Length of motorhome

We grounded our 155 a few times in Spain earlier this year, we had air assist fitted to the rear axle, not only can we adjust our height it has transformed the ride too

I would have a look at the Unhappy Autotrail Group on Facebook. Lot of unhappy people on there complaining about the build quality of MHs they have bought. Few have even rejected them because they have so many faults. 

I would say buy a foreign Motorhome at least you know it will be well screwed together. Trouble is they don’t have this British Specification that the Dealers harp on so much about.

We have an A Class Laika with very comfortable beds, no microwave and a small oven. Depends on what you want it for but making up beds every night if you are away for 6 x 8 weeks is a pain.

As for grounding we have a Fiat Chassis and at 7.5m we have never grounded. Watched a Bailey with a low chassis ground on a speed hump. Why do they have to make then that low. Possible to save on having to add an external step.

i would say Continental converters are now extremely savvy as to Brit layout requirements....

face to face lounge seating without the half dinette and optional 'hidden' Aguti travel seats for those that need them is very much the current vogue, as are 'Brit friendly' kitchens with full cookers, electric notplates and even microwaves.

agreed, rear fixed beds (single, island, transverse) are still very popular, but rear lounges are also 'hot'....but not the simple low set, pull together bed you see on many a uk van...

these will be on raised floors to give garage height storage underneath for bikes (ever see that on a Bailey et all) and maybe a huge one piece drop down bed over that lounge so no bed making required and front lounge available for tv etc even if partner is off to bed.

having looked around a bit at the NEC this week, even the top brands are succumbing to the 'save weight' thinking and some of the panels arent as thick/heavy as in years gone by, and some 'wood finishes' certainly aren't (wood or finished).

however, good design is still to the fore with loads of innovative stuff, but choose carefully. 

Thanks for all the help. Also at the nec this weekend and have gone for a rapido. Great payload, rear bed, garage etc. It has an oven but we had to sacrifice the electric ring on the hob..... 7.2 long so 23 cm longer but overhang is the same.

thank you

Ah, looks like the 686F....nice van, enjoy

We have a Hobby motorhome with Fiat chassis which is 7.5m and has a long and low overhang. Only twice have we grounded the rear and both times involved using Scottish roll on/ off ferries. 

You can ground a Panel Van with underslung water tank!