sandalwood Posted June 27, 2017 Share Posted June 27, 2017 Has any owner any views on this van. Storage, driving etc. Seems a bit small in living area. Considering downsizing from Rapido Coachbuil re age. Current vehicle rather too large to drive for oldies! Any advice most welcome. Regards Ian *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veletron Posted June 28, 2017 Share Posted June 28, 2017 Hi I have a V55 (campereve 643) Definitely small in the living dept, and prob the same size living area as the V68 as I believe that has twin longitudinal singles on a 6.36M van? Suits us though as we don't go away to sit in the van - we are out as soon as its daylight. Even in the winter it has worked fine. Socialising wise, its not great - 4 folks total in for beers is about all you are going to get - depends if this is important to you - I bought a wee foldable stool to extend this by one person using the isle. Storage on mine is great - decent cupboards at the back swallow all the clothes, folding chairs and front screen go above the cab. It is a bit lacking in for food storage though - esp with the oven fitted which eats a drawer. Food goes above the fridge, and in one of the lounge overheads. Any overflow goes under the bed in a 'bag 4 life'. The underbed storage is good with 2 huge drawers, and the open area under the bed in which I carry some storage boxes containing clobber. Toilet is a bit tight, but its different on the V68, mine has the separate shower opposite (which was my reason for buying - I like a shower and never use sites). The 120L inboard water tank and insulated/heated waste tank is also great - in terms of both capacity and winter camping. I looked at some autotrail and autosleeper van conversions - un-insulated, unheated outboard water tanks the size of thimbles did not tick the box! Been happy with the build - a few niggles - the fly screen on the door comes off its rails, the smev grill spark no longer works. Few rattles/squeaks easily DIY fixed. Decent payload as stock of 700KG - required as I fitted a load of gadgets! 2 years on, still happy with mine - if I could change it, then I would have the Campereve 743 which is the same van on a 6.36M chassis allowing for a bigger lounge. Suggest you also look at the dreamer vans - this is the new name for Campereve in the UK, with more options in the range, and built by Rapido - the Dreamer Deluxe being similar to the Rapido V series equipment wise. following links might give you a few idea's re storage/gadgets http://photos.veletron.com/index.php/album151/New-Van-Campereve-Magellan-643 http://photos.veletron.com/index.php/album151/Van-Mods Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebeaches Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 We've got a Rapido V68, purchased new exactly 12 months ago. It has a standard 2.3L 130hp engine, with Comfortmatic auto gearbox. Previously we've had 2 coachbuilt vans. Love the Rapido, it works really well for us. We've just returned from a 4-week trip to Austria. Yes, the dinette is not overly generous, but we find it quite adequate. Mrs mikebeaches likes reading on her bed in the evenings and I usually hog one of the cab seats, often on the computer. The 135-litre fridge is great, probably the biggest in a PVC. The fixed twin beds are comfortable and enable us to visit the bathroom at night without disturbing or having to climb over each other. Of course the living space is narrower than in a coachbuilt, but is not an issue. Some of the big advantages of a PVC for us: - more relaxing to drive because it's a foot narrower than a coachbuilt, which makes a big difference - feels more sure-footed at speed, especially on the motorway (think 'white van man') - we travel at 70mph when road, traffic and weather conditions allow. Never did that in the coachbuilts - normally 60mph max. - love the big sliding side door to let the outside in - also like the barn doors on the back - good to open when very hot, allowing breeze and fresh air through - plenty of storage space for us A couple of minor frustrations - the conversion is a bit noisy at slow speed (but surprisingly quiet and refined at high speed). And the so-called wardrobe compromises on hanging space, so not ideal for party frocks :-). Otherwise, we think it is by far the best van we've had and is ideal for the way we use it. Getting a good night's sleep is important to us and it delivers on that score. Anything specific you want to know, just ask. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 ''Tis for info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 ''Tis fir info. Changing from coach built just missed buying Rapido from Hughbridge. Maybe next year! Like driving my bud Rapido, but think smaller van better. How old do you have to be to give up motorhoming? We elderly that's why smaller van might keep us on road longer! Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 Where in country are you, we in Berkshire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candapack Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 We also have a V55, downsized from a 7m. coachbuilt in January. We were nervous about the smaller space, but so far, so good.Tons of storage, everything that came out of the previous van fits in the new one, albeit that it can be a bit more fiddly accessing some of it. But easy to ensure the stuff at the back is the stuff you don't need much. Bed very comfortable, toilet and shower arrangements works really well for us, better than the previous one. Yes, the living area is smaller than before, but there is plenty room for the 2 of us so in effect it just looks smaller. We use the swivelling cab seats which are super comfy, we've had guests in (3 max, like previous post we use a folding stool too). So, comparing the 2 vans, we prefer this one. Storage is as good, bed is actually better, toilet and shower both better, kitchen not quite as good (less preparation and washing up space but wife reminds me that with the table up, and it being so near the hob/sink, it is in her opinion a more usable area). Living area smaller but more than big enough for us. Combining all that with the fact that it is so much easier to drive, manoeuvre, and park, we have taken it to places we would have been nervous about in the bigger van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebeaches Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 sandalwood - 2017-07-01 2:49 PM Where in country are you, we in Berkshire. We are fortunate to live only 20 miles (mostly motorway) from Highbridge, so quick and easy to do business there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don636 Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 The problem for me with this type of van is that most of the space is taken up by fixed beds leaving hardly any room for comfortable daytime use if you need to be indoors. We have a Vantage age Neo which is 6.36m long with a U shaped lounge at the back. Loads of room for feet up lounging, could seat 5 or 6 easily at the rear. Settees convert into two singles or a very large double that is very comfy for sleeping, especially with a topper. Very spacious kitchen area with loads of storage and an adequate bathroom. Plenty of storage for us at the back under the rear of the settees but may not be enough for some in which case there is another version with shorter settees and a transverse bed with no singles option but a bigger boot. Some will say they don't like settees that make up into beds as it is too much hassle and not as comfortable but I beg to differ as the process only takes a couple of minutes and is just as comfortable for us. For me this is a much more intelligent use of space in a relatively small van by making the space multi use with very little compromise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebeaches Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 Don636 - 2017-07-01 6:27 PM Some will say they don't like settees that make up into beds as it is too much hassle and not as comfortable but I beg to differ as the process only takes a couple of minutes and is just as comfortable for us. For me this is a much more intelligent use of space in a relatively small van by making the space multi use with very little compromise. As you suggest, everybody will have their own opinion. In our case, we don't need to host a group of 5 or 6 in our van, normally just the two of us even though we do have seating for two guests as well. And we prefer the comfort of the fully adjustable armchairs in the cab, to sitting on caravan-style bench seats in the back. Glad to have left caravan seating behind. Curious to know what bedding you use and where you store it all, including your topper? Also, where do you store your outdoor furniture - reclining relaxer chairs, leg rests and picnic table etc not to mention levelling ramps and all the general paraphernalia for motorhoming and outdoor living? Edited to add, I've just looked up the layout of the Vantage Neo - and if I've got the right model, I see it doesn't have 4 belted travel seats, only the driver and passenger with no front dinette. Is the driver's armchair somewhat compromised by the adjacent built-in furniture? Oh and the van illustrated in the link below appears to only have one armrest per cab seat - very odd? Is this the layout? http://www.familytravelcentre.co.uk/used-motorhome-vantage-neo-18 Everybody uses their vans differently, which is fine - guess it's fortunate there is plenty of choice for us all to select from to meet our individual needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 Don636 - 2017-07-01 6:27 PM The problem for me with this type of van is that most of the space is taken up by fixed beds leaving hardly any room for comfortable daytime use if you need to be indoors. We have a Vantage age Neo which is 6.36m long with a U shaped lounge at the back. Loads of room for feet up lounging, could seat 5 or 6 easily at the rear. Settees convert into two singles or a very large double that is very comfy for sleeping, especially with a topper. Very spacious kitchen area with loads of storage and an adequate bathroom. Plenty of storage for us at the back under the rear of the settees but may not be enough for some in which case there is another version with shorter settees and a transverse bed with no singles option but a bigger boot. Some will say they don't like settees that make up into beds as it is too much hassle and not as comfortable but I beg to differ as the process only takes a couple of minutes and is just as comfortable for us. For me this is a much more intelligent use of space in a relatively small van by making the space multi use with very little compromise. It all comes down to how you use a van, on the family holiday we regulary have 6 in our campscout, me and little one in back watching cbeebies, and the other 4 up front playing scrabble or somesuch arrangement, When we are on own can both lounge in back or front, or one can be in one area watching tv whist other is in second area reading, all this with no compromise on space and a lot more storage than your van, not that we normaly need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 4, 2017 Author Share Posted July 4, 2017 Mike We are going to see a manual Rapido before trying to find another automatic to see ' space' and how we get on. Do you have an awning, and does it detract from payload? We have 2 lounging chairs, could we fit them in? ''Tis for info, perhaps we might get lucky and find automatic for sale. Fingers crossed! Regards Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 sandalwood - 2017-07-04 10:51 AM 1 Do you have an awning, and does it detract from payload? 2 ''Tis for info, perhaps we might get lucky and find automatic for sale. Regards Ian Ian, if the awning is an optional extra, it will detract from payload. Unless you are already familiar with the Comfortmatic gearbox, I would advise you to give one an extended trial before buying. It is a robotised combination of standard 6 speed gearbox and conventional clutch, not a full automatic, and is computer controlled via servos. As such, they have a few quirks that annoy me sufficiently that I wouldn't pay for another. I know some love them, and others have little choice but to have one, but for me, the "little man" who changes gear needs some further training before I'd happily leave him in charge of the gearbox! In short, clever, but not quite clever enough! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 4, 2017 Author Share Posted July 4, 2017 'Tis, never thought about gearbox, will investigate. Re awning, we just purchased Quest elite pop up sun room, saw one in France 95 degrees! Went in the Quest - how cool it was! On offer at Dyas! ''Tis again Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted July 5, 2017 Share Posted July 5, 2017 There’s also the matter of headroom to consider. I’m short (5’ 5”) but my wife’s height approaches 6 feet. Having read in MMM magazine about ‘downsizing’ from coachbuilt motorhomes to panel-van conversions (PVCs), she decided this might be the right thing to do when we replaced our Hobby coachbuilt motorhome as we were getting on in years. I said that a) You don’t drive our motorhome, b) a PVC could be much the same length as the Hobby and c) You’d go nuts inside a PVC due to its interior space constraints and restricted headroom. Unsurprisingly, those arguments made absolutely no difference and PVCs remained high on my wife’s shoppng-list. Then we go to an outdoor leisure-show in France where my wife is inspecting in great detail a Malibu (Carthago) PVC. A Carthago sales-lady looks in and immediately says “OK for Sir: no good for Madame” (whose head was perilously close to the ceiling). And that was the end of the PVC downsizing idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted July 5, 2017 Share Posted July 5, 2017 Derek Uzzell - 2017-07-05 9:34 AM There’s also the matter of headroom to consider....... I'm over 6ft, and can walk the length of our PVC floor area without stooping. I have to do so to get into the cab from the rear, but have had that with every 'van I've owned (other than the A-Class). TBH, if one is of more than average height, an issue that is more prevalent in PVCs (due to restricted dimensions) than coachbuilts is the length of any transverse bed (which is why our PVC has twin longitudinals ;-) ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted July 5, 2017 Share Posted July 5, 2017 But you (probably) don’t wear 6” high-heels ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted July 5, 2017 Share Posted July 5, 2017 Derek Uzzell - 2017-07-05 12:49 PM But you (probably) don’t wear 6” high-heels ;-) Only on Sundays when I become my alter ego.........;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veletron Posted July 5, 2017 Share Posted July 5, 2017 Don636 - 2017-07-01 6:27 PM The problem for me with this type of van is that most of the space is taken up by fixed beds leaving hardly any room for comfortable daytime use if you need to be indoors. We have a Vantage age Neo which is 6.36m long with a U shaped lounge at the back. Loads of room for feet up lounging, could seat 5 or 6 Different strokes for different folks. Depends on your priorities. Our van is primarily for eating, sleeping, washing and travelling in. Space to lounge is a distant 5th - I'd rather be outdoors! There have been occasions after a night in a local pub (after a day on hills!) when I would have been incapable of making a bed, but I can crawl onto the fixed double in my van in any condition!! I had a Tribute 650 previously - with loads of lounging space, but I definitely prefer less space and that supremely comfortable fixed bed. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebeaches Posted July 8, 2017 Share Posted July 8, 2017 sandalwood - 2017-07-04 10:51 AM Mike We are going to see a manual Rapido before trying to find another automatic to see ' space' and how we get on. Do you have an awning, and does it detract from payload? We have 2 lounging chairs, could we fit them in? ''Tis for info, perhaps we might get lucky and find automatic for sale. Fingers crossed! Regards Ian Hi Ian Sorry about the delay - we're in SW Turkey and internet is a bit creaky. No problem getting decent sized reclining chairs in the 'boot'. Plenty of other stuff too, including large folding aluminium leg rests. We don't have an awning, but as others have mentioned, it would take up some of your loading weight margin - but shouldn't be an issue. By the way, I saw Derek's comment about the possibility of restricted headroom in a pvc - I'm 6', and it is not an issue - but could be if you are taller. However, the twin beds are long and wide - v comfy. And regarding Brian's observations re the comfortmatic gearbox, although I don't disagree with most of his comments, for us (wife and I both drive), we wouldn't consider anything else, having owned manual versions for some years previously. Good luck and cheers Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 12, 2017 Author Share Posted July 12, 2017 Hi Mike. ''Tks again for info, I am getting more and more keen on the Rapido V 68 as we speak!. Turkey ? Not in the Rapido I hope! Going to see the manual version just to size up. Am very grateful for all your info and would appreciate any more thoughts, as you actually have and drive one! Regards Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artheytrate Posted July 12, 2017 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Hi sandalwood another pvc to consider is the Globecar which has a few variations with 4 belted seats, we've just down sized from a Auto Sleeper Broadway to a Globecar Campscout 6.35. I towed a trailer with the Auto Sleeper to carry everything and to keep the van tidy, our Campscout has a 2 metre fixed bed or 2 singles, and more storage than our trailer could carry, our trailer is now redundant. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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