An objective and thorough review as always Peter. Regarding the Ford vs Fiat chassis / cab pros and cons, from your experience of driving various motorhomes, would you say there tends to be more 'creaking and groaning' from the habitation area on the softer Ford and more rattles on the firner Fiat? Or does build quality play a part? Look forward to your view of the updated Ducato. Thanks.
Build quality of the conversion makes a BIG difference but generally Ford and Mercedes-based models are quieter (conversion-wise) because their suspension is softer
The gold standard of motorhome and campervan reviews, many thanks Peter. I think I will stick to my VW California Coast for now, although I can definitely see the appeal of these end lounge layouts in rainy UK and elsewhere in northern Europe. Don't like the poor access to bedding under the sofas though.......
Very good tour and I especially appreciated the many faults that were pointed out. Personally, I cannot understand why a 7m motor home doesn't come with a fixed bed and you have to go through all the hassle of making a bed up every night. You buy a motorhome or campervan so you can move around the countries you are visiting freely. If all you are going to do is sit in the lounge, then you may as well get a caravan. Lots of wasted space, the only plus side, was the separate shower.
I'm a fixed bed fan, too, but these rear lounge layouts still have plenty of followers, especially in the UK, and it's a lot less hassle to set up on site than a caravan
Well i hate fixed beds with little garage under and that is how 99.9 motor homes are build last 10 years ,its claustrophobic with just tiny space between beds and ceiling ..also there is 0 standing space..that is why i like caravans,much better layout for me (mine is 2 beds in the front and lounge in back) ..also most motor homes have tiny windows and not one in the back(but this one has)
Makes you think sometimes with caravans and motorhomes do the designers ever spend a week in one. If the van was correctly designed and built there should be very little in the way of rattles and squeaks.
What about economy compared to the Fiat? I have an Autotrail imala 615 with the 140bhp upgrade and it's a little disappointing if you so much as go 5mph over 50. Forget going 70 because you'll be filling up in less than an hour. 27mpg max.
I don't often cover MPG because so much depends on how you drive. As you say, keeping speed down helps quite a lot - after all you're pushing a large, square-ish box through the air
They don't, this was clearly a preproduction model as the models in production have dropdown flaps to access under bed storage and the hanging rail is much higher than shown. The 2023 model also has an added kitchen flap.
You still need a big car to pull it. And when you go out you leave all your facilities behind and have to rely on public loos, cafe food, etc. Caravans may suit some buyers but the market is in decline, while motorhome sales are booming...
Love rear lounge
Hi Peter see you you today at the Norwich show. Thanks for your posts.
Hope you enjoyed the show!
nice to see Gerry Adams doing a good job on here after hanging up his balaclava
I'm missing the Irish accent...
Great video 😎
Really 😍 like rear salon
To bad not sale in Canada🥺
Here Are MotorHome, still look like the 80's 🤦♂️
Thanks Peter. This is just what I'v been looking for! Very helpful.
Thank god for the old autotrails
Why? I think their recent designs are much improved...
Just wish I had the cash. Excellent review from you as always. Everything covered
We loved this van, but where do the boys go whilst driving I asked myself. 🤔 F72 with rear lounge and 4 belted seats arrives later this month.
Enjoy!
We have a Bailey Adamo lovely on the Ford chassis 👍
Good looking van. Could I ask you where that beach is that you mention you parked at earlier? Thanks
Sandilands, on the Lincolnshire coast
An objective and thorough review as always Peter. Regarding the Ford vs Fiat chassis / cab pros and cons, from your experience of driving various motorhomes, would you say there tends to be more 'creaking and groaning' from the habitation area on the softer Ford and more rattles on the firner Fiat? Or does build quality play a part? Look forward to your view of the updated Ducato. Thanks.
Build quality of the conversion makes a BIG difference but generally Ford and Mercedes-based models are quieter (conversion-wise) because their suspension is softer
Hello, is this available in the US?
No, it's UK market only, I'm afraid
Is this available in North America?
Only in the Uk at the moment
That Ariel on the drivers side wing would get on my nerves
are you not riding your motorcycle around the world any longer?
Sorry, I've never liked anything with two wheels as I think I'd fall off. If anyone wants to pay for me to globe-trot in a motorhome, though...
The gold standard of motorhome and campervan reviews, many thanks Peter.
I think I will stick to my VW California Coast for now, although I can definitely see the appeal of these end lounge layouts in rainy UK and elsewhere in northern Europe. Don't like the poor access to bedding under the sofas though.......
The Cali Coast is a great camper - enjoy!
It's been resolved in production. The front are flaps now
Very good tour and I especially appreciated the many faults that were pointed out.
Personally, I cannot understand why a 7m motor home doesn't come with a fixed bed and you have to go through all the hassle of making a bed up every night.
You buy a motorhome or campervan so you can move around the countries you are visiting freely. If all you are going to do is sit in the lounge, then you may as well get a caravan.
Lots of wasted space, the only plus side, was the separate shower.
I'm a fixed bed fan, too, but these rear lounge layouts still have plenty of followers, especially in the UK, and it's a lot less hassle to set up on site than a caravan
Well i hate fixed beds with little garage under and that is how 99.9 motor homes are build last 10 years ,its claustrophobic with just tiny space between beds and ceiling
..also there is 0 standing space..that is why i like caravans,much better layout for me (mine is 2 beds in the front and lounge in back) ..also most motor homes have tiny windows and not one in the back(but this one has)
Everything perfect. But where is the fitted Microwave. Schoolboy error.
There's no microwave in the F-Line range. I wonder how many buyers really want/need one, especially when cupboard space is at a premium?
Makes you think sometimes with caravans and motorhomes do the designers ever spend a week in one. If the van was correctly designed and built there should be very little in the way of rattles and squeaks.
Oh yes, designers should spend a LOT more time in them but I think the squeaks and rattles are more down to build than design
I'd much rather the Pilote P626D. The layout is far superior and more practical.
should be for £20k more
What about economy compared to the Fiat? I have an Autotrail imala 615 with the 140bhp upgrade and it's a little disappointing if you so much as go 5mph over 50. Forget going 70 because you'll be filling up in less than an hour. 27mpg max.
I don't often cover MPG because so much depends on how you drive. As you say, keeping speed down helps quite a lot - after all you're pushing a large, square-ish box through the air
Not bad id need somethin bigger for 6 people 😕
Auto-Trail does have some 6-berths in the range, or have you seen my review of the Swift Champagne 466?
@@peterv3642 shall check them out thanks
definitely, as this is a two berth! 🤣
Access to the under bed Storeage is a joke, why anyone put up with such poor design
They could just copy any other caravan design which are all 100 times easier
They don't, this was clearly a preproduction model as the models in production have dropdown flaps to access under bed storage and the hanging rail is much higher than shown. The 2023 model also has an added kitchen flap.
Buy a caravan. Much better value for your money.
You still need a big car to pull it. And when you go out you leave all your facilities behind and have to rely on public loos, cafe food, etc. Caravans may suit some buyers but the market is in decline, while motorhome sales are booming...
Wow...that design looks pretty poor..!
This was a preproduction model.
With regard to the layout, it's horses for courses, this is an excellent van for couples.