Thoughts welcomed.
We are considering a change and slight downsize in motorhome and have recently seen an Italian make which could fit the bill. Never seen one in the flesh before, does anyone have experience or knowledge of the Wingamm make?
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I looked at the website when we were looking to downsize, Micky, but they are so rare and with so few dealers that I didn’t pursue it. We were primarily concentrating on width for our downsize which pretty much ruled out most coachbuilts.
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It doesn’t encourage you to explore further I’m afraid.
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I am not familiar with this make but without access to a dealer within a reasonable distance it would have to have massive benefits over other makes to pursuade me. Other manufacturers do a drop down bed (e.g. Adria) if that is a feature that you want.
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It is, hg, but also size and quality, We've also looked at Chaussons and Swift Rio with drop down beds but I'd need to be convinced about their quality. Anyone had experience of these?
As Tinny says, the proximity of a dealership does also add to the equation but not over quality.
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Beautifully made at a price. VW is a good base for a small motorhome. They've been imported on and off for many years. Each time Wingamm 'returns' it has a different dealer. We gawp at the models with lust at the motorhome shows.
Lack of commitment to the UK, I was told that fibreglass motorhomes do not have the insulation properties of aluminium, price, and difficulty in servicing/maintaining an unusual van always put us off.
You Tube hosts a few videos with one showing the 2018 Micro costing 82k euros - probably a show model with all the extras. My perception has always been that they are Hymer A-class prices.
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Thanks folk, the suggested insulation issue is an interesting one, one I've not heard of. I will look into this. If it is problem it may be more significant for those of us who live/tour in Northern Europe. Currently own a 7.5 and looking to get closer to 6 if possible. Obviously cost is important BB but at this stage I'm not discounting any make or model. Just in the info. gathering stage.We've had panel vans, lutons, low profiles in the past and all have suited our needs at specific times. Know we fancy something a little more compact. Love the 4 wheel drive Mercedes Hymer but Mrssf cannot see my attraction in this.
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As BB says, there are so many models these days it can be difficult to choose. There is only so much you can fit into 6 - 6.5 meters length. Best to decide what features are essential e.g. continental style garage, drop down bed etc. You WILL have to take it back to the dealers for warranty work at some point, however good the quality, so dealer location is very important.
We are very pleased with our Autosleepers Broadway and at 6.3m it is comfortable to drive and has enough space for touring, however, some people want the fixed bed or a garage so this would not suit. Quality though is excellent.
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It’s an impressive Motorhome. We thought that the payload was limited to keep within 3500kg. and not that keen on the sleeping arrangements but it is amazing what they have fitted in.
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Is that the one pictured on the website with a price tag in the window saying £87,056 ? I knew there was a reason I didn't buy it. This really is a rich man's Club.
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Interesting! We have a VW AS monocoque and use it all seasons, including down to -5c. Can't say I have found it cold. Our understanding is more that they stopped making them because they were a lot more expensive to produce than the more conventional MHs produced nowadays (UK types). I could be wrong of course, but we love our monocoque, it doesn't appear to have some of the damp issues that so bedevil other types, and it seems to be holding its price well, they go like a flash if advertised second hand and in good condition. The Wingamm looks very similar externally, but internally rather different. Can't fault the VW as a base!
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If Downsizing, May I suggest you have a look at the products supplied by Wellhouse Leisure. They build excellent products based on Mercedes / Ford / Toyota and Hyundai vehicles. ( no Fiat, I'm pleased to say ).
They are a bit pricey but quality always is.
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We looked in detail at various 6m, or less, base vehicles for conversion to our spec and really wanted a Sprinter. Unfortunately, from our point of view, only the PSA range were suitable for the end lounge layout that suits us.This is due to the longer length of the cab which, in turn, reduces the usable load space behind the front seats in the Sprinter/Crafter. Issues with vans other than the Ducato/Boxer included some or all of the following: headroom, wheel arch position, fixed bulkhead, location of chassis and drive train fittings making under floor tanks etc virtually impossible to fit.
The Ducato/Boxers have a shorter cab than most and, being fwd, have more available space around the chassis fittings. I think this explains why PVCs based on other makes tend to have either the European type layout (eg La Strada) or the traditional rock & roll beds.
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Exactly, BB. There are always compromises to be made and personal preferences come to the fore. Your preferred layout and mine are worlds apart but how good it is that we have the choice.
Downsizing was always going to be a compromise on space - that is accepted - but the real compromise for us was in the base vehicle which in the end proved to leave us no choice at all. We're getting used to it but having trouble remembering to use the left pedal.
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Exactly why we bought the Suffolk, QQ. The rear lounge was duplicating the cvan layout and the Merc Sprinter 'proper' TC auto stands head and shoulders above the others. Sadly, it became time to move on.
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Nail on the head, BB. You weren't able to compare it with the Sprinter.
There were two main reasons we stuck with the manual Pug. We found the Peugeot 2 litre 160 engine to be smoother and possibly more powerful than the Fiat 150 equivalent. Also the auto box in the Fiat is an electronically automated manual and, knowing how the control systems work and how it operates, it seemed wisest to swerve it. We both learnt to drive on vehicles without synchromesh gearboxes so a manual box is no problem (apart from remembering) but we liked the smoothness and convenience of the Merc TC auto box.
Yes, we're 'getting there' as you put it. Although not using it to stay in at this end of the year, we've both been driving it out and about visiting the delights this area has to offer. It’s smaller size proves it was the right thing to do every time we use it. In fact, as it’s little bigger than a car, we've been able to reduce our vehicle count from three to two. See, buying a MH can save money.
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Wow, I thought Mrssf was bad enough!
I used to be decisive, I'm not so sure now!To be honest I quiet like the Rapido PVC or one of their smallest low profiles. Mrssf fancies the Rio or the Chauson Dropdown. We've had several vans over the years, all with pros and cons. Loved our Gloucester on a Mercedes auto base we had. Best was the Rapido. Probably our best loved was the Autocruise Starburst (pre swift). The Merc was a great motor but I always felt the cab was more white van like compared with the Fiats/Peugeot we've owned which are more car like in my opinion. My dream would be the Mercedes 4x4 Hymer however I'm made aware it's just a boy toy thing, guess who reminds me of this over and over again? We are off to Manchester to look at some options in January as we can't make Birmingham. We've got a year or maybe two to do the research mind, that indecision you know, it plays a part too!
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