To A Class or not to A Class?

[lennyhb]

Had Enough - 2014-10-11 6:37 PM

 

Thanks to LennyHB for encouraging me to consider an A Class after I was wavering and plumping for another coachbuilt. The sense of space, the fabulous seats and the drop-down bed just wouldn't be the same in a CB.

 

This is getting a bad habit - me helping you out Frank.(lol)

 

Good choice, I didn't really believe the benefits of an A Class until you actually have one, wouldn't have any other type of van now.

 

Something did occur to me on the drive home, which I know will be explained on handover but how do you inflate the inner wheel on the tag axle? Something I'd not thought of before. *-)

 

Err - Tag axles don't have an inner wheel so not a problem.(lol)

 

In your case on a twin rear wheel you can buy valve extenders - Tyre Valve extender

 

Edit:

Have got the van home & just waiting for registration?

 

If so, it's going to be a long wait. :D

[Guest Had Enough]

lennyhb - 2014-10-11 7:20 PM

 

Err - Tag axles don't have an inner wheel so not a problem.(lol)

 

In your case on a twin rear wheel you can buy valve extenders - Tyre Valve extender

 

Edit:

Have got the van home & just waiting for registration?

 

If so, it's going to be a long wait. :D

 

Shows how technical I am doesn't it! I presume then that a tag axle is one with two axles at the rear and the wheels in line? So is there a proper name for one with two wheels on one axle?

 

No, I won't get it for a month. It arrived on the boat to Hull last night and the dealer has to do the type approval and DVLA stuff. They will also clean it including steam cleaning all the upholstery so it will be like new I'm assured.

 

I'm in no hurry so will let them do what needs doing and as I said they're fitting a solar panel etc.

 

When I was there they had a bloke on a Hymer roof thoroughly cleaning every inch of it, even the bits a customer wouldn't see. The attention to detail is impressive but they do specialise in high-end stuff so I suppose their standards should be high as well.

 

The lower-priced models on their website are trade-ins from those like me who bought a nearly-new Hymer or similar. In my case I sold my Hobby privately and got a decent discount for a cash deal.

 

 

[Robinhood]

Had Enough - 2014-10-11 7:41 PM

 

No, I won't get it for a month. It arrived on the boat to Hull last night and the dealer has to do the type approval and DVLA stuff. They will also clean it including steam cleaning all the upholstery so it will be like new I'm assured.

 

 

...I thought you might be being optimistic with your visit today - as it wasn't there on Thursday!

 

Lee has a reasonable reputation (at least round here). I was the one who pointed BK at him.

 

After the Hobby, that 'van is going to feel really big (and being an 'A' Class, really wide). It shouldn't last (the feeling, not the 'van ;-) ).

 

I really enjoyed my foray into 'A' class territory, and soon got used to the perceived width, but it was a 'van bought for a purpose, and we now no longer have the same needs. Unlike Lenny, I wouldn't go back to one (though I sometimes miss the 'bay window' view when driving).

 

I've said before (maybe further up this thread) that 'A' Class ownership is something that one really ought to try at some point.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

[Brian Kirby]

Had Enough - 2014-10-11 6:37 PM............Thank you Brian Kirby for telling me about Edgehill Motorhomes with whom I am very impressed. A thoroughly professional operation who know their trade inside out..................

Glad to have been of help, Frank. Edgehill were very accommodating when we went to view an Exsis-I 578 that they had last year, and I almost bought through them. In the end I was put off by the hack up and back down the M23, M25 and M1, so I'm glad you've given them your business. Favour returned, sort of. Hope it comes up to your expectations when you get it.

[Guest Had Enough]

Robinhood - 2014-10-11 7:55 PM

 

Had Enough - 2014-10-11 7:41 PM

 

No, I won't get it for a month. It arrived on the boat to Hull last night and the dealer has to do the type approval and DVLA stuff. They will also clean it including steam cleaning all the upholstery so it will be like new I'm assured.

 

 

...I thought you might be being optimistic with your visit today - as it wasn't there on Thursday!

 

Lee has a reasonable reputation (at least round here). I was the one who pointed BK at him.

 

After the Hobby, that 'van is going to feel really big (and being an 'A' Class, really wide). It shouldn't last (the feeling, not the 'van ;-) ).

 

I really enjoyed my foray into 'A' class territory, and soon got used to the perceived width, but it was a 'van bought for a purpose, and we now no longer have the same needs. Unlike Lenny, I wouldn't go back to one (though I sometimes miss the 'bay window' view when driving).

 

I've said before (maybe further up this thread) that 'A' Class ownership is something that one really ought to try at some point.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Thank you for those encouraging words. I must admit that it does look scarily long and wide, but so did my first Lunar and then my longer Hobby. I just tell myself that almost all the roads I traverse are generally used by buses and delivery lorries as well, so if they can................

 

I was told that the handover could take anything from an hour to three hours according to my level of knowledge and that the 'van will have water and gas in place so that everything can be demonstrated, including the satellite system etc.

 

At my request they're posting instruction books to me so that I can swot up and know about most things before I arrive to pick it up.

 

All in all they seem very professional and appear to have carved out a successful niche market importing high-end LHD motorhomes. I admire enterprise!

 

 

 

[Brock]

Best wishes with the new van, Frank. We're on our second B-Class, and third A-class.

 

Things to look out for are:

 

1. Is there a rattle from the driver's sliding window? I had a new window unit courtesy of Hymer. My dealer said a small number of Hymers and Artos had this problem.

 

2. Lighting plinths that fall out. One of mine, over the cooker, has fallen out three times although not since I used heavy duty velcro to put it back in place. My dealer says the clips are not strong enough to hold the plinths in place and the problem has affected several B Class Hymers - the lighting plinth over the rear bed being the main culprit for others.

 

3. Using the double floor storage. I spent all week last week when away looking for my bottle of whisky. Only when I got home did I remember putting it under the floor!

 

4. Last week I also illuminated a camp site when I switched on a light and found the front bed houses an led strip along the windscreen facing side. Best used with blinds closed I think.

 

I find the ride quality on the Alko chassis poor and much worse than our previous 05 van. Despite good advice from this forum, which resulted in some improvements and saved me fiddling with the front suspension, I am still considering going for full air on the rear or getting rid of the van sooner rather than later. A few Bailey owners on another forum have criticised the poor ride from rear Alko chassis. That said, it is all perception.

 

The ambience in a B Class is fabulous. You might find a pair of speakers under the drop down bed slats and behind the rear bed panel. They're great!

 

The Woodhead Pass shows off the excellent visibility from an A-class. My favourite road for crossing the Pennines. A stunning drive.

[Guest Had Enough]

Brock - 2014-10-13 12:25 PM

 

Best wishes with the new van, Frank. We're on our second B-Class, and third A-class.

 

Things to look out for are:

 

1. Is there a rattle from the driver's sliding window? I had a new window unit courtesy of Hymer. My dealer said a small number of Hymers and Artos had this problem.

 

2. Lighting plinths that fall out. One of mine, over the cooker, has fallen out three times although not since I used heavy duty velcro to put it back in place. My dealer says the clips are not strong enough to hold the plinths in place and the problem has affected several B Class Hymers - the lighting plinth over the rear bed being the main culprit for others.

 

3. Using the double floor storage. I spent all week last week when away looking for my bottle of whisky. Only when I got home did I remember putting it under the floor!

 

4. Last week I also illuminated a camp site when I switched on a light and found the front bed houses an led strip along the windscreen facing side. Best used with blinds closed I think.

 

I find the ride quality on the Alko chassis poor and much worse than our previous 05 van. Despite good advice from this forum, which resulted in some improvements and saved me fiddling with the front suspension, I am still considering going for full air on the rear or getting rid of the van sooner rather than later. A few Bailey owners on another forum have criticised the poor ride from rear Alko chassis. That said, it is all perception.

 

The ambience in a B Class is fabulous. You might find a pair of speakers under the drop down bed slats and behind the rear bed panel. They're great!

 

The Woodhead Pass shows off the excellent visibility from an A-class. My favourite road for crossing the Pennines. A stunning drive.

 

Thanks for those tips. I'll print off the post in case I have any of your minor problems. Mine is on a RWD Mercedes Sprinter with a 3 litre engine and seven speed auto box and a maximum laden weight of 5300 kg!

 

I'm hoping that it will drive beautifully and road tests that I've seen suggest that it does. One of the silly little things that I love is the electric front blind. It's brilliant to watch it close down just by pressing a switch. And after my rattly Remis blinds on the Hobby the sliding fabric blinds on the Merc's side windows are so easy and of course won't rattle.

 

I can't wait to get it but it could be four or five weeks for type approval and the DVLA stuff.

 

This is the one http://edgehillmotorhomes.co.uk/motorhome/51/

 

 

 

[lennyhb]

Brock - 2014-10-13 12:25 PM

 

 

I find the ride quality on the Alko chassis poor and much worse than our previous 05 van. Despite good advice from this forum, which resulted in some improvements and saved me fiddling with the front suspension, I am still considering going for full air on the rear or getting rid of the van sooner rather than later. A few Bailey owners on another forum have criticised the poor ride from rear Alko chassis. That said, it is all perception.

 

The S class does not have an Al-Ko chassis, it's a rear wheel drive Merc.

 

I believe your ride problems John, are due to your van being very short and having a short wheel base. I have nothing but praise for the Al-Ko chassis, on my van it gives a superb ride far better than my previous Hymer on the Fiat Camping Car chassis.

[Brock]

Hi Lenny, I know about the Merc chassis so sorry for not being clear that I was making a general comment about the Alko chassis. We fancied a Merc base but could only find an AS Stanton short enough and that was too much of a compromise.

 

As for my wheelbase, I actually love it because the van almost turns on a sixpence which makes getting it off and on the drive - with Comfortmatic - an absolute doddle. I was willing to accept the risk of a poorer quality ride quality because this is my 3rd 6m van and the ride was OK in the other two.

 

I know two Hymer 544 owners who complain about the ride compared to the last model and of course, a few Bailey owners have complained on a forum. My Fiat dealer said the ride was harsh. All perception based but I am increasingly reluctant to accept that the wheelbase is the problem. Alko & Hymer should have designed a better suspension system.

 

When I spoke to Alko at the February NEC show, they recommended fitting a VB air system to improve ride quality. Hardly a ringing endorsement of their design but an honest answer.

 

Off to the NEC at the weekend to look at suspension aids and then I'll decide whether to change the suspension, the van, or the missus who doesn't think the ride is a problem. Fitting rear air suspension is probably the cheapest option out of the three!

 

Oh, and my dealer now offers Goldschmitt air suspension but I bet they can't be bothered to fit it.

 

I need to avoid getting fixated with the ride quality and build quality issues because after 15 months, we find the van really does suit us so it was the right choice on so many levels. I just do not like leaving problems without a solution.

[lennyhb]

Brock - 2014-10-13 4:21 PM

 

the missus who doesn't think the ride is a problem.

 

The boss has spoken, perhaps it's you that needs the new suspension. :D

 

As for Goldschmitt Air suspension, probably cheaper to buy & get fitted in Germany.

 

Have you seen

the cup of water on the Hymer B Class bonnet is impressive.

[Brock]

Lenny, thanks for the video. My German is poor but I did manage to learn that Germans eat more food than me and dance worse than I do.

 

It looks from the video that the Goldschmitt approach may be enough for my needs. From the paperwork on Travelworld's site, it seems to be a 'full air spring' system for increased driver comfort amongst other things.

 

Travelworld have a Goldschmitt stand at the NEC so I'll have a look at it.

 

And whoever listens to their missus except when it's time for food?

[Corky 8]

This is our second A series Motorhome, I wouldn't say there is any Snob factor about A Class Motorhomes , its who People attach Snob Factor to anything. they are just a different design and Look more aero dynamical than the normal coach built cab to habitation body fitment , as most people know internals are almost the same throughout the whole industry just a variation on a theme ,

the only thing I miss ....not dislike, is not having two cab doors for ease of entry exit at pay kiosks etc, everything else I find the same as our other Coachbuilts, Windscreen is an asset and Panoramic, My Silver screens are a doddle to fit and take only seconds and with having a forward facing camera on the windscreen we tend to fit the silver screens to save taking the camera down and closing the Blinds. I have had Caravanettes and old motorhomes with more fibreglass filler than original metal but second class riding is better than first class walking. buy to fit your needs.

Safe Journeys.