"Just Looking......"

We gave the vans a miss, all except a lovely brand new Eriba. That just oozed quality. OH would have one like a shot, always been something he liked. 

I looked at one of those ten years ago - bought it then and there - and have never been to another show or showroom since. 

OH is still keen on a MH, but as I said on a previous discussion, I am not so keen, but trying to keep an open mind.

Having made a list of what we would like in a MH, we have realised that it does not fit with what I now have the licence to drive, or with what we realistically have space for on the driveway.

We also decided we want the possibility to be able to take the grandchildren along, so 4 belted seats and 4 berths,  and a model  that our daughter and husband could use, so under 3500kg.

We have therefore decided that a compromise is necessary, have abandoned Alde heating as a requirment, and OH is now looking at up to 7.5m (but preferably only 7m), under 3500kg models that still have most of what we would want.

Looking at the rear fixed bed models with the split toilet/shower arrangement, there are several under 3500kg and 7.5m,  but the big compromise is in kitchen space, and in the island bed types the storage space in the bedroom.

Have not found any UK built ones that combine our preferred size/layout with the under 3500kg requirement.

She now has a "shortlist" (actually quite long!) which includes  the Hymer Exsis 598 models (very nice), also (so far) similar ones from Rapido, Chausson, Burstner, Knaus, Adria and Dethleffs.

One that we also found interesting is the Burstner Ixeo it680G, which has a drop down bed as the main bed, rather than a fixed bed, so therefore more lounge and kitchen space,  a good rear bathroom, and good storage.  2 additional berths can be catered for by only partly lowering the bed. However, it is somewhat heavier than the fixed bed models, so limited payload.

The "basic" models are probably just a bit too basic for us, and adding the various things we would want is going to add weight, and ££££s.  It is all rather bewildering!

Hoping we may be able to see a few in the flesh in September when we head south.

Meantime, perhaps a MH owner could advise on engines?

Is the 130hp Fiat engine going to give a reasonable performance on hills?

To get a four berth/four travel seat van with "posh" facilities and four beds is always going to be difficult especially one that leaves a realistic payload after 2 adults + 2 adults/children and their kit. I would advise you to be very careful about payload and very sceptical about dealer pronouncements in tht regard. E.g. 1 adult + 2 children + full water could be 250 kilos leaving a small margin for everything else. My 130 bhp euro 5 engine is more than adequate for my van. The "new" Euro 6 "blue"peugeot/citroen engine has slightly more torque (340 compared with 320) and the 160 bhp version has the same amount of torque so probably not worth the extra £1000. The theoretical top speed of the van unconverted is 92 mph. We have hit 160kph on unrestricted sections of the autobahn so top speed is unlikely to be an issue.