camperron Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi, I wonder if anyone can help - I'm looking to buy my first motorhome and prefer lwb van conversions. Unfortunately my wife has mobility problems and requires a good amount of legroom in the cab. We've tried a Merc Sprinter which was just about ok but its not my first choice of van for conversion- feels a bit narrow and a Ducato (not the new shape) which was disappointing as the passenger legroom was very constricted due to the very low dash and glove compartment. We haven't yet tried Transits or Renault Masters - not many dealers in my part of the world. Can anybody help? I suppose I'm basically asking does anybody know what's the best van for cab legroom. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi Ron (?) and welcome. You mention "passenger" legroom, but I'm not quite clear from your post whether your wife would also be a driver or not? The Transit has loads of legroom on the passenger side, and in most PVCs the seat swivels, making it even easier for access. However, the steering column isn't adjustable, so if she's going to drive that might be a problem. Does your wife need any special adaptations? If so there are firms who specialise in that kind of thing for motorhomes. Roy Wood Transits near Reading used to work with Horizons (now Vectra) in Staffs, to build "specials," even some for wheelchair use. The two firms aren't in partnership anymore, but I'd guess either of them would still have the expertise. And MMM produces a "Mobility Special" issue every year with lots of contacts & ideas. Whatever a person's individual difficulties, there's always SOME way for them to go motorhoming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ips Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Agre with tony lots of legroom in a tranny but as tony alluded to I found the drivers side somewhat cramped particularly due to the height of the swivel seat. Spose you really need to have a good look tound some dealers and sit in as many makes as you can, good luck I am sure you eill find something suitable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camperron Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 Thanks a lot for rapid response - looks like I need to look at the Transit - my wife won't be driving unless we get an automatic and have hand contols fittred as on her car hence it really passenger legroom that counts. Does anybody out there have any experience of the Renault as I'm a bit attracted by the Devon Monte Carlo layout? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linfield Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi there look for any of the many mid lounge models , As the end bedded ones tend to have the tolet / shower right behind the drivers seat I have tryed many of these but with long legs the anount the seat can be moved is hopless plus you need to be able to svivel both seats to make lounging more flexiable . But with the large slinding doors side entry is much better than any coach built . Also watch out for the drop down from the cab to the lounge area the V line has got rid of this but is expensive . The symbols from 2008 to 2012 have flat floors but are compact . Lots to look at , good luck . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi Ron & welcome to the forum I'm not sure I am understanding the problem your wife has with passenger legroom. Almost any of the larger PVC's will have much more legroom than all but the largest car/ 4x4. Is it initial access ? If so a PVC with the side door would help, swivel the front seat full 180deg & access via the rear side door, then swivel seat to forward facing. My wife is disabled & we have an extended version of the Milford Person Hoist, to transfer her from her wheelchair to the passenger seat. See http://www.autochair.co.uk/store/person-hoists-and-transfer-into-vehicles/milford-person-lift Ours is on a Fiat Ducato base vehicle, so would also fit the Peugeot Boxer & Citroen Relay. I guess they couls adapt the mounting post to suit other PVC cabs. If the problem is when forward facing whilst travelling, it should be possible to locate the seat runners further rearward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camperron Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 Thanks for that - You may well be right as the Ducato we checked out was a Trigano Tribute (2005) that had part of the bed frame directly behind the passenger seat and it did occur to me that this greatly reduced the amount by which the seat could be slid backwards. The Devon Monte Carlo that I mentioned doesn't seem to have this issue but I haven't yet been able to find one to try - as mentioned earlier I live quite a distance from the nearest motorhome dealers. For those who are struggling to understand the problem my wife has had two failed knee replacements which have effectively left her with knees that don't bend making legroom a critical issue. Panel vans are our best bet from the point of view of access via the side sliding door but it is therefore important that there is enough space to get round into the cab passenger seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muswell Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 My wife also has a knee problem. I presume you will order an electric step but make sure you get a grab bar fitted to the door pillar as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Hi Ron, I know it wouldn't suit everyone, but has your wife considered traveling in a rear passenger seat. It could be an easier solution in a PVC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 flicka - 2014-03-26 8:50 PM Hi Ron, I know it wouldn't suit everyone, but has your wife considered traveling in a rear passenger seat. It could be an easier solution in a PVC. Makes sense.... and with table stored away, tons of room and easy access through sliding door Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camperron Posted March 27, 2014 Author Share Posted March 27, 2014 Thanks Flicka - yes we've looked at that as an option and we may have to go down that route however I'm a bit wary of some of the vans that claim to have rear travelling seats as many of them look cobbled together and look fairly uncomfortable if not unsafe for long journeys and only a relatively small selection have proper motor vehicle fitted i.e. full size moulded seats with buit in headrest. Also for long journey its a bit antisocial to be sat one in front and one behind. Thanks again and may I say what a pleasure it is to find such a helpful and pleasant set of people on a forum. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Plenty of leg room in an x2/50 with dinette behind seat al la twin. On a Monte Carlo be aware the bed is quite small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 The VW T5 may not be your style or size but I've found it has the most leg space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Hi Ron - don't know where you are located, but there should be a Motorhome Show within reach. You will find the biggest selection of the various vans & layouts at the Shows to give you the possibility of seeing which van & layout would be most suitable. Also with the smaller converters they will usually have a representative at the show, who should be able to give an indication of what variation(s) could be achieved. The smaller converters are usually more able to adapt their "standard" product. http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Shows Also bear in mind that if your wife is registered Disabled & in receipt of the higher rate of Mobility Allowance, she would qualify for Zero rated VAT on a new vehicle adapted for her use. The VAT saving can go a long way to cover the cost any adaptations she requires. This vehicle was reviewed in the MMM mobility supplement 2013/14 http://www.wildaxmotorhomes.com/callisto-independance This may also be of interest for consideration:- http://www.abilitylifting.co.uk/Powerstep-lifts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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