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Arrived back from Dusseldorf yesterday (Monday) after our usual one-and-a-half days at the show and two days on cultural activities. The Dussi's even put on the most magnificent fireworks display for us on Sunday evening.
The show was much as ever - feet complaining, brain confused, prices truly dreadful with the pound heading for the depths.
Every one is making Adria Twin clones - Mrs. Roy cannot see the point so I guess it's the world against her.
We specifically wanted to get a quote on a Goldschmitt Blue levelling system as a treat for the Murvi. 5,500 Euros fitted, and no British agent so it would have to be done in Bavaria. I think not!
Instead we found a wonderfully versatile Italian levelling/grip-track/stool/steps/chock system called Uniko 6in1. Also not sold in Britain and a bit pricey at about 75 Euros a set (you'd probably need two for comprehensive levelling). It is available at caravan stores in Holland so maybe I'll see about buying a couple of sets when we are over there. It was too inconvenient to take on the plane as hand luggage, even though it comes in a very neat carrying bag.
The star of the show, for us, was a Hymer concept vehicle. Only a little longer than the Murvi, at 6m, it had everything you could dream about, and more. I'll try to remember as much as possible:
The front number plate folded down to allow you to clean the top of the windscreen.
The headlights illuminated round the corner as you turn the steering wheel.
The dash had a small television screen between the speedo and rev counter which acted as a reversing camera when you selected reverse, and blind spot camera on near- or off-side when you put on the turn indicators.
The whole vehicle was LPG so the fuel tank was the cooking/heating supply as well.
The toilet incorporated a digester (as on cruise ships) so the only waste product was water (don't ask me!)
The roof rack was motorised so it came down the back of the van for loading with skis, surf boards, whatever. A press of a button and they were lifted onto the roof.
The sink and hob were in a unit that could be lifted by motor out of the kitchen window and descended to outside for outside cooking. The fridge was also accessible from a small hatch next to the outside cooking position.
The television was in the habitation door so that when you are enjoying your barbecue, you don't have to miss Corrie. The external stereo speakers were built into each end of the awning.
The awning incorporated a flexible 135 watt solar panel.
The van was fitted with an Efoy generating system .
Inside the seating/lounging arrangements were astonishingly flexible, with a large adjustable, folding table that folded easily against the wall for travelling or when not required during lounging times.
There were only three belted seats but the rear seat had a built-in massager.
The sofa was also very flexible, with a well thought-out retractable backrest.
The washroom is difficult to describe but the shower could be folded out of the way for travelling, when the garage became twice as large, taking up the space created. You could certainly fit two normal bikes on the special motorised carriers included in the garage, when the shower was in travelling position.
The toilet, bidet (I think that's what it was) and wash basin formed a three-part vertical cylinder which was an amazing space saver.
The shower, when in camp-site position, was huge!
There were no blinds or curtains. Each window, including the cab windows, could be made opaque electronically.
The double bed was an over-cab, electrically/hydraulically operated, rather like that in the Hymer B508, but automatic rather than hand operated.
There was also an extending bunk for the third passenger, with electrically operated steps for bed-time.
I'm sure I've forgotten a lot, and my German ensured that I didn't understand everything.
Thanks for these, Dave.
I'd forgotten the experimental air suspension system from Goldschmitt - it levels both as the vehicle is travelling and once on site.
I also misunderstood the fuel cell being used, assuming that it would be Efoy - apparently it's an experimental one that works on LPG, being developed by Thetford. Now if Thetford could invent a fuel cell that worked on...don't go any further, Roy!
I got the bidet wrong - it is a vanity table for my lipstick, and foundation cream and powder...
I got the bidet wrong - it is a vanity table for my lipstick, and foundation cream and powder...Dr. (musical, not medical) Roy
Now that's a mistake you don't want to make too often.
PS From your original spec it sounds like a case of "if you need to ask the price you can't afford it". And with the track record of build quality today maybe a bit optimistic for a carefree holiday.
From your original spec it sounds like a case of "if you need to ask the price you can't afford it". And with the track record of build quality today maybe a bit optimistic for a carefree holiday.
It's a concept vehicle so not even a vague idea of price was forthcoming from the rep who showed us round. Not all the things worked, anyway, as is usual on a concept vehicle - they were just showing for what customers had asked and what solutions the two design companies who undertook the consultation offered.
My father, who was a car and HGV mechanic, used to say of innovations on vehicles - 'Another bl**dy thing to go wrong!"
Thanks for these, Dave.
I'd forgotten the experimental air suspension system from Goldschmitt - it levels both as the vehicle is travelling and once on site.
I also misunderstood the fuel cell being used, assuming that it would be Efoy - apparently it's an experimental one that works on LPG, being developed by Thetford. Now if Thetford could invent a fuel cell that worked on...don't go any further, Roy!
I got the bidet wrong - it is a vanity table for my lipstick, and foundation cream and powder...
Dr. (musical, not medical) Roy
Well, if all that comes out is water maybe that's where the rest went
I have to say I wasn't convinced by the Uniko. Seems rather a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. And the girl demonstrating it as a stool seemed understandably underwhelmed
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