I'm looking for a long wheel base campervan as a day-van, for short breaks, and to visit elderly relatives most of the year. The van needs to have at least 4 belted seats, some sort of toilet and sleep three adults, all over 5' 8".
We currently own a short wheelbase vw T5 conversion, with a wedge shaped canvas sided pop-top bed arrangement.
We always camp with our adult daughter (long term mental health problems). We manage, but I'd love more room, and an internal loo.
Our driveway could cope with a long wheel base campervan, but not a mammoth motorhome.
As my daughter needs to rest during the day, having the separate pop-top bed in the VW gave her some privacy, however this leaves me cooking on my knees, or moving around in a permanent crouch in the main cab.
We do have an awning, but as we often use our van three seasons, and at times have my son sleeping there it doesn't really solve the problem (also we've never really mastered the art of actually driving away from the thing and reattaching without stress so prefer the option of doing without it for shorter stays)
I'm struggling to find a model which combines the features we need. All seem to be aimed at couples or families with small children.
Some of the back lounge models nearly work, but there seems no way to close off that bed for day-time sleep. I'd hesitate to screw curtain track into the ceiling in case it affected the resale value (in case we made a mistake with our choice)
We've also considered the shorter motorhome models with overcab beds, but it is also a struggle to find those with adequate headroom, as my daughter would be happier if she could prop herself up and read at times.
I realise this is a big ask, as we need to squeeze a lot into what would still be a small space, but I feel it could be done if I could find the right model. Any help appreciated.
I think you were probably on the right track with a rear lounge and a curtain fitted, I wouldnt imagine it would have any effect on resale as long as its done properly
i had a van built along the lines of the devon Sahara 4 berth a few years ago with a front and rear lounge.
Whilst on the road we usually left the rear bed made up and would just use the front lounge. Which comprised of the driver and front seat spun round and the two front facing singles. Our present van has bunks at the back and an electric lowering bed in the roof and i really miss the abilty to just go lie up the back in the afternoon in the double if Ive been up early driving.
This sort of thing
Thank you for your helpful response!
The sahara model you linked to, and your comments on lowering beds have got me thinking. It would be very useful for us to have a quick place to rest, without too much fuss.
Quote: Originally posted by jimsmimm on 01/7/2020
I think you were probably on the right track with a rear lounge and a curtain fitted, I wouldnt imagine it would have any effect on resale as long as its done properly
i had a van built along the lines of the devon Sahara 4 berth a few years ago with a front and rear lounge.
Whilst on the road we usually left the rear bed made up and would just use the front lounge. Which comprised of the driver and front seat spun round and the two front facing singles. Our present van has bunks at the back and an electric lowering bed in the roof and i really miss the abilty to just go lie up the back in the afternoon in the double if Ive been up early driving.
This sort of thing
Can I just ask, you say you miss the rear lounge/bed configuration? Since you mostly left this area left made up as a bed, would you say a fixed bed is probably more useful than a second seating area which can be made into a bed?
The idea of a rear lounge, where you can open the doors and look out, seems great. But, I'm just wondering if it's like the caravan bench seat scenario, where setting a bed up at night becomes a faff?
As far as I can remember during the the whole time we owned the van (5 years) we had lunch once by a river with the rear lounge set up and the doors open, the rest of the time we traveled with the bed down and numerous items crammed underneath it, as you say its also a bit of a faff which is why our latest van does not require us to make up any beds which suits us as we spend very little time on sites or in the one place.
I also think the bed would probably have been more comfortable had it been a permanent bed rather than made out of various cushions and a topper, though its also very useful having the option to return it to lounge to allow you to move large objects about which you can carry in to the van through the rear doors.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: LWB Campervan for three adults?
via mobile 01/7/2020 at 11:01pm
