Thurlestone Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 We have caravanned for 40+ years in both single and twin axled vans which in the last 12 years has been done in Vanmaster caravans, travelling throughout Europe. We feel it could be better to change to a motorhome if it will meet our style of touring. We want to use the van to tour anywhere i.e. Lake District lanes etc throughout the year. Our ideal requirements are to carry friends and therefore need 4 seatbelts, accommodate 3 people in low level beds and would like to have a low level oven & fridge/ freezer. Reading MMM we realise that only a certain length and build style will achieve this aim. Therefore can we do this within a 7m length limit or do we need to compromise to something 6m or less and also are there any British vans meeting our needs or should we look at German/French builds? We saw a 2009 Hymer Tramp that was 6.5m long with French bed and all the above but had gone before we could view it. We would really like help to enable us to choose an all year round, low profile van that meets these demands. Can you help / advise as we have heard so many very convergent views from motorhome users and feel confused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooie Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Hi and welcome, i`m only down the road in Penwortham and we are very lucky and spoilt for choice in this area having a good choice of dealers. Don`t rush into anything and have several good looks at vans before you choose. The following dealers have plenty of choice of both new and used vans. Discover ( used to be Barrons )..................Coppull Stewart Longton.......................................Chorley town centre Todds.........................................................Lostock Hall Marquis......................................................Preston Docks Campbells.................................................Clifton ( the old Hymer site ) Happy Hunting Regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 I think you will not be any less confused after you get a few replies on here, everone has their own ideas on whats best. On the face of it theres a fare few models that might meet your needs, but I'm slightly confused as to you asking about reducing size to 6m? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuxDeluxe Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 At the end of the day it is down to what "feels" right as much as anything else. Be prepared to spend a lot of time visiting dealers, shows etc. you are already well down the choice route but I would still have a list of must haves and nice to haves. There is almost too much choice out here. Something with a centre drop down bed might be ideal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Try visiting a show or, if not, as many dealers as you can to see as wide a range of vans as possible because at the moment your choice is so wide that all you are likely to get is someone else's personal likes and not your own. Having found a few makes and layouts that you like and you feel might be suitable will be a better time to seek opinions on each from the experiences on this forum. I could suggest several but it is better that you find them yourself initially - after all it's your money and you will have to live with it once purchased because getting it wrong would be a very expensive mistake. It is a lot of money to spend - note 'spend' as it goes down in value not up so is not an 'investment' as some would have you believe - so don't be rushed by what seems like a good deal on the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davanne Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Welcome We are quite near to you in Bretherton we would highly reccomend TODDS OF LOSTOCK HALL PRESTON They are a family firm and can't do enough to help.We have bought 4 vans from themand the service has been excellent. B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hi David & welcome to the forum. I think you may struggle to find many low profiles at 6m long, with 4 belted seats & 3 low level berths. Many of the models @6m with 4 belted seats opt for the forward dropdown bed or have high level tranverse bed over rear garage. The Dethleffs Globus T1 http://www.alankerrltd.co.uk/new-motorhome-dethleffs-globebus-t1-motorhome-704.htm or Pilote Adventura P600LPA http://www.pilote.fr/en/index.php?page=campingcar&id_camping_car=67 are a couple of examples, but have very narrow 3rd berth. An increase in length to 6.3m / 6.8m will increase your choice substantially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 The Globus T1 £50,000 + here. Or LHD from Germany from £33.000 Rip of Britain or what..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurlestone Posted June 11, 2012 Author Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks this is really helpful as I think we have decided German / French is a must for all year round usage and the length is not as important as the width and payload for travelling in lanes etc. We are starting to research both to find the best suited to us and your ideas are very helpful, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurlestone Posted June 11, 2012 Author Share Posted June 11, 2012 I certainly know what you mean about drop down beds but unfortunately these are unsuitable for our requirements due to mobility and climbing in the night for the loo. :'( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Hi David Have a look at this for internal layout, looks like it may suit your requirements & just under 6.5m long. http://2012.adria-mobil.com/sl-en/motorhomes/sport/s-573-df The problem I think you may have will be access to the shower (part the toilet) depending on the mobility problem. But it may give you some ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Thurlestone - 2012-06-11 12:25 PM Thanks this is really helpful as I think we have decided German / French is a must for all year round usage and the length is not as important as the width and payload for travelling in lanes etc. We are starting to research both to find the best suited to us and your ideas are very helpful, thanks. Having had many years of caravanning you are probably already aware of the sort of layout that works for you and, generalising now, most continental vans have the semi dinette type of eating and lounging layout which is OK for eating but not at all comfortable for lounging for many people. There is always the bed for comfortable 'feet up' lounging if it suits? You do also need to be aware of the lack of kitchen worktop in many vans and that makes food preparation more complex especially if you need to use the table which further restricts interior space. Many 'bathrooms' look OK but when you try them for size you can't sit and perform the necessary functions due to restricted width and many showers are too compact to be able to lift your arms to wash yourself. Before buying any van it's best to go through all the motions rather than rely on just looking at it and saying it'll probably be OK as once bought even little things can become extremely annoying. All vans from all makers in all countries have their merits and demerits and the trick is to find the one(s) that suit your lifestyle. No matter how much anyone advises you that their thoughts will suit you, you do need to go see as many as possible in the flesh to compare. Finding and identifying a specific model can be a nightmare due to poor badging and inexperienced sales people but shows are a good place because you get to chat to other people in and around vans and you can learn an lot in a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 And another area not to overlook is the kitchen. As you have been used to UK caravans they have probably had a 'full' kitchen with hob, grill and oven as well as a decent sink and drainer. Beware that a lot of european MH's are designed for european travels where people tend to eat out more and consequently the norm seems to be a 2 or 3 burner hob, possibly with a grill but very rarely with an oven. We use our oven on almost every outing and would not be without it so this will probably limit our choice of MH when we come to change but for us is an essential. Also the amount of kitchen worktop and storage seems to vary greatly from one model to another so check carefully that what you are looking at will suit your way of life. All the best in your search, Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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