Posted on 07/12/2017 12:23
We are considering a change and slight downsize in motorhome and have recently seen an Italian make which could fit the bill. Never seen one in the flesh before, does anyone have experience or knowledge of the Wingamm make?
Posted on 07/12/2017 19:37 by mickysfIt is, hg, but also size and quality, We've also looked at Chaussons and Swift Rio with drop down beds but I'd need to be convinced about their quality. Anyone had experience of these?
As Tinny says, the proximity of a dealership does also add to the equation but not over quality.
Posted on 14/12/2017 20:23
We bought a Chausson brand new about seven years ago, kept it for just over three and was more than happy with the quality of it. We only had one issue from memory, the habitation door started to rust along the bottom edge but the whole door was replaced no problems at all. Don't get me wrong, they're not top quality but then they're not top prices either...and might just do a small van to suit your needs.
Have fun deciding!
Posted on 15/12/2017 09:27
Chausson has certainly one of the most innovative and prolific MH design teams on the market, just so many different variations of layout....should be something for all, in terms of design.
ive been in plenty (Highbridge is a big dealer) and not my cup of tea re ambience etc, but certainly very popular.
their small 'one box' type vans (generally with drop down beds) have huge showers and some manage to incorporate large (doors on three sides) garages, too.
drop down beds can be transverse (they now claim to have the widest bed, at 1.60m, on the market), longitudinal or even seperate drop down longitudinal singles.
theres even one an now with four seperate Captains chairs in the lounge (all with belts) with a habitation door on both sides making entey a doddle.....add in a drop down bed over a rear lounge and you have a very unusual and (again) innovative design.
well priced, too.
Posted on 15/12/2017 17:14
Hi BB,
To start, I have to say that, I enjoy your comments on here, you clearly have loads of experience of motorhoming and it is good that you are able to share that experience on here. Keep it up.
However, with regard to your comment about Swift and their quality, compared to the German build, I have to say that you get what you pay for. I looked at a sub 6.5m German option, both Hymer and Carthago and by the time I added the necessary options the price of both had shot up well over £80K, for a very small van.
I bought my Swift Kontiki 2 years ago for under £70K and it came with engine upgrade, auto gears, alloy wheels, 2 batteries, two solar panels and all the extras anyone will need, all as standard and with plenty of room.
I accept the different type of design between UK and EU, and thats a personal choice, but I am not sure that the price of those that I reviewed reflects that much quality difference for that much price difference.
We are very happy with our Swift, no real issue with the quality and, as I say, all the extras bundled in at a reasonable price and loads of space. Like any make of caravan, MH or car the quality improves when you pay more for something higher up the range. The quality of the Kontiki is superior to that of the lower priced ranges of Swift MHs, as with any make.
Its a pity that shorter UK models dont have garages like their EU conterparts.
But, the OH wants something shorter next time, so she can drive it and it must have a large garage. So we continue to look around and read these posts on these pages with interest.
Still waiting for Chelston to take delivery of their 2018 Carthagos!
BillC
Posted on 15/12/2017 21:58
Hi Bill....i didnt knock Swift just for the hell of it, merely to reflect my person observations
my comment was
"similar layouts available from Adria, Burstner, even Swift but (IMHO) not in the same league for design nor quality..."
and when comparing the Adria Compact, Burstner Ixeo (and the Rapido 600f i had mentioned earlier in that post) i have to say the Swift competitor (Rio 325) is off the pace.
only my opinion of course...but im relating those experiences to the OP who is looking for a small van.
Despite what you think about German prices (and yes, the catalogs are manna from heaven to the sales staff) these vans can be bought for a lot less than the numbers you mention...i know, i have done it twice...
but not at Chelstons
PS a Kontiki 635 with auto and sat sytem is over £80k.
Posted on 08/12/2017 19:32 by eurortravellerIs that the one pictured on the website with a price tag in the window saying £87,056 ? I knew there was a reason I didn't buy it. This really is a rich man's Club.
Posted on 21/02/2018 20:26
I've looked at a few Wingamms myself at past motorhome shows. As has been said they are beautifully designed and built. I'd suggest the drop-down bed, if suitable for you, is likely to be well-constructed. There are several models available - on VW, Fiat and Merc - they're just not all available for inspection in the UK!
As for insulation in glass-fibre bodies, I had a La Strada Nova with a similar monocoque structure which was superbly insulated and so, whilst you need to enquire, it's unlikely to me that an Italian van will not be designed to cope with overwintering in the Alps. It's only older Brit vans that didn't bother overmuch with insulation (for summer use only). Euro vans have treated it seriously for decades.
As for buying from distant dealerships, I suspect there would be less need to do so than with lesser brands. But Aston Leisure, Edinburgh do hire them out - so you could try before you buy. I didn't get around to that!
mickysf
Motorhomer