We brought a Hillside T6.1 last year. It was a choice of that or a Autotrail Expedition on a 6m Fiat chassis. When we are on site I am sometimes a little jealous of people with 6m vans. However when I think of the difficulties that they have enroute, the extra fuel , maintenance costs, storage and extra cleaning time I feel we made the correct choice. There is just the 2 of us and a tiny dog so we make it work, but I do not know how families manage in a T5 / T6 size van. What does surprise me is how few 6m vans without the extra pop top sleep more than 2. For us our next van will be a Transporter size with a High roof. This seems the best all round smaller option. Very difficult to find. Obviously not that popular. Another great video, keep up the good work.
Thank you. It’s the driving to beaches down narrow lanes that would be a concern for me. It’s ok if you have a small car in tow of a big motorhome for travelling around, but that’s extra cost. Everyone has different needs, but I like the T6 also
They are packed with much more than than a smaller Transporter, Ford Nugget etc. A slightly different market still though. For me it would have to be a leisure only vehicle as I couldn’t take to work and other car parks I go to
We've looked at the Nugget plus, Westfalia Kelsey and now have settled on a 6m Fiat chassis campervan. We traded off the daily driver/ease of parking of the Nugget and Kelsey with the comfort, space and facilities of the larger Campervan. That should suit our travel plans for the next few seasons but there is always a compromise whatever you choose.
I've gone MAN from a T5....on the fb groups I'm on a lot of more serious campers are doing the same. Playing Tetris with a T5 became a chore and stopped us as a family really going place to place / multi destination trips. This platform seems a great middle ground - can be kept on driveway / street, used around town (just) and easier as a camper. The T5 was able to do everything but nothing amazingly with a family
Certainly seems alot are doing the same. As you say it’s more practical as a daily. I would still struggle with a few car parks myself though, however I could probably make it work
@@StaycationLifestyle I can stand up. I can cook. I don't have the mess around with a rock n roll bed and not being able to get cupboards, clear out space to out it into bed mode. But I can't get into a multi story car park!
I think the biggest layout choice in a medium size van is whether you want a convertible rear lounge or a fixed bed - all you've shown are the latter I believe. Pros and cons ,but I'd always go for the former because it feel a lot less restrictive when you get a bad weather day, and can be left up for extra storage under bed when required.
Both were shown in the video. I showed the Hilliside van with rear lounge 👍🏼 Problem with this layout is the number of travelling seats. No good for me, I need more than 2 travelling seats
@@StaycationLifestyle I stand corrected, I was thinking of the Panel Van 6 metres. Really no decision there. If you need a daily driver you have to size down. It will likely mean unpacking everything on arrival and probably an awning, but obviously still works well. If you don't and will use it enough to justify then a 6 metre is a more convenient camper. I could never justify one while working, but have been in mine for the last 9 months and don't feel cramped yet.
They sell through a dealer network only. Not sure of their dealers, but I know these 2 www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/ janslifestyle.co.uk/campervan-sales/
NCC approved? This is voluntary? Does this mean that conversions do not have to be homologated in the UK? Here in Germany all safety related components such as seats must be certified and each installation must be inspected and passed for roadworthiness. If the police stop you then you must be able to present the certification for the conversion, either as a homologated complete package, or individually for all the specified safety related components.
That’s right, it’s voluntary. They spend a lot of money to ensure their vehicles are safe and well built to the required standard. Putting their vehicles through crash tests at great expense. Many converters in the UK want the industry to be properly regulated, but at the moment it isn’t
They look awesome and love the layouts and all the home comforts they bring, but they can’t be used as a daily like the transporter, parking them is tight sea side towns and car parks will be difficult and the MPG would be significantly less I would have thought… so are you better off buying a touring caravan for the longer trips away ?
That’s right. Some of the roads to the beaches can be a struggle for some people in cars. The carparks are an issue though, spaces have not grown yet the vehicles have. Caravan, funny you should say that 👀
There is also an „in between“ class of vehicles based on lwb versions of the „smaller“ vans such as the Transit Custom, VW T6.1, Mercedes Vito/V-Class, these are able to accomodate an integrated cassette toilet, due to the lwb, but are not as high as the Crafter/TGE, Transit, Sprinter etc. Examples are the Ford Nugget Plus, Westfalia Kepler One, Westfalia Kelsey, Westfalia Jules Verne, Bürstner Copa 530, Karmann Duncan 545. Although there will probably be a pause in the supply of these models, as the new Transit Custom, VW T7 and VW Transporter are not immediately available with lwb.
Yes I showed a LWB in last weeks video with integrated toilet. There are a few as you say. The first to the market will be the Ford I expect, the others will be some way behind it seems.
I cant understand why Volkswagen would really kill the Transporter and not evolve it into the next generation modern vehicle which for me was the perfect size campervan and is a cult following maybe there is a new stablemate in the pipeline ? Transporter made multimillions for VW and the most popular van they ever made and as you said the bread and butter for van converters lets hope soon the is , the T7 multivan cool looking but smaller, very informative video thank you.
I can’t either. It doesn’t make any sense at all. The new Ford/VW platform must surely see a Transporter camper, the cult following want it. Time will tell 🤞🏼
Yep! went for 6m Fiat! Couldn't entertain the VW price premium for less space and comfort, wasn't going to work for us. No intention of adding mileage and wear to my home from home as a daily driver. Cleary people are exaggerating the size regarding roads etc, a panel van is hardly a lorry.
All these brands are still around as people have different opinions, preferences and make different choices. It’s not a lorry, but they won’t fit in a normal parking space, won’t fit under 2m height barriers which are more and more common and some people can’t drive cars down lanes, never mind a 6m Campervan 🤦🏼♂️
Occasionally I find myself thinking I would trade my T6 LWB for a crafter or medium camper. Then I realise LWB was as big as I could go for parking at my house. These are all 6m. Overhang a school car park space by 1m.
Your own opinions are great but what you got to remember the vans you are referring to are so much better than the transporter in terms of practicality as you can drive these on a car licence and like most white van drivers they are really easy to drive especially if you get an auto we have owned and built many transporters and crafters and now own a lwb Adria based automatic camper van and it’s got everything you need so I think the reason for the show having loads of campervan based vehicles as it’s a better market and target lots more people young and old. The transporter size vehicle is and always has been a more day van style vehicle but still an icon.
That’s true, they are easy to drive. Still not a daily driver though for many and another vehicle would be needed. There are always lots of these at the shows, the difference i was referring to this time, was the usual “Transporter” converters, now had this sized vehicle due to the lack of Transporter stock and the new one not yet available
@@StaycationLifestyle lol, seriously thinking more and more about trading our T6 for something bigger in the future, thought the new Bailey B62 unveiled at the show looked superb. Thanks for the video.
@@nickjh1968 There are so many options and different layouts. Well worth having a look around several brands and models. I would love a bigger van, but as mine is my daily driver, I can’t go bigger. Thank you 👍🏼
We brought a Hillside T6.1 last year. It was a choice of that or a Autotrail Expedition on a 6m Fiat chassis. When we are on site I am sometimes a little jealous of people with 6m vans. However when I think of the difficulties that they have enroute, the extra fuel , maintenance costs, storage and extra cleaning time I feel we made the correct choice. There is just the 2 of us and a tiny dog so we make it work, but I do not know how families manage in a T5 / T6 size van. What does surprise me is how few 6m vans without the extra pop top sleep more than 2. For us our next van will be a Transporter size with a High roof. This seems the best all round smaller option. Very difficult to find. Obviously not that popular. Another great video, keep up the good work.
Thank you. It’s the driving to beaches down narrow lanes that would be a concern for me. It’s ok if you have a small car in tow of a big motorhome for travelling around, but that’s extra cost.
Everyone has different needs, but I like the T6 also
These are definitely becoming more popular. Not quite a daily driver, but certainly easier to drive than a big Motorhome
They are packed with much more than than a smaller Transporter, Ford Nugget etc. A slightly different market still though.
For me it would have to be a leisure only vehicle as I couldn’t take to work and other car parks I go to
We've looked at the Nugget plus, Westfalia Kelsey and now have settled on a 6m Fiat chassis campervan. We traded off the daily driver/ease of parking of the Nugget and Kelsey with the comfort, space and facilities of the larger Campervan. That should suit our travel plans for the next few seasons but there is always a compromise whatever you choose.
I want them all lol
🤣 Me too and a new T6.1 😁
I've gone MAN from a T5....on the fb groups I'm on a lot of more serious campers are doing the same. Playing Tetris with a T5 became a chore and stopped us as a family really going place to place / multi destination trips. This platform seems a great middle ground - can be kept on driveway / street, used around town (just) and easier as a camper. The T5 was able to do everything but nothing amazingly with a family
Certainly seems alot are doing the same. As you say it’s more practical as a daily. I would still struggle with a few car parks myself though, however I could probably make it work
@@StaycationLifestyle height is certainly the main issue!
That extra height is a huge benefit inside the van though 😀
@@StaycationLifestyle I can stand up. I can cook. I don't have the mess around with a rock n roll bed and not being able to get cupboards, clear out space to out it into bed mode. But I can't get into a multi story car park!
@@robww5921 Yes they are brilliant. Much more creature comforts and less hassle.
I think the biggest layout choice in a medium size van is whether you want a convertible rear lounge or a fixed bed - all you've shown are the latter I believe.
Pros and cons ,but I'd always go for the former because it feel a lot less restrictive when you get a bad weather day, and can be left up for extra storage under bed when required.
Both were shown in the video. I showed the Hilliside van with rear lounge 👍🏼
Problem with this layout is the number of travelling seats.
No good for me, I need more than 2 travelling seats
@@StaycationLifestyle I stand corrected, I was thinking of the Panel Van 6 metres. Really no decision there. If you need a daily driver you have to size down. It will likely mean unpacking everything on arrival and probably an awning, but obviously still works well. If you don't and will use it enough to justify then a 6 metre is a more convenient camper. I could never justify one while working, but have been in mine for the last 9 months and don't feel cramped yet.
Where can I find bespoke ? Do they have a website
They sell through a dealer network only.
Not sure of their dealers, but I know these 2
www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/
janslifestyle.co.uk/campervan-sales/
The bespoke looks the best .... my T6 is great but this looks good
NCC approved? This is voluntary? Does this mean that conversions do not have to be homologated in the UK? Here in Germany all safety related components such as seats must be certified and each installation must be inspected and passed for roadworthiness. If the police stop you then you must be able to present the certification for the conversion, either as a homologated complete package, or individually for all the specified safety related components.
That’s right, it’s voluntary. They spend a lot of money to ensure their vehicles are safe and well built to the required standard. Putting their vehicles through crash tests at great expense.
Many converters in the UK want the industry to be properly regulated, but at the moment it isn’t
They look awesome and love the layouts and all the home comforts they bring, but they can’t be used as a daily like the transporter, parking them is tight sea side towns and car parks will be difficult and the MPG would be significantly less I would have thought… so are you better off buying a touring caravan for the longer trips away ?
That’s right. Some of the roads to the beaches can be a struggle for some people in cars. The carparks are an issue though, spaces have not grown yet the vehicles have. Caravan, funny you should say that 👀
There is also an „in between“ class of vehicles based on lwb versions of the „smaller“ vans such as the Transit Custom, VW T6.1, Mercedes Vito/V-Class, these are able to accomodate an integrated cassette toilet, due to the lwb, but are not as high as the Crafter/TGE, Transit, Sprinter etc. Examples are the Ford Nugget Plus, Westfalia Kepler One, Westfalia Kelsey, Westfalia Jules Verne, Bürstner Copa 530, Karmann Duncan 545. Although there will probably be a pause in the supply of these models, as the new Transit Custom, VW T7 and VW Transporter are not immediately available with lwb.
Yes I showed a LWB in last weeks video with integrated toilet. There are a few as you say.
The first to the market will be the Ford I expect, the others will be some way behind it seems.
I cant understand why Volkswagen would really kill the Transporter and not evolve it into the next generation modern vehicle which for me was the perfect size campervan and is a cult following maybe there is a new stablemate in the pipeline ? Transporter made multimillions for VW and the most popular van they ever made and as you said the bread and butter for van converters lets hope soon the is , the T7 multivan cool looking but smaller, very informative video thank you.
I can’t either. It doesn’t make any sense at all. The new Ford/VW platform must surely see a Transporter camper, the cult following want it.
Time will tell 🤞🏼
Yep! went for 6m Fiat! Couldn't entertain the VW price premium for less space and comfort, wasn't going to work for us. No intention of adding mileage and wear to my home from home as a daily driver. Cleary people are exaggerating the size regarding roads etc, a panel van is hardly a lorry.
All these brands are still around as people have different opinions, preferences and make different choices.
It’s not a lorry, but they won’t fit in a normal parking space, won’t fit under 2m height barriers which are more and more common and some people can’t drive cars down lanes, never mind a 6m Campervan 🤦🏼♂️
Occasionally I find myself thinking I would trade my T6 LWB for a crafter or medium camper. Then I realise LWB was as big as I could go for parking at my house. These are all 6m. Overhang a school car park space by 1m.
I think the medium wheel base vans are fantastic but the cost of them is astronomical.
The bigger campervans are just too big for parking off camp site, which makes them a nightmare out and about.
Yes at just shy of 6m they are still pretty long. Better than a motorhome, but still too big for a lot of parking spaces.
Your own opinions are great but what you got to remember the vans you are referring to are so much better than the transporter in terms of practicality as you can drive these on a car licence and like most white van drivers they are really easy to drive especially if you get an auto we have owned and built many transporters and crafters and now own a lwb Adria based automatic camper van and it’s got everything you need so I think the reason for the show having loads of campervan based vehicles as it’s a better market and target lots more people young and old. The transporter size vehicle is and always has been a more day van style vehicle but still an icon.
That’s true, they are easy to drive. Still not a daily driver though for many and another vehicle would be needed.
There are always lots of these at the shows, the difference i was referring to this time, was the usual “Transporter” converters, now had this sized vehicle due to the lack of Transporter stock and the new one not yet available
Not for me as I'd need a daily driver and if I was getting one as an extra vehicle beside a car I think I'd go for a smaller motorhome
Same here, need as my daily 👍🏼
‘3000 kw inverter’ 🤣
Did I say 3000 KW 🫣 Erm, 3000 watt
Just imagine what we could do with a 3 Megawatt inverter 😄
@@nickjh1968 Buy the van and find out 🤣 Would be pretty special that’s for sure. Thank you for pointing it out
@@StaycationLifestyle lol, seriously thinking more and more about trading our T6 for something bigger in the future, thought the new Bailey B62 unveiled at the show looked superb. Thanks for the video.
@@nickjh1968 There are so many options and different layouts. Well worth having a look around several brands and models.
I would love a bigger van, but as mine is my daily driver, I can’t go bigger.
Thank you 👍🏼