For one person or a couple who want a campervan that doubles up as a daily driver, this van is the most versatile camper out there. It is less than 5m long yet sleeps upto 4. Ive had many motorhomes & campervans over the last 25 years, with & without toilets/shower rooms & the Sydney is the best (for me) by far. I use it mainly for off grid camping when I'm hill running or mountain biking & it's a perfect size with brilliant features. I sleep 'upstairs' & can leave 'downstairs' set up during the day. The porta potti is ideal. The outdoor shower is also the sink tap is great for washing a manky bike or dog. The lashing rails in the floor keep my bike fastened when moving. Absolutely can't be improved on :)
we have it 3rd year now and it is an amazing car. its length and height allows you to fit to the parking places in any village of itally or france, where longer car would not fit. we are 4, 2 kids and having a lot of adventures with this car, we had 4 weeks in the Corsica or many weeks in Alps. I would buy a new one anytime. and no - it is not for people looking for luxury of the living room, whom I never understood why they do a camping at all, but it is a really vehicle for adventures.
The toilet is under the double seat, there is a cupboard opening and it slides out. This van is the same length as a VW T6.1 short wheelbase so this has more room.
its more a van for spontaneous trips like going mountain biking. Using the van still as a car and having (especially in Europe) the same parking places like normal cars (5m length), easy to drive and there's an option for the left big box to being able to pull out totally if loading space is needed. You can have heating and warm water too, comparing to others vehicles under 6m, you will find very spacious beds here, and the feeling with the opened roof is great for this kind of van.
I’m moving to Guernsey, where there is restrictions on van width. I’m having to sell my globetrotter and think this van fits my needs perfectly. I can use it as my daily run about to work and also as a day tripping family car on the island. Then when I visit mainland to see family this is perfect! Two kids sleeping in the back and my wife and I able to play cards at diners before bed in the roof tent. We spend a lot of time sleeping at relatives drive ways and this ticks all our boxes. It even has a 5th travel seat for when our eldest is back from Uni 👍 . When choosing between this and a VW California this is winning out!
I don't think you understand the concept of a campervan. Most don't have toilet and shower facilities, the idea being you use the facilities at a campsite. This van is for the same people that might be considering a VW California or Mercedes Marco Polo. Just because you don't understand the concept doesn't mean there isn't a market for it. Outside showers aren't for showering, they're for washing off dirty boots or animals.
Love it! 3 adults/2 large dogs ( 5 seatbelts needed) Lot of space. For daily use also perfect. 2.35 h fits in our garage. Pop up shower tent outside. Even good van in wintertime with heating tube to roof bed. Want to buy one soon.
I must be weird. I use the outdoor shower for doggie & me often and love my slide out dry toilet. Also, I have not met a RV person yet who uses his wet room regularly. Because of the cleaning afterwards. Most prefer the camp site facilities it seems…
theres alot of people that live the 'vanlife' where their vans dont have bathroom facilities but i will grant you its more usually the case over in america/canada than it is over on this side of the pond
If you don't want invest 30k on a lovely, fascinating and gorgeous 30 years old Westie in good shape (with all inconvenients about pricey spareparts, renovations and break downs/maintenance), you can get some like this Sidney. If you are a die hard camper, of course... I saw lot of conversione on L1H1/L2H1 Ducato/Jumper/Boxer and this is may not be the best but what the hell... it could work for somebody.
Haha no you REALLY don't get it! This campervan IS actually one of the few that still meets the definition of... CAMPING! With all due respect, you sound like somebody who is looking for a MOBILE HOME (to do retirement things in different places instead of at home?). Let me do a mini review for those who run into this video, and want a different perspective... (in addition to some of the other spot-on comments) To start: I own a 2012 Hymercar Sydney model (almost same but based on pre facelift Ducato) for 3 years now, so I know what I am talking about. And it's BRILLIANT! This campervan has been made with camping with a family in mind, who like to go camping in nature, explore, and do adventurous things. Its promise: 2x double beds, 5 seats, a kitchen, fridge etc. - in a van under 5 meters that still feels very spacious. As a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, we use it for day trips and holidays throughout the year: camping in France, Italy, Alps etc. + outdoor activities like hiking, mountain-biking, skiing, surfing. Our edition comes with a heater, winter isolation and I've upgraded to a 270Ah battery and plan to add solar charging. Some remarks: (*) Let's start with your main criticism: the bathroom, or better said lack off it. Yes, if this is essential, don't get this campervan. This campervan has an outdoors shower (we use) and you can store a porta-potti (never used). But imo not having a bathroom is good riddance: it's an obstacle in the layout; it messes up an otherwise nice open floorplan. And I always wonder who uses these? The toilets in campervans are - in the end - glorified buckets you store under your bed. Use campsite facilities, swim in the lake/river, use a restaurant/bar toilet. In other campervans I ended up not ever using the bathroom, so was sure we could skip it. (*) The open floor layout, windows all around, the roof tent with the lifted top bed (giving so much headroom)... it gives an open, spacious feeling and connection with the outdoors (which is why we go camping, right?). I've rented other campervans before, and they feel much more enclosed and disconnected - in part due to the floor plan with bathroom and subsequent less windows. One who considers getting this van should try it: park it outside, open the roof, push up the bed, and open the tent fabric! (*) the top bed (which you advice NOT to get?!?) is a must-have. It is sleeping in a tent (you know... like camping!), super spacious (3 persons will fit) and during they day you get it out of the way with a single easy push upwards. We even sleep there in winter with freezing temperatures (using the winter isolation package that Hymer offers and if really cold use the heater). (*) The bottom bed is good for 2 adults, but tall people will want to sleep upstairs (my 1.82 mtr is perfectly fine though). Worth mentioning: there is a strap that allows the stacked mattresses to be lifted to give access to the storage. But I also use it as a "workspace" (translation: my cooking beer goes there) when cooking indoors. (*) compact size - I saw it in previous comments already. It is just under 5 meters in length, making it as drivable and usable as a normal car. Easy to navigate and park in old cities. Easy to blend into nature's surroundings. (*) you could have mentioned storage space. The cabinets don't provide a lot of space. And - although I like to go camping light - with kids or certain activities, you need to pack a lot of stuff. We solved this with the use of storage crates/bags (there is a special rail in the walking path that tightens these with straps) and surfing equipment goes onto the roof-rack, and mountainbikes on the tow-bar. okay this turned out longer than I intended, but I think it'd be a real shame if (some) people would overlook on this van, just because of this terrible (sorry but it has to be said) video.
Your reply is very helpful, thank you. Please may I ask: 1) can you leave a duvet and pillows in the pop bed when it’s closed or isn’t there enough space? 2) are there occasions when the downstairs bed is made up and you regret not being able to access the kitchen facilities (e.g. making up the bed and then remembering to clean you teeth)? Thank you and best wishes.
Outside showers are handy for washing muddy dogs! I suspect the gas locker was on the outside, behind the sliding door, going by the narrow depth of the kitchen cupboards. Lots of camper van, like the VW California, don't have washing facilities, and I wouldn't want to squat on a Portapotti in one, with no privacy.
Agreed. Toilet, shower and bed inside please.... especially for $50k+. ;) Alternatively the previously owned options provide value in my humble opinion. Thanks again , great video!
I would define a campervan as using the original van body whereas a motorhome is one which has a new body on a van chassis. This is a UK definition, in the US it would be different.
Not keen. I run a 5.2m PVC with two rear seats either side of an aisle. They make up to two 6ft 10ins single beds or a double, using a bolster in the middle. To the rear, on the offside is a fridge with gas locker under and a hob/sink combo above. Alongside the fridge there's a slim pull out drawer with a cutlery insert. On the nearside is a proper swivel Thetford toilet in a full height 'room'. The final 3ft of the van is a clear 'bootspace' accessible from the central aisle and from the rear doors. Above that space, running from the sink, right across the van, is a massive 3ft deep kitchen worktop. Above it on the nearside is a half height wardrobe and the nearside roof is lined with a row of 5 lockers, plus one overcab. So, a 4 seater van with 2 berths, a proper toilet, and hot water for washing in the sink. Missing items, a shower, but we use site showers. An oven, but we use a Remoska. The 3ft deep 'boot' holds our two dog crate, folding chairs, folding table, folding canvas dog crate, folding puppy pen, toolbag, levelling ramps, spare gas cylinder, hoses and cable, awning etc. All without encroaching on the vans habitation area. Try finding storage like that on any other camper. Much better equipped than your average camper, useable as a daily driver, but not as large as the 6m Euroboxes.
It was interesting, the first was an advanced family car with kitchen and bed, as a family car it was very good. Hard to understand that this will be possible to sell as a motorhome, different taste, maybe possible. The other cars were good, but very cramped in the bathroom, even on the longest car. Have seen you have had videos of similar cars with bed on top and not behind, those cars have very good room interior and nice bathroom, think would rather have chosen one of those cars. The video was interesting
For one person or a couple who want a campervan that doubles up as a daily driver, this van is the most versatile camper out there. It is less than 5m long yet sleeps upto 4. Ive had many motorhomes & campervans over the last 25 years, with & without toilets/shower rooms & the Sydney is the best (for me) by far. I use it mainly for off grid camping when I'm hill running or mountain biking & it's a perfect size with brilliant features. I sleep 'upstairs' & can leave 'downstairs' set up during the day. The porta potti is ideal. The outdoor shower is also the sink tap is great for washing a manky bike or dog. The lashing rails in the floor keep my bike fastened when moving. Absolutely can't be improved on :)
btw - I have keep asking people in RVs in the camping site, how often they use their bathrooms ... answers are “never” in most of the cases ;)
When You have 3 kids and You look for something compact. Perfect👍
we have it 3rd year now and it is an amazing car. its length and height allows you to fit to the parking places in any village of itally or france, where longer car would not fit. we are 4, 2 kids and having a lot of adventures with this car, we had 4 weeks in the Corsica or many weeks in Alps. I would buy a new one anytime. and no - it is not for people looking for luxury of the living room, whom I never understood why they do a camping at all, but it is a really vehicle for adventures.
The toilet is under the double seat, there is a cupboard opening and it slides out. This van is the same length as a VW T6.1 short wheelbase so this has more room.
The gas fits behind where he said "where does the gas go?" ....... that's where 😂😂😂😂🇬🇧👍
Longer by all of 6cm
its more a van for spontaneous trips like going mountain biking. Using the van still as a car and having (especially in Europe) the same parking places like normal cars (5m length), easy to drive and there's an option for the left big box to being able to pull out totally if loading space is needed. You can have heating and warm water too, comparing to others vehicles under 6m, you will find very spacious beds here, and the feeling with the opened roof is great for this kind of van.
I’m moving to Guernsey, where there is restrictions on van width. I’m having to sell my globetrotter and think this van fits my needs perfectly. I can use it as my daily run about to work and also as a day tripping family car on the island. Then when I visit mainland to see family this is perfect! Two kids sleeping in the back and my wife and I able to play cards at diners before bed in the roof tent. We spend a lot of time sleeping at relatives drive ways and this ticks all our boxes. It even has a 5th travel seat for when our eldest is back from Uni 👍 . When choosing between this and a VW California this is winning out!
Who buys this ? Easy ... people with 3 kids who want a camper VAN !!! you can’t imagine how hard it is to find a decent size van with 5 seats ...
I don't think you understand the concept of a campervan. Most don't have toilet and shower facilities, the idea being you use the facilities at a campsite. This van is for the same people that might be considering a VW California or Mercedes Marco Polo. Just because you don't understand the concept doesn't mean there isn't a market for it. Outside showers aren't for showering, they're for washing off dirty boots or animals.
Love it! 3 adults/2 large dogs ( 5 seatbelts needed) Lot of space. For daily use also perfect. 2.35 h fits in our garage. Pop up shower tent outside. Even good van in wintertime with heating tube to roof bed. Want to buy one soon.
I must be weird. I use the outdoor shower for doggie & me often and love my slide out dry toilet. Also, I have not met a RV person yet who uses his wet room regularly. Because of the cleaning afterwards. Most prefer the camp site facilities it seems…
I live off grid and always use it - however lots of people who only go to campsites use just the facilities there.
theres alot of people that live the 'vanlife' where their vans dont have bathroom facilities but i will grant you its more usually the case over in america/canada than it is over on this side of the pond
I think there are a lot of people on the internet who claim to be living in the vanlife but in fact are just good videographers!
@@VanlifewithAlan this is also true, i blame instagram personally but there are some genuine ones out there as well :)
If you don't want invest 30k on a lovely, fascinating and gorgeous 30 years old Westie in good shape (with all inconvenients about pricey spareparts, renovations and break downs/maintenance), you can get some like this Sidney. If you are a die hard camper, of course... I saw lot of conversione on L1H1/L2H1 Ducato/Jumper/Boxer and this is may not be the best but what the hell... it could work for somebody.
I suppose you could have a self inflating toilet cubicle for outside use like self inflating dinghies.
Haha no you REALLY don't get it! This campervan IS actually one of the few that still meets the definition of... CAMPING!
With all due respect, you sound like somebody who is looking for a MOBILE HOME (to do retirement things in different places instead of at home?).
Let me do a mini review for those who run into this video, and want a different perspective... (in addition to some of the other spot-on comments)
To start: I own a 2012 Hymercar Sydney model (almost same but based on pre facelift Ducato) for 3 years now, so I know what I am talking about.
And it's BRILLIANT!
This campervan has been made with camping with a family in mind, who like to go camping in nature, explore, and do adventurous things.
Its promise: 2x double beds, 5 seats, a kitchen, fridge etc. - in a van under 5 meters that still feels very spacious.
As a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, we use it for day trips and holidays throughout the year: camping in France, Italy, Alps etc. + outdoor activities like hiking, mountain-biking, skiing, surfing.
Our edition comes with a heater, winter isolation and I've upgraded to a 270Ah battery and plan to add solar charging.
Some remarks:
(*) Let's start with your main criticism: the bathroom, or better said lack off it. Yes, if this is essential, don't get this campervan. This campervan has an outdoors shower (we use) and you can store a porta-potti (never used). But imo not having a bathroom is good riddance: it's an obstacle in the layout; it messes up an otherwise nice open floorplan. And I always wonder who uses these? The toilets in campervans are - in the end - glorified buckets you store under your bed. Use campsite facilities, swim in the lake/river, use a restaurant/bar toilet. In other campervans I ended up not ever using the bathroom, so was sure we could skip it.
(*) The open floor layout, windows all around, the roof tent with the lifted top bed (giving so much headroom)... it gives an open, spacious feeling and connection with the outdoors (which is why we go camping, right?). I've rented other campervans before, and they feel much more enclosed and disconnected - in part due to the floor plan with bathroom and subsequent less windows. One who considers getting this van should try it: park it outside, open the roof, push up the bed, and open the tent fabric!
(*) the top bed (which you advice NOT to get?!?) is a must-have. It is sleeping in a tent (you know... like camping!), super spacious (3 persons will fit) and during they day you get it out of the way with a single easy push upwards. We even sleep there in winter with freezing temperatures (using the winter isolation package that Hymer offers and if really cold use the heater).
(*) The bottom bed is good for 2 adults, but tall people will want to sleep upstairs (my 1.82 mtr is perfectly fine though). Worth mentioning: there is a strap that allows the stacked mattresses to be lifted to give access to the storage. But I also use it as a "workspace" (translation: my cooking beer goes there) when cooking indoors.
(*) compact size - I saw it in previous comments already. It is just under 5 meters in length, making it as drivable and usable as a normal car. Easy to navigate and park in old cities. Easy to blend into nature's surroundings.
(*) you could have mentioned storage space. The cabinets don't provide a lot of space. And - although I like to go camping light - with kids or certain activities, you need to pack a lot of stuff.
We solved this with the use of storage crates/bags (there is a special rail in the walking path that tightens these with straps) and surfing equipment goes onto the roof-rack, and mountainbikes on the tow-bar.
okay this turned out longer than I intended, but I think it'd be a real shame if (some) people would overlook on this van, just because of this terrible (sorry but it has to be said) video.
Your reply is very helpful, thank you. Please may I ask:
1) can you leave a duvet and pillows in the pop bed when it’s closed or isn’t there enough space?
2) are there occasions when the downstairs bed is made up and you regret not being able to access the kitchen facilities (e.g. making up the bed and then remembering to clean you teeth)?
Thank you and best wishes.
That window cover here for ever, you see everything outside,but people can't see trough from putside
Outside showers are handy for washing muddy dogs! I suspect the gas locker was on the outside, behind the sliding door, going by the narrow depth of the kitchen cupboards.
Lots of camper van, like the VW California, don't have washing facilities, and I wouldn't want to squat on a Portapotti in one, with no privacy.
Agreed. Toilet, shower and bed inside please.... especially for $50k+. ;) Alternatively the previously owned options provide value in my humble opinion. Thanks again , great video!
it's a Campervan NOT a Motorhome! and yes I often use an outside shower.
I think you will notice that the title refers to it as a campervan.
I think the fact there's no shower or washing facility defines it as a campervan, just like the California it's going to be used in campsites
I would define a campervan as using the original van body whereas a motorhome is one which has a new body on a van chassis. This is a UK definition, in the US it would be different.
Not keen.
I run a 5.2m PVC with two rear seats either side of an aisle. They make up to two 6ft 10ins single beds or a double, using a bolster in the middle.
To the rear, on the offside is a fridge with gas locker under and a hob/sink combo above. Alongside the fridge there's a slim pull out drawer with a cutlery insert. On the nearside is a proper swivel Thetford toilet in a full height 'room'. The final 3ft of the van is a clear 'bootspace' accessible from the central aisle and from the rear doors. Above that space, running from the sink, right across the van, is a massive 3ft deep kitchen worktop. Above it on the nearside is a half height wardrobe and the nearside roof is lined with a row of 5 lockers, plus one overcab.
So, a 4 seater van with 2 berths, a proper toilet, and hot water for washing in the sink.
Missing items, a shower, but we use site showers. An oven, but we use a Remoska.
The 3ft deep 'boot' holds our two dog crate, folding chairs, folding table, folding canvas dog crate, folding puppy pen, toolbag, levelling ramps, spare gas cylinder, hoses and cable, awning etc. All without encroaching on the vans habitation area.
Try finding storage like that on any other camper. Much better equipped than your average camper, useable as a daily driver, but not as large as the 6m Euroboxes.
He doesn't get it alright..
Sydney its probably named after Sid James & the carry on camping film
Might as well get a Motor Home 😃
It was interesting, the first was an advanced family car with kitchen and bed, as a family car it was very good. Hard to understand that this will be possible to sell as a motorhome, different taste, maybe possible. The other cars were good, but very cramped in the bathroom, even on the longest car. Have seen you have had videos of similar cars with bed on top and not behind, those cars have very good room interior and nice bathroom, think would rather have chosen one of those cars. The video was interesting
Niceeeee 😁
€50,000 tent
what a rubbish review .... if it's not for you just leave it
Crap van
crap comment