Why are PVCs so expensive?

[acropolis22]

Is there something about the conversion process that makes them expensive compared to a low profile or alcove van that probably has more space? Just interested in the technicalities.

 

[Phill D]

Is there something about the conversion process that makes them expensive compared to a low profile or alcove van that probably has more space? Just interested in the technicalities.

Perhaps it’s the fact that a c class is supplied as a base chassis only and does not have the full manufacturer parts or specifications whereas a pvc does so the base vehicle costs more before converting

 

[Coolcats]

Is there something about the conversion process that makes them expensive compared to a low profile or alcove van that probably has more space? Just interested in the technicalities.

Maybe because they have most of the same facilities, a low profile or alcove base vehicle will be a far cheaper platform to begin with for a converter.

 

[Riverbankannie]

I think it is the building process, PVC’s have to have all the holes cut and then built inside the small space, applying insulation, lining etc and building up the furniture all inside the cramped space. The others, from videos that I have seen, can have production lines with walls and floor and ceilings (together with some inside structures) being built up off the van.

 

[Mr B]

PVC’s have to have everything fitted into the van, also have to have all the windows, skylights etc cut out of the sides/roof..
Coachbuilt, however, usually have the walls built around every thing, like having a big box bolted onto the rear of the cab,then the roof is put on last. A lot faster build…. So it makes them (coachbuilt, A class) seem cheaper. There are a few videos on YouTube

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[CaptainPaul]

I've just purchased a PVC it's a little Carthago Malibu 640 after coming down from a 9 metre Burstner Elegance and have to say I love this wee van so much that big Ellie the Elegance has to go
NB... looking forward to being a member of the dreaded 'Woosh Bang' club!
(Last pic is big Ellie looking a bit dejected)

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Supply and demand has a lot to do with it as well; both for the base van and the finished product pushing the price up - plus the poor exchange rates

 

[pjay]

Its because they have to train the workforce to open and close the side door properly first, which all adds to the cost

 

[GirlyVanGirly]

Its because they have to train the workforce to open and close the side door properly first, which all adds to the cost

Don't you start!!

After reading all the 'whoosh bang' threads on here, we say 'whoosh bang' every time we go out the door now!

 

[pjay]

Had to be said, i'm a proud member of the slidey sidey door gang.

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[TinaLes]

A lot on here are half deaf anyway, or at least they are when its there time to get a round in! so Whoosh Bangs dont matter to them.
I am just waiting for one of them to say, My word I like your dog, Its so clever that it knows I am deaf, it starts Miming at me at 6AM, and doesn't stop all day!
LES

 

[Landy Andy]

When I asked a dealer he told me “because it’s old people that buy them”.

 

[Coolcats]

When I asked a dealer he told me “because it’s old people that buy them”.

Harsh, but probably not true Hymer for example made the HymerCar range and the slightly cheaper Free model which can bee seen in the materials used, (although im not sure that's the case in the UK) also the trim in the new 2023 models are said to appeal to a younger audience

 

[CazPaul]

Supply and demand has a lot to do with it as well; both for the base van and the finished product pushing the price up - plus the poor exchange rates

Definitely, you only have to look at the price increase of them over the last couple of years, I am truly amazed for example how much RC motorhomes to name just one have put their prices up AND they have full order books too.

 

[Teedubyaa]

I had a little look earlier and couldn’t believe they’re asking £89,999 for a new order Adria Twin SLB! That is some asking price ……

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[CazPaul]

I had a little look earlier and couldn’t believe they’re asking £89,999 for a new order Adria Twin SLB! That is some asking price ……

Wow I thought they were about 60 grand tops.

 

[Oldrat]

A new VW Crafter / Mercedes Sprinter can cost £40k before even any conversion.

 

[Lenny HB]

A new VW Crafter / Mercedes Sprinter can cost £40k before even any conversion.

I think your price is a bit out can't even get the cheapest Ducato for that.
I went on the Fiat site yesterday and priced up a fairly basic Ducato.
LWB, maxi chassis, 180 HP engine auto box, climate control, cruise, & traction plus £59k Inc vat and could have easily put over anoth 5k of options on it.

 

[Billylou]

A lot on here are half deaf anyway, or at least they are when its there time to get a round in! so Whoosh Bangs dont matter to them.
I am just waiting for one of them to say, My word I like your dog, Its so clever that it knows I am deaf, it starts Miming at me at 6AM, and doesn't stop all day!
LES

Les, wrong thread bless you. Those who are digging out PVC owners are doing it elsewhere on the forum, and doing a grand job I must stress. How about letting this one run without your jolly interludes and maybe we’ll get some interesting sensible opinions.

 

[Teedubyaa]

2023 Adria Twin Supreme 640SLB

This 2023 Adria Twin Supreme 640SLB has the 140bhp engine and the manual gearbox. This is the twin bed version of the popular 640SGX

premiermotorhomes.uk

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[BillandHelen]

We priced up an RP Campervan, full spec, £165k! But then again new Adria Mercedes’ is £200k, price rises are breathtaking.

 

[rod_vw]

A new VW Crafter / Mercedes Sprinter can cost £40k before even any conversion.

You can now add £15,000 to that now for a decent spec Crafter or MAN TGE (same vehicle different badges).

A LWB 177bhp Auto VW Crafter/TGE with most of the 'toys' will set you back best part of £60,000 before fitting any camper parts. You may be lucky to actually get one in less than nine months and even luckier to get a decent discount. LWB is 6.8m and can be converted at less that 3.5t.

See my signature, still waiting for my base vehicle, ordered August 2021.

 

[Northernraider]

Wow I thought they were about 60 grand tops.

I remember when a vw t5 california was £44k . The t6 is around £75k these days

Madness

 

[Phil89a]

I had a little look earlier and couldn’t believe they’re asking £89,999 for a new order Adria Twin SLB! That is some asking price ……

My Adria Twin has gone up 27% since I agreed my fixed-price last April. Pick up this week

 

[EuroTrotters]

A new VW Crafter / Mercedes Sprinter can cost £40k before even any conversion.

Hymer Grand Canyon S, La Strada Regent S

Crazy money

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[rod_vw]

I remember when a vw t5 california was £44k . The t6 is around £75k these days

Madness

The new VW T6.1 price list has just been published, my current T6 Camper was built on a 2016 Highline LWB T6 Kombi 140ps Manual, I've looked at the advertised price for the current equivalent base vehicle, it lists at £47,505 then to build what I now drive I would estimate adding around £17,000-£20,000 to that and that's at self-build prices! Yes it's possible to cut corners/costs but then you've lost your resale value.

 

[PaulOH]

I think they're fashionable. Everyone wants a van conversion- was chatting to a local campervanning family and they are converting their own MB lwb van at the mo- not cheap for parts and they want to attain a certain look inside, which will cost a lot for them to do (but less than buying it- they mentioned figures in or around €30k for one already done). It's the vehicle of reference now- unless you have a fully coach-built integrated van with all the bells and whistles! However, the old O/H cab bedders are becoming trendy again! Recently a young guy on the street pointed at my van driving past, turned to his partner and said "like that- what a great van that is". Mine is full on Late 80s early 90s, so maybe there's a cache in that too?!

 

[Jonno1103]

Simple answer? Panel vans are very expensive. An XWB Ducato 140ps AT9 panel van in techno spec, alloys, DRL's etc costs £48k plus VAT.

 

[bubble63]

I've just purchased a PVC it's a little Carthago Malibu 640 after coming down from a 9 metre Burstner Elegance and have to say I love this wee van so much that big Ellie the Elegance has to go
NB... looking forward to being a member of the dreaded 'Woosh Bang' club!
(Last pic is big Ellie looking a bit dejected)

If you bought this on Friday I was the person waiting to see ‘if’ you bought it as I was next to Veiw , hope it’s good for you

 

[Coolcats]

On another note whilst people have the resources and are prepared to pay, these prices will remain the norm. Even if the market softens, the manufacturers will still have a market and maintain profitability.

Regarding the 2nd hand market it means as long as you keep your investment in good condition you should get a good price when you come to sell so it’s a win win.