The Hymer Club

[subthree]

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

It is intended to be a van that takes us into (early) retirement when we have the ability to travel for a couple of months at a time.

 

[larrylamb]

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.

Fair enough, I couldn't justify spending that much on a posh camper myself. The price per night's use camping must be horrific.

 

[pjm-84]

Found a cheaper option that seems to tick all boxes except the 4x4 option.....

Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD | Over-cab alcove motorhome | Bürstner

Experience the Lyseo Gallery TD, the motorhome with an inflatable over-cab alcove ✓ Luxury & two levels of living space ✓Discover it now!

www.buerstner.com

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Found a cheaper option that seems to tick all boxes except the 4x4 option.....

Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD | Over-cab alcove motorhome | Bürstner

Experience the Lyseo Gallery TD, the motorhome with an inflatable over-cab alcove ✓ Luxury & two levels of living space ✓Discover it now!

www.buerstner.com

That one is quirky, gimmicky and wastes a lot of space, the stairs for instance, and the fold away bed at the back, but if your happy with a fiat and no 4wd you open up everything and everyone else, and then you are spoilt for choice!

 

[pjm-84]

Need living floor space (for dogs) and two beds, and storage for a few months away at a time. Love the pop top in the VW and was drawn to the Venture because of the pop top and the AWD ........... AWD is not the issue, its more clearance / ramp over for off the beaten trails. Not worried about a Fiat

So a GC700 van conversion would be too small and something 8 to 9m long would be too big. Open to suggestions

 

[The Merle]

Need living floor space (for dogs) and two beds, and storage for a few months away at a time. Love the pop top in the VW and was drawn to the Venture because of the pop top and the AWD ........... AWD is not the issue, its more clearance / ramp over for off the beaten trails. Not worried about a Fiat

So a GC700 van conversion would be too small and something 8 to 9m long would be too big. Open to suggestions

Self build way to go.
Have a dog crate built under kitchen worktop, and lots of floor space.
2m long double bed that folds out the way, and a comfy L shaped bench seat can turn into a small single. Lots of storage, ikea storage wardrobe hanger, Vanessa bag, built in bin lift flap in wood worktop, composting loo space, and a rear garage for e-bike, pullout drawer (massive 80cmlong)coat hanging, even got a laundry shoot into the garage area.
Lots of these high end vans don’t provide space for most important stuff (laundry/bin area/dog food/dog). You will only get what you want if you design and make it.
Total build cost £55k included in that brand new t6.1 4motion high top with diff lock.

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

I just found this forum, I didn't know that it exists.

We changed from a Grand California 600 to a Hymer B-MC-T 680 in November 2024. Here is our VW Camper which we traded in:



And here is our new motorhome:



The main reason to change was that we were looking for something bigger because we wanted to use our camper more, now that my wife and I are both retired.

We visited a dealer in Norther Ireland and fell in love with the Hymer from the very beginning. The layout feels very spacious to us, the beds are very comfortable (after we got the additional springs) and storage is so much more.

So far we spend good bit over 100x nights in it and can say that it is, for us, more comfortable than the VW. I don't want to compare directly because I think that the Grand California is more a camper van in comparison to the Hymer B-MC T680, which is more a motorhome.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Wondering Star]

Looking to do the same went from a T6 to Hymer Grand Canyon S, now looking at similar or MLT?

 

[Eber123]

Hello @Wondering Star,

If you have a chance, maybe you might like to have a look at the "MC - Modern Comfort". We feel that the layout of the 680 is different to a campervan, it feels like more space. Also you have the double floor which is a good space for storing.

What is the disadvantage? Well, I would love to have 4x4, but you can't get the Modern Comfort with 4x4 - it has to be a MLT.

Now owning the Modern Comfort for three quarter of a year I was wondering if I win the lotto if I would change it for a Hymer MLT 580 4x4? It would be a very difficult decision, but I think I stay with the Modern Comfort, even without 4x4 (but with a heavy heart nonetheless).

Best regards from 2x4
Eberhard

 

[Californication69]

Looking to do the same went from a T6 to Hymer Grand Canyon S, now looking at similar or MLT?

View attachment 139397

View attachment 139398

Nice colour GCS

 

[Steve9911]

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.

Not trying to push anything here but in case anyone is looking for a 1st class Hymer this is my next door neighbours Campervan that he has just decided to sell. It is absolutely mint and no expense spared. Plus a great solution for bike rack.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202507304962398

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

Just talking of changing campervans or motorhomes.

If somebody is in the good position to configure their new camper or buying it from the dealer "as is" maybe you want to think about the following items which I came across that I would certainly consider if we would buy a new camper.

Let me list the items that I feel important for us (which of course is different to other people):

Fridge
This is my "pet hate". Our motorhome came with an absorber fridge. In comparison to a compressor fridge there are some disadvantages:

• Cooling on hot days is not as good as in a compressor fridge. I think this is important for people traveling often into the south of Europe.
• The camper has to be parked rather leveled, if not the cooling of the absorber fridge can decline.
• I have to be fair, but gas consumption of an absorber fridge is not high, but still is uses some gas which is not endless available in a camper.
• The vents have to be opened and closed based on the temperature.

A compressor fridge has of course disadvantages, for instance might be louder at night or uses a good bit of electricity. But I feel that the disadvantages of the absorber fridge are higher.
If I would configure a camper than only with a compressor fridge.

Heating
Our motorhome came with a Truma Gas Heating. It works well, no doubt, but especially for heating the gas consumption is a lot. So for people planning to travel more in the colder months of the year and maybe more up to the north a diesel heater is better.
Don't get me wrong, I am not against gas, but with 2x 11KG Gaslow LPG bottles (which are filled up with 80% anyway) a 6x or 7x week trip to Scandinavia in the colder time of the year is challenging, especially in Finland (no LPG refill stations at all). Using "native" gas bottles might be a solution, but I think it is messy, at least if you have a LPG gas setup.

2x4 or 4x4
On the GC 600 and now on the Hymer we have front wheel drive. Of course it is working well, 95% of the time, but the odd time a different drive train would be better. Here are my "5c" on this topic:

2x4 front
works most of the time, but can cause problems (not only on the famous wet grass, but also on normal roads. With the VW we got stuck on a normal road in a small village in France or slopes on campsites in Bulgaria, campsites in Skibbereen etc.

2x4 rear
I think this drive train is the best compromise between 2x4 and 4x4. But there are not a lot of campers that come with this.

4x4
I would love to have it, but we should be honest, is it really necessary or a "nice to have"? After about 150.000 km with campervans / motorhomes I must say that a 4x4 would have been handy 5x or 6x times. Looking back, would have been the 4x4 worth it - no! But if I would buy a new motorhome and would be able to afford it I certainly would like to have it! But this is a heart decision not a calculated decision.

There are so much more topics to consider beds length or across, in general internal layout / design of the camper, water pump standard or pressure, campervan or motorhome, how many beds, size of freshwater and grey tank, kind of toilette (there are a few options and they all have there pros and cons), manufacturer of the chassis (Fiat, Ford, VW, Mercedes), kind of windows, and so on.

All of you considering to change camper enjoy the journey (no sarcasm ) and take your time. At the end it will be a compromise because there is no such thing as the perfect camper. But it is so much fun to at least try to achieve it for you.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Wondering Star]

We are considering changing our vehicle and agree with your comments.
We have a compressor fridge that is super quiet,
heating is truma 6DE which is fantastic and it's RWD.
Next van needs all the above but with a larger toilet/shower, longitudinal beds and gas free with the necessary battery/ inverter.
The problem being not the lack of supply but the amount of additional cash required to up grade.
We have a Hymer Grand Canyon S, 5 years old in September 31000 miles with full MB history.
Cost new 79k with many factory extras.
Added further modifications to the tune of a further 15k, new suspension, lithium batteries/inverter, alloys,rear tyre carrier/box ect
Estimated used value 70-80k, cost of a new vehicle such as a Grand Canyon S of MLT 4x4 is s approximately 130-150k.
I think this could well become an industry problem, 60-70k to change just doesn't offer value.
Am I alone with this view?

 

[Jester]

We are considering changing our vehicle and agree with your comments.
We have a compressor fridge that is super quiet,
heating is truma 6DE which is fantastic and it's RWD.
Next van needs all the above but with a larger toilet/shower, longitudinal beds and gas free with the necessary battery/ inverter.
The problem being not the lack of supply but the amount of additional cash required to up grade.
We have a Hymer Grand Canyon S, 5 years old in September 31000 miles with full MB history.
Cost new 79k with many factory extras.
Added further modifications to the tune of a further 15k, new suspension, lithium batteries/inverter, alloys,rear tyre carrier/box ect
Estimated used value 70-80k, cost of a new vehicle such as a Grand Canyon S of MLT 4x4 is s approximately 130-150k.
I think this could well become an industry problem, 60-70k to change just doesn't offer value.
Am I alone with this view?

I am in the process of getting a Hymer GC S 700 RWD.

I like the idea of 4x4 but opted not to go for it as honestly and realistically I would only need it if I got stuck in a slippery grassy field.
In 5 years of owning VW GC’s 600/680 I never got stuck, nearly once in Germany last year.

So for me saving 8k and also not extending my van insurance to cover off road, more additional cost along with noisy off road tires and more fuel consumption. For me personally was the RWD option.

But I do love the look of the 4x4 version. And the MLT. That was 160/170k when you finish specking it.

Cost, yes 60/70k to change, I totally agree with you. This will probably be my last van but I said that with the GC 600.

Good luck with your choice. Be interesting to know.

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

Yes, the cost to replace a camper is high, not that the prices for used campers is bad, but the cost of new vehicles goes up every year (or at least if feels this way). Also, if somebody wants to change the camper normally we would like to have something better (or at least the options should be better / more). All this makes the change more expensive.

But I am not worried about replacing the motorhome, it will be our last (I am over 66 years and surely won't be able to travel the next 20 or 30 years in a camper), but I am worried if for other reasons the motorhome needs to be replaced for instance theft or an accident.

Motorhomes, vehicle as such, are expensive in Ireland. Long live the taxes . Because of this we paid almost EUR 200k for our motorhome (far, far cheaper in Germany). I am sure if the motorhome is stolen tomorrow the insurance will give me EUR 110k or EUR 120k.

Now, I just had a look at the dealers webpage. A Hymer B-MC T690 (well, my wife and I love the layout of the Hymer Comfort, but not the 690, the 680 is more what we like). Never the less the cost for the MC T690 is EUR 179.260. A wee less than I expected. So, add solar panel, battery etc will get to the EUR 190k.

That means in the worst case szenario we have to pay EUR 80.000 to get a replacement Hymer Modern Comfort. We can't afford this kind of money. Again that means either we do without a camper / motorhome or we look into the used motorhome market.

So I hope that the case never happens that the motorhome is stolen or that we have a traffic accident (well, of course we hope that we never have an accident).

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Wondering Star]

The RWD Sprinter is excellent, never have I experienced and traction issues.
Enjoy the 700S

 

[Jester]

The RWD Sprinter is excellent, never have I experienced and traction issues.
Enjoy the 700S

Thank you I will when it eventually gets here, was due for delivery on the 5th August then 3 days before, sorry the factory is now closed for summer shutdown, now due mid September. Dealer requires it for about x2 weeks prior to handover, so end of September before I get it

 

[Wondering Star]

At least it will be on the new plate, from what I can gather on another forum a few are trickling through.
What will you do with all that space!

 

[soulstyledevon]

@Wondering Star we have a similar dilemma.
We love our free (Merc Fwd), but I would like the 4x4 Canyon or MLT Crossover.
I phoned a dealer last week. £73k low offer I believe for a 2024 van.
The Canyon is £138k….

I’m not sure I’d be getting £60k of extra camping value.
So looks like we will be sticking with the current van, until we retire and have more time to make those numbers work.
Shame, £10-15k I would probably jump into one.

 

[The Merle]

Thank you I will when it eventually gets here, was due for delivery on the 5th August then 3 days before, sorry the factory is now closed for summer shutdown, now due mid September. Dealer requires it for about x2 weeks prior to handover, so end of September before I get it

Which dealer are you buying from?

 

[Wondering Star]

That's our conclusion too.
We plan to retire in approximately 5 years once the kids are through university.
The plan was to replace the van every five years but no more, even if we still have this van when its 10 yrs old it will only have covered around 70.000 miles.
No reason to worry about reliability as its a MB, of course maintenance costs will increase but so far the van has been relatively cheap to run.
On Wednesday it's due for its 'A' service and MOT .
What we save in not buying a new van will enable us to tour extensively relatively cheaply.

 

[Californication69]

I am in the process of getting a Hymer GC S 700 RWD.

I like the idea of 4x4 but opted not to go for it as honestly and realistically I would only need it if I got stuck in a slippery grassy field.
In 5 years of owning VW GC’s 600/680 I never got stuck, nearly once in Germany last year.

So for me saving 8k and also not extending my van insurance to cover off road, more additional cost along with noisy off road tires and more fuel consumption. For me personally was the RWD option.

But I do love the look of the 4x4 version. And the MLT. That was 160/170k when you finish specking it.

Cost, yes 60/70k to change, I totally agree with you. This will probably be my last van but I said that with the GC 600.

Good luck with your choice. Be interesting to know.

It’s interesting you say this.
As I get towards age 55, I’m thinking I’m happy to pay a bit more to get the exact config and vehicle that I’ll keep for the next 15 years.
If I compromise now, I’ll regret it in the long run.
Also need a reliable vehicle.
The fiat gearbox debacle is a nightmare.
Is the Sprinter that much more reliable than the VW/Man engine ?
That warrants the extra outlay ?
I like the idea of a rear wheel drive thou.
The 30/40 year old Merc Hymers are still going strong and command a decent price when looked after.

 

[Californication69]

Hello,

Just talking of changing campervans or motorhomes.

If somebody is in the good position to configure their new camper or buying it from the dealer "as is" maybe you want to think about the following items which I came across that I would certainly consider if we would buy a new camper.

Let me list the items that I feel important for us (which of course is different to other people):

Fridge
This is my "pet hate". Our motorhome came with an absorber fridge. In comparison to a compressor fridge there are some disadvantages:

• Cooling on hot days is not as good as in a compressor fridge. I think this is important for people traveling often into the south of Europe.
• The camper has to be parked rather leveled, if not the cooling of the absorber fridge can decline.
• I have to be fair, but gas consumption of an absorber fridge is not high, but still is uses some gas which is not endless available in a camper.
• The vents have to be opened and closed based on the temperature.

A compressor fridge has of course disadvantages, for instance might be louder at night or uses a good bit of electricity. But I feel that the disadvantages of the absorber fridge are higher.
If I would configure a camper than only with a compressor fridge.

Heating
Our motorhome came with a Truma Gas Heating. It works well, no doubt, but especially for heating the gas consumption is a lot. So for people planning to travel more in the colder months of the year and maybe more up to the north a diesel heater is better.
Don't get me wrong, I am not against gas, but with 2x 11KG Gaslow LPG bottles (which are filled up with 80% anyway) a 6x or 7x week trip to Scandinavia in the colder time of the year is challenging, especially in Finland (no LPG refill stations at all). Using "native" gas bottles might be a solution, but I think it is messy, at least if you have a LPG gas setup.

2x4 or 4x4
On the GC 600 and now on the Hymer we have front wheel drive. Of course it is working well, 95% of the time, but the odd time a different drive train would be better. Here are my "5c" on this topic:

2x4 front
works most of the time, but can cause problems (not only on the famous wet grass, but also on normal roads. With the VW we got stuck on a normal road in a small village in France or slopes on campsites in Bulgaria, campsites in Skibbereen etc.

2x4 rear
I think this drive train is the best compromise between 2x4 and 4x4. But there are not a lot of campers that come with this.

4x4
I would love to have it, but we should be honest, is it really necessary or a "nice to have"? After about 150.000 km with campervans / motorhomes I must say that a 4x4 would have been handy 5x or 6x times. Looking back, would have been the 4x4 worth it - no! But if I would buy a new motorhome and would be able to afford it I certainly would like to have it! But this is a heart decision not a calculated decision.

There are so much more topics to consider beds length or across, in general internal layout / design of the camper, water pump standard or pressure, campervan or motorhome, how many beds, size of freshwater and grey tank, kind of toilette (there are a few options and they all have there pros and cons), manufacturer of the chassis (Fiat, Ford, VW, Mercedes), kind of windows, and so on.

All of you considering to change camper enjoy the journey (no sarcasm ) and take your time. At the end it will be a compromise because there is no such thing as the perfect camper. But it is so much fun to at least try to achieve it for you.

Regards,
Eberhard

Good perspective Eber, and one that need head over heart, knowledge and experience over a quick check over and lack of thought.
I’ve been changing my mind for 5 years ! Coming up 6 since I started the outdoor living.
I know I really enjoy it.
I know so many places that I want to visit and this can only be done in a house on wheels.
But which house on wheels.
What compromises.
What works and doesn’t work for you and your kin.
I think it’s a never ending trail of thoughts in our head.
Just wish I could find that elusive Hymer S700 2004 for £20k

 

[Wondering Star]

It’s interesting you say this.
As I get towards age 55, I’m thinking I’m happy to pay a bit more to get the exact config and vehicle that I’ll keep for the next 15 years.
If I compromise now, I’ll regret it in the long run.
Also need a reliable vehicle.
The fiat gearbox debacle is a nightmare.
Is the Sprinter that much more reliable than the VW/Man engine ?
That warrants the extra outlay ?
I like the idea of a rear wheel drive thou.
The 30/40 year old Merc Hymers are still going strong and command a decent price when looked after.

The only engine mechanical issues I've had over 5 yrs has been the replacement of both Nox emission sensors apart from standard servicing/brakes pads & discs.
Major disadvantage to me is the MB commercial dealer network, expensive and to be honest not that customer friendly, certainly below VW standards.
If you can find a good one great, if not it may be an issue.
If Hymer used the VW base and I didn't need 4x4 I would be tempted back to VW.
If you want 4x4/ AWD MB is my preference.
One important issue as far as I'm aware MB class Hymer Sprinters as IMPORTS, no service plans, or goodwill with MB Uk.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

The only engine mechanical issues I've had over 5 yrs has been the replacement of both Nox emission sensors apart from standard servicing/brakes pads & discs.
Major disadvantage to me is the MB commercial dealer network, expensive and to be honest not that customer friendly, certainly below VW standards.
If you can find a good one great, if not it may be an issue.
If Hymer used the VW base and I didn't need 4x4 I would be tempted back to VW.
If you want 4x4/ AWD MB is my preference.
One important issue as far as I'm aware MB class Hymer Sprinters as IMPORTS, no service plans, or goodwill with MB Uk.

All MB service/warranties are run from Stuttgart, so it won't matter about a hymer sprinter.......
MB UK is a franchise (part of Syntner) so just whinge at MB europe.

My Merc has never been to a UK dealer for service, just an approved Mercedes specialist with STAR system and Licence but when warranty work repaired Stuttgart told me to go to the local UK franchise who were TOLD to fix it, then back to independent for service!