Just a quick query...Why don't more of the "main stream" manufacurers use more of the large panel vans available(Iveco/merc sprinter etc),instead of using a chassis and "over-bodying" it?
I appreciate that width is an issue but surely it can't be just that (..the Self- build boys seem to manage just fine!)
I am relatively new to this motorhome lark so I expect to be "put-straight" by the more experienced members of this forum
The only reason that I could give you is that a lot of vans still look like oanel vans with a couple of windows lashed in. Now you could do that yourself if you are a bit handy. I have been building vans for nearly 30 years now. The finish in some "off the shelf" vehicles that I have been in beggers the imagination and they were big money as well £40k+ - that's not to say that The Mem. doesn't hanker after a Concorde...
I agree with you about the poor finish on some of the vans on offer..I was appalled at the standard of some of the vans on show at the NEC last month!(exposed, sawn softwood battens,wires loosely drapped inside cupboards etc)
I used to work as a comercial vehicle body & coach builder and I did convert myself a Talbot Express about 15years ago(..the kids still recall fond memories of it to this day!) but I just didn't have the heart or stomach, to do it all again!
There shouldn't be any reason why manufactueres can't build conversions on large vans to the same quality and spec as they do their coachbuilts.
I just wondered whether it is partly down to cost?(would using a dearer panel van as a base,as opposed to a chassis, mean that the converter "adds less vaue" and therefore would get less return on the overall cost of the vehicle?....)
We attend quite a few music festival during the year(Wychwood/Glastonbury/Big Chill etc)and there are some great pieces of kit in the campervan fields(converted library vans/horseboxes etc ..don't think many would be to welcome on your average CC site though!.....
One of the reasons that they do not use panel vans is cost. Fitting out a panel van is very labour intensive as all the work has to be done inside the van on an individual basis.
A coachbuilt van on the other hand is built from the inside out with the walls being built round the completed interior. This of course can and is done on a production line.
I just wondered whether it is partly down to cost?(would using a dearer panel van as a base,as opposed to a chassis, mean that the converter "adds less vaue" and therefore would get less return on the overall cost of the vehicle?....)
I think you've hit the nail on it's proverbial head, there. Less profit, and profit is the bottom line.
Also, many such as Eldiss, Compass, Swift etc are firstly caravan manufacturers - easier and cheaper for them to build a caravan on a chassis than to convert a van.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Twooks makes a good point about vans. If you look at a lot of modern M/homes they have a very long "tail" or overhang. This is because they are built on an SWB chassis. I often wonder about weight limits and how much they are exceeded. John Wickersham, who is a knowledgeable chap, is very concerned about a lot of the modern Motorhomes that are being sold these days
First is cost. A large panel van (Sprinter, Iveco, etc) can cost anything up to £20,000 before conversion.
Second is market forces. Many motorhomers would not contemplate owning something that to all intents and purposes is little more than a truck with some furniture in it.
Well..it would seem that,as expected cost is the main reason(..that and build procedures), although I'd never considered the fact,until ivanp pointed out that some folk just wouldn't want to be seen in a "commercial" vehicle(heavan forbid..what would the neighbours say!?)
..Perhaps maybe a case of "..The public wants, what the public gets"?..
Personally,I'd rather have a well balanced lwb(possibly twin wheel?) van conversion,than a top heavy,large over-hang (possbly leaky)coach built,dumped on a weedy swb chassis..but as the market would suggest,I appear to be very much in the minority.
(I've just re-read that last paragraph,and it comes over a bit "arsey"...sorry it isn't meant to be..)
We've only had our Duetto a few month so we're not after a new van just yet(..but do we ever stop looking for the next one?)..and at the moment I'm at at lose to see what our next van would/could be...(answers on a post card please)
Personally,I'd rather have a well balanced lwb(possibly twin wheel?) van conversion,than a top heavy,large over-hang (possbly leaky)coach built,dumped on a weedy swb chassis..but as the market would suggest,I appear to be very much in the minority.
Having owned two motorhomes in the past - one a van conversion and one a coachbuilt - I know which I would rather have if I ever go down that road again - and am inclined to agree with you, although I now believe small is beautiful so you can keep the lwb and twin wheels.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Panel van conversions....
- that's not to say that The Mem. doesn't hanker after a Concorde...
..don't think many would be to welcome on your average CC site though!
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