Lizzie Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Can anyone tell me what the drawbacks to A class motorhomes are? I remember hearing the screen was very expensive to replace but not sure how much of an issue this is as it surely isn't something that happens very often. Are they more expensive to insure? More difficult to drive? Just wondering if there were good reasons to avoid one for a first van? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Lizzie, have a read of this https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/buyers-guide-advice/motorhomes/details/a-class-motorhomes/16 I'm on my third A-class. They suit us because they are space efficient having a drop down bed and plenty of space in the cab. If we weren't restricted for space on the drive, I've said I wouldn't have one because getting at the engine can be fiddly, and more expensive for some items such as cam belt change, some of the parts are Hymer and not Fiat so that's a pain as you have to decide which it is, the drop down bed is not suitable for everyone and does have a weight limit - getting in and out needs a degree of athleticism, the cab has to be packed away to allow the bed to drop - a 5 minute job at most, the front panel is not metal but there is the standard Fiat crash shell so safety is not compromised. My Hymer windscreen costs just under £3,000 to replace but the insurance is competitive and covers it. I said I wouldn't have another because of the disadvantages until I sat in some cab coachbuilts at Lincoln show. Quarter lights with blinds that inhibit rear view through the wing mirrors, looking out through what is supposed to be a windscreen but my missus described as a pill box view "how am I supposed to spot birds through that slit?", inferior wing mirrors, 'nowhere' to put things in the cab, claustrophobic feeling in a dark cave. Now I can't see me changing from an A-class. They do say once you've had one, you don't want to go back to a cab front. They're right. Driving them is easier because of the greater visibility and the cab is the same width as the body. They are more expensive and probably more of an aspirational than a sensible choice. However, there is no reason why they can't be a good first time buy if they meet your needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 That sums it up well, but having sat in a few I was put off by the distance to the front screen and the lack of a driver's door. I suppose it's just a matter of getting used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Brock - 2015-10-12 8:22 PM panel is not metal but there is the standard Fiat crash shell so safety is not compromised. . This is not really accurate and the reason I would not touch one with a ten foot pole. The metal on the front of a standard Fiat, or any other van, especially the outer wing shell is vital for the front crush zones, there is no such thing as a crash shell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevina Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 If we were to purchase an A class we would want lockers rather than a bed over the cab as we would always use an island bed in the rear. It always surprises me that there are so few, new as well as secondhand, vans with the locker option since the vast majority are used by couples and most have fixed rear beds now. Is this because of perceived resale values or ease of selling? It seems counter intuitive to me. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starvin marvin Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Possibly the initial cost, very space efficient. Had one previously, now have a coach built. If we change again I would very seriously consider another A class, they're great, top of the pile IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamnety Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Yes, why not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter21 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Billggski - 2015-10-12 9:24 PM That sums it up well, but having sat in a few I was put off by the distance to the front screen and the lack of a driver's door. I suppose it's just a matter of getting used to it. We like the lack of a driver or passenger door...more space in the cab, less to go wrong (only one set of hinges, locks etc) and more secure in terms of reduced potential break in spots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 rupert123 - 2015-10-12 9:58 PM Brock - 2015-10-12 8:22 PM panel is not metal but there is the standard Fiat crash shell so safety is not compromised. . This is not really accurate and the reason I would not touch one with a ten foot pole. The metal on the front of a standard Fiat, or any other van, especially the outer wing shell is vital for the front crush zones, there is no such thing as a crash shell. Could you tell us the source of your information that wings form part of the crush zone. To obtain Type Approval converters rely on the base vehicles Type Approval. If removing the wings degraded protection the conversion would not obtain type approval.; In order to keep repair cost and therefore insurance costs down the vast majority of front panels and wings are bolt on items and the fewer the bolts the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasthisprime Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 kevina - 2015-10-12 10:14 PM If we were to purchase an A class we would want lockers rather than a bed over the cab as we would always use an island bed in the rear. It always surprises me that there are so few, new as well as secondhand, vans with the locker option since the vast majority are used by couples and most have fixed rear beds now. Is this because of perceived resale values or ease of selling? It seems counter intuitive to me. Kev We specified lockers in place of a drop down bed when we ordered our Hymer A class last year. You also get a roof light and extra LED lights with the lockers. It cost an extra £450 but was well worth it! B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Motorhomes do not need type approval like cars. http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/vehicletype/national-small-series.asp But how this affects safety is presumably up to the manufacturer and the approving body. It is things like crumple zones and side impact that could be compromised, but I am no expert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 George Collings - 2015-10-13 8:03 AM rupert123 - 2015-10-12 9:58 PM Brock - 2015-10-12 8:22 PM panel is not metal but there is the standard Fiat crash shell so safety is not compromised. . This is not really accurate and the reason I would not touch one with a ten foot pole. The metal on the front of a standard Fiat, or any other van, especially the outer wing shell is vital for the front crush zones, there is no such thing as a crash shell. Could you tell us the source of your information that wings form part of the crush zone. To obtain Type Approval converters rely on the base vehicles Type Approval. If removing the wings degraded protection the conversion would not obtain type approval.; In order to keep repair cost and therefore insurance costs down the vast majority of front panels and wings are bolt on items and the fewer the bolts the better. See Bills answer, he beat me to it. Am not going to argue this one any more, go back to past posts this has been discussed many times. Everyone does what they want anyway so arguments rarely, if ever, go anywhere. Would just say anyone considering one of these things do some homework including Hymers publicity stunt crash test they did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muswell Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 George Collings - 2015-10-13 8:03 AM Could you tell us the source of your information that wings form part of the crush zone. 15 years ago I was at a presentation about vehicle crash design given by one of the leading specialists in the field. Even at that time, for new vehicles every single aspect contributed, such that changing a bonnet lid for something which appeared similar but was not the same could affect how it crumpled and reduce the survivability. This was particularly important in short vehicles where the crumple zone is short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peter James Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 rupert123 - 2015-10-12 9:58 PM The metal on the front of a standard Fiat, or any other van, especially the outer wing shell is vital for the front crush zones. Actually the outer wing shell on the 'standard Fiat van' is plastic. Thats why they don't bother to paint it. Incidentally, what hasn't been mentioned so far is the better thermal insulation of the A class front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Biggest drawback of that A class screen is in the winter, and your wildcamping or in an area where fitting an external screen might be inadvisable ;-) ........... You'll be spending fair while every morning with a squeegee :D ........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Peter James - 2015-10-13 11:45 AM rupert123 - 2015-10-12 9:58 PM The metal on the front of a standard Fiat, or any other van, especially the outer wing shell is vital for the front crush zones. Actually the outer wing shell on the 'standard Fiat van' is plastic. Thats why they don't bother to paint it. Incidentally, what hasn't been mentioned so far is the better thermal insulation of the A class front. Yes it is, however it still contributes to the crush zone, plastics are in fact better than metal if properly constructed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tugga Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 We have only ever had A Class motorhomes as we really like them. They are warmer with fewer drafts, you get better vision all round, plus a second drop down bed. We have external silver screens and would never pitch anywhere where we might be in danger taking them off! Who would? :-S If insurance is more expensive, then I think it is marginal as we have compared ours with a friends coach built with Comfort. Tax is exactly the same. They are easier to clean externally Yes, there is only one cab door, usually on the opposite side to the habitation door. We tend to use both. If on the continent we tend to use the hab door but if in the UK we tend to use the cab door. Ours is LHD so its me that shuffles across, but as there is plenty of room, it isn't a problem (unlike it would be in a car). I would say, give one a try and see what you prefer, you just might be surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Leake Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 The expensive windscreens may well be covered by insurance but don't forget that on some but not all they may take for ever to obtain and some need specialist fitters. I've never been that concerned about broken windscreens but having had one on our new PVC inside its first 3000 miles I've changed my mind a bit. I did always used to dread getting one on our previous motorhome because some numpty had glued the remote for the alarm to the top of the windscreen which would have made changing it interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 As far as I am aware with one exception there has only bee one UK converted A class offered for sale new In the last 20 years and its been out of production for at least six so we are talking imported vehicles so UK approval is not relevant. This is the appropriate legislation. European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) is based around EC Directives and provides for the approval of whole vehicles, in addition to vehicle systems and separate components. This certification is accepted throughout the EU without the need for further testing until a standard is updated or your design changes. Motor caravan manufacturers may be able to take advantage of the provisions which are set out for special purpose vehicles Due to product liabilty issues converters have to rely on the manufacturers type approval or their insurers would refuse cover. Most LCV manufactures offer their vehicles as platforms to build A class and bus bodies minus the outer panels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starvin marvin Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 pelmetman - 2015-10-13 12:28 PM Biggest drawback of that A class screen is in the winter, and your wildcamping or in an area where fitting an external screen might be inadvisable ;-) ........... You'll be spending fair while every morning with a squeegee :D ........... We free camp extensively, and have never suffered from "free camping fear" our dogs tend to deal with that. If we are in any doubt, either of us we move on. We've even free camped on the road outside Calpe Mar ( by the way how's your hangover?). The area of our old A class screen is less deeply than our current X250, son about the same mopping up time, albeit with good quality absorbent cloth, never a squeegee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 starvin marvin - 2015-10-14 2:13 AM pelmetman - 2015-10-13 12:28 PM Biggest drawback of that A class screen is in the winter, and your wildcamping or in an area where fitting an external screen might be inadvisable ;-) ........... You'll be spending fair while every morning with a squeegee :D ........... We free camp extensively, and have never suffered from "free camping fear" our dogs tend to deal with that. If we are in any doubt, either of us we move on. We've even free camped on the road outside Calpe Mar ( by the way how's your hangover?). Hangover?................It was too much sun :$ ................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogher Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 A-Class = more expensive, fewer doors but nicer to travel in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HymerVan Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The main advantage is size but the main disadvantage is size. The latter can be mitigated by a mini A class such as the Piote Cityvan although I think there are relatively few around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolero boy Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Hymer Exsis-i are slim and also have a couple of 6m models, so easy to drive yet all the inter al cab space. similar, is the Carthago C-Compactline, shortes van 6.40, so down to PVC footprint but with proper garages, insulation, space etc.....but still expensive. one disadvantage of an A-class cab, is that the side windows are further away from you so impossible to stick your head out of the window to see at awkward, angled junctions......so be careful. similarly, while our bus mirrors give amazing rearwards vision, they can impact three quarter fwd vision (on ours, to the right) when approaching roundabouts.... smaller mirrors would be better all round, IMHO. other than that, we love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldi Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Morning folks, Would there be huge heat gain with the big windscreen in hot weather is the question I would ask. norm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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