Downsizing

[sandalwood]

Have Rapido 776ff, thinking if downsizing to Rapido v68, does anyone have experience of v 68 and would you recommend! From large camper to van conversion, easier driving, but compromise on space!

[david lloyd]

After quite a few years with van conversions we up sized about two years ago and have enjoyed our van more ever since. The present Hymer is 6.5 metres long so about 5 - 6 inches longer than our panel van but the difference in internal space is huge. We certainly won't be going back to a panel van anytime soon but one day, when we need a camper just for odd days away and as our only vehicle we may return.

 

David

[sandalwood]

Tks fir reply - noted :-D

[Dave225]

It is all a matter of your camping style. If either you, or spouse cannot live in a small space then do not go near a a campervan. We have moved from a caravan, which has oodles ofspace, to a 6.5 meter campervan. As long as there are just the 2 of us the camper is fine and we find it does all we want. If we want the grandkids to stay then the caravan comes into its own with big lounge and more beds.

 

My wife tells me that she has become used to the 'confines' of the campervan and actually loves it. The ability to basically drive like a car is also an advantage. I do admit we do not go wild camping but use sites. This means the shower etc is not required and as the shower itself is more a 'make you wet, but not much else' device, there is no problem. We can fit 4 adults in the cab/living area but feeding them all would be 'interesting'

 

So, it is up to you. Decidw what you realy want then try. Possibly hire one for a week to get a feel.

[Mike88]

If your camping style is to visit a site and stay there for weeks or months then downsizing may not be for you.

 

However if you like to tour around then a panel van conversion is ideal. Personally I have only ever owned a panel van as I like the fact I can travel anywhere with it.Because I use the van mainly abroad the van is used mainly to sleep as I prefer to spend most of my time either out and about or relaxing undercover of the blind to read and enjoy the sun. Previously I owned a caravan but never found the lack of space in a panel van to be a problem but accept many might find not agree. In fact my next van is likely to be a further downsize from 6 metres to 5.5 metres.

[henrypartridge]

We downsized from Bailey 740 to a PVC and for us it's been a success. So much more relaxing to drive than the fat coachbuilt though obviously not the same space on site

We looked at the 6 m transverse bed Rapido van and were very impressed. That wardrobe/shower compartment is brilliant. Dave Hurrell the chief road tester for MMM bought one and reviewed it in the mag. Worth reading. However, over a period of months Brownhills couldn't say when r if they would have a V68 and in the end we bought a Globecar Campscout: we wanted the single beds as our clambering over each other in the night days are long gone. Bought it from SMC in Newark and are delighted with the van and the dealer. But I'd certainly like that a Rapido shower.

As for downsizing in general, well it worked for us. And my van won't leak.

[keninpalamos]

Driving a small camper and visiting places like Cornwall with its narrow high banked roads is great fun. I use my little pop top Mercedes Vito Autosleeper to tour the UK and as my car in the summer. But when touring Europe in the winter for a few months I have a Hymer A class both are getting on a bit like me but still going strong. When I first started the motorhome hobby big was best. A 35ft Rexhall Ayrbus but soon realised the error of my ways especially at 8 mpg.

[veletron]

Hi

 

Been pleased with my V55 (actually the campereve variant of the same), coming from a coach-built you'll find the lounge the biggest compromise - ditto essentially doing all your cooking in your 'lounge area'. If the van is primarily a place to relax of an evening and to sleep in, it will be fine, but if you want to sit in it during the day looking at the views, or to have guests over then the lack of space will become tiresome.

 

Take a look at the Dreamer range as well (made by Rapido), and possibly better value/better speced. Dreamer is what Campereve became for 2016. The D68 is the rapido equivilent while the 'Family Van' offers a better lounge and a more separated kitchen, bunk beds at the back can become a garage area, and there is a drop-down bed over the lounge.

 

There also the older Campereve Neovan with a drop down double - this is 5.4M long and feels like a tardis.

 

Nigel

[Don Madge]

Fourteen years ago due to ill health (unable to pass the dreaded 70+ medical) we had to downsize from our A class Laika Ecovip 400i (4,200 kg MAM). We had had the Laika for 2 years and had fitted it out for winter touring.

Extras we had fitted were a pair of 60-litre LPG tanks for domestic use, a 60-watt solar panel and a Sporty Trailers aluminium back box. As standard, the Laika had a 135 litre fridge/freezer, 115 litre fresh water tank, 140 litre waste water tank and a marine toilet of 52 litre capacity. We had just got the van sorted to our satisfaction when we had to part with it.

 

 

We usually wintered away for 4 or 5 months (Jan - May), then had an Autumn trip (late Aug - mid Nov), making 7 or 8 months' continental touring in a year. We had spent Jan - April 2002 in Turkey and returned home via Rhodes, Patras and Venice.

 

 

The Laika was easy to drive, very spacious to live in and the only drawbacks we found during this extensive trip were difficulties in parking and the impossibility of taking it down extremely narrow difficult roads to visit isolated ancient sites.

The search then started for a replacement motorhome, with two single beds and a reasonable payload. It was a lot harder than we thought it would be. It could not be above 3,500 kg MAM and we fancied a low profile coach-built but on most the payloads were inadequate for our needs. Some payloads were only 250 - 300 kg and we were still looking at fairly large motorhomes.

 

We then started to look at LWB high top vans and after much thought and deliberation we settled for the Timberland Freedom 11 on the LWB Fiat Ducato with a payload of approx 500 kg. We were very apprehensive about laying out over £38,000 and having all our plans go pear-shaped. We spent a great deal of time and thought before placing an order for the van.

 

 

Other vans we considered were the Autosleeper Duetto but this dropped out of the frame when we discovered that they were now built on the MWB instead of the LWB chassis. We also considered the Murvi but as they are built in Devon and we live in Yorkshire we decided it was too far to travel if any problems arose. Also its layout meant we could not have a back box. Another contender was IH Campers at Ferrybridge. They had a very good product and offered to build to our specification but Timberland got the nod, as they had the two single bed layout we wanted on the production line when we visited the works.

 

 

The Timberland has all the same facilities that we had on the Laika. The toilet/shower area is smaller but still as good as many coach-builts. The cooking facilities are actually better, with a small full domestic cooker. The fresh/waste water tanks are smaller but we don't find this a problem. In addition we carry 4 8-litre water containers for tea/coffee making. We also prefer to fill the 60-litre fresh water tank with these, rather than carrying long hoses, which are often inconvenient anyway.

Our hobby of chasing the winter sun often means travelling through cold weather before finding the sun. Before, in the Laika, having enough LPG for cooking, heating and the fridge was always a major problem.

 

We chose to have the optional Eberspacher diesel heater fitted at Timberland and later had an MTH Autogas 13kg refillable gas bottle with an external filler installed. This solved all the heating and LPG problems. Our 60-watt solar panel was fixed on the roof, to keep the 2 leisure batteries and the engine battery topped up when not on the move.

 

 

Storage space is down from the Laika but we still found room for all the essentials. It wasn't easy but we got there in the end. Sporty Trailers manufactured us a back box that hangs on the rear door, which takes care of the loungers and camping equipment.

The main thing we had to come to terms with was the downsizing of the fridge/freezer, from 135 litres to 60 litres (I'm allowed one cold beer at a time now). It just means you have to shop more frequently.

 

 

This is not a problem these days, even in Turkey/Greece/Morocco. Large supermarkets are fairly frequent, even small village shops are much better stocked than they used to be and local markets are good.

General storage had to be juggled until it was right. The main thing is not to take anything not strictly essential (no ballgown or tuxedo). One of our main concerns was the fact that we might be falling over one another all the time. With a bit of thought and co-operation it never happened. Seating is comfortable and we can both lounge with feet up. Sleeping is also comfortable, with room to visit the loo and make tea.

If you are thinking of downsizing, do your homework first. Sort out your major priorities and look at all the options. If you get it wrong it can be a very expensive mistake. It was forced upon us but now we feel it's done us a favour. It's almost halved our fuel bill, reduced our ferry crossings and we have parked and visited places we would not have thought possible in the past. So our freedom has increased.

 

A 5-month tour of Turkey, Italy, Sardinia, Corsica and Austria went quickly without a hitch and all we could say about it was - this is even better than it used to be!

I hope this in some way helps.

Don

[flicka]

Nice to see you back on the forum Don, :->

[Basil]

We downsized from a six berth coachbuilt to a three berth PVC, for us it was the best move we made. If you accept that ALL motorhomes are a compromise in some way and can live with the compromises then it is no problem.

 

The new van actually has the same internal length as the old, it has the same equipment (but has a larger fridge), a front and rear dinette (as the old) but of course is narrower and doesn't have an overcab double bed. So logically with the exception of the width we actually end up with just as much internal space but with one less berth so more useable space and a payload of 900Kg!

 

The narrower width becomes an advantage when driving, but not having the overcab or external lockers means a rethink on storage, we now only take equipment we are going to use not 'stuff' we bought intending to use but never took it out of the cupboard!

 

Definitely the right move for us, we love it and would not go back to a coachbuilt with all its habitation dampness worries, difficult parking etc etc. As usual same old thing won't suit everyone.

 

Bas

[bolero boy]

downsized in january from a largish Carthago A-class (7.34m) to a small Carthago A-class c-Compactline 138 at 6.4m.the van is also considerably slimmer at 2.12m wide, so we are talking PVC footprint, but with full sized beds front (drop down) and rear (now transverse rather than longitudinal singles.

 

still have full bike garage, double floors, heated floors and tanks etc.

 

kitchen slightly smaller, but with still far more large storage drawers than most PVCs would have, lounge pretty much similar to pur previous one, more than enough sprawling space for two and easy diner for four with sliding pedestal table.

 

150bhp motor is more than ample to bowl along at car-like mway speeds.

 

oh, and its sooooo much easier to drive and park, short wheelbase, spins on a sixpence....and OH loves it too.

 

i think its all the advantages of a PVC bit with far more usable space and full MH features.

 

[Geeco]

Thanks Don for your input to this post. I have never considered a pvc as an option, however your comments have given me food for thought in what to choose next. Ground clearance on rutted dirt roads had been a restriction in terms of accessing some national park areas. The additional ground clearance of a pvc could be the solution to getting us closer to target spots. Thanks but apologies for no additional contribution re your original question. Cheers,

[Robbo]

Geeco - 2017-05-07 5:37 AM

 

Thanks Don for your input to this post. I have never considered a pvc as an option, however your comments have given me food for thought in what to choose next. Ground clearance on rutted dirt roads had been a restriction in terms of accessing some national park areas. The additional ground clearance of a pvc could be the solution to getting us closer to target spots. Thanks but apologies for no additional contribution re your original question. Cheers,

 

Gary, what you need is one of these https://www.hymer.com/en/models/motorhomes/semi-integrated/hymer-ml-t/hymer-ml-t-allrad.html a Hymer offroad + £85k !!!

[HymerVan]

Don

At the risk of hijacking this thread I am delighted to hear that you are still campervanning in your Timberland. I started motorhoming in 2003 and you were one of the stalwarts who provided great info about Europe and other places and I missed your contributions whem you retired from posting.

 

On topic my personal philosophy (and it doesn't suit everybody) is that small is best However living in a small van needs discipline organisation and compromise (actually so does a big van but the small van needs more).

A PVC provides build integrity robustness and rigidity which a coachbuilt however good cannot have. It is easier to drive and park and may use less fuel.

[Don Madge]

HymerVan - 2017-05-07 8:57 AM

 

Don

At the risk of hijacking this thread I am delighted to hear that you are still campervanning in your Timberland. I started motorhoming in 2003 and you were one of the stalwarts who provided great info about Europe and other places and I missed your contributions whem you retired from posting.

 

On topic my personal philosophy (and it doesn't suit everybody) is that small is best However living in a small van needs discipline organisation and compromise (actually so does a big van but the small van needs more).

A PVC provides build integrity robustness and rigidity which a coachbuilt however good cannot have. It is easier to drive and park and may use less fuel.

Thanks

 

We gave up motorhoming about four years ago. We now rent a cottage for the winter on the Portuguese Algarve just north of Lagos on the edge of the national park.

 

We drive out in our car taking the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander then it's a 700 mile drive to Lagos. We take it very steady and have a couple of night stops along the way.

 

We are now in our eighties and hope to carry on wintering in Portugal as long as possible.

 

Safe travelling.

 

Don

 

 

[HymerVan]

Thanks for responding Don.

You are still as I see it a stalwart of the motorhoming community and you and others such as "Sheila and Paul" not to mention "Go Motorhoming" provided us with the knowledge and the confidence to travel extensively and and to an extent unconventionally in Europe particularly since 2009. Its great to hear that you are still managing to winter in sunny(er) climes.

 

I should have been off tomorrow on a 6000 mile trip to Northern Norway Sweden etc (two years in the planning) but a health issue has prevented me going. Hopefully we can do it next year with a less ambitious European trip in the Autumn.

 

Best Wishes

 

Laurence

[monique.hubrechtsgm]

I Am really impressed By DOn. Understanding your escape to route 66 to the continent as you speak. If you feel fit for purpose your small van can be suitable but that remains to be seen. My partner is 74 years old and spend most of his live time as a technical engineer whit shell international Marine and have seen the whole world to screen oil tankers.They are very large and comfortable like a hotel first class. Dinner served. Why you want to spend your days now in a small van? Why not take some nice cruises. My partner will not pump in a a small van after large..

[mikebeaches]

sandalwood - 2017-04-24 10:47 AM

 

Have Rapido 776ff, thinking if downsizing to Rapido v68, does anyone have experience of v 68 and would you recommend! From large camper to van conversion, easier driving, but compromise on space!

 

Hi

 

Haven't looked in for a while - but yes, we have a Rapido V68 purchased new at the end of June last year!

 

Previously, we had a coachbuilt Chausson Flash S2, but wanted a narrower-bodied PVC, with fixed twin beds and a comfortmatic gearbox.

 

Surprisingly, the V68 is slightly longer than the old van, by about a foot. BUT it is also a foot narrower! And that is what makes all the difference to the driving experience - way way better and more relaxing.

 

In addition to providing easier access to all the interesting place we like to explore, including towns and villages as well as narrow country lanes - it also feels much more confident and sure-footed at speed on the motorway. In the coachbuilt we cruised at circa 60mph, but frequently travel happily at 70 (or even 75mph on the continent) - think white-van man.

 

Other benefits - the beds are supremely comfortable and enable us to access the bathroom in the night without disturbing each other. We like being able to open the huge sliding side door and let the outside in. Sometimes, even the rear barn doors too - certainly lets plenty of air through when it's hot.

 

The V68 has a massive 3-way fridge for a PVC at about 130 litres.

 

So on the downside, yes it feels a bit 'narrow' inside, but we've quickly adapted. We've reduced very slightly the amount of stuff we carry, but haven't had to compromise too much. We had the previous van 5 years, so knew what got used and what didn't, which helped when deciding what we could manage without. The bathroom is on the 'bijou' side, especially compared to the old van, but again we've adapted quite happily. And finally, there is a little less living room around the dinette, but it still works perfectly well for us. Sue often enjoys reading on the bed in the evening, and I like to use the laptop at the table - so that works fine.

 

Like all MHs, there's some conversion noise when travelling and I wish the Fiat Ducato rear suspension was a little less like a farm cart and somewhat more compliant when travelling over poor road surfaces - most noticeable at slower speeds (fine at high speed, however). But that applied exactly the same to our two previous vans. In other respects the latest Fiat provides a really good driving experience and we both love the comfortmatic gearbox.

 

So overall and in summary, one of the best decisions we've ever made!

 

Good luck whatever you decide to go for.

 

Oh and any specific queries about the V68, just ask.

 

Cheers, Mike

 

 

[monique.hubrechtsgm]

Yes we are in the same position. My partner is in favor of the La Strada/Nova M range. Why? It was the movie by Federico Fellini who impressed him very much.However still 6.3 mtr long and 2.99 high. You can have them on the Mercedes sprinter in 4wd drive. A new sprinter is on the drawing board. Impressive top German quality.And a very nice layout. And the dealer is on my doorway.However is this downsizing?

[bolero boy]

mikebeaches - 2017-05-11 10:54 AM

 

sandalwood - 2017-04-24 10:47 AM

 

Have Rapido 776ff, thinking if downsizing to Rapido v68, does anyone have experience of v 68 and would you recommend! From large camper to van conversion, easier driving, but compromise on space!

 

Hi

 

Haven't looked in for a while - but yes, we have a Rapido V68 purchased new at the end of June last year!

 

Previously, we had a coachbuilt Chausson Flash S2, but wanted a narrower-bodied PVC, with fixed twin beds and a comfortmatic gearbox.

 

Surprisingly, the V68 is slightly longer than the old van, by about a foot. BUT it is also a foot narrower! And that is what makes all the difference to the driving experience - way way better and more relaxing.

 

In addition to providing easier access to all the interesting place we like to explore, including towns and villages as well as narrow country lanes - it also feels much more confident and sure-footed at speed on the motorway. In the coachbuilt we cruised at circa 60mph, but frequently travel happily at 70 (or even 75mph on the continent) - think white-van man.

 

Other benefits - the beds are supremely comfortable and enable us to access the bathroom in the night without disturbing each other. We like being able to open the huge sliding side door and let the outside in. Sometimes, even the rear barn doors too - certainly lets plenty of air through when it's hot.

 

The V68 has a massive 3-way fridge for a PVC at about 130 litres.

 

So on the downside, yes it feels a bit 'narrow' inside, but we've quickly adapted. We've reduced very slightly the amount of stuff we carry, but haven't had to compromise too much. We had the previous van 5 years, so knew what got used and what didn't, which helped when deciding what we could manage without. The bathroom is on the 'bijou' side, especially compared to the old van, but again we've adapted quite happily. And finally, there is a little less living room around the dinette, but it still works perfectly well for us. Sue often enjoys reading on the bed in the evening, and I like to use the laptop at the table - so that works fine.

 

Like all MHs, there's some conversion noise when travelling and I wish the Fiat Ducato rear suspension was a little less like a farm cart and somewhat more compliant when travelling over poor road surfaces - most noticeable at slower speeds (fine at high speed, however). But that applied exactly the same to our two previous vans. In other respects the latest Fiat provides a really good driving experience and we both love the comfortmatic gearbox.

 

So overall and in summary, one of the best decisions we've ever made!

 

Good luck whatever you decide to go for.

 

Oh and any specific queries about the V68, just ask.

 

Cheers, Mike

 

 

mike, just a point on the hard ride, get your axle weights and find out the correct tyre pressures, they will almost certainly be 'factory/dealer fitted' with 80 psi.......ouch....

[colin]

bolero boy - 2017-05-11 9:07 PM

 

mike, just a point on the hard ride, get your axle weights and find out the correct tyre pressures, they will almost certainly be 'factory/dealer fitted' with 80 psi.......ouch....

 

Mikes V68 like my Campscout is built on the Maxi chassis, there is only so much compensated by reducing the tyre pressure, the fundamental problem is the 2.4t rated rear suspension.

[mikebeaches]

bolero boy - 2017-05-11 9:07 PM

 

mike, just a point on the hard ride, get your axle weights and find out the correct tyre pressures, they will almost certainly be 'factory/dealer fitted' with 80 psi.......ouch....

 

Many thanks! But yes, I run at around 65 psi in the rear tyres, otherwise it is as you suggest - awful!

[mikebeaches]

colin - 2017-05-11 9:48 PM

 

bolero boy - 2017-05-11 9:07 PM

 

mike, just a point on the hard ride, get your axle weights and find out the correct tyre pressures, they will almost certainly be 'factory/dealer fitted' with 80 psi.......ouch....

 

Mikes V68 like my Campscout is built on the Maxi chassis, there is only so much compensated by reducing the tyre pressure, the fundamental problem is the 2.4t rated rear suspension.

 

Hi Colin - as you say the layout and size of our vans are near identical. However, perhaps surprisingly, I don't believe the Rapido V68 is on the Maxi chassis (ie heavy duty), just the extra long body but standard weight. My rear axle is plated at 2,000kg, rather than 2.4k.

 

But you're right, lowering the tyre pressure helps a little, but in my book it's still a harsh ride at the back. No real issue with the front suspension and I find the brakes and steering etc excellent - it's just the rear suspension that takes the edge off the ride quality - although as I mentioned earlier - it is pretty good all round at high speed. But I do enjoy just 'pottering' as well.

 

Oh and we were torn between getting a Campscout or the V68 - it was a close decision because I think they are both good vans. And I'm sure we'd probably been happy with either.

 

Cheers, Mike

[colin]

Very odd, the xlwb on x250 was only ever built on Maxi chassis, maybe the x290 is different or they do a special for v68