Bigger vans

[sidepod]

I guess this is something the converter companies buy by the truck load?

Looks interesting.

 

[Wondering Star]

Better late than never, its only taken three years for Volkswagen to see what we all knew was needed!

 

[andyinluton]

Better late than never, its only taken three years for Volkswagen to see what we all knew was needed!

Its not VW - thats MAN

 

[Corradobrit]

Its not VW - thats MAN

MAN is part of the VW Group through its Traton subsidiary.

 

[andyinluton]

MAN is part of the VW Group through its Traton subsidiary.

I am aware of that but the roof isn’t currently available from vw only MAN but the GC600 style plastic high top with the quiff has just been made available as on option on VW Crafters & not the MAN

 

[Corradobrit]

I am aware of that but the roof isn’t currently available from vw only MAN but the GC600 style plastic high top with the quiff has just been made available as on option on VW Crafters & not the MAN

Give me the poptop any day. It looks half decent like a Cali on 'roids.

 

[larrylamb]

A few interesting options on the website.

MAN TGE Individual: Upgrading your van | MAN UK

Individual modifications and tailor-made conversions of your MAN Van. Find out more!

www.man.eu

 

[Wondering Star]

How you define VW is open to question, VW group just like most large world wide vehicle producers is multi branded.
Wouldn't have now hesitation in buying a MAN, differences are minimal. No reason to doubt that MAN could produce a better van than VW however its business model appears to be taking the easier route of being a converter supplier.
The only downside I can see is a limited dealer network.

 

[larrylamb]

The only downside I can see is a limited dealer network.

Although the service centres are open 24hrs in the week and all day Saturday and Sunday which is great compared to my local VW van centre.

 

[soulstyledevon]

It’s great to see MAN offering this.
However. Not sure it looks very good compared to Atek MAN/Crafter roofs…?

 

[sidepod]

Handraulic or silly motorised nonsense?

 

[soulstyledevon]

Handraulic or silly motorised nonsense?

All the MAN roofs are manual, there’s an option I believe on Atek to have an electric close. It’s basically a winch type with a small motor to close the roof. Fairly straightforward.

Possibly a good idea and not needed for opening, as once you release the closing clasps, the roof opens by itself with a small push.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

It’s great to see MAN offering this.
However. Not sure it looks very good compared to Atek MAN/Crafter roofs…?

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Nice to see they state that the tent fabric is waterproof. Perhaps they could give the Cali roof designer a few tips.

 

[kave]

This was hard, visited a Hymer dealer this weekend. He claimed that for winter use an insulated vehicle is much better so a Hymer ML-T is better than a Grand Canyon S, but even more expensive and 7m long yet still sleeps 2 and 3 if bedding the seats. I might just keep our California

 

[Wondering Star]

How cold do you want to go?
Never been cold in my GCS even when in the Lakes for New years.
Diesel heater pumps out plenty of heat, water tank in board, waste tank can be spec'ed heated and insulated.
Gas supply is heated, other options available include heated mattress, poptop thermal liner and rear door thermal cover.
The only item I added is a thermal screen cover which stop condensation on the inside.
MLT is great but not really a family van, yes its better insulated but it comes at a higher cost, its also massive which can be problematic.
Personally I think the GCS is a great option after three years /20000miles of ownership the only failure has been a kitchen tap.

 

[soulstyledevon]

This was hard, visited a Hymer dealer this weekend. He claimed that for winter use an insulated vehicle is much better so a Hymer ML-T is better than a Grand Canyon S, but even more expensive and 7m long yet still sleeps 2 and 3 if bedding the seats. I might just keep our California

ML-T is a Motorhome. It’s a bit of a different beast to the Grand Canyon.
I guess it really depends what you’re looking for…?
Myself, I just want a bigger version of the California and am re-visiting a converter on Thursday. Been really impressed with their build quality.

 

[kave]

How cold do you want to go?
Never been cold in my GCS even when in the Lakes for New years.
Diesel heater pumps out plenty of heat, water tank in board, waste tank can be spec'ed heated and insulated.
Gas supply is heated, other options available include heated mattress, poptop thermal liner and rear door thermal cover.
The only item I added is a thermal screen cover which stop condensation on the inside.
MLT is great but not really a family van, yes its better insulated but it comes at a higher cost, its also massive which can be problematic.
Personally I think the GCS is a great option after three years /20000miles of ownership the only failure has been a kitchen tap.

Great report. It seems moisture are a problem if used in winter, the FB GCS group have some reports of mold building up on the inside of the wood panels revealed only if take apart.

I will use it down to -20 or so, the California works very well even with roof up.

I havent seen a GCS yet in person but I really liked the interior of the MLT, also beds are really nice since you dont have to crawl over.

 

[Wondering Star]

Not experience any moisture problems myself, I have removed rear door panels twice to fit wheel carrier and box and can report no issue.
Some have concerns about moisture above the cab area causing issues with the control panel again easy fix.
From what I believe new models are now insulated in this area.
I also have looked at a MLT but its just to big the additional width is a major issue for me as it would restrict access .
GCS is easy to park and squeezed down narrow country lanes, not the case with a MLT.
Checkout Globe -Traveller if you want a insulated panel van.
I looked at one in detail but unfortunately the roof bed was not suitable, great quality even in areas that are not in plain sight.

 

[kave]

Yet another option, Frankia Yukon. There is even a 7m with popup roof, beds are lengthwise, sleeps four: https://yucon.frankia.com/en/models/yucon-70

 

[soulstyledevon]

Yet another option, Frankia Yukon. There is even a 7m with popup roof, beds are lengthwise, sleeps four: https://yucon.frankia.com/en/models/yucon-70

They had one at the NEC a few weeks ago.
It’s a massive van.
Absolutely huge…

 

[kave]

They had one at the NEC a few weeks ago.
It’s a massive van.
Absolutely huge…

The 6m Frankia is the same as a Grand Canyon S and the 7m is one meter longer.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Deposit paid.
Trying another Hymer. The Volkswagen 5 plus offer (Ocean or Surf)was very tempting. But the wife really loved the Hymer camping experience far more than our old Transporter days.
I toyed with a converted Crafter but the base vans are £63k then conversion costs on top.

So the Free 600s had more appeal and possibly better residuals if it doesn’t work out.

 

[Wondering Star]

Looks good in that colour, no additional cost for metallic.
Is this the color you went for?

 

[Kevthegas]

Deposit paid !
Stunning looking van, what sort of lead time have they quoted?

 

[soulstyledevon]

Looks good in that colour, no additional cost for metallic.
Is this the color you went for?

It’s not metallic, some sort of pastel grey or something. Think it looks good in this colour.
Hard choice between this and the Canyon. But if I went down the Grand route I would’ve wanted the 4x4 which gets really expensive.
Nice vans and the 2024 have a lovely looking interior on the Grand Canyon.