Hawcara Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Due to a change in personal circumstances, I'm considering a pvc. What makes would people recommend? Are there any major drawbacks apart from the noisy middle door? Also any really good brands? Looked at Chausson, but can't see who stocks them, Highbridge for example don't have any on their website. Thank you :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don636 Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 You have asked for some advice regarding manufacturers of PVCs so I am assuming that you are not asking for advice on layouts but just on the manufacturers and who makes a good quality van. I think the major consideration is the type of layout that you want - front lounge, rear lounge or rear fixed bed(s), which tend to come with a fixed front dinette. Your choice of layout may rule out certain manufacturers. We own a PVC based on the 6.36m Fiat Ducato, which we have had for just over a year, and we chose this over a coachbuilt, after about a year of research. Since then we have looked at many other PVCs and coachbuilt motorhomes at shows and dealerships and still feel that we made the right choice, both on it being a PVC and the manufacturer. We like to move on a lot and use some fairly narrow roads at times and I would say that width is a major consideration as it definitely takes some of the stress out of driving. I don't think length is a significant factor as anything over 5m, which is the length of a large car, is going to start causing problems with parking. In saying that I rarely have a problem finding somewhere to park. The extra space a 6.36m van provides over a 6m van makes a real difference on my opinion. I don't feel that the lack of width compared to a coachbuilt is a problem at all. Yes, it would be nice to have even more space but I prefer the extra manoeuverabilty of the narrower PVC compared to the extra width inside of a coachbuilt. There is no doubt that the side door can be a problem as it is noisy in operation and some can find it difficult to open and close. There are advantages to having a large opening door such as the fresh air it brings, ability to sit on the swivelled seat with a view out, preferably with a small table beside you, and cooking almost in the open air. I would not be remotely interested in a replacement coachbuilt style door that some manufacturers now offer - makes the van too claustrophobic. If there was anything that I would change on our van it would be to have an electric soft close facility on the sliding door and a sliding fly screen. Another innovation is a fixed rear panel to replace the rear doors. I can see the attraction as it looks neat and would help keep out draughts but again I would not be interested in this option. It is great to be able to swing open the doors and sit there looking out at a great view when it might be a bit too chilly to sit outside. The doors on a PVC provide additional options over a coachbuilt and we see them as a plus rather than a negative. Our van has an insulated strip that fixes over the join in the rear doors which keeps out draughts and helps with the look of the rear of the van. Another major advantage of a PVC over a coachbuilt is the overall strength of construction, quietness on the move and reduced risk of water ingress. Once you have decided on layout the most important aspects after that are payload and build quality and I believe these are linked. If you want more payload out of your 3,500 kg you need to take something out of the build in order to provide this. Out of these two aspects build quality is by far the most important for me. I was out this weekend and looked at a number of PVCs and coachbuilts from Elldis, Autotrail, IH and Burstner and was shocked at the poor quality on offer on them all. There were sticky and badly aligned doors, cheap hinges that were sagging, flimsy storage lockers with very lightweight fronts, no backs, exposed screws and wiring, tape over joints peeling, knock on edging coming apart, grab handle at the door pulled away, lots of cheap plastic covers over exposed screws, debris from the manufacturing process visible in cupboards, slide out bed slats broken or collapsed, misaligned screws sticking out at an angle, front seat cover coming apart. Cheap plastic chromed 'metal'. I could go on. We chose a Neo PVC from Vantage Motorhomes in Leeds because the layout suited us, we liked the simple style and, most importantly, the method of construction and build quality on offer is better than anything I have seen at any price, PVC or coachbuilt. The attention to detail is fantastic - just look at the sliding panels they have to make up the bed - the best solution I have seen, simple and well engineered. The storage units are fully lined, there are no exposed screws anywhere, no knock on edging, robust hinges and gas struts on upper units, smooth running drawers, solid but ventilated seat bases rather than flimsy slats. Everything on the van feels solid and built to last and nothing has broken or fallen off in the last year. The van was handed over to us in immaculate condition and I am very fussy indeed when it comes to build quality. The handover was made by one of the build team and was very comprehensive and thorough. This level of build quality does affect the payload available and we run hard up against the limit, although the van is kitted out with everything you could possibly need and then some! We need to travel with about 20l water in the tank max in order to stay legal but that is not a problem. If you are interested and want more info please feel free to get in touch. Happy hunting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Hawcara - 2015-08-23 4:35 AM Due to a change in personal circumstances, I'm considering a pvc. What makes would people recommend? Are there any major drawbacks apart from the noisy middle door? Also any really good brands? Looked at Chausson, but can't see who stocks them, Highbridge for example don't have any on their website. Thank you :-D " Drawbacks " are a matter of opinion - for instance I like the large side door because, to me, most vans without one feel a bit claustrophobic - ( especially when there is a really nice view outside) Depends on what you are used to.. Down your way, in Plymouth, are Murvi, who have been winning awards for their vans for years, and have a very loyal following. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Hawcara - 2015-08-23 4:35 AM Are there any major drawbacks apart from the noisy middle door? Thank you :-D Alex, If you want a 'quiet' sliding door then look at the VW Crafter or MB Sprinter from 2007 ish onwards. We where parked opposite a 2010 self build recently and could not hear them open or close their sliding door. Compared to other makes we have heard slam, slam, slam this was a revelation! As for build quality, whilst we are not in the market for a PVC, we really like the design and more importantly quality of Rolling Homes, they are true craftsmen building them! And they build on VW/MB vans. http://www.vw-conversions.com/ Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Hawcara - 2015-08-23 4:35 AM Due to a change in personal circumstances, I'm considering a pvc. What makes would people recommend? Are there any major drawbacks apart from the noisy middle door? Also any really good brands? Looked at Chausson, but can't see who stocks them, Highbridge for example don't have any on their website. Thank you :-D Oh dear, I could write a book about the drawbacks of these things, and indeed almost have, do a search you will find plenty about this subject. To describe them as 'white van man with a few windows cut in the side pretending to be a motorhome' is being kind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebeaches Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 German converted Globecar/Possl PVCs come with electric soft-close sliding side doors (from model year 2014 I believe) and they also have sliding flyscreens on the large door too. We have been looking at the possibility of ordering one - we want a comfortmatic semi-auto gearbox. We currently have a five-year old 6-metre coachbuilt - Chausson Flash S2 - which we're very fond of and somewhat loathe to sell. It is comfortable and has served us well since we bought it new. But the reduced stress of having a narrower body, and perhaps slightly more comfortable high-speed continental motorway cruising 70-75mph, instead of the 60 mph we currently tend to drive at appeals. Also, we'd rather like to try fixed twin beds - we have a fixed double at the moment. So, we've looked at the 6.4m Globecar Campscout, but also the brand new 6m Globecar Globestar 600L. The latter we believe to be the only fixed twin beds design to get under 6m. http://www.globecar.de/portfolio-item/globestar-600-l/ There would obviously be some space compromises we'd need to make, but the prospect does nonetheless have its attractions. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 We had an Autosleeper Warwick Duo for two years and only changed to get a bit more space inside as we found it claustrophobic after a series of coachbuilts. Storage is very limited and acces to that storage can be challenging at times. We liked the finish and build quality of Autosleepers although to us the newer they get the greater the evidence in cost reduction seems? But this seems true of all makes? Built in underslung gas tank save space inside and cuts the cost of gas but is a bugger to isolate if using the tunnel! Rear lounge layouts work well for us but swivelling cab seats are pointless for socialising. The side door has it's pluses and minuses, open air and easy loading against noisy to shut and very heavy to shut when facing uphill - even slightly - and can run away with you when facing downhill and be heavy to open. You either like 'em or hate 'em - depending on your point of view! We liked the roadholding and relative chuckability of the Warwick and it was noticeably quieter than our previous Autotrail Cheyenne, although our current A/S Executive is only marginally less quiet, gives similar mpg, at 6.0 meteres is no longer and not a lot bigger overall than the Warwick and has considerably more space and storage. We found it to be quite chilly at night close to the back doors and the insulation in general was not up to much as is so often the case in UK made vans. Can't speak for foreign vans as I've never had one and the layouts just don't work for our style - although others love 'em. We are all different it seems! It did take several goes to stop the back doors squeaking, rattling and letting in draughts too but it can be done! Would we ever go back to a panel van - although we enjoyed the experience I very much doubt it as a small coachbuilt offers so much more space and comfort. So space and comfort versus compact and easier to drive - you pays your money and takes your chance I guess! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 mikebeaches - 2015-08-23 11:37 AM Also, we'd rather like to try fixed twin beds - we have a fixed double at the moment. So, we've looked at the 6.4m Globecar Campscout, but also the brand new 6m Globecar Globestar 600L. The latter we believe to be the only fixed twin beds design to get under 6m. Mike ...having had my Campscout for three months now (3000+ miles and 30+ nights away), I've no regrets so far. The vehicle was chosen to meet our known requirements, and reflects our historical experience of a good number of 'vans. Having had a narrow Hobby coachbulit with a similar (though slightly longer) layout as our last 'van, were knew we were content with the front dinette, rear twin longitudinal bed layout (and the narrow interior). We'll see if the same view applies after our imminent further three+ weeks away on the continent, and then the final test will be how well it performs in a UK winter (since we use our 'van virtually the year round). There are, of course, compromises in all motorhome purchases, one simply needs to understand what are one's personal preferences. The main investment for us to make our choice viable was the fitting of the Busbiker bike rack (described elsewhere on the forum). This ensures safe and accessible transport of the bikes, whilst not compromising the massive storage space available through the rear doors. ...and, whilst the softclose door seems to get a mixed reception from some users, it works well on our 'van, and was a (small) factor in our selection. As/when I get chance, I'll post a longer update (Oh no B-) ) on our choice, and experience of downsizing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Murvi. They have stood the test of time and have consistently proved they can build to a high standard. If I was going for mainstream, I'd go for AutoSleepers for the same reason. IH if I wanted something different. There are so many recently started up van conversion firms with a limited track record. What is against me having one? My wife. She finds them claustrophobic, too many design compromises, and similar to what Rupert mentions, a white van or, to be polite, as 'Comfort Station for Workmen' - not meaning to be disrespectful to workmen. I quite like the idea but am firmly opposed to showering in the middle of the gangway as required in some German conversions. There are plenty of short and narrow coachbuilts which might offer something to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Saw an IH PVC van on a site this year that had a coachbuilt section and a standard habitation door where the usual sliding mid door was. Looked very smart...... and quiet. Otherwise as normal , Bright lemon yellow !(for IH). Also seen several VW based based campervans with electric closing sliding doors, very 'swish' and very quiet, is this a new VW 'option'. For their Transporter vans? If so, I want one. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterjl Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Hi Our first M/H was a PVC, a duetto, and we were very pleased and had some great holidays. Then tried two coachbuilts, a Hobby and an Autotrail, but we were never entirely happy, so 2012 we purchased another PVC, a Globecar Globestar. Very pleased with build quality, comfort, and reliability. Went on sking holidays and it performed well in the cold. We have just changed to exactly the same model, just 3 years newer and with comformatic. Taken round Holland for a shakedown then round Iceland. Again very pleased after 5000 miles and 45 nights. Before we changed we looked at Murvi & IH, liked built quality of both but thought they were a tad expensive for not a great deal extra on what we already had. We haven't the electric sliding door however this new one closes much better and not an issue. On this change we were lucky to get last years model which did NOT have a fixed bed. I am afraid for us a fixed bed is a deal breaker (had one in the Hobby and said never again). As most m/homes seem to have fixed bed we may not be changing again for a while! - thats probably a good thing. One of the pluses for us about a PVC is its smaller size means you can go places larger vehicles can't and parking in towns is pretty straight forward. So thats our experience if its any help. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 peterjl - 2015-08-23 3:54 PM Taken round Holland for a shakedown then round Iceland. Iceland is a tour we very much fancy - how did it go and how did you get there please as ferries seem a bit on the scarce side - and would you do the same trip the same way again knowing what you now know? Thanks for any experience based info. On second thoughts I'll start a new thread rather than divert this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawcara Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 Thank you all for your input, I've really enjoyed reading it. However, when one looks at possl vans, dealerships seem rather sparse, but the the entry about Vantage very impressive. :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolandrat Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 One thing that needs very serious consideration if anyone is thinking of downsizing to a van conversion is the toilet sink. If at all possible go for a conversion that has a fixed sink and not a flip up type. The flip up sink drain system leaves much to be desired, it can block up very easily and dump the contents behind the fixings which cannot be reached without major stripping down. The drain pipe diameter is far to narrow and when you tip it up after use you have to do it very slowly or it will overflow. There are quite a few conversions that offer a fixed sink which are far better and trouble free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterjl Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Hawcara - 2015-08-23 8:04 PM Thank you all for your input, I've really enjoyed reading it. However, when one looks at possl vans, dealerships seem rather sparse, but the the entry about Vantage very impressive. :-S Hi The Possl and Globecar are pretty much interchangeable, made by same company in same factory are far as I can tell. There are several Globecar dealers around. I think the main agent are SMC Newark who we have found very helpful. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 rolandrat - 2015-08-23 8:30 PM One thing that needs very serious consideration if anyone is thinking of downsizing to a van conversion is the toilet sink. If at all possible go for a conversion that has a fixed sink and not a flip up type. The flip up sink drain system leaves much to be desired, it can block up very easily and dump the contents behind the fixings which cannot be reached without major stripping down. The drain pipe diameter is far to narrow and when you tip it up after use you have to do it very slowly or it will overflow. There are quite a few conversions that offer a fixed sink which are far better and trouble free. Fair comment although we never had any problems with the flip up sink in the Warwick nor do we with the same unit in the Executive but you do need to let the water out smoothly and not too fast to avoid splashbacks.! The upside is a nice big usable sink but the downside in a small compartment is that the drop down sink takes up so much space that there is hardly room to wash - much less of an issue in the Executive with it's larger compartment but in the cramped compartment of the Warwick it was a something of a challenge and in hot weather it did get very warm in there! At the end of every trip I lift out the sink and clean behind it to keep the drain point clear and the whole area odour free - takes all of two minutes! Then again some of the tiny sinks in some vans we looked at seem hardly conducive to easy ablutions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisden Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 The award winning designs of East Neuk are also worth consideration. Quality and excellent back up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peter James Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 If you close the side door simply by sliding it sideways it needs an enormous slam. You need to push the rear of it in if you are outside, or fit a handle so you can pull the rear of it in from inside. Fit the handle in the door recess so it doesn't obstruct the door sliding. Unfortunately Fiat don't fit these handles. Their main customer - whitevanman, doesn't close the side door when he gets in the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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