Hymer Grand Canyon camper van test drive and review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2016
- The Hymer Grand Canyon camper van was the first attempt by a large-scale manufacturer to produce a leisure vehicle based on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. (I think.) Here we see a test drive and review filmed at Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf in August 2016.
The vehicle has a compact exterior and high-quality interior, it combines the advantages of a van with the comfort of a motorhome. It also has a specially developed furniture concept plus a range of safety and driver assistance systems.
“Our company has a long tradition of making leisure vehicles. The first model left our factory back in 1961. 55 years on, we are proud to be crowning this business unit with a first-class new product: the Hymercar Grand Canyon on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis“, says Rudi Fimpel, Divisional Director of Hymercar .
The standard aluminium-framed windows give the vehicle a high-end look as well as ensuring better insulation than the customary mounted type. In the interior, there is a strong emphasis on design as well as functionality. The rounded furniture elements are decorated with additional aluminium profiles which enhance the interior and strike a modern note. The new pale furniture finish “Chiavenna Walnut” gives the interior a bright and homely feel and harmonises with the darker wood finish of the floor. The dimmable interior lighting provides plenty of atmosphere. The fabric covering of the roof lining and side walls lends a cosier look to the room, improves sound insulation and helps to regulate the temperature and humidi
A range of upholstery choices have been specially developed for the Hymercar Grand Canyon including - for the first time - two all-leather options. There is a mosquito net blind, sleeping comfort system with cup spring frame, cruise control and air co.
The seating area has a flexible folding table. The bathroom too has a practical folding washbasin and bench toilet. Opposite is the kitchen unit complete with a full-sized hob/sink combination and large drawers. Directly adjacent is the mid-height refrigerator with a capacity of 90 litres.
The Grand Canyon has an extra-large through-loading area which also accommodates bulky items. These can be suitably secured with lashing rails that are directly attached to the chassis and capable of withstanding extreme loads. Alternatively, there is scope for all kinds of accessories such a storage space partition, an extending ski rack or loading platform, or the RadFazz bike rails from Hymer Original Parts & Accessories.
Thanks to the base vehicle, the Hymercar Grand Canyon comes as standard with a dynamic engine and a range of driver assistance systems from Mercedes Benz such as Brake Assist, ABS, Adaptive ESP and Hill Start Assist. Also included in the standard package is the Crosswind Assist facility, which keeps the vehicle reliably in lane in high winds or when overtaking lorries or crossing bridges. Other standard mod cons are cruise control, a multifunctional steering wheel, trip computer and electric window lifts, plus electrically assisted closing for the sliding doors. Further assistance systems such as Collision Prevention Assist, a light and rain sensor and High Beam, Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist are also optionally available.
More information and photos : www.motorhomefulltime.com/vehi...
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This is a really nice package, but a bit small for my needs. There is definitely an untapped market for smaller camper vans in the States, but I have to be able to carry up to 6 passengers when the need arises. I'm leaning toward a Roadtrek CS on the V6 Sprinter chassis, so I can have the ability to tow a small car when I'm on extended trips and don't want to drive a nearly 23ft van everywhere. I do prefer the minimal interior design of the Grand Canyon to the more upscale Class b vans typically sold in the States. Eliminating some of the upscale elements will help to offer a better price, which is more important to me than high-gloss cabinetry and such.
If you need six belted seats, it is going to be difficult with a European model. However - are you sure that is what you need? The longer the vehicle, the more difficult it is to get into some of those far away places!
Excelllent test drive. Very comprehensive report! Thank you!
I so much want one of these! Exactly what I want to replace my beloved Westfalia.
Can't wait for more manufacturers to use the Transit chassis. And yes I am a Ford Fan Boy. Sprinters may be a fantastic platform but they are priced at a premium here.
One challenge Hymer will have is American's "Bigger is Better" mind set.
I get the impression - and that is only from people who write here and on the facebook site - that in the US there is demand for the smaller vehicles.
I only go from what I see on the road and in the many storage lots. The larger Class As and 5th wheel trailers dominate. But could be that's just Southern California. Also my wife and I have contemplated a smaller camper van but the home owner's association restricts those as well so no parking it in the driveway when not in use.
There is a demand, but so far not many companies are addressing it. Specifically, too many manufacturers emphasize how many people a camper-van can sleep. But, there are a lot of empty nesters who only need room to sleep two people. I'd much rather have a more usable bathroom (I don't want to stand over the toilet to take a shower) than beds for six people.
Glenn Zanotti
This is a very good point! In the US there are more families using vans than here in Europe but if there are only two of you, what do you need six beds for? Furthermore, it is rare that there is storage for six peoples clothes. The problem is that the designers are not people who use them.
Not much data available but found this table with incomplete data for factory shipments (which factories who knows), but note the dominance of Class As and Class Cs (which could be irrelevant if it doesn't include Canadian manufacturers): www.rvia.org/?esid=shipments
Winnebago released their version already and seems a bit more adventure driven. The back bed lifts up into the ceiling on winch straps clearing the entire back for gear. So Homer bought out an American company? Interesting.. maybe we will finally got some decent RVs Stateside....
Very nice. I'd prefer this style of vehicle for full-time living over any other. Course it's way out of my price range. ☺
Watched a few of you reviews on 4x4 motorhome, some info on diff locks, ground clearance, solar pannels water filters etc would be good and less on lights and cupboard space
I might do more on that but in those films where I discuss things in the van.
It turns out the Grand Canyon on the Sprinter chassis is NOT being marketed in the US currently. They have started marketing the Aktiv on the Fiat Ducato chassis. Very curious. I wonder why?
Hi Alan. That is interesting. Winnebago builds a similar van here in to US. My question is "based upon your living in a camper van do you think this size is livable?" Will bicycles go into that slot where you said they would go? Also can I talk you into stopping and filming the Roman ship museum at Mainz on your way south? Another thing coming up is Wurstmart at Bad Durkheim which is just south of Mainz and north of Heidleburg. John
John, I am going west not south so Mainz will have to wait! Bikes will go in - but they are going to have to be taken out for sleeping!
I haven't heard anything about the Grand Canyon coming to the US , I've been thinking about buying the Aktiv but the lack of 4x4 has me stalling. How do I find out about when then are expecting to release the Grand Canyon for US?
Contact Hymer in the US!
Same boat! Trying to get a reply from Hymer about a 4x4 sprinter. That I would buy.
Hi Alan. One of my interests are Roman boats because they are mostly propelled by oars. If you go to any Roman museums please include interesting items in your video. I am interested in how the Roman Empire worked and how transportation made the Empire strong. I enjoy your videos immensely. John
Hello John - I shall certainly do so when in a Roman museum. I have quite a lot of things related to the Romans on this channel but nothing related to boats! th-cam.com/users/alanheathsearch?query=Romans
Dont you agree for this kind of money you could have a nicer van built for you?
Choose your own design and material?
Skylights in the shower? Really bad idea if they are double skinned. They make a perfect condensation trap and will, inevitably, leak with time. We caught ours just before mold and dry rot became a real problem. We replaced it with a fan. Moisture goes up and out. It does not collect and sit.
Good thinking - thanks for pointing this out - I will bear this one in mind.
However, one can open the skylight after a shower ....
+Alan Heath Ours did not open. It was a double layer that was permanently closed. I think anything that gets cut into the roof is just one more potential leaking point. Our fan has a permanent hood, but that will have to be watched, too. At least unseen condensation won't be collecting up there.
I have one like that in my vehicle. What is the point of a skylight which does not open? They may as well just put a plastic bag over a hole in the roof!
You are in Europe and u drive left?
Left hand drive vehicles are normal when you drive on the right!
Maaf ya. Tapi, saya juga sudah
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jotaleon96