Coachbuilt to Van Conversion

David, yes Tribute is a cheaper range of PVC, sitting below the V-line SE...neither of which have the V-line's two main attibutes (IMHO)...

which are the replacement GRP roof panel (raises internal headroom and gives a much lighter front cab/lounge area) and the pseudo double floor (allowing pipework and electrics to be hidden, heated and protected).

for me, the original V-line range offers far more of what a downsizing MHer might be looking for, i looked pretty hard at one of these when changing the Bolero....

in the end, we went for something much different, but its a really good PVC and if i had to go down to a PVC, it would be on the list....

probably the rear fixed bed version.

good luck with the quest...

Yes, David, cant speak of them,but did look as well, as at SEs no double floor though,on either, not many PVCs have a double floor, which was one of the attractions, all utilities are run inboard in the false floor, except the water, fresh and waste, and both those tanks are heated.so an ideal all weather van. We have used it in the depths and it works fine.   

Main drawback is the price new, i think they are a bit overpriced, but because of the past window problems, they have not held their prices well, dealers dont like all of the warranty claims because of the windows. Might be a bargain around !! 

We went from caravans to a coachbuilt then an A Class back to a PVC which was sold four years ago.and now back to caravans. 

The PVC was an Autosleeper Warwick which we owned for four years after an A Class. The reduction in living space was`nt too much of an issue though the bench seating was short in length, the reduced storage was mainly the wardrobe which was tiny. One of the biggest drawbacks was access in very wet weather rain/drips from the body soon wet the interior and we took to using the cab doors, also the cold which penetrated all round, caravans are from my experience better overall than motorhomes for keeping warm in cold weather. Driving a PVC is the best of all worlds, we went on roads in the Alpes etc that might be daunting in a large motorhome, parking can still be difficult due to overall length. If you like to keep your van in pristine condition a PVC is one of the best vehicles to achieve this partly due to size but its steel surface as per car. Overall I`d say they are the best to reach those out of the way places and roads but you do pay a price - living comfort

Hi DK and all

I had my dream motorhome in 2008, an Autotrail Chieftain tag axle with a huge garage for my Harley and a tow car on a frame. We started working for the club in 2010 and found ourselves with a nice compound to park and get plumbed in. Two years of that saw some hefty repair bills due to not turning a wheel for eight months at a time, new wheel bearings, brake discs, abs unit, chassis welding, all on a four year old van, so, we bit the bullet and went for an Autocruise Rhythm, basic build quality but sturdy enough. For a time there were lots of conversations involving "move your legs" and "you're in the way" type thing but you soon learn. Only 3 small lockers each instead of the endless cavern of the beloved chieftain. Winter 2014 saw us on a site in Spain for four months happily plumbed in with a caravan porch awning on the side, plenty of space now we're used to it. It happily tows my twin axle caravan and as it's 3.5 tons it's happy to sit at the legal limit when solo.

We'll probably change it this year, and will look at the v line or the Autosleeper warwick xl which is a similar layout to ours.

You have to bear in mind that when comparing coachbuilts to pvc's that any coachbuilt however small or wherever made are susceptible to water ingress. pvc's only have a few holes in the roof of what is in essence a van, All coachbuilts have joins, I've just spent today helping a guy reseal the leaky roof on a three year old concord charisma, that's a big money german van!

It's worth considering the base vehicle, remembering you can get rear wheel drive and automatic transmission with some makes if needed.

a good point....some brands which use a Peugeot base will allow a build on a Ducato if the customer wants an auto box...

obviously, Merc, Renault do PVC with auto boxes but the Ducato is obviously the most plentiful.....and a good auto box.....(robotized manual)....

Cant say i know of any conversions with rear wheel drive, plenty of choice otherwise  though. Good luck, if you have any questions re- AT V- line , ask away. 

the Lunar Landstar is on a Merc chassis, is this front or rear wheel drive?

i thought the Merc Sprinter was rear wheel drive?

I mentioned the Murvi Morello a while back. It can be had on  the latest LWB Ford Transit base - in front, or rear, or even all wheel drive. It's all on their website. 

BB

Interesting you mentioned the Fiat autobox. I am used to driving automatic cars and a motorhome with an auto box could suit me and I wonder if there is anyone with experience of the Fiat Comfortmatic gearbox, good or bad?

David