Hello from mew member

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum and currently don't have a motorhome although I have had an Auto-sleeper Rambler in the past.

We are currently looking to purchase a suitable vehicle and have seen one or two we like. Our choice seems to be homing in on an Executive circa 2000/2002 or something similar. We want the sideways facing settees and although an overcab bed might be useful occasionally it isn't an essential. Overall size is of more importance to us so my rather roundabout question is this. Is there any difference in the overall dimensions of the Executive, Gatcombe, Pescara etc or are they all the same body moulding with just internal layout changes? I realise that the base vehicle alters the cab dimensions, the VW being considerably narrower, but unless anyone tells me differently I don't consider that too important. I would welcome comment on anything else significant that I should be looking out for.

Cheers

Roger

I have moved your post Roger as we request when people sign up they do an intro first.

The Executive would be an excellent choice of van or a Gatcome/Clubman Anniversary if you prefer a 1ft shorter version. The monocoques are a little narrower than styrofoam built vans but you dont really notice it when you are inside. You do notice it when you have limited parking width

If you are thinking of the 3/4berth versions of these vans for a bed in the luton be warned there is limited room for adults and this is where the non monocoque vans with lutons score.
We had a 3/4b year 2000 Exec with a 2.5td engine (later 2000s had the better 2.8td) it was a great van, no trouble over 8 years luton used for storage only. The current van a Windsor with the same layout has a much bigger luton that you could sleep in.

If you go the Executive route plum for a 2.5 or 2.8 engine the smaller engines are underpowered (weight/power ratio) for this size of vans.

If you go the Gatcome/Clubman Anniversary route the 2.5td 5 pot engine is one of the finest to fitted in any motorhome

Welcome to ASOF Roger, I had to do a double take as at first, I thought I'd been sleep typing

Frank

Hi Boxman

Welcome to the forum.
Good luck on your choice of van

PB

Thanks to both of you for your welcome.

Monocoque/styrofoam - are they not all the same construction then, and if not when did they change? And do I gather that the VW based vehicles are inherently shorter? One Gatcombe on Ebay was said to be 20ft so that presumably was way off target.

By the way Frank, it could have been Boxerman for me too as there is a BMW powered kit car in the garage. As it happened the sqeezebox won the day.

Roger

Welcome to the forum Roger (Boxman)

I also did a "double take" ... thought Frank (Boxerman) was having us over

Brian & Chris

Welcome Roger from a sunny Kent.

boxman wrote:By the way Frank, it could have been Boxerman for me too as there is a BMW powered kit car in the garage. As it happened the sqeezebox won the day.

Roger

BMW (boxer) bike engine I take it? at the front or the back?

Frank

Hi Box man.


Welcome to the forum from Nottinghamshire.

We havent got an undertaker I dont think.


Cheers. Whisky.

Hi Frank

At the front. Try pembleton.co.uk if you are interested.

Roger

Hi Boxman
Welcome to the forum from Bridlington.
Boaby

boxman wrote:Hi Frank

At the front. Try pembleton.co.uk if you are interested.

Roger

Thanks for the link Roger. Academic interest only I'm afraid
I've seen kit cars with 2CV, Moto Guzzi and CX500 engines up front, but never seen a beemer powered one. (yet).

I've also seen quite a few of the "originals" with the JAP or Matchless V twins, they certainly have a charm about them.

Frank