6m versus 6.36m

This  may seem an odd query but has any member moved from under 6m campervan to 6.36m vehicle. I have had a Symbol and A Nuevo both under 6m. Now we looking for a new vehicle and given the current drought of  vans we may need to move to a longer vehicle. So I am wondering if there are many disadvantages to owning the bigger van. I can see the obvious advantage but would like members thoughts. Thanks.

We moved the other way from 6.4 to 6 and then to 5. Each was more manoeuvrable and easier to park than the one before.

Personally, I’d not want the awkwardness of a 6.4 again but I guess it depends whether you drive your van out and about or leave it on site. 

We moved from a 5.75 to a 6.36.  Don't really notice any difference in driving it apart from getting it up the drive as I need to check the mirrors to make sure I don't hit next doors car (which she parks out the front of the house rather than up her drive for some unknown reason.)  The mirrors let you see the rear wheels so the first couple if times I was out I just checked them on roundabouts to make sure I was far enough away so as not to ground the rear wheels.

Been a couple of trips in it and, so far (touch wood) I've managed to park up fairly easily as well, just had to do a wee bit of manoeuvring to straighten up in the pitch once I got the van in.

We went from a 5.5M Duetto with its tow bar, to a 6.4 Kemerton XL Driving forwards the extra length is almost irrelevant, reversing is certainly more of a challenge. Having the reversing camera is a real asset, as does having a passenger who can assist with parking too. I suppose it's all down to experience. Fortunately the Boxer has a good turning circle.

Finding parking spaces is more of an issue in places like supermarkets, some have lots of space even during the middle of the day, others we might visit only in the later afternoons. A bit of planning beforehand using Google Street view can help avoid awkward situations. On the positive side we now have more room, in the shower/toilet area, a really big bed, and more storage for things like a gas BBQ.

Heaven knows how people with bigger motorhomes manage.

6m is a cut-off length on ferries, over 6m more expensive.
parking would be harder, if it hasn't got a camera..

Also still 3.5tonnes max and that extra length must weigh something so less payload I'd say...

We had intended to buy a max 6 m pvc but ended up with 6.4 since the Kingham was the only layout that suited us. That was not without some misgivings about parking etc. but after a few thousand miles and various explorations of little Cornish and Welsh fishing villages we have forgotten about the misgivings.

The wheelbase is the same as a 6 metre Boxer so no difference in manoeuvrability which is very good. The length is not an issue on the Dover Calais ferries that we use and on Eurotunnel (the relevant length bracket is ca. 5.5 - 8 metres). Parking has been no issue as yet. We have parked kerbside in high streets, used plenty of supermarket car parks (look for back to back bays) and as yet have never felt obliged to pay for two tickets. You can often “lose” some of the length by reversing in over the verge. The reversing camera has a good view of the back including the tow ball.

In short, no issues at all with the extra length. I am presuming that you are thinking of a pvc. I am just really pleased that we resisted the temptation to buy a coachbuilt and bought a relatively narrow pvc, no bigger in profile of course than an Amazon parcel van in some of the little country lanes we use, and I think that this is the big positive difference that you will find if coming from a wider coach built unit. I actually find the van easier in a tight place than my VW Touareg SUV due to the far better visibility, big mirrors etc.

We moved  from a Duetto to the current Rienza. To look at the Rienza looks like an elephant but it’s only 6.2 mtr long with the bike rack. 
Having driven lots of different sized vehicles from tanks to double decker buses you quickly work out were the four corners are. Iff in doubt reversing I deploy management to watch my back on to pitches in case of hidden objects like tree stumps, hence cracked rear bumper.
Management has swapped from her Polo to the Rienza occasionally and says the bigger mirrors on the Rienza help a lot but takes her time until she has adjusted to the size.

6 mtr Warwick fits in parallel against the front of our bungalow with the wee Kia along side it, when we had the Sigma at 6.21 mtr it was a hassle shunting it back and forward to get in . Each to their own needs i suppose.
Boaby

Kemerton-bath wrote:We moved to a 6.4m Kemerton XL from the 6m Kemerton a couple of months ago. Early days but it hasn’t been very different so far, certainly in driving as the wheelbase is the same. Parking requires a bit more thought to find something where ideally we can overhang the rear and not pay for two spaces, but again it hasn’t been an issue yet.

We’ll notice a difference when we next go to Norway, as 6.4m takes us into the next price band on their (many) ferries.

Tim

An interesting point since we are planning a first trip to Norway. Perhaps I have got it wrong but I have read about a new Autopass system which covers both road tolls and ferries by having a prepaid tag. Seemingly discounts apply with Autopass and the first group of sizes for solo vehicles is zero to 10 metres length. Am I missing something?

Not that it's a great concern in the general scheme of things, at a few quid a night difference, but some continental campsites have different tariffs based on length. There's no great consistency though - I've seen price changes at 5.5, 6 and 7 metres. Also only PVCs qualify as "camper vans" which have a cheaper tariff sometimes - as long as they aren't too long.

Everything about camping, caravanning or motorhoming is a compromise at the end of the day, isn't it. More space when not moving generally equates to less convenience when moving. It just depends where you are on the sliding scale of priorities. What about trying to get a couple of hours test drive from a dealer? At least you could get an idea of how it feels in tight spaces.

If there is one vital word in the world of motorhoming it is COMPROMISE!!

We have never been below 6.4m because we wanted two separate single beds.  Dont have enormous issues parking, use kerbside parking, overhang verges etc.  Just about fit widthwise into many bays and with the sliding door access isnt a problem.

HJA wrote:We have never been below 6.4m because we wanted two separate single beds.  Dont have enormous issues parking, use kerbside parking, overhang verges etc.  Just about fit widthwise into many bays and with the sliding door access isnt a problem.

Sliding door on a Broadway? Unless you haven't updated your profile. And by the way the Warwick/Sussex Duo has twin single beds and is only 6 metres.

And excellent single beds too!

You can make single beds (we do) in the Nuevo at 5.7m albeit using the front seats and we finf them comfortable. And I am 6 foot three tall

Pete

Paulmold wrote:
Sliding door on a Broadway? Unless you haven't updated your profile. And by the way the Warwick/Sussex Duo has twin single beds and is only 6 metres.

I’m still astounded how much they’ve fitted into the Warwick/Sussex Duo. Not least the 2 single beds at 6 foot long. I love my van, wouldn’t change it.

We are just about to move from a Kingham to a symbol purely because we prefer the layout and the smaller van will be much easier to park and wild camp in. 
We got into a few sticky situations in small French villages with the 6.4 van one involving my partner having to get out and clear the traffic on a a one way street so I could drive down it the wrong way cos I didn’t have the turning space to go the right way . 
We know it will be a compromise to make the bed every night but it means it’s a holiday and completely different to being at home .

It also means we can dispense with the storage and one car so it will be a second vehicle .

Here’s to downsizing !