IH or Hillside

So many things to consider.  Did your wife think the bed would be too hard?  We have an excellent topper for we used in the caravan called Zonesleep, costly but it works very well.  My wife made a cover for it using sheets so that it works like a duvet cover.  We simply make up the bed, roll out the topper and add the duvet; job done.

With beds in mind I am intrigues by the drop down type.  However, probably not good for those of us nearer 80 than 70.

Hi

Some interesting posts here, even BB suggesting we don't have "proper" vans?! I looked at an IH van with a slide out, great concept but questionable quality. We've had an Autocruise Rhythm for four years now. It's a bit budget built but has been perfect for us and the Peugeot base has been totally reliable. On that, we were reluctant at first on a PSA built van, but having had a ducato and two boxers we've had minimal issues. I used to be white van man years ago and I still tend to drive in a similar fashion on the motorway but still have a sweet running van, not the best but.

JK

Haha, JK...

I actually like some PVCs as I've mentioned earlier....have looked several times at Adria Twin (new SPX is a nice layout), LaStrada, Malibu and even the original AT V-line with the GRP roof and double floor....really nice design...and innovative....but the bean counters soon put a stop to that....no more extra height, large skylight or double floors and back to mediocrity to compete with everyone else..a shame....

ive also seen some pretty appalling stuff at WCM last week, from all the 'leading' brands... 

however, £80k for a delivery van, irrespectively of how highly polished it is, is pushing things, IMHO.....I don't think Mr Ian Hartley liked me mentioning that....

Qashqai66 - yes, wife found the bed too hard overall but not supportive enough at the shoulders and waist. There was a definite twist in her spine.

We've had an Arto and are on our second Hymer. The difference between the beds and AS's offerings is noticeable with the Arto/Hymers having dedicated sprung mattresses. New ones also have the froli system [or something similar] with plastic caps on the slats. With a thin mattress topper. she feels supported and comfy.

I've always liked IH vans except for his preoccupation with covering every surface with his initials. Compared to the stunning Niesmann & Bischoff Smove, the price is a snip!

I like the look of the quality of the Hymer but they do not offer the layout we want.  This will be our final leisure vehicle so we think it best to have what we actually want and, if the seating/mattress quality is not up to scratch, then we will pay a bit more from a specialist to get it right.  There is a competent looking company in Bristol - not too far - who supply a huge variety of solutions.

Similarly there are no PVC models I can find which offer the layout which would suit.  We did look inside an IH one on Saturday at the Boradlands show but we found that the overhead lockers were almost useless, the fridge far too small, and insufficient other storage.  We also thought it would be very cramped for meal preparation and washing up. The list of negatives continues.

We had an Autosleeper PVC too small, no space compared to a coachbuilt or caravans, it was fun to drive in so much you could get to places and roads you would not attempt in larger vehicles.

It's that large sliding delivery door that puts us off. Lovely to open up in summer but a huge loss of lovely warm air in winter. Also the noise they make and effort needed when sliding.

Qashqai66.  If you like the AS Stanton maybe the AS Bourton could be of interest. Approx 6 1/2 mt with longer seats that can be used as singles as well as a double. Don't remember swivel seats though.  As it is some time since we looked at both the one thing that sticks in my mind was the water filling system differed.  Both had a Whale or Truma water inlet and the Bourton also had an extra point where you could fill with a hose.  Don't know if this is still the same   Whatever you choose I'm sure you'll both enjoy it.

I suggested the Bourton some time back, JO, but Q wants to make a double bed and doesn’t want the longer bunks.

I think the water system you describe is common now. We have both on our Warwick. 

We like the look of the Bourton too but not sure we need the extra length and in many ways it seems best to have the shortest vehicle with which we can manage.