Wildax Elara - innovative layout?

BillandHelen

BillandHelen

LIFE MEMBER
Joined
Nov 17, 2013
Posts
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Location
Edinburgh United Kingdom
Funster No
29,056
MH
IH 630
Exp
since 2004
Really interesting to see details of the new model on the Mercedes Sprinter, fixed island bed at the rear, well equipped kitchen, usable bathroom, maybe just the small lounge might be an issue?
But really well equipped and on a well speccd base vehicle, all for under £70k, looking forward to seeing it at the show next week, could be ideal for all those thinking of downsizing?
Also good to see the results of the Rapido investment coming through.

Bill
 
I applaud them for trying something different ...but with a fixed rear bed, I'd be worried at the lack of load carrying space for bikes etc. And the first one seems to be a strict 2 seater, 2 berth so a narrower potential market
 
Ernesto said:
I applaud them for trying something different ...but with a fixed rear bed, I'd be worried at the lack of load carrying space for bikes etc. And the first one seems to be a strict 2 seater, 2 berth so a narrower potential market
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Probably aimed at the empty nesters - makes so much more sense than having a six berth with only four belted seats, or a 2+1 berth with four belted seats...
My WildAx has three belted seats & can sleep 3.

I wouldn't surprised if this model is a success, if they didn't come up with a winding mechanism to increase/vary the underbed storage capacity.

Side access to each side of the bed looks very tight, but it is there, so no toilet break clambering required.
 
I like the look of it but you could not use the space either side of the bed because the overhead lockers would mean you could not stand up and the tv and cupboard under prevent access one side and the washroom prevents access the other.
You cannot see the TV from the “luxurious lounge” and sitting up in bed tricky as the Reims blinds form the headrests.
There is nowhere to put your cup of tea, your spectacles or phone/iPad by the bed. I also like to keep the van keys and alarm fob by my bed.
We have a narrow shelf running the full length of the rear beds and it’s perfect for all these things.
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Taking all that back now as I’ve had a closer look at the 360 view and I think that there is a narrow shelf built in each side so it’s not a walkway.
Handy charging points too.
:)
Like it.
But I still prefer to have rear u lounge, really cosy and comfy even if have to make up the beds
 
@Riverbankannie, I was just wondering what an Ian Hartley design might look like on a VW XL crafter, thinks it’s just a bit over 7m?
A fixed rear panel, raised bed, large “sealed” garage with all of Ian’s user friendly details would be great!
Would also allow slightly larger lounge, slide our per SL model anyone, door module giving room for a second tv?
Oh, I can feel myself reaching for my wallet already ........

Bill
 
dicksob said:
@Riverbankannie, I was just wondering what an Ian Hartley design might look like on a VW XL crafter, thinks it’s just a bit over 7m?
A fixed rear panel, raised bed, large “sealed” garage with all of Ian’s user friendly details would be great!
Would also allow slightly larger lounge, slide our per SL model anyone, door module giving room for a second tv?
Oh, I can feel myself reaching for my wallet already ........

Bill
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I’m not sure about the fixed rear panel, I’ve read about quite a few problems with it.
I was going to say that all I really need extra to the 630RL is space for a couple of folding outside chairs (the sort that fold flat rather than umbrella shaped).
Then I realised that I could probably put them under rear of bed if only we hadn’t put 2 Bromptons in there :whistle::whistle:

We’ve just come back from a short trip and glad I had fleeces to cover the leather edges of the cushions. I really don’t see the attraction of the all leather upholstery that the Wildax is showing, it’s just cold to the touch even if van is warm
 
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dicksob said:
@Riverbankannie, I was just wondering what an Ian Hartley design might look like on a VW XL crafter, thinks it’s just a bit over 7m?
A fixed rear panel, raised bed, large “sealed” garage with all of Ian’s user friendly details would be great!
Would also allow slightly larger lounge, slide our per SL model anyone, door module giving room for a second tv?
Oh, I can feel myself reaching for my wallet already ........

Bill
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I think he's planning on doing it this year in fact.
 
dicksob said:
@Riverbankannie, I was just wondering what an Ian Hartley design might look like on a VW XL crafter, thinks it’s just a bit over 7m?
A fixed rear panel, raised bed, large “sealed” garage with all of Ian’s user friendly details would be great!
Would also allow slightly larger lounge, slide our per SL model anyone, door module giving room for a second tv?
Oh, I can feel myself reaching for my wallet already ........

Bill
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I have looked at his first model and didn’t like it . The Crafter May be longer(6.8)metres but is narrower. The extra length is in the front cabin so does not add much to the habitation side. Because of its narrow with there are double doors fitted to get into the bathroom. Hope that helps a bit.
Paul

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“all for less than £70000”
are they ‘avin a giraffe?
Buy one a year later for £55k
 
I don
Langtoftlad said:
Someone has to buy the new one - for it to be available a year later "used"...
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I don’t mean to be rude,but isn’t that a statement of the blindingly obvious?

And of course it’s the same with cars etc.

But to get the value out of it,you would have to keep it for a very long time......fine if that’s the plan.
 
So what was your point :confused:?
Podney said:
“all for less than £70000”
are they ‘avin a giraffe?
Buy one a year later for £55k
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Some folk like to buy new, some folk don't.
Some folk will spend 100k on new, some folk 50k on new.
Some folk think a Mercedes badge is worth a premium, some don't.

I thought this was obvious too. Perhaps I've missed something?

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Langtoftlad said:
So what was your point :confused:?


Some folk like to buy new, some folk don't.
Some folk will spend 100k on new, some folk 50k on new.
Some folk think a Mercedes badge is worth a premium, some don't.

I thought this was obvious too. Perhaps I've missed something?
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To answer your two questions:

My point was that it is obvious that ,in order for someone else to buy second hand,some other person would have had to buy it previously.

No,you probably haven’t missed anything. Some folk think Autotrails are value for money,some don’t. But for most people,buying a depreciating asset,brand new and with vat,is seldom a good deal. If they keep it for a long time,that doesn’t matter so much.

Oh,yes,and I’m also a believer in the “each to his own” philosophy.
 
Riverbankannie said:
I’m not sure about the fixed rear panel, I’ve read about quite a few problems with it.
I was going to say that all I really need extra to the 630RL is space for a couple of folding outside chairs (the sort that fold flat rather than umbrella shaped).
Then I realised that I could probably put them under rear of bed if only we hadn’t put 2 Bromptons in there :whistle::whistle:

We’ve just come back from a short trip and glad I had fleeces to cover the leather edges of the cushions. I really don’t see the attraction of the all leather upholstery that the Wildax is showing, it’s just cold to the touch even if van is warm
Click to expand...


Never heard about problems with the fixed rear panel, what are they please.
 
Why not buy new if you can nothing like being the first owner
Not sure if my grammar is ok but someone may comment
 
Anyway, back roughly on topic! @CazPaul the only fault that I know of on the rear panel is bubbling or flaking paintwork in the area where the hinges were originally. Either needs respayed or the low tech route of covering with reflective pads!!

@Podney , if you think £70k is expensive you obviously haven’t priced up a new merc van conversion!! Agree, like all things in life second hand is always cheaper than new, great to have choice.

My real point here is that it’s grest to see another Uk designed and built (if no longer owned) builder doing something new and innovative, I for one hope they are a success!

Bill

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dicksob said:
Anyway, back roughly on topic! @CazPaul the only fault that I know of on the rear panel is bubbling or flaking paintwork in the area where the hinges were originally. Either needs respayed or the low tech route of covering with reflective pads!!

@Podney , if you think £70k is expensive you obviously haven’t priced up a new merc van conversion!! Agree, like all things in life second hand is always cheaper than new, great to have choice.

My real point here is that it’s grest to see another Uk designed and built (if no longer owned) builder doing something new and innovative, I for one hope they are a success!

Bill
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And the thing about buying a new IH van is that you can specify it nicely winterised and do tweaks here and there to suit you.
 
CazPaul said:
Never heard about problems with the fixed rear panel, what are they please.
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I believe that some owners are having problems with the wood rotting inside the rear panel, possibly caused by leaks from rear window or just roaring around the screw holes. The wood is in there to attach the hinges and struts of the boot lid?
 
CazPaul said:
And the thing about buying a new IH van is that you can specify it nicely winterised and do tweaks here and there to suit you.
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Why on earth would a manufacturer produce a van that wasn’t winterised?

I certainly wouldn’t buy one that wasn’t.

But I guess that some manufacturers do and some folks must buy them.

Ian
 
bigtwin said:
Why on earth would a manufacturer produce a van that wasn’t winterised?

I certainly wouldn’t buy one that wasn’t.

But I guess that some manufacturers do and some folks must buy them

Ian
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No i wouldn't but one either but a lot of people do.
 

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