awesome!
The Wingamm Oasis 540 is somehow similar but of 5,40meters, lovely unit,

Another amazing one is the Challenger 100, with such a crazy big fridge and not a micro fridge that most vans have, were all you can store is a yogurt and two cans of cola.

Chausson 500 is the same as Challenger 100, but i dont know who is the real manufacturer and who is the rebrand,They are 5,7m if i am not wrong, but still deserves a mention on how good they are inside.

 

[scotzsue]

Most of whom are named Bilbo.

Hey watch it, never been called Bilbo and hope I don't look like him either

 

[68c]

Late 1990's Swift Sundance 500, a few inches over 5 metres. Classic coachbuilt van with all the usual, gas heating and hot water, fresh and foul water tanks, cassette toilet with outside service door, leisure battery, combined toilet and shower room, gas hob and oven, gas/12v/240v fridge. Can sleep 4 if you don't mind being cramped in the overcab. Plenty out there, you might even find my old one I traded a few months ago, don't know where it went though. It was a good size as it would fit Asda carpark bay.

Edit. There is one on Autotrader at the moment, nothing to do with me and looks in better nick than my old one.

 

[Cal54]

You might find an older Murvi that meets your budget. Yes they are expensive but quality vehicles.

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

 

[cokit0]

check this out, the Globe Traveller

5 meters long, so cool

 

[cokit0]

another of 5 meters with shower, looks very good to me

 

[cokit0]

BunkerVan Urban, shower, bath, and double bed, how cool is this one? made in Spain

 

[cokit0]

forgot to say its 4,96 meters the Bunkervan

 

[SpeedyDux]

A 5 m van conversion is compromised by bed makeup from seats, and compromised by lack of storage.

At 5.4 m there are layouts with a fixed bed and a reasonable amount of storage.

I like Wingamms especially the Micros on VW T6, but they are very expensive and the dealers are too far from where I live to be practical. Our closest dealer is probably in Belgium!