The Hymer Club

[pjm-84]

Wow.... had a look around the outside of a Venture S at the weekend. Hard not to want one.....well apart from the cost......150k yes but not at the 226k being asked. Alternatives?

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Try an Italian Hymer? Laika is part of Hymer, all the same parts....same warranty, same build just cheaper.....Etrusco is Laika's budget brand, and having had one now for 9 months, I can't see why a Hymer is so expensive.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Wow.... had a look around the outside of a Venture S at the weekend. Hard not to want one.....well apart from the cost......150k yes but not at the 226k being asked. Alternatives?

I've looked at that myself, it's incredible! My worry would be due to the value someone trying to carjack (or vanjack!) it if I were to take it off grid somewhere due to the massive value.

I don't think it'll be long before the used ones hit and they'll be around £150k I reckon if you're really after one.....

 

[pjm-84]

Hope so....I one I saw has been up for sale since Nov 2023....

I was wondering about insurance and risk

 

[Jester]

Hi all,

Quick question does anyone know the specification of the water pump in the GCs as I read they are a weak spot so plan to carry a spare. Also the rear speaker manufacturer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pjm-84]

I've looked at that myself, it's incredible! My worry would be due to the value someone trying to carjack (or vanjack!) it if I were to take it off grid somewhere due to the massive value.

I don't think it'll be long before the used ones hit and they'll be around £150k I reckon if you're really after one.....

Spent 45min in one on Saturday.....fundamental issues. Storage and upstairs bed. I dont think I'm alone in my thoughts. Upstairs bed was comfortable but super short by the stairs. Storage for chairs / awning / awning break or even a BBQ etc.....non existent . Also in reality its two berth. Downstairs bed would again be super short and more suitable for a child.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Spent 45min in one on Saturday.....fundamental issues. Storage and upstairs bed. I dont think I'm alone in my thoughts. Upstairs bed was comfortable but super short by the stairs. Storage for chairs / awning / awning break or even a BBQ etc.....non existent . Also in reality its two berth. Downstairs bed would again be super short and more suitable for a child.

That's really interesting, I only viewed it briefly along with 1/2 dozen others at the NEC exhibition. I take my hats of to Hymer for being so bold and that 'balcony' at the back is seriously cool IMO!!!!

 

[SpuffingtonMe]

Problem with the VentureS is, IMO, not necessarily the danger of being carjacked (honestly, never heard of this in the motorhome world) but more that it has no meaningful garage so all the normal stuff you take around with yourself in a vehicle of this size doesn't have anywhere to live. If you like taking bikes, this is a big problem and relegates them to the outside of the vehicle where they're likely a theft target. Let's face it, if you can afford the VentureS, you're going to have some proper high end bikes on the back too.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Sorry.
But this still has my vote.
Probably where I will head next.

HYMER Grand Canyon S | HYMER Camper Van

Pure adventure! The HYMER Grand Canyon S combines Mercedes power, off-road capability, and ultimate comfort in one vehicle.

www.hymer.com

 

[subthree]

Sorry.
But this still has my vote.
Probably where I will head next.

HYMER Grand Canyon S | HYMER Camper Van

Pure adventure! The HYMER Grand Canyon S combines Mercedes power, off-road capability, and ultimate comfort in one vehicle.

www.hymer.com

I have spent the last couple of weeks mulling over the S600 or the Westfalia James Cook. However, Hymer gets my vote currently as it just seems so customizable with all the options. This is my current choice. Mrs Subthree said life is too short, get on with it!!!! I had to pick myself up from the floor.

Edition model HYMER Grand Canyon S Xperience at a glance | HYMER Camper Van

With the Mercedes-Benz-based GCS Xperience, you can master every adventure in style and without worry - with maximum connectivity and a high level of self-sufficiency.

www.hymer.com

 

[The Merle]

I have spent the last couple of weeks mulling over the S600 or the Westfalia James Cook. However, Hymer gets my vote currently as it just seems so customizable with all the options. This is my current choice. Mrs Subthree said life is too short, get on with it!!!! I had to pick myself up from the floor.

Edition model HYMER Grand Canyon S Xperience at a glance | HYMER Camper Van

With the Mercedes-Benz-based GCS Xperience, you can master every adventure in style and without worry - with maximum connectivity and a high level of self-sufficiency.

www.hymer.com

Tough one
Westy has a better garage that will take mtb and underfloor heating and can be spec at 4.2t 190hp.
I think the rear bench seat slides to make it more comfortable like the Sven. Imagine it’s more expensive than Hymer (£10k at a guess).

Hymer lots more options (gimmicks) and dealers so better discounts should be available. Just that garage if it’s the same as the normal canyon no room for mtb.

Let us know what you go for both cracking vans

 

[subthree]

Tough one
Westy has a better garage that will take mtb and underfloor heating and can be spec at 4.2t 190hp.
I think the rear bench seat slides to make it more comfortable like the Sven. Imagine it’s more expensive than Hymer (£10k at a guess).

Hymer lots more options (gimmicks) and dealers so better discounts should be available. Just that garage if it’s the same as the normal canyon no room for mtb.

Let us know what you go for both cracking vans

Good info, thank you. I was thinking the bike(s) would go on a tow bar mounted Thule bike rack, which we currently have.

 

[The Merle]

Good info, thank you. I was thinking the bike(s) would go on a tow bar mounted Thule bike rack, which we currently have.

James cook will be a super rare beast, single figures sold a year (guessing). I’ll have one over a Hymer, would be a two berth as you lose the light and ventilation with pop top.

 

[subthree]

James cook will be a super rare beast, single figures sold a year (guessing). I’ll have one over a Hymer, would be a two berth as you lose the light and ventilation with pop top.

Spoke to Campersales last week and they don't receive their first JC until October. We need a 4 berth so pop top route.

 

[subthree]

Inside of the JC looks rather sterile compared to the 600.

 

[SpuffingtonMe]

Different strokes for different folks, but I much prefer the "warmth" of the 600 versus the stark clinical feel of the JC.

 

[Jenny H]

Wow I love the JC but gotta be doing some serious trips to justify the expense - one for retirement maybe.!!

 

[The Merle]

Inside of the JC looks rather sterile compared to the 600.

View attachment 137267

View attachment 137268

Yep totally agree. Plus can’t see the point in getting a van that expensive at the end season unless you intent to head somewhere warm for winter that oct date could get pushed as westy aren’t great at delivery times.
I like that you can get an expensive e-bike in the garage and out of sight compared to Hymer. Underfloor heating sounds nice but if there’s issues later would be nightmare to fix.

Did you look at them hymers campersales have as look fab in that colour.
Lots of GCs so sure you could get a good deal off a dealer if you shop around (buyers market now).

 

[The Merle]

I’ve changed my mind I’ll have a Hymer mlt. i think the Hymer got better leisure bats and solar and all round tech.
The westy is well behind on there’s.
Think these sort of vans should give you an option to ditch the chem loo for compositing one.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Good info, thank you. I was thinking the bike(s) would go on a tow bar mounted Thule bike rack, which we currently have.

Get a rack and hang the bike off the rear door.
The other plus point is the fridge.
My biggest grumble with the Hymer is the rear seat. Westfalia take the win here…
But otherwise, great vans with loads of after-market support.
Bit like the California, you need to modify to suit your needs/requirements.

They’re not perfect, but what van is.
Oddly, Hymer work out far cheaper than any custom built van.

 

[larrylamb]

Get a rack and hang the bike off the rear door.
The other plus point is the fridge.
My biggest grumble with the Hymer is the rear seat. Westfalia take the win here…
But otherwise, great vans with loads of after-market support.
Bit like the California, you need to modify to suit your needs/requirements.

They’re not perfect, but what van is.
Oddly, Hymer work out far cheaper than any custom built van.

Thought a self build was next on the cards?

 

[The Merle]

Get a rack and hang the bike off the rear door.
The other plus point is the fridge.
My biggest grumble with the Hymer is the rear seat. Westfalia take the win here…
But otherwise, great vans with loads of after-market support.
Bit like the California, you need to modify to suit your needs/requirements.

They’re not perfect, but what van is.
Oddly, Hymer work out far cheaper than any custom built van.

I’ve done my expensive van thing, didn’t workout. Bit of a nightmare and never really felt happy driving/stealth parkup in £80k+ van.
Happy at the moment with my self build, 25kg bike hides away nicely, and van just looks like a boring work van.

Always worth scratching that itch and going for it, if you can afford it.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Don't limit yourself to just Hymer, remember that laika, Etrusco, sunlight and dethleffs are all Hymer brands made from the same constituent parts and eriba (which is on a crafter)

 

[soulstyledevon]

Thought a self build was next on the cards?

Really fancy this.
But I’d never find the time in all honesty.
Also, what’s the van worth post conversion…?
Hymer has a value 3 years down the line. That was another issue with a conversion from a UK team.
Can’t believe New Wave shut up shop last week. Their builds were quality.

 

[The Merle]

I would really do your research on both with warranties etc (westfalia only use to offer 2yr) that’s the same with there imported vans (well vw ones).
Try and get extended warranty deal on habitation.
Also go check with the Merc garage near you what sort of service and warranties you will get on base vans from Hymer and westy. Some main dealers aren’t keen on doing work on imported base vans that wasn’t sold by uk dealer.

You are looking to spend big money and if the little car companies offer up to 7yrs then these camper/motorhome dealers need to offer better deals to get your business.
Gone are the days of vans selling before they reach the dealers forecourt they need to compete for a sale.