Where are all the 'Other' Panel Vans Forums

camo12

hi i have a panel van the ultimate leyland daf 200. last owner left it to rot. needs a lot of tlc. blown clutch,cab needs complete cleen out back could do with a re furb, and thats just wot i'v found wrong at mo Razz

rowley

b6x wrote-"there's others of us here, but I think it's fair to say that the Tribute is by far the most popular at the moment."

I have just been to Cornwall/Devon and saw loads of Tributes and Adria Twins. Nearly all the Twins were the latest model.

Steamdrivenandy

Just before the August Bank Hol, we called in for a few bits at Barrons, Darlington on our way to Scotland.
When we parked up I noticed that they'd got a used Cavarno in compound in the same finish as my Innovation so being nosey I had a butchers.
As I got into the compound I was confronted by a brand new Tribby and I deviated off my course to have a look inside to see what all the fuss was about. I didn't even take in whether it was 550 or 650 but the main thing that impressed me was how light and bright it was inside.
This is due to the van having windows nearly all the way along the offside, whereas our van and the Cavarno have no windows in the side in the rear half. True we've got the rear hatch window and a small rooflight and it's by no means really dull but the Tribby is flooded with light.
I didn't get much more time to assess the van as my dearly beloved was tapping her foot in the car park and wanted to travel onward.
On reflection a Tribby would not really suit us as there's no sensible place for the crates for the two beardies whereas our current van has a two dog crate fitted in the 'garage' across the rear.

oldenstar

From your comments I would say you almost certainly looked at the 550,
which has a really light and appealing interior, with two large windows on the offside, plus the rear door window.
Because the 650 has a large wardrobe at the rear offside, which means the rear window is blocked off, plus that large wardrobe inevitably makes the interior slightly darker than the 550.
Don't want to upset my mates with 650 who will argue, quite rightly, that the extra storage space, separate shower room, full oven, and huge fridge freezer make up for the slightly darker inerior.
So you takes your choice-the appealing interior of the 550 did it for us but who knows, the practicalities just [/I]might[I] make us look again-going to the NEC after all Wink

Off to the continong now, so signing off for a couple of weeks.
Ta ta

AlanMo

I'm sure that many of you will have done what I am contemplating - moving from largish coachbuilt to a high top.
I have largish overcab with 6/7 berths which is only used to full extent with grandkids. Mostly I use it alone on hill walking trips and sometimes with my wife.
We enjoy the space but would like something with better driving characteristics, speed, manouverabilty, better for wild camping, country lanes, etc.
Would greatly appreciate your experience of the difference and comments on conversions - am currently interested in a Danbury Family 4/6 based on Renault Master
All advice appreciated

Alan

Steamdrivenandy

Alan,
I can't recall the exact details of the Danbury Family and have nothing against Danburys per se but the though crossed my mind that if you only 'entertain' the grandkids occasionally have you thought about having a 2 berther with an annexe like the Khyam Motordome which can sleep extra guests?
We manage very well, after a period of adaptation, with our van and its 'footprint' is no larger than a Landrover Discovery, although a mite taller at just over 9ft.
Current good sellers are the Tribute brothers (550 & 650) and the Adria Twin, which'll sleep a small grandchild in the front.
Good luck with the search

AlanMo

Thanks Andy

Yes, I envisage so kind of annex for the g'kids.
As wife and I sometimes go to bed at very different times the separate sleeping arrangements are an attraction of the Danbury and rear lounge/bed can be left down when necessary.
Not sure how the Renault compares with the more common bases though??

Alan

Steamdrivenandy

I've heard that the Renaults have probably the most refined ride of all the base vehicles but I've never driven one.
I visited the converters of our van today to have some work done. In conversation one of the principals mentioned that he wasn't too keen on the finish of Danbury conversions, but that might just be professional jealousy.

kkmickleson

Hey, Andy--

Did you get my PM? (I never tried sending one here before, so wasn't sure if they really 'get there' ;^)

Karen

Steamdrivenandy

Yes we did and a PM response is on its way.
Andy