The Hymer Club

[Californication69]

I’ve never known a dealership with such bad press as TW. I looked at two used vans there over a 12month period and all I can say, is absolutely shocking how they were presented. Considering the big glitzy showroom they were showcased in.
I don’t think van conversion’s are worth there time…

They’re my nearest dealer, both my Hymers have been purchased 2.5 hrs away. If it wasn’t Southdowns I would use Adventure Leisure who have a remarkably good reputation.

Southdowns and adventure Lesuire, good to know. I’ll make a note !
I’d love a 10 year old one to see how they travel.
But no dealer will be selling that old.
And no idea what they are called when 10 years old.
I’ve got this list so far.
CS Reismobile
HRZ
La Strada.

 

[Californication69]

The 4x4 Grand S is a monster. You’ll struggle to get into it with your back.
I’d love to know the MPG those things make…

I’d have to get in via the sliding door and step everytime lol.
Had to use the grab handle as it was so tall.
Wife would need another step to get onto step
lol.
Maybe if we win the lottery.
But good to test the seat out

 

[Iron Van]

How bizarre, the picture of your white sprinter is showing in my reply but not your original post !
Not even a link.
Looks great!
Would love to buy an older one to see how I get on with it.
Can’t justify paying out £116k for a 3 year old MY21 just to see!
TW absolutely suck. The salesman was almost comical. Young chap who might have sold insurance or maybe he was a recruitment guy in ManPower. Now those guys made me laugh hard with their pitch style.

They must go through a lot of staff because I never spoke to the same person twice.

The van though was great, it did everything well, towing, off road, long distance. The only bad thing was that the trip computer was all european and it only had 2 years warranty from new and TW couldn’t fix it.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I’d have to get in via the sliding door and step everytime lol.
Had to use the grab handle as it was so tall.
Wife would need another step to get onto step
lol.
Maybe if we win the lottery.
But good to test the seat out

Just don’t see the point in this 4x4 nonsense, unless you travel off road quite a bit. I would say, pointless for the majority of people…

Then again, the lengths people will go to for a free park up

 

[Iron Van]

Just don’t see the point in this 4x4 nonsense, unless you travel off road quite a bit. I would say, pointless for the majority of people…

Then again, the lengths people will go to for a free park up

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Yes, if you stick to hard standing, always travel on tarmac, you probably don’t need 4x4

 

[The Merle]

Sounds like the sprinter is the one that drives the best.
I’ve read 5 hours of reviews last nite!
Just heard that Westfalia are bringing out a 6m Merc Sprinter AWD (or 4x4 selective, whichever) James Cook with extended sides, so no rear sliding pod. Just a traverse bed with tall fridge, freezer.
Not sure if it has pop up. But not too fussed if it does or doesn’t.
Q1 2025 RHD.
But could be a winner winner.
Sprinter and 4WD.
Going travel world Cannock now to sit on a sprinter Grand S seat.

It’s been out ages (supposedly), been marketing it since 2020. Never seen one make it to uk shores apart from the shows.
Crazy money too think last time I saw £135k

 

[larrylamb]

Would love to buy an older one to see how I get on with it.

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[Californication69]

It’s been out ages (supposedly), been marketing it since 2020. Never seen one make it to uk shores apart from the shows.
Crazy money too think last time I saw £135k

That was the James Cook with rear sliding pod. So you sleep feet to the front of van and head by back doors.
The new James Cook has a transverse bed, no sliding rear pod, so sleep across the van.

 

[Californication69]

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Thanks

 

[66tim99]

Yes, if you stick to hard standing, always travel on tarmac, you probably don’t need 4x4

I often camp on wet grass and have never had an issue moving off with FWD 6.1. If i did I carry some track mats under the tray in the boot - they're still untouched in their wrapper though. OK I park carefully, with a downhill option if possible. For the reduced fuel economy, payload and initial price, I can't be tempted to lug around a 4WD system that 'transforms the driving experience'.

 

[Californication69]

I often camp on wet grass and have never had an issue moving off with FWD 6.1. If i did I carry some track mats under the tray in the boot - they're still untouched in their wrapper though. OK I park carefully, with a downhill option if possible. For the reduced fuel economy, payload and initial price, I can't be tempted to lug around a 4WD system that 'transforms the driving experience'.

I’ve had both. 6.1 Ocean FWD and 4Motion, from my 36 years driving experience of around 40 cars, from RR to Pug 205 the difference between the 6.1 FWD & 4Motion, to me, is night and day.
Things I like on 4M:
Suspenion no longer wallows around, feels planted.
(Both FWD MY20,, and MY23 4M are factory setup)
Don’t feel sick driving it (uncomfy driving position, too low down on both models is another subject, for me)
Pulling out of junctions, is now enjoyable.
Dont care about MPG.
Maybe 4mpg difference.
I’m getting 34mpg on M’way at 65mph.
Maybe get 38mpg out of a FWD ?
If I do go on a wet grass pitch, I won’t be sat with front wheels spinning, yes I’ve heard all the “never got stuck with only FWD.
But I can afford it, so why not have that 4M so I really don’t have to worry so much.
Worth the additional cost to me for 20 years (if I keep it and don’t go MAN / Sprinter 4x4 in future)
All IMHO. And you pays your money and gets what you want.
The for and against will be here for ever more.
Different horses for different courses.

 

[BeagleMum]

I often camp on wet grass and have never had an issue moving off with FWD 6.1. If i did I carry some track mats under the tray in the boot - they're still untouched in their wrapper though. OK I park carefully, with a downhill option if possible. For the reduced fuel economy, payload and initial price, I can't be tempted to lug around a 4WD system that 'transforms the driving experience'.

Same here, our track mats never been used, still in the original wrapping
6 years after purchase, they are a great ‘comfort’ blanket

 

[The Merle]

That was the James Cook with rear sliding pod. So you sleep feet to the front of van and head by back doors.
The new James Cook has a transverse bed, no sliding rear pod, so sleep across the van.

Have you a link or any pics as can only see rear pod ones

 

[Californication69]

Have you a link or any pics as can only see rear pod ones

No pictures yet, I had the intel from Richard at Campersales, Burgess Hill.
It’s debut is at Düsseldorf show in October.

 

[Kirx]

My next one will be, Hymer Blue Evo 540 - really not keen on the GC 600 or 680, also will never buy VW again!

 

[Bulli Ocean 1]

We sold our beautiful Cali 2yrs ago and joined the “Hymer Club”. Like you we bought the fwd Free S with the pop top. We have modified the camper over the past 2yrs and probably spent way too much on accessories, similar theme to when we had the Cali for 3yrs. We are currently away touring through Spain, Portugal, Andorra and France, having left mid April and are due home at the end of June. This is our 2nd year of spending almost 3 months touring in Europe in the Hymer Free 600 S and we have made the decision to swap and buy the RWD Grand Canyon S without the pop top as we don’t use or need it. We are looking forward to having skylights in the lounge, bathroom and bedroom which will allow for better airflow in hotter climates. Our new camper arrives in November. Enjoy your new van which looks great in the blue grey colour and the benefits of a bathroom and fixed bed. This was one of the reasons why we decided on our current van. There was not a lot of choice when we bought our current van, which is why we ended up with the pop top.

 

[Californication69]

We sold our beautiful Cali 2yrs ago and joined the “Hymer Club”. Like you we bought the fwd Free S with the pop top. We have modified the camper over the past 2yrs and probably spent way too much on accessories, similar theme to when we had the Cali for 3yrs. We are currently away touring through Spain, Portugal, Andorra and France, having left mid April and are due home at the end of June. This is our 2nd year of spending almost 3 months touring in Europe in the Hymer Free 600 S and we have made the decision to swap and buy the RWD Grand Canyon S without the pop top as we don’t use or need it. We are looking forward to having skylights in the lounge, bathroom and bedroom which will allow for better airflow in hotter climates. Our new camper arrives in November. Enjoy your new van which looks great in the blue grey colour and the benefits of a bathroom and fixed bed. This was one of the reasons why we decided on our current van. There was not a lot of choice when we bought our current van, which is why we ended up with the pop top.

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Nice to see the Lazer lights will fit.
Only issue I see with roof skylights, is where to put just 1x 95w solar panel.
How much solar do you have now and does it meet your needs ?

 

[Californication69]

Didn’t even know they did a RWD one !

 

[Bulli Ocean 1]

Yes, the Grand Canyon S comes in RWD and AWD. The Free 600 S is FWD only. When ordering our new van a month ago I was informed that Hymer will not be making any Free 600 S (Sprinter as the Fiat will still be available) as Mercedes have decided to cease production of the FWD Chasis due to converting the production line over to Electric Sprinters. The only new Free 600 S’s available are those in stock or already ordered.

Didn’t even know they did a RWD one !

 

[Bulli Ocean 1]

Nice to see the Lazer lights will fit.
Only issue I see with roof skylights, is where to put just 1x 95w solar panel.
How much solar do you have now and does it meet your needs ?

If you intend to fit Laser Lights you will need to speak with them as the gearbox radiator on the fwd sprinter is very close to the grille and you need to modify the radiator support brackets so the lamps can fit in the grille. I had a company in Manchester carry out the work as I didn’t want to cut away too much. I had them fitted about 18 months ago and they have been great, well worth it. We have 2 x 130w solar panels on the roof and they more than meet our needs. I have 2 AGM batteries on my Free 600 S but no 240v inverter. The new set up on my Grand Canyon will be one solar panel with 2 x Lithium batteries and a 1200w inverter.

 

[Bobby D]

I've kind of done the change. I've purchased an A Class Hymer. But I've not sold my Cali. Even the High top Cali is a compromise when it comes to the beds. With 2 growing daughters we needed bunks rather than sleeping next to each other. The A class has 90cm x 208cm bunks...and no more making up any beds, still leaving us with a good lounge and a garage you could fit a house in.

 

[soulstyledevon]

We sold our beautiful Cali 2yrs ago and joined the “Hymer Club”. Like you we bought the fwd Free S with the pop top. We have modified the camper over the past 2yrs and probably spent way too much on accessories, similar theme to when we had the Cali for 3yrs. We are currently away touring through Spain, Portugal, Andorra and France, having left mid April and are due home at the end of June. This is our 2nd year of spending almost 3 months touring in Europe in the Hymer Free 600 S and we have made the decision to swap and buy the RWD Grand Canyon S without the pop top as we don’t use or need it. We are looking forward to having skylights in the lounge, bathroom and bedroom which will allow for better airflow in hotter climates. Our new camper arrives in November. Enjoy your new van which looks great in the blue grey colour and the benefits of a bathroom and fixed bed. This was one of the reasons why we decided on our current van. There was not a lot of choice when we bought our current van, which is why we ended up with the pop top.

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Keep us posted on the new van.
It’s one I would consider, if we didn’t need a 4 berth. Possibly an upgrade later down the line for us

 

[Trebor]

Caligirl and I went out in January after much deliberation over Christmas to look at a Black 3ltre Grand Canyon . Only got to the first dealer and after an hour traded the Cali and bought this . Hymer BMC I 580 with lots of extras . We went a bit mad ! It’s LHD British registered from new which has turned out to be a big plus . We live on South Coast 20 mins from Cherbourg ferry.

Off to see Eric Clapton tonight at the Nimes Roman Amphitheatre and it’s sunny . I’m still mourning the loss of my Cali 5.1 4 motion which I’d had from new in 2015 but new van is great and a completely different beast . We made the change really to head to Spain and Portugal for 90 days in the winter .

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Caligirl and I went out in January after much deliberation over Christmas to look at a Black 3ltre Grand Canyon . Only got to the first dealer and after an hour traded the Cali and bought this . Hymer BMC I 580 with lots of extras . We went a bit mad ! It’s LHD British registered from new which has turned out to be a big plus . We live on South Coast 20 mins from Cherbourg ferry.

Off to see Eric Clapton tonight at the Nimes Roman Amphitheatre and it’s sunny . I’m still mourning the loss of my Cali 5.1 4 motion which I’d had from new in 2015 but new van is great and a completely different beast . We made the change really to head to Spain and Portugal for 90 days in the winter .


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You better not park that next to Eric Claptons touring bus or he'll feel like you've upstaged him!!!!

 

[Trebor]

You better not park that next to Eric Claptons touring bus or he'll feel like you've upstaged him!!!!

Funnily enough we’ve named it Eric