New motorhome ordered at last. Forums

Rapide561 · Last edited by Rapide561 on Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:33 am; edited 1 time in total

Hello

I have taken the plunge and also pursuaded Jenny to open her purse.

Principal criteria was a van with a transverse bed atop a garage. The intention is to get rid of the tow car once and for all and replace this with a Vespa or Peugeot type moped and a pushbike. These two items will travel securely in the garage, ensuring "transport" is always available as needed.

After having spent hours in numerous TAG axles including the Dethleffs 7871-2, the Burtster 747 Argos and offerings from Grimsby (Autotrail). From the North Bank of the Humber, we have looked at both Bessacarr and Swift ranges from the Swift Group.

We - I say we as Jenny has been considered in all of this - have ordered a Kontiki 679 model. This is similar to the previous 669 that was used and loved until recently being sold, with the main difference being the transverse bed rather than the island bed variant. The slight drawback is the sleeping arrangements for Jenny, but I have found some heavy duty, long length dog ramps to assist Jenny with her nocturnal duties. She will be able to walk up and down this ramp at leirusre. The other option was to emply Pusser as a bedroom attendant for Jenny and lift her on and off the bed as required. The offer is still there Puss if you want a part time job.

The other HUGE difference between the 669 as previously owned and the newcomer, the 679, is the lack of Luton bunk. The Luton model is available but I opted for a low line model - a sister for the Bolero in effect. The Luton on the 679 is replaced with a large opening roof vent. Losing the Luton has caused a slight problem as that space was used to store the ironing board and also where friends slept when tripping off etc. The former problem is solved by chucking out the ironing board or maybe finding some straps to fasten the board to the roof of the garage - any ideas? The pals going to Italy is solved by going back to what we did when we were kids - all pile in the same bed, or we can used the low level sofas to make up a bed.

In our intrepid search for a new van, I think we covered every possible angle. Rather than waffle on, I shall leave it at that for now. I do feel a bit "guilty" at the number of hours spent at the Dethleffs dealer but, we have ordered what is best for our needs.

I am not sure about delivery dates yet, but at least the order is placed.

Russell

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi Russell

May I be the first to congratulate you. We look forward to seeing some pictures in due course Wink

Gerald

rowley

I hope that you won't have to wait too long for delivery. Peter will be pleased.

RichardnGill

I bet you carnt wait Russell Very Happy

I did predict your new van a while ago and I was nearly right, just got Swift's and Bessy's mixed up.

DABurleigh

Russell,

I am sure you will have great times and amass great memories in your new pride and joy! Smile

The thinking of a change of van can be split into logical/functional and emotional. Your post was the former, and I have no insight into any of the latter, but on the face of it I'm not sure what functionality is improved. Indeed what's clearer is the functionality and convenience you appear to have lost! If this is all to do with a scooter and a bike, did you consider sticking a 125cc scooter on the back and have a Brompton in a locker?

Dave

Rapide561

Hello

Gerald - thanks for your good wishes.

Rowley - I hope Peter is pleased.

Richard - Can you predict lottery numbers?

Dave - there is always a compromise. I looked at having a scooter on the back and despite being a tag axle - and bear in mind I am pretty well loaded to maximum capacity, I did not want the option. Also, I will feel that the scooter is "safer" and obviously will be cleaner and dryer when required, after, for example a long drive on a wet Swiss motorway. The ironing board - as silly as it seems will be easily solved, and I do have a table top ironing board acquired via "MandyandDave" last year at the France rally. Jenny will be fine atop the garage.

The other big plus the the transverse bed is the fact I will now have three wardrobes for clutter - I mean clothes and other essentials - rather than two. There is also a couple of bedside drawers, plus humpteen pull out storage units.

A lot of my decision was based on the "MotorCaravan" magazine review of the 789 and it's photo's. I have also acquired a copy of this months "Practical Motorhome" magazine with a review of a similar Bessacarr.

All that space to fill with clutter , sorry, I mean genuine motorhome accessories etc.

Russell

DABurleigh

I hope you didn't throw out all those CKs, now you can stick them somewhere Smile

Rapide561