HAVE WE REGRETTED DOWNSIZING?... 1 Year on Review..THE RIGHT CHOICE OR NOT?
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- Опубликовано: 8 окт 2022
- In this video we give an honest review and opinions as to whether we made the right decision or not when it came to downsizing from a coach-built motorhome to a van conversion exactly 1 year ago ....How have we found it?....Was really worth doing? ...Are we enjoying it as much ? We hope this can help you in making your decision (or not) after watching the video and apologies if we went "off subject" a bit getting carried away talking about vans
Thank you for watching and please consider following us by clicking subscribe , its totally free
Mike and Kirsty
I love your van but agree with Kirsty, a drop down sink would be better in the bathroom. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’ve got a 6 metre camper van and absolutely love it. Yes you just take what you need. I agree with Kirsty, I would just like a wet room that had a movable wall rather than a shower curtain but you can’t everything. You learn to bend to get in the cab, I’ve only banged my head twice.
Hi yes we’ve learned to bend too many times now! We were constantly banging our heads but luckily now we’ve got used to it but yes you are right you cant have everything! Thanks for watching the video and commenting
Mike & kirsty
Very useful review, thank you.
welcome thanks for watching
Hi Mike & Kirsty, although we’re caravaners we still found this an interesting watch. Always admire your down to earth honesty, say it as it is approach. You always look to really enjoy your trips in the van and that’s all that matters. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Hi dave & helen , thanks and yes its all about enjoying it , whichever unit we are in , all sharing the great outdoors together and enjoying what we love doing the most , getting out there in nature and making the most of it
Thanks again for watching the video
Have a good week
Mike & Kirsty 👍😀
Very informative and unbiased critique of downsizing. Your new downsize is now 1.5m shorter. If you needed to add a bike rack to it the van length is now only 700mm shorter, when loaded with bikes. Personally that wouldn't be enough to make me downsize from a 7.8m long with a garage that holds 3 bikes and all the benefits of having that garage. Maybe in the future when I'm in my 70's I might consider downsizing. It's obvious the narrow roads played a huge part in your decision.
good point & thank you for your comment , our previous van when the bike rack was extended was over 8M , now we have one on the van conversion so we are still 1.5 meters shorter , but yes you are correct about the narrow roads and also the overhang on our previous van were together adding to the main reasons why we downsized , our storage yard is located down a narrow lane with tractors continuously up and down and bin lorries so after a couple of close calls , enough was enough and the decision was made
thanks for watching the video and commenting
all the best
mike 👍
For driving around the uk van conversation are better . For a couple a van should be enough I'm planning to build a vw crafter to what I want .
That’s brilliant, i like the crafter’s, good vans & good to build your own to excactly how you want it 👍
After we just downsized from our house to our RV we can appreciate the thought process of downsizing in general. I can’t even imagine going as small as you guys, but total get the process. Thanks for sharing your unfiltered thoughts. I’m with you… I can’t stand clutter…everything has a place. Love it! Well done
Hi guys thanks for the comment it was definitely a test at the beginning but we are totally used to it now , but our dream is to do route 66 one day in a hired RV , that would be great!
Thanks for watching and have a great week
Mike & kirsty
We agree., our 6m van ... organisation key, cut out the rubbish, less levelling, more opportunities to go where a coach built would suffer, less stress for us.
Seems to be a stronger build all round, love the ability to open the rear and side doors and let the great outdoors in when required...our compromise is the shower area, compact in our van but perfectly useable when required. Wet weather storage is the shower area for drying which can be a nuisance at times...lol.
Long term stays .... good weather helps and using the great outdoors but as long as you can relax and put your feet up inside with views through the windows and good kitchen access ... no problems. Love our van ... it suits us and our needs. For our good friends, their needs suit a coach built. Choices, choices, decisions, decisions ... for us the van conversion works.
Hi dawn , totally agree with organisation key , and same with us with the wet room but perfectly useable when needed , we also use it as storage when travelling but its only in there for the duration and ideal for drying as you say , a great summary from yourself i should have said all that myself in the video but my nerves go as soon as i press record and end up forgetting half of it lol
Thanks for watching the video and commenting
Mike & kirsty
I like the idea, you can take it anywhere. I look at the new 8' wide caravans and think, I wouldn't want to tow that around Cornwall. Thanks for sharing
Ha we’ve never done cornwall but have heard about the narrow roads and dry stone walls that people have caught their vans on , would love to go there one day though
Thanks for watching
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
A great honest and unbiased review, thanks Guys. Just awaiting my Swift Select 6.36m and have downsized from an 8 metre so this was very useful. Have really been enjoying your vloggs - Keep up the good work
Thanks nick hope you enjoy your van conversion when you get it and thanks for watching our videos , much appreciated
Have a good weekend
Mike and kirsty
Great video as always, we too have recently downsized from a 2017 Swift Bolero 724fb to a Autotrail V-Line 540se PVC (nearly 2 mtrs less in length) and can honestly say it’s the best move we’ve done, yes there had to be compromises and big ones too but we’ve adapted to the changes well and found this camper to be more practical, less stressful, more enjoyable and we are utilising the little space we now have more effectively, keep up with the great videos and happy touring 🤙
Utilising the space more effectively and efficiently! Thats the words i was looking for !! Can never think of them when most needed , that’s definitely a bit of a downsize you had and brilliant that you’ve adapted , you can go anywhere in your one no worries or stress as you say and easy to clean and maintain which is another thing I forgot to add 😭😂 , thanks for watching the video and commenting
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty 👍
Brilliant information, we’re changing from an A Class Pilote, to a Swift 122 ,just waiting for dealer to Pdi. Agree totally about taking things with you that you never use. We’ll let you know how we get on.
Yes pls let us know how you get on we would love to hear about it especially coming from an A Class , thanks for watching the video
Mike & kirsty
Having a Catch up
Of your vlogs today 😊 thanks for sharing this really honest review guys, we are off to the NEC show on Friday Peter wants to downsize and wants to look at van conversions - jury is still out for me but I feel much better after seeing your review - will keep you posted! 😃
Oh that will be nice we cant go this year would love to be there and see all the vans , yes its a tough decision but at least you can get the feel of some when you are there
Thanks debs have a good week 👍😀
Mike & kirsty
hi both I'm glad your happy with the downsize we downsized from a 8mtr swift into a 6mtr swift mondial in aug this after seeing your vlogs,we are extremely happy with the move so thank you,we've found loads of storage for our everyday junk but have bought a small trailer for our longer stays,we do like our large comfy chairs and bbq..look after yourselves.
Hi jim glad you adapted to the smaller van it does take some getting used too and its not for everyone , good idea with the trailer , handy with the larger items
Thanks for watching the video and have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Great video. We love the look of your van and can see the advantages. I (Kim) always like a U-shaped lounge it’s just so cosy and the space it gives you as well. And the kitchen area is really spacious. You really do have so much storage. Snack cupboard, I’m complaining now, you have a bigger one than me 😂. Mr ToT is poorly today so it’s me (Kim) commenting today 😊
Hi kim! Hope you are ok sorry to hear about Tot hope he recovers soon ! Yes luckily some nice storage space especially in the food cupboard which really is all that matters 😂 , thanks for the comment and hope to see you both again soon take care and have a food week
Mike & kirsty
Good video, lots of useful information and personal views on down sizing . I have followed your videos for a long time and you seem to be enjoying your trips away a lot more with the van . When you think about it storage isn’t a problem with a smaller van , one only carry stuff that gets used, bigger the van the more you carry and half of it never gets used . Must admit like Kirsty I think a drop down sink over the toilet would give you more elbow room and feeling of space . Thanks for sharing both your views . Take care 🚐👍
Hi eric spot on the bigger the van the more you take and will probably never use anyway 😂, the drop down sink would be favourable i can see the benefits , yep you have watched our channel from the beginning and we cant thank you enough for your continued support , we are very grateful and really do appreciate it , thank you , have a good weekend and take care
All the best
Mike & kirsty
Some very good points my timberland freedom is perfect for me but I literally spent years studying the different layouts I eventually bought from oaktree Motorhomies and they allowed me to visit week after week for months sitting inside the various vans and motorhome s
Thats great i think timberland are a good conversion don’t see too many of them for sale these days the owners must keep hold of them ! Lovely vans , its good that oaktree let you do that , i imagine lots of people rush into buying only to realise the layout isnt for them
Thanks for watching the video
Interesting Vlog, thanks both. We’ve been playing with the idea of downsizing but to something like the Adria Twin X-L with the fixed end beds and a boot. We’ve only had our current van for a year and the kids still come regularly, so it wont be for a year or two though. All the best, Tony and Julie.
Hi tony & julie , the adria are a great choice and very popular, plenty of storage under the bed in that layout and well built vans & easy with the fixed beds
Thanks again for watching the video
Mike and kirsty
I think you have a really lovely van. I think the u shaped lounge is fantastic. Take care Gill
Thanks gill and thanks again for watching
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Hi Mike and Kirsty, another great vid ❤
I suppose you cut your cloth and adapt to suit the space. With less space, you very quickly learn what you really need and what you can live without.
Also another factor might be the length of time you're away in your van. A weekend or a week away would suit a conversion, but going on tours around Britain or Europe for weeks or months at a time may better suit a motorhome.........whichever you choose, you do have to get on well together, because there's nowhere to go apart from a walk if you've had a row lol.
see you soon xx
Haha yes definitely in a smaller van if you row you have to hope you had put an awning up previously to escape too 😂👍 , but yes travelling around Europe may be beneficial in a coachbuilt although we have seen people travelling in micro campers, but as you say its all about adapting
Thanks for watching the video and have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Hi both, great move with the downside and such a lovely van you have. Glad it’s proved the right move for you. 🙌🏻👍🏻
Thanks sue yes much easier to clean to 😂 thanks for watching & commenting
Mike & kirsty
Yep I must agree with you it's what suits you best, I know we changed to caravan yes it's 7.4 mtr long but we have the best of both, Caravan on pitch & car to explore, we did a month in Scotland intended to use awning that just stopped in car (never used it) I can see the benefit of a small van, keep up the great videos 👍👍
Thanks andrew & karen we often wondered if you ever missed your chausson, great to have a car to explore in though which was one of the reasons we downsized which i forgot to add , can unhook and drive anywhere in the smaller van now 👍👍
thanks again for watching & have a great week
Great video.. glad you like the van...
We have a Murvi Morocco XL with front lounge. My favourite van is the Neo but, as we all know, comprising is the key.
My partner wanted a Fl coachbuilt, I wanted a converted van RL...
So I got the van and she had the front lounge 🤣🤣🤣
Always enjoy the fish and chips runs 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
Thanks mike I remember the murvi winning an award , great converters & great vans , hardly see them around now maybe because people keep hold of them , but yes compromise is the key totally agree there , cant have everything , thanks for watching the videos and glad you enjoy the fish n chip runs
👍😀
I bought a 6mtr Auto Trail campervan and space is obviously an issue,but i could never drive a larger MH because of parking and country roads.. My layout is similar but with a made up bed which i raised to give more storage underneath. Cooking can be quite dangerous,it easy to knock pot and frying pan handles.Communication is the key.
Good idea with raising the bed for storage; we find the van conversion a lot easier to manoeuvre and especially to clean , but spot on with communication, totally agree
Thanks for watching the video
Mike and kirsty
Great review, we love our van conversion!
Thanks mike , we definitely made the right decision , thanks again for watching the video
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Great honest review and I’m with Kirsty on the layout - critical to get it right for your needs. Although I was adamant I wanted fixed bed, hence Adria Twin, but quickly realised it was a waste of space within the van - hence change to IH with U-shaped rear lounge (very similar to yours, but only 6m). Just at the moment though, any van would do - latest from Fiat is for production week 47. I looked at small coachbuilt, but the narrow roads put me off and be able to park in car parks (without dreaded height barriers🙄). All the best x
Hi debs the adria twin , IH and malibu 640 were all contenders during our search for a van conversion, kirsty wanted the rear lounge living space and to make the beds up , i would have been happy with a fixed bed and more storage but we’ve compromised and are happy with the choice , yes the dreaded height barriers ! Hate those things 😂
Thanks again for watching the video and have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Great insight, we were torn over the two, still wonder sometimes if we should have got a coach built, but then when you can get around so easily it’s worth the small sacrifice on space. We came from a caravan, so it did take a bit of getting used to & I have yet to learn the art of not taking too much clothing 🫣 Thanks for sharing your views on it, Em💛
Hi Ems, never knew you came from a caravan , everyone is different and what suits some might not suit others i spose , we made the right choice under the circumstances , we have learnt to just carry less as far as storage goes
Thanks again for watching the video
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel yes, very true, I’m a person who packs for every occasion, which isn’t feasible in the van 🚐 Yes, we toured only for one season, when we first got a caravan many years ago, too much faffing about for us tbh, with finishing work late on a Friday, so we opted for a season pitch for many years instead. Just got a bit mundane though, same place etc. Love the freedom the van gives us 😎👍 Em 💛
Hi Mike and Kirsty. Great video again. As you may remember, we are downsizing from a coachbuilt to a Vantage Neo, which should be available in the new year. One of the main reasons for doing so is the ability to go off for the day when staying on a site and not have to worry as much about finding somewhere to park (and Alex loves the pantry!). Like you, we scratched our heads a lot wondering if we are doing the right thing, but the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages. Very reassuring that you don't have regrets. All the best, Steve and Alex
Hi steve & alex , would love to see your neo once you get it , yes we have found it much easier to drive and manoeuvre and especially easier to clean due to its smaller structure, it was a tough decision but one we dont regret at all , we got used to it pretty quickly and have just “adjusted” , we wish you all the happiness in your neo and many happy adventures to come
Thanks for watching the video
Mike & kirsry
Thanks Mike and Kirsty. We'll be in touch when we get it. We're counting down the days! Cheers, Steve and Alex
We went from coach builts to a 6.4m van conversion. It's still a lot longer than a car so can't always use car park spaces but on the whole it's easier and more manouverable than a 7.4m coachbuilt was. Fixed beds give us a lot of storage accessible from the rear doors and overall storage is really similar. The big losses were oven, microwave and separate shower. If we were trying to live full time in a motorhome a large coachbuilt would be better.
Oddly enough we had the same experience re levellers. Wether that's coincidence or there is a mathematical reason I don't know!
Hi yes it baffled us actually as we have now stayed on the very same pitches that we previously had to level up on ! Wierd ! We found that if we look for car park spaces over the back with a grass verge we can get away with placing the overhang there and fits perfectly
Thanks for watching the video & have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Hi Mike & Kirsty loving the channel, we have downsized from a 55 ft narrow boat to a 6 metre van, we sold our narrow boat earlier this year after 20 years boating , a van conversion was our first choice as we can keep it at home, we had ordered a 6.36 metre van but it fell through when citroen pulled out of the uk market so our order was cancelled we however managed to find another Van for Sale and managed to purchase a Vantage Sol , the very same van you did a review on at the peterborough show, it was the lanzerotti grey one, i did some research, watched your review so contacted Dave at Vantage and went over to view it although only 6 metres long it suits us both and the dog well so we bought it, we have ended up with better van better spec and build quality and are highly delighted with it, Driving has been a breeze no anxiety which i'm sure i would have felt with a coachbuilt, can't wait and looking forward to your next vid
Hi thanks for watching our vlogs and glad you found the review helpful, we was about to tell you about the facebook group but have just seen you are already on there , i like the lanzarote grey and the decor colour inside your van , we hope you enjoy your travels in annie and once again thank you for watching the video’s
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Good honest review. We finally went out in our Motorhome for the first time yesterday have to say it was a bit stressful at first
Just commented on your video 👍 thanks for watching ours too & have a great weekend
Mike & kirsty
Bonjour how fast has that year flown past, we have a coach built as you know and to be honest I've never subscribed to this the term downsizing, I could go camping tomorrow in a micro camper I just don't see an issue for us it's simple, just pack what you need, not what you want, we're of soon to the Netherlands it will be to cold to sit outside so we won't need table and chairs so we won't pack them, it's very easy to want this and want that, just pack what you need and an estate car is big enough, I've always thought your van is one of the best conversion and we agree with Kirsty, the layout lends itself for all the space to be useful, we have a foldout sink above the loo which is handy but certainly not a deal breaker, as for calling out before opening the toilet door no big deal, another interesting vlog keep them coming 👍.
Thanks Stephen yes its all about what we really need and use , half of it we never used and even in this van we haven’t used stuff we thought we’d use , madness , so after a bit of getting used to we can say we are happy with the decision we made
Thanks for watching the video and commenting and looking forward to seeing your pics from the Netherlands
All the best
Mike & kirsty
Hi Mike and Kirsty and Girls ,
As Upsizers we just love your van it will defo b on our short list when we change 👍🏻
Kirsty “ we just don’t take so much rubbish 😂 know what you mean …..,
“take out thing we don’t use” careful Mike hope Kirsty is not talking about you !!!!
Mike 🤣🤣😂 “really make sure you have a good relationship “😂🤣😂😂
Hope Zola enjoyed her bone and good to see Lexi doing some editing,
Guys happy 1st year with your van 🎉 we totally enjoyed this video it has made us laugh so much with your views just so down to earth with you guys showing us all the pros and cons with your van .
Epic talk about the shower area 😂😂 please take this as good feed back 👍🏻
Just love your channel (Mike this is ant man love 😉😝)
Keith + Michelle and Freedom the camper
ps what site was you on ….looked very nice 😎
You guys are awesome we really appreciate your feedback and continued support of this channel , so since having the smaller van I’ve found ear plugs and staying out the way of kirsty works really well 😂😂 , the dogs snore as does kirsty ! 😂 , lexi is the chief editor and in line for producer and director 😂 , i was thinking the same when kirsty said about not taking so much rubbish but hey … gotta be careful how i reply on camera 🤫😂
The site was in the norfolk broads , willowcroft campsite , video next weekend
Thanks again for watching guys
Mike & kirsty
Hi Mike and Kirsty, I thought you looked at home immediately after downsizing, and as you say, the spectre of getting 'squeezed' in narrow spaces is less likely. I'd consider a change to a van conversion but the other half doesn't like the idea.....she's pressing for a caravan.
Hi robert , we often look at caravans on site and say wow! They really are a home from home , we are happy with our decision and glad we did it but i think whichever unit we are in it’s just great that we can all enjoy and share the great outdoors together creating good memories
Thanks again for your continued support of out channel by watching and commenting
Much appreciated
Mike & kirsty
Well explained guys. 👍
Thanks 👍
Very interesting summary of the reasons and the pros and cons of van conversions. We agree with you, van conversions have opened up more opportunities than restrictions and we have no regrets either. We will do a video with our thoughts at the end of the year 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev n Sue
Hi trev & sue , it was a tough start with adjusting but once we got used to it we realised we had made the right decision, looking forward to watching your round up , thanks for watching and have a good week 👍😀
Mike & kirsty
Hi loved the video, glad you are happy and settled with downsizing. It’s a lovely van. Our ELDDIS is only 6 metres but is quite roomy inside. I think you learn to move around each other ha ha c
Hi julie & tony , Yes thats correct we are often shuffling around each other but its worked for us so far , your van looks really comfy and homely inside 👍😀
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel exactly and we are still learning to do it x
A Goldilocks van, not too small & not too big 😉
Goldilocks Exactly , just the right size , funny though as we do eat porridge in the van 😂
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel not too hot, not too cold 😂
As you say it’s just more organisation and it’s better in so many ways, we love our van but we’ll definitely go 6.36m next, A class for retirement tho….
Yeah same 😂 . A Class carthago , lottery win and who cares if the lanes are narrow and it gets scratched , buy a new one innit 👍😀
Good honest review. I bet fuel consumption will be less in the van too.
Thanks Stuart yes we have noticed a bit better fuel consumption
Thanks for watching the video
Mike and kirsty
We downsized 3 1/2 yrs ago from a Chieftain with big garage to a V-line Sport, and like you we wished we’d done it sooner. The day I took all the stuff out of the Chieftain I soon realised how much rubbish we carried around. Yes it does take a bit of adjustment, but these days we are much more sensible about the gear we carry, and moving about in a smaller van has to be more coordinated too. Like you we also have a dog who takes up space 😂. People will ask us how do we manage. Well we just do! because they are as much a part of our lives as we are to them … However the biggest “Advantage” is we can now go to places that we couldn’t with the coachbuilt . Of course as for most of us, the older we get the license issue becomes more of a decision maker. For sure we sometimes miss the space, but would we go back to a coachbuilt? … Definitely No! … Yours was a good share for anyone considering a downsize, but it is a personal choice and definitely one no one should overlook. Next year we are off on a big tour of Scotland, and one made a lot easier with our van conversion. Hope you enjoy your future travels too 👍🍻
Hi miranda
Thank you and thanks for your comment , it was a tough decision as I’m sure it was for yourselves especially coming from a chieftain! I think you did really well adjusting , I definitely enjoy driving our van conversion and I certainly don’t miss cleaning the coachbuilts 😂 , but we find we can use it like a car if needs be , parking spaces and narrow lanes are a major bonus and we just carry less now , 1 up 1 down rule & and that’s it ! 👍😀
Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel you’re welcome. You just popped up whilst I was watching RUclips and your video title caught my eye. RUclips is my go to thing now and very often beats what’s on telly. If I find something interesting I will often send a comment and my best wishes. But thanks goes to you also for a kind reply. It’s funny but I’ll even sometimes get a response, even when a video is quite old! 🍻
Very honest video, we have had a van conversation for ten years which we absolutely love .
Been looking at coachbuilt for a couple of years purely so we can take grandkids away.
Decided to stick with the van due to coachbuilts being so big and not so practical as our van.
Absolutely love grandkids alas they will continue to visit us on site😃
We loved our coachbuilt but circumstances and a couple of close calls due to where we live lead to us changing and we don’t regret it at all really , thanks for watching the video and have a good week
Mike & kirsty
Hi Mike and kirsty, love your video's, can I ask where did you get the front seat covers with pocket in from please, keep up the vlogs love watching them,
Hi sandy we got them from a stall at the peterborough motorhome show back in april , when we are next in the van i will look for a label and get back to you we paid £15 each for them , their are similar ones on amazon but much more expensive
Thanks for watching the video
Mike & kirsty
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel thank you, we are going to the nec show so will keep an eye out there, 😊
I always wondered if you had considered a compact coachbuilt. Swift do some and so do Eldiss and Adria. Vans either have short arm wing mirrors or long arm depending on width and. compacts have short arm mirrors like your van.
I moved up from a 6m Elddis CV40 to an AT 615. The problem with the CV40 was lack of space for storage and also to move about. The AT615 I have is exactly the same length of yours and I get more storage than I can use, a separate toilet and shower and it only 6.36m like yours.
I do miss the external dimensions for shopping trips but the only thing I really miss from the CV40 is the compressor fridge compraed to the three way fridge on the Autotrail, the reason for this is that I park the van on my drive which has has a slope, too steep for the three 3 wayto work well so I can't pre-chill it in advance, unlike the compressor fridge which I could turn on several days ahead of a trip and then forget about it, and the solar would keep the battery topped up.
Hi brian we also have a very tilted drive ! Although the van is kept in storage i do often take it home from time to time , luckily now with the compressor fridge we can leave it on and not worry about it being unlevel , we are amazed at how fast it gets to temp and maintenance-free , as long as i can remember to switch it off especially in the winter its been brilliant
Thanks for watching the video and commenting
Have a good week
Mike and kirsty
Hi Mike and Kirsty, really good video, thank you. Could you please add a link or point me in the right direction to the shoe storage box you keep under your van - I think this is a brilliant idea and would like to copy 😂
Hi yes of course feel free to copy 😂 we bought ours from the caravan accessories store in west runton , norfolk , however , they no longer sell online , heres the same one elsewhere but I’m sure we paid less than this one !
Heres the link - www.davanshop.co.uk/product/kampa-collapsible-large-storage-box-grey-with-lid/
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel fantastic. Thank you very much 👍🏻👍🏻
Hi. Thanks for the honest thoughts. Interestingly we have a 6 berth coach built and are looking for a different layout.....mainly because of the wet room. It's too much of a compromise for us and we want a separate shower. So we are looking to downsize or reconfigure but I was interested in the thought that the compromises for us with the washroom is similar for you despite ours being coachbuilt and yours a van 🤔 😁
Hi yes we would prefer a separate shower but in the layout we wanted it wasn’t an option ( apart from the autosleeper warwick XL , sep shower van conversion) , and for the amount of time we would spend in the wet room we felt it worth the compromise
Thanks for watching the video
Mike & kirsty 👍😀
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel I know exactly what you mean about the time spent in it....but ours is such a bad layout that we dread going in....plus there's only 2 of us with 2 large black labs so a 6 berth feels just indulgent and unnecessary 🤣
Hi can I ask your opinion on the sliding door I know some people complain when they get one parked next to them ( mostly caravaners ) so have been looking at the IH models with caravan type door but they are a bit pricey good review always enjoy your vlogs thank you
Yes i think a caravan door on a van conversion is a good alternative , both IH and Vantage do them , but i wouldn’t worry too much about the slamming a sliding door , there is a technique apparently, this sounds funny but you can slam it quietly 😂 its true we have learned
Thanks for watching the video
Have a good week
Mike & kirsty
❤
Hi,we are awaiting the same layout van from consort who are the previous owners of Vantage.Looking forward to it.Can you tell me how many solar panels you have and have you Lithium batteries.Our fridge will be a compressor and we are debating having lithium fitted as we tend to wild camp a lot.we have ordered two extra panels so will have three 100 watts.Thanks and love your review
Hi cheryl i dont have lithium’s as we dont really wild camp or stay for long periods in our van at any time , i had an extra 100w panel fitted in april so we now have 200w of solar plus 2 AGM batteries which is plenty for what we need , if i was to wild camp in our van especially in winter with the compressor fridge running all the time id definitely have the 3rd panel installed and a lithium battery but for now we are ok with what we have , thank you for watching the video and have a good week
Mike & kirsty
We have a 6.3 Rapido Campervans and two things are an issue with us. The fixed bed at the back, car parking which we think would be resolved by having 6m vantage front lounge. Have you had issues with parking? Is the bed comfortable, and what is the build quality like? Finally what battery did it come with? BOOMEL
the bed is firm , we have gone without mattress toppers since we downsized a year ago and are thinking of getting them as we just lay on a throw and use 2 single duvets as covers , but we have to make the beds up and have less storage space than a continental van layout like yours , 6m definitely easier to park and although it’s only a 36cm difference in length it seems to be the right size for parking , we do have issues in small car parks which we totally avoid now , in the big stores we park way over the back or on a side road , the 6m vantage ora with the front lounge is a good option and the build is amazing , vantage vans come with 2 x 100 amp leisure batteries and a 100w solar panel as standard
hope this helps
mike
Hi we have a van conversion by nu venture and we opted for no sink in the shower we use the kitchen sink works well for us
Good idea using the kitchen sink! It really doesn’t matter I suppose
Thanks for watching the video
But van conversions are so expensive. I have a very old coachbuilt. I love the space and headroom.
Yes both van conversions and coachbuilts have gone crazy now ridiculous prices for new or nearly new
Hi both glad your happy, we just got our new 9mtr tag and loving it, ha ha we're all different arn't we?
I said I'd let you know and so we just ordered our new puppy ( ready in 3 weeks) not a frenchie or staffy but cane corso ha ha at least he'll have plenty of room 😉 x
Hi chrissy we wasn’t knocking larger vans just helping people who may want to downsize as we did , glad you found your dog have you thought of a name ?
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel ah no I know that Mike, we've had a van conversion ourselves, we all go through different times in our lives.
No name as yet he is black and going to be very big (hence big van too) Ha ha got a bit of thinking to do now! Look forward to your next adventure take care both xx
Hmm trying to think of a name too haha ! they are lovely dogs and very territorial the perfect van guard dog 🐕
@@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel yes great for 🏡 home, we will make sure he's well socialised so when we're on site's people can say hello, I'd rather a gentle giant x
I’ll stick with my 816 autograph I tried a couple of van conversion just felt to cramped and shower to small I’m going bigger again next time tag axle autotrail motorhome but if you don’t like coachbuilt size it’s probably a good compromise swift used to make the slim rio coachbuilt might have suited you
Hi karl yes funnily enough a couple of years ago we looked at a swift rio , they are discontinued now , no idea why they were a nice van with a couple of different layouts , as you say a good compromise, we watch happy travellers and Yorkshire motoroamers they both used to have the autotrail Comanche , lovely big vans 👍
We just had our tag axle, best thing we ever done, we had van conversion 6 yrs ago just so small, nice large rear lounge and bed but toilet way to small and no room to move around, good luck with your tag.
Hi great video, what make and model is your current van ?
Hi mark it’s a 5 yr old fiat ducato Vantage Neo , vantage is the company that converted it . They are up in leeds and have been converting van conversions for a number of years
You mentioned you got smaller ramps can I ask which ones you got and are they suitable enough to level the van ?
yes they have worked really well with our van we’ve yet to feel the need to use bigger ones 2 years on , here the ones we use
www.primaleisure.com/product/1990155?istCompanyId=f3473768-c338-454e-ba46-40b20dccfa45&istFeedId=0ea19da4-0d7c-4383-8f60-0f3d2d40e25e&istItemId=pwixmrwmt&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImYKdiJ6ZggMVGsjtCh1AgAV1EAQYAiABEgKiL_D_BwE
Hi Mike. Just booked in atGrange farm - after watching the vlog- how long did it take you to cycle to the fish shop? Also, any dog friendly pubs ?
Hi denis the ride on the bike to the chippy took less than 10 mins , its the loveliest little town , there was a lovely pub called the bull but not sure if was dog friendly
Thanks for watching the video
Thanks Mike. We watch all your videos. That’s why we went to Wells . Looking forward to the next one 👍 cheers Den.
I know you do & we appreciate it too
Thanks for your continuous support of the channel