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Yes, we fall into the ‘retired for quite a long time’ category and have been doing trips of up to two months at a time, cruising around Europe for the last ten years in our California SE.Absolutely.
But for those lucky enough to be retired or semi retired. The Hymer is the better van for long/extended trips.
Yes, we fall into the ‘retired for quite a long time’ category and have been doing trips of up to two months at a time, cruising around Europe for the last ten years in our California SE.
Taking everything into account, the age of our van and, although young at heart, our own seniority, we’re now considering the Hymer as ‘the next stage’.
We love the Cali, it’s a brilliant machine to drive, but the home comforts and reasonably ‘edgy’ style of the Blue Evolution appears really attractive to us, even if the drive may be a bit more ‘industrial’.
I’m possibly being overly harsh on the Fiat. The Cali is an excellent drive, very car like.
If there’s only two of you, you may not need the Poptop…?
Westfalia Columbus was also at the top of our list, but couldn’t justify the extra £££ over the Hymer, as nice as it was.
The Free 540 and the Blue Evo 540 are essentially the same van, but the Evo has a load of extras included and if you want those extras, it’s good value. The colours available in the Free are just shades between white and black I believe.A fair point about the need for a pop-top. That’s something we’re still considering. We do have grandchildren although the opportunities for the odd weekend away with them are few and far between. There are others such as the Hymer Free 540 as well. Food for thought, we do have a bit of time to think about this… Thanks for advice.
The Free 540 and the Blue Evo 540 are essentially the same van, but the Evo has a load of extras included and if you want those extras, it’s good value. The colours available in the Free are just shades between white and black I believe.
Yes, will check them both out - and I like the blue colour!The Free 540 and the Blue Evo 540 are essentially the same van, but the Evo has a load of extras included and if you want those extras, it’s good value. The colours available in the Free are just shades between white and black I believe.
Yeah, agree with you about the colour!I’ve had a few people comment on the colour. It’s a really nice stand out colour…
@soulstyledevon Was that you driving NB on M40 at 21:00 last night ?
Got ya.Not guilty.
Currently in Portugal, had to escape all that rain at home
I'd personally be interested to know why you'd switch back to a Cali? The Hymer was very much on our radar and seems a much more convincing package than the Cali. Yes the Cali does and will make a stronger argument as a day van and daily driver but fir the job I can only see the Hymer being a better, more comfortable and not forgetting fully self contained option. The thought now of more than a couple of nights in a Cali with 2 kids makes me shudder and even question why I found it so appealing previously.I did approach them this week. They made me chuckle with their offer.
I’m in no rush to sell.
You can’t buy this van anywhere at the minute, and it’s a long wait if you want one.
I'd personally be interested to know why you'd switch back to a Cali? The Hymer was very much on our radar and seems a much more convincing package than the Cali. Yes the Cali does and will make a stronger argument as a day van and daily driver but fir the job I can only see the Hymer being a better, more comfortable and not forgetting fully self contained option. The thought now of more than a couple of nights in a Cali with 2 kids makes me shudder and even question why I found it so appealing previously.
Tbh the drive of the Cali imho is very overated and as a package it is a heart thing not a head (unless you want a daily) and even then you can get a very nice motor and stay in some very nice hotels or houses and not have to sit on a campsite inches from people you'd cross the street to avoid y you can even have a private pool and avoid the plebs completelyI don't think you are being harsh. It is a big cultural switch.
The Cali is a beautiful drive and you can sleep in it. The Ducato is a quite rural drive and you can sleep in it.
My decision was based on "what do I need a camper for" and the answer was "to camp in it". Yes a lovely drive would be nice but I have the Cupra alongside it for that. I do not have a big need for the camper to be also a "second car" but when I do have that need it fulfils it but less smoothly and with more restrictions.The camping experience was/is so superior that it negated with big plusses all the shortfalls on the driving side.
All that and any like-for-like comparison also showed a huge saving, so much so that to many it would be a no-brainer.
Agree - def 6kw Diesel/electric heating and lithium.Every van is a compromise. Not matter how big or small. If I was buying this van again, I would add diesel heating instead of gas, plus lithium. The battery Hymer supply is only 95Ah, which last about 24hrs off grid. Useless considering the price of these vans.
Like every Campervan, it will need modifying to your needs, so don’t expect to buy one and think that’s the end of it.
I guess the biggest shift is, I’ve always used the Volkswagen as our daily. It’s possible in the hymer, but it’s awkward.
So providing you don’t mind running a second vehicle alongside it, it’s not a problem.
I just can’t decide what.
I would like an EV, but a used 3 series is quite appealing considering a clean low miles 5 year old Bimmer is like £20k.
Chump change these days.
This is compact enough to fit in a CaliAfter spending the last few wks in Spain would love habitation A/C 27°c night time temperature was a bit much.
Unfortunately as van is a poptop don't think that would be possible.
No regrets with changing to a Hymer GCS reliable over the last three years.
Replaced the AGM batterteries with lithium and added solar, Hymer now offer lithium package as a cost option for those that need it.
Have also added VB air, massive improvement on standard Sprinter suspension, rear storage box and rear tyre carrier. Storage box great for storing the hundreds of shoes/trainers/Sliders that we carry!
Recently fitted Black Rhino wheels and A T tyres (vanity).
After spending the last few wks in Spain would love habitation A/C 27°c night time temperature was a bit much.
Unfortunately as van is a poptop don't think that would be possible.
Yes, can't workout if it just moves air around or removes interior air and brings in fresh?
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