What Motorhome?
Now that I am on my own I have sold my caravan after 45+ years of caravanning and looking for a small motorhome. There is little on the market at the moment so I will have to bide my time a little.
What I need ideally is a small motorhome that I could use on rallies and it would also double as a day van. I have discounted camper vans as the majority don't have toilet compartments and van conversions seem way over priced for what you get. It would also help if it had a long couch, rather than a dinette, to minimise bed making. Is there anybody that has solved this problem our can recommend any motorhomes. Many thanks.
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It all depends on your budget - one that caught my eye in the December edition of MMM magazine was the Wildax Pulsar.
It's only 5 metres long and comes complete with a full (for a MH) kitchen, washroom and shower. The rear travel seats convert "in seconds" to a 6ft 2" bed. The price ....... from £53,995.
PS. If you are looking for a MH, why not buy a copy of 'What Motorhome' or MMM Magazine.
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There are a lot of Sevel based PVCs with washrooms and a single sofa/bed, Bill. VWs - not so much. The AutoSleeper Symbol is one fitting example that springs to mind but there are many others. Yes, they can be pricey but does it have to be new?
My own WildAx Pulsar at just 5m long is an ideal day van but doesn’t meet your sleeping requirements.
Check out the numerous converters out there.
Edit: Ha, cross posted with Jim 😀.
Btw, it’s not seconds to convert the bed - that’s sales speak.1 -
What about an Autosleeper Mezan? Might be worth investigating, although it might not tick all your must have boxes. We had a good look around one that was parked up next to us back in September, and were quite impressed. Comes in two height models.
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….but no longer made and like hen's teeth second hand. Shame really as it was an innovative little wagon.
Nu Venture and Romahome make similar vans but a bit bigger.
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We were very impressed with the one we saw. Nice couple, a bit younger than us. They were on a CL like us, and had put up a small gazebo with three sides to extend their living space a little. Female owner had to be very careful being out and about in Covid situation, so they had decided to get something small and economical to run, but nice to “camp” with through the Summer. We would have died and gone to heaven for such a lovely little vehicle in our early camping days.
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I had an Autosleeper Symphony on a Talbot (they’re now on Boxer) base vehicle. It had a long seat, which I made into a bed, and a toilet and shower cubicle. Perfect for one person.
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Have you looked at an earlier model Trigano Tribute,up to 2006 ish?They were on the previous style SVEL Fiat body,had a 2.3 jtd engine and a similar layout to the AS SymbolSingle sofa bed one side,a rear kitchen and shower/ toilet opposite.Our first MH was a 2006 plate one of these and it served us well, as a starter.My OH remembers very fondly although she still enjoys the comforts of our current AS mh.There are a number of T.Ts still knocking about on campsites,so they may be available to buy.
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Nice van, had one myself for several years. 5.6m if I remember correctly.
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The AT V Line does a 5.5m van that might suit https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/v-line-540-se It doesn't have a long berth along the side but I suppose you could leave the bed made up and perhaps have a small table for use with the cab seats?
David
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Have you tried ‘The Motorhome Man’ he’s on YouTube & has a lot of Moho’s. The good thing about YouTube is-you can see em & you get a guided tour around most of em👍🏻
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Actually David I am looking at 2 X AT V Lines at the moment but both are on a 6M body. You have to make a decision quickly at the moment because motorhomes are just selling so quickly ? Thought I would like an automatic but that makes the problem 100 times harder ! Bill
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The new Fiat auto with the TC box is a corker, Bill. I'd recommend going for it if you have the chance.
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Bill
It's not the best environment to make a long term decision unfortunately. Now that Fiat have a proper automatic gearbox I would certainly be tempted. I think more and more dealers are including autos in their advance orders. Just as an aside, the Bailey Adamo coachbuilt range is only available in auto form and that has been very popular, despite rubbish payloads! Hope you find what you are looking for.
David
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We have a 5.5m MH, and a 13ft caravan Bill, so both small. Identical layout as well, except of course the MH has the cab at the front. So the caravan does have more space, but the MH is simply so much easier to travel about with, set up and pack up. We can still easily seat four for a meal in the MH though. 👍
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Since I started this thread I have struggled to find a small motorhome for a solo ex caravanner camper but I have just been offered a 2017 Auto Sleeper Symbol from a dealer that I left my requirements with. All being well I will be able to see it next week but it does, on paper, tick all the boxes that I require.
Has anybody got any comments on these good or bad ? Many thanks. Bill
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They’re very popular, Bill. We nearly bought one but went for the Warwick instead. AS are renowned MHs but, in reality, their build quality isn’t any better than others but they make the vans look pretty with all bells and whistles provided.
Apologies if I gave you this link before but you’ll find people who know a lot more than i do here -
https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com
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We had a re-badged Symbol (an Orian Pavo, built for the rental market) we really liked it, the lay out worked very well and storage was excellent. Ours was the last of the production line, with a very light and calm interior. It was a few years ago now and the insulation wasn't brilliant for all year round use. However a 2017 version will be much improved, the layout has changed slightly too. We first saw one in use when a family member bought one and knew it was an easy van to drive and park, comfortable too. Autosleepers use good upholstery. We have similar in our present M/H and it has never sagged or worn out, the beds are comfortable when made up. I would be quite happy to use a Symbol again.
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Thank you for all the comments regarding my opening thread. I had left my details with several local dealerships and a van conversion came up last week which is close to my requirements. I have purchased it and brought it home yesterday. It is an Auto Sleeper Symbol which is 5.4 M long on a Fiat Ducato chassis and fitted with a Fiat Comfortmatic gearbox.
The next task is to get all the stuff now littering my house from 35+ years caravanning in 4 berth caravans in to such a small space or deciding what has to go ! I would love to know some of the secrets to packing a van conversion !! Bill.
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Good to hear you've got your van Bill and I hope you enjoy the Symbol. With fuel costing a lot the only thing I'd suggest is reducing the weight of what you carry to save on fuel. I think you'll find the Symbol can accommodate quite a bit and the main thing is to reduce noisy rattles by wrapping things up, grill pans etc need this treatment. Also, check the cupboard closures etc before you travel. There's nothing worse than hearing the cutlery drawer working loose when you're driving! Good luck.
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Nice one, Bill.
Fitting shelves in overhead lockers helps get more gear in and I'd get rid of the useless plate rack as it takes up too much room.
A bike rack on the rear door may prove useful for fitting a box on or for carrying folding chairs.
You know where to find answers to any questions. Enjoy.
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