Coachbuilt to Panel Van Conversion

TrackerEKS
TrackerEKS Forum Participant Posts: 21
edited March 2016 in Motorhomes #1

I am contemplating changing my coachbuit motorcaravan to a panel van converstion.  What experiance do other members have of this change, plusses and minus.  I would also be looking to use this as an everyday vehicle as well, i am keen on the FIat Ducato
6,36mm. 

Thanks Chris

Comments

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited March 2016 #2

    I wanted a PVC when we changed last time. My missus point blank refused. She also refused to have a narrower coachbuilt [worth checking out because the insulation is better and not all suffer from damp]. We ended up with a 6m long, 2.34m wide A Class which I use as a day vehicle but not on a day to day basis.

    I did used to use our 6.3m long coachbuilt as a day to day vehicle, including business use. Doable, but height barriers and parking restrictions are more of an issue than if you just use it for leisure.

  • RJLJ
    RJLJ Forum Participant Posts: 148
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #3

    I can't comment on moving from coachbuilt to pvc as we've only had pvc motorhomes.    We had a trigano tribute for about eight years, it was about 5.6m and we used it as an everyday vehicle as well.  For a couple of years before my husband retired he drove
    to work in it and then it became our only vehicle.  Last year we changed to an autocruise accent which is 6m long and again its our only vehicle.  You just have to think carefully about parking and watch out for the height barriers, pretty much the same as
    going on hols just everyday!!  Its really good having all the facilities with you!!! Or is that just us being old!

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #4

    I wanted a PVC when we changed last time. My missus point blank refused. She also refused to have a narrower coachbuilt [worth checking out because the insulation is better and not all suffer from damp]. We ended up with a 6m long, 2.34m wide A Class which I use as a day vehicle but not on a day to day basis.

    I did used to use our 6.3m long coachbuilt as a day to day vehicle, including business use. Doable, but height barriers and parking restrictions are more of an issue than if you just use it for leisure.

    this is a very valid post....there are now many lightweight, slim, short(er) coachbuilts that give far more room and comfort that a pvc, yet within a very similar footprint...

    the Hymer exsis range along with the Carthago Compactline, Burstner Travel Van etc, etc are all good examples.

    most are 2.22m wide so pretty slim with lengths from 6m up.

    coachbuilts have more vertical sides that dont curve like PVCs do, freeing up more upper van headroom and locker space.

    some also have double floors for proper insulation, yet also have large garages for bikes etc.....

  • BlueVanMan
    BlueVanMan Forum Participant Posts: 382
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #5

    Threads on this previously. I don't know how big your coachbuilt is compared to 6.36m

    We thought about changing after a visit to the Hymer factory in Bavaria in 2010 and ordered our PVC in 2011. We realised how flimsy and unsubstantial the structure of the caravan parts of a coachbuilt are and consequently the implications for rear passengers
    in an accident particularly if you are rear ended.  

    Some Pros

    In our experience a much more relaxing drive (and we can cruise in the upper 80s mph on the autobahn comfortably and safely)

    More robust structure therefore likely to be less conversion noise and a quieter drive. Some niche converters achieve excellent build quality others less so. Can be slimmer than a coachbuilt and consequently easier to drive on back roads and park. Smaller
    sizes (sub-6metres) can save money on ferries and tolls. 

    Cons

    Potentially more expensive to buy but if well main maintained residuals better.

    Insulation probably not as good as a coachbuild but OK for three season use.

    Not as much storage (but you can overcome this by selective and discerning packing)

  • TrackerEKS
    TrackerEKS Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited March 2016 #6

    Hi many thanks for all the responses, it is very interesting and helpful to get your views.  Like many of you i am looking to get something more robust having being perilled by damp on my previous coachbuilt.  On my new one i went out this morning ot find
    the fridge vent on the floor.  I looked at some of the converstions at the NEC and some of the niche guy have some ver nice vehiles, i was impressed by Vantage, IH and Moto Trek.  So i think next time it will be one of those.

     

    Thanks

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