PVC or coachbuilt?

gooner28
gooner28 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited November 2021 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

We are looking to buy a new used motorhome. The storage spot we currently have will only allow us to have up to 6.4m. I think we would prefer a transverse bed to give us good storage although something like the Vantage Sol also looks appealing but probably too expensive. Is something like a Globecar suitable for a 6-8 week break in Europe?  I have read that there are fewer problems with damp in a pvc - is this the case? Any thoughts welcome.

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
«1

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #2

    The reason that "damp" is less of a problem?  a Panel Van Conversion is in the name , as it is a  steel panel van, with a few holes cut in the panels 

    Motorised caravan , commonly  called a motor caravan is basicaly a caravan body grafted on to a commercial vehicle base ,some on a standard chassis and others on caravan type chassis with just the cab on the commercial vehical bolted on the front

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,157
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited November 2021 #3

    We are now on our second Coach Built motorhomer. When we were thinking about changing about three years ago we did think about a PVC but unlike you we wanted to get away from a double bed and have two singles. I know PVC's can be configured for two singles but they are quite narrow so that is why we went for another Coach Built. Having said that the PVC does appeal because they tend to be more compact although I an sure there will be those who will say that there are compact coach builts as well. I suppose a panel van won't leak in the same way a car won't but that depends on how things are fitted like vents and windows. There are quite a few 6 metre coach builts out there with a transverse bed with good storage under the bed that might be worth a look. Depending your time scale if you could get to a motorhome show you could view more models in one place.

    David

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #4

    We recently swapped from a 6.4m coach built to a 6.4 m PVC.

    The van feels much more solid, drives much better and hopefully will be far more damp resistant.

    But it is noticeably smaller inside.

    It's a compromise that only you can assess the merits of......

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #5

    We’ve had, in recent years, a 6.4m coachbuilt, two 6.0m PVCs, and a 5m PVC. 

    There is no doubt at all that PVCs are less prone to damp and, by their very nature, are more robust than coachbuilts. PVCs tend to be easier to park and manoeuvre due to their slim construction but that, in turn, means less space widthwise inside.

    Our 6.0m PVCs (AS Warwick Duo) were rear twin bed/seat layout and suited us very well. Six weeks was no problem as we soon got used to the narrower space. Layout is a very personal issue but I suggest you check the dimensions of a transverse bed as the narrower width of a PVC can mean a bed that’s not quite long enough for taller folk.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #6

    We swappd from a short wheel base panel van to a small coachbuilt, they've both been ok. I think it depends what you need for your travels. The main difference for us being the amount of doors, (the chill factor) we are slightly cosier in the coachbuilt. If you're travelling abroad to warmer places you might be glad to fling more doors open! In the uk it doesn't matter quite so much. We've not had any damp in any of our vans over the years so I can't make a judgement on that score.

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #7

    A 6m Globecar would be an excellent good choice for a 6 - 8 week break in Europe. We regularly do about 10 weeks in a 6m PVC but tend to stick to warmer southerly parts were outdoors living more than compensates for space limitations. Personally I think 5.6 is just too small. 6.4 obviously provides a bit more space and generally avoids transverse beds, but they can be a pain in car parks. Transverse beds can provide a huge amount of useful space underneath. PVCs can and do leak, my front hatch had to be removed and refitted under warranty after springing a leak. Globecar was on my short list, but I couldn’t live with the upholstery options - personal choice. The ‘wizz bang’ side door on PVCs is great for bringing the outdoors inside on sites. For me the best configuration is a frond dinette utilising the swivel front driver and passenger seats. Fridge at eye level helps in a narrow passageway and a decent sized wardrobe is a must for me. If you’re staying somewhere really hot (we’ve camped in 42c) it’s great to throw open the big rear and side doors - fly screen available for rear doors.

  • Hja
    Hja Club Member Posts: 892
    500 Likes 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #8

    We swapped from a 6.4m coachbuilt to a 6,4 PVC.  We are pleased with our choice.

    We wanted two fixed single beds - which we have - no more bed making & putting away! We wanted a shower that was useable - it is - obviously not as roomy as the coachbuilt, and nothing like we had in our 2 berth caravan!  But we use it in preference to site facilities.

    We also have room to cook - 2 burner hob only - no grill or oven, although we do have a Remoska.  This was something we thought really hard about - we examined what we cook (and we do cook in preference to meals out).  We never used the oven, but did use the grill, for toast.  Found that you can make toast by dry frying on the hob - it's fine.  Any bacon we use the remoska anyway, cause grill pretty useless for that, or fry.

    We wanted something more "agile" - and certainly it is more manoeuvrable and we can park in more places - even on roadside parking.

    We have found plenty of storage space because there is  a large space under the beds, from the back doors.  I have a small foldable mobility scooter which was becoming a pain to transport in the coachbuilt, but fits in the back with lots of space to spare.

    Enough space for 6/8 weeks touring?  Depends what you NEED to take. Clothes get washed while away, food gets bought.  What else is there that you wouldnt take on a short trip?

    Yes a PVC is smaller than a coachbuilt.  We genuinely havent found that a problem.  We havent done a long trip in it, but I dont foresee any problems. But it depends how you tour. And if you are abroad in nice weather - even fewer problems I would have thought.

    Ours is a Globecar Summit Prime 640.  It already had a canopy & 120v solar panel.  We had fillable gas tanks added with external LPG fill point., and internet added (MiFi system)

    I would say - have a good look round at as many vans as you can; visualise living in them; and think about what you really need to take with you - travelling light is always better.

    You dont say whether you have had a previous van, or a caravan or are new to this all together.  Each of those scenarios will effect how you view a new purchase.

     

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited November 2021 #9
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #10

    My OH is like yours for our UK long trip tours ,coolsurprised

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #11

    On big trips, we always pack for a 10 day clothes cycle which has always proved enough and easily stored in a PVC. South of the Loire that only requires (each): 10xT shirts/tops, 10x underwear, 1x trousers, 2x shorts, 2x thin jumpers and a warm fleece. Leave any ideas of sartorial elegance at home!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #12

     .... Motorised caravan , commonly called a motor caravan

    You're the only person I've ever heard call them that ... the rest of the us call them motorhomes 🙄

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #13

    I do not do "modern speak" that makes out something that it is notundecided I very much think that a V5 will not show a motor home?surprised

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #14

    A rose by any other name…

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #15

    Or just marketing speakcool

  • gooner28
    gooner28 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited November 2021 #16

    We have had a coachbuilt 2002 Rapido with fixed bed for the last 7 years and found it to be great for our travels. However, we wanted something newer! It turned out to have damp in it which we only found out when we sold along with some rust on the sub frame (which we knew about and told buyer). It was noisy and seemed cumbersome to drive but I assume something a lot newer would be a better drive whether a coachbuilt or pvc. Now we are both retired, we can make our trips longer and envisage about 8 weeks give or take. Trips are likely to be in spring and autumn so we would probably want some warmer clothes and summer things. We also have a dog (working cocker) so need room for him.  We didn’t use our oven a great deal so managing without should not be a problem. I suppose the only trips where we have spent much time inside the van, were in Scotland late afternoon and evenings. In Europe, we have managed to be outside a lot more. 
    btw do people use damp meters when they buy a motorhome? 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #17

    modern speak? Motorhome is hardly a modern phrase/term

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #18

    No? when was it introduced  in the Uk from over the pond surprised

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #19

    I thought they were known as RVs in the US🤷🏻‍♂️

    In any case it matters not and doesn’t help Gooner.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #20

    You are right, Gooner, that the newer vans are much more pleasant to drive and I can vouch for the very latest 9 speed TC auto box fitted in the Fiat Ducato since last year. It makes for an effortless drive.

    If buying from a dealer, insist they carry out a damp test while you watch.

    If doing your own test, make sure your meter is not of the pronged type which leaves puncture marks behind

    I'd not bother with a damp test if buying a PVC unless it is the type with a bolt on 'plastic' roof.

     

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #21

    Does the ‘rest of us’ exclude the DVLC? According to my V5 I’ve got a motor caravan.

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #22

    btw do people use damp meters when they buy a motorhome?

    As far as PVCs is concerned the answer to that is they should. Although the incidence of water ingress is lower in PVCs than coachbuilts it can happen. Anywhere it’s necessary to breach the metal roof to fit a vent, ariel or hatch is a potential point of entry if not done properly or the sealant degrades. The roof is a sandwich of wood and insulation which will soak up the damp for quite before revealing the expensive damage it’s caused. Check for damp within a few centimetres of all roof fittings. The roof hatches are usually part of the fixed ventilation in MH and can let water in if the van is parked on a steep gradient if the hatch hasn’t been fitted properly.

  • Unknown
    edited November 2021 #23
    This content has been removed.
  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Club Member Posts: 3,009
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #24

    We spent months looking at PVCs before ordering another coachbuilt (Autosleepers Bourton). The arguments for and against are well stated in previous posts but for us, at the end of the day, we felt a PVC was just that - a van with a large sliding door. OH struggles with sliding the door and many designs don’t have fly screens on the large opening and in Southern Europe that would be problematic. Claustrophobia and general lack of storage space finally pushed us back to coachbuilt.

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #25

    There’s no right or wrong choice, just what works best for you. However, I wouldn’t be discouraged by fly screens they can always be added and work well.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #26

    Not necessarily. Some do not have room to fit a fly screen between the sliding door and the fitted bulkheads/cabinets.

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #27

    Sliding screen maybe, but alternatives are available, just needs a bit of research e.g. Hindermann Mosquito Curtain. Also available for T5 & T6 vans. 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #28

    I guess it all depends if one wants the bother🤷🏻‍♂️.

    Our WildAx has a sliding fly screen but only to one of the sliding doors. Our previous Warwicks had no room for one but it didn’t matter to us.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #29

    The biggest downside in the UK, to me at least, is the large 'woosh bang' door that lets all that valuable warmth out in one big chunk quite apart from the space penalty.

    Unless PVC owners are given to greasing the sides of their vans, I doubt that they can get into smaller spaces than BB or I, both having the same size slimline A Class.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,437
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2021 #30

    It’s not necessary to fully open the door, CY. A stop can be fitted. Interior space tends to depend on careful choice of layout🤷🏻‍♂️

    As BB said, you have a straight sided boxy body which is made of something easily damaged. If my van catches a protruding branch, I may collect a scratch while you may need an insurance claim and a body repair, and if your A-class windscreen is damaged, woo-hoo!

    Still, horses for courses, eh?

     

  • SeasideBill
    SeasideBill Forum Participant Posts: 2,112
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2021 #31

    For me the sliding door is a great selling point, the outlook and sense of space provided when open makes you feel like you’re letting the outside in rather than being contained inside a claustrophobic box.

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.