Just ordered a new Hymer Evolution Blue 540

[GrannyJen]

I keep looking at the hymer van range and they do look good but the floor space is none existent for such a big van the shower toilet area is very cramped.The main benefit would be being able to stand up and the fixed bed but lots of negatives with the general flexibility day to day

We all drive what suits us so one persons negative may well be another persons positive.

Curious about your lack of floor space comment. I can carry two bicycles in my hymer, could never do that in the cali without leaving the bed behind.

The only lack of flexibility, and it's a big one, is the height factor. The reason why I will always have a Cali in the drive except for this, temporary, hiatus. Otherwise I can park in any parking space not height restricted.

 

[Defender90]

We all drive what suits us so one persons negative may well be another persons positive.

Curious about your lack of floor space comment. I can carry two bicycles in my hymer, could never do that in the cali without leaving the bed behind.

The only lack of flexibility, and it's a big one, is the height factor. The reason why I will always have a Cali in the drive except for this, temporary, hiatus. Otherwise I can park in any parking space not height restricted.

Definitely it’s what suits, i was talking about floor area for the dog it just seems like I would be still standing on her.The bigger van would be great in the winter months especially in Scotland

 

[GrannyJen]

Definitely it’s what suits, i was talking about floor area for the dog it just seems like I would be still standing on her.The bigger van would be great in the winter months especially in Scotland

There is a far bigger space in the front between the seats which is where my dog sleeps and he's not little. He also likes his "dog cave" which is under the bed. There is a huge space there, I have the flexible load divider with utilises the lashing rails and have it fixed halfway under the bed. That gives me a boot space bigger than I have in the Cali ocean and also on the other side Max's space

He is with me when I go away this weekend. I will see if I can get a pic of him in his den.

 

[Defender90]

There is a far bigger space in the front between the seats which is where my dog sleeps and he's not little. He also likes his "dog cave" which is under the bed. There is a huge space there, I have the flexible load divider with utilises the lashing rails and have it fixed halfway under the bed. That gives me a boot space bigger than I have in the Cali ocean and also on the other side Max's space

He is with me when I go away this weekend. I will see if I can get a pic of him in his den.

Yes just thinking the area under the bed might be a good place for her to hide lol

 

[GrannyJen]

The extra width of the 5.4 hymer can appear problematic.

It did when I went to a car park I've used before and found width-limiting posts placed, apparently to "prevent campers getting in and overnighting".

Was a bit of a squeeze but still manageable

Also had some off-road, off grid time although getting back up that track I really did miss the 4WD.

 

[Billylou]

We also sold our Cali fir the same reasons mentioned on this thread and purchased a new 540 Ducato converted by Malibu Carthago a few months ago. We left the forecourt and 50 miles later it broke down. A long story short this led to us rejecting the van and getting our money back. Despite being disappointed with Fiat it hasn’t stopped us buying another 540 albeit a Westfalia which we hope to get next summer. Funnily enough, despite no longer being the van owner, I had a call from Fiat 10 weeks later letting me know the van had been repaired. Great to read positive comments posted by @GrannyJen and @HowieDog.

 

[GrannyJen]

We also sold our Cali fir the same reasons mentioned on this thread and purchased a new 540 Ducato converted by Malibu Carthago a few months ago. We left the forecourt and 50 miles later it broke down. A long story short this led to us rejecting the van and getting our money back. Despite being disappointed with Fiat it hasn’t stopped us buying another 540 albeit a Westfalia which we hope to get next summer. Funnily enough, despite no longer being the van owner, I had a call from Fiat 10 weeks later letting me know the van had been repaired. Great to read positive comments posted by @GrannyJen and @HowieDog.

The Ducato is a van pretending to be nothing other than a van, the Cali is a van that quite respectably pretends to be a limo.

However, yesterday I looked at the Grand California. It's 6m so not for me, but 180/Auto same as my Hymer. My hymer is pretty fully loaded, both base vehicle and conversion so I went on the configurator to get a like for like comparison. £25,000 price difference. For a van that cruises effortlessly wherever I want to take it I will stick to the Ducato.

I looked long and hard at the Westfalia, really almost a toss of the coin that or the Ayers Rock. I'm very impressed with Hymer quality but it was really a toss of the coin and main difference was delivery wait.

 

[The Merle]

The Ducato is a van pretending to be nothing other than a van, the Cali is a van that quite respectably pretends to be a limo.

However, yesterday I looked at the Grand California. It's 6m so not for me, but 180/Auto same as my Hymer. My hymer is pretty fully loaded, both base vehicle and conversion so I went on the configurator to get a like for like comparison. £25,000 price difference. For a van that cruises effortlessly wherever I want to take it I will stick to the Ducato.

I looked long and hard at the Westfalia, really almost a toss of the coin that or the Ayers Rock. I'm very impressed with Hymer quality but it was really a toss of the coin and main difference was delivery wait.

Yep you would be still waiting for a westfalia, I’m over 16mths in for mine now

 

[ArunAlec]

The extra width of the 5.4 hymer can appear problematic.

It did when I went to a car park I've used before and found width-limiting posts placed, apparently to "prevent campers getting in and overnighting".

Was a bit of a squeeze but still manageable

Also had some off-road, off grid time although getting back up that track I really did miss the 4WD.

View attachment 85961

View attachment 85962

Front number plate but not rear?

 

[Hannick]

We moved from seven years of Cali ownership in June 2020 to a 5.4m Hymercar Ayres Rock. No regrets. We can still park it in a standard parking space when out and about and it has a loo. Perfect. 11,000 miles travelled in the last 16 months. We still sleep in the pop top.

 

[GrannyJen]

Front number plate but not rear?

Slipped up

 

[Billylou]

After waiting 9 months waiting for our 540 Westfalia we found out we have another 12 months(ish) to wait. We very luckily found a Burstner 540 which will tie us over Until it’s ready. Had our first night away yesterday, what a difference and what a positive comfortable experience its been so far. Yes the Ducato isnt a VW but it still gets you to where you need to be and more than comfortable. Whilst I understand they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea there‘s an awful lot going for them which in my opinion outweighs the 2m car park debate.

 

[HowieDog]

After waiting 9 months waiting for our 540 Westfalia we found out we have another 12 months(ish) to wait. We very luckily found a Burstner 540 which will tie us over Until it’s ready. Had our first night away yesterday, what a difference and what a positive comfortable experience its been so far. Yes the Ducato isnt a VW but it still gets you to where you need to be and more than comfortable. Whilst I understand they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea there‘s an awful lot going for them which in my opinion outweighs the 2m car park debate.

Good you have something in the meantime. I appear to have a build slot, week 24, so fingers crossed.

 

[GrannyJen]

After waiting 9 months waiting for our 540 Westfalia we found out we have another 12 months(ish) to wait. We very luckily found a Burstner 540 which will tie us over Until it’s ready. Had our first night away yesterday, what a difference and what a positive comfortable experience its been so far. Yes the Ducato isnt a VW but it still gets you to where you need to be and more than comfortable. Whilst I understand they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea there‘s an awful lot going for them which in my opinion outweighs the 2m car park debate.

The 2m height barrier is the only difference. It is overcome by google sreetview. My 2.6m high has had no problem in the 10 months and 60 days I have been with it. Otherwise the extra width takes a little bit of getting used to otherwise it does the camping experience brilliantly.

 

[HowieDog]

I did love the Cali, well we had a variety of different ones for 15 years.

The Hymer has been brilliant and has massively exceeded our expectations.

As well as all the usual
Family holidays in the UK and overseas, I now use the Hymer at least two night a week when I’m working in London.

It’s just so easy!

 

[soulstyledevon]

@HowieDog
Have you done any modifications yet…?

 

[HowieDog]

@HowieDog
Have you done any modifications yet…?

We have a list. Just been really busy and haven’t managed to do any!
I want the Delta Klassik wheels but they’re eyewateringly expensive!
Want to Upgrade speakers and add a sub, prob add roof rails for SUPs etc and thinking about spare wheel holder on the back.
Suspension is fine and it rides really well but am tempted to go swamper look and add a lift kit.
LED headlights are brilliant so struggling to justify Lazer lamps.
Interior is fine, need to add a couple of lights in the garage.

 

[soulstyledevon]

We have a list. Just been really busy and haven’t managed to do any!
I want the Delta Klassik wheels but they’re eyewateringly expensive!
Want to Upgrade speakers and add a sub, prob add roof rails for SUPs etc and thinking about spare wheel holder on the back.
Suspension is fine and it rides really well but am tempted to go swamper look and add a lift kit.
LED headlights are brilliant so struggling to justify Lazer lamps.
Interior is fine, need to add a couple of lights in the garage.

I should be picking mine up in a couple of weeks. First thing on the list is wheels and tyres. Looking at trying the swamper look with BFGs on standard suspension.
Considering removing the electric step also and fitting some permanent chunky side bars, in black.
It’s a struggle finding Ducato specific extras/mods.

 

[HowieDog]

We have a list. Just been really busy and haven’t managed to do any!
I want the Delta Klassik wheels but they’re eyewateringly expensive!
Want to Upgrade speakers and add a sub, prob add roof rails for SUPs etc and thinking about spare wheel holder on the back.
Suspension is fine and it rides really well but am tempted to go swamper look and add a lift kit.
LED headlights are brilliant so struggling to justify Lazer lamps.
Interior is fine, need to add a couple of lights in the garage.

I should be picking mine up in a couple of weeks. First thing on the list is wheels and tyres. Looking at trying the swamper look with BFGs on standard suspension.
Considering removing the electric step also and fitting some permanent chunky side bars, in black.
It’s a struggle finding Ducato specific extras/mods.

Yes lots more for Sprinters. There are a few good suppliers in Germany I’ve come across.

I was thinking of BFGs but I think I may go for the Pirelli AT+ or the Loder ones from Delta.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Yes lots more for Sprinters. There are a few good suppliers in Germany I’ve come across.

Pm us some links please bud, when you get a chance…

 

[icic]

I did love the Cali, well we had a variety of different ones for 15 years.

The Hymer has been brilliant and has massively exceeded our expectations.

As well as all the usual
Family holidays in the UK and overseas, I now use the Hymer at least two night a week when I’m working in London.

It’s just so easy!

View attachment 102643

Can I ask where do you park overnight in London ? On the street or in one of the campsites outside London ? I ask as I have to stay for work sometimes and am interested in what options there are

 

[HowieDog]

Can I ask where do you park overnight in London ? On the street or in one of the campsites outside London ? I ask as I have to stay for work sometimes and am interested in what options there are

Usually Abbey wood. Great access to central london on Elizabeth line. Takes me 30mins door to door to my office near Liverpool St
For less than £20 a night its not really worth it to wild camp with potential hassles and leaving the van on the street when I’m at work.

 

[calibeach76]

We were out tyre kicking a couple of weeks ago. Liking the look and feel of the Adria twin with its electric up and downy bed thing. Only downside is it’s Fiat based which I hate.
I noticed they’re all calling these size units “camper vans” now.
Tempted by a Crafter based conversion.
Like the colour of the Hymen.

Why do people hate the ducato? I've had several in a class and coach builds and I think they drive really well.

 

[Cwcltd]

Usually Abbey wood. Great access to central london on Elizabeth line. Takes me 30mins door to door to my office near Liverpool St
For less than £20 a night it’s not really worth it to wild camp with potential hassles and leaving the van on the street when I’m at work.

I occasionally take the Cali when I have to work in London, and on the Western side there are two sites close (ish) to the Elizabeth Line, both in Henley; short train ride from there to Twyford then onto the EL.
Henley Four Oaks Club site
Swiss Farm

 

[Damon18]

Why do people hate the ducato? I've had several in a class and coach builds and I think they drive really well.

Couldn't agree more.
We have a Ducato (2.3lt 140hp) based motorhome and it's a joy to drive.