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  We are experienced campers, but now that the weather is turning colder we long to still be out there and are looking at buying a camper van.  We have scoured all the information available to us (web) and visited dealers and have decided that we like the layout of the SWIFT KONTIKI 640/6, though we are looking at a old version (serious lack of dosh) .  Having never even driven one we are curious as to anyone else’s opinion on them – especially in the relation of petrol v diesel engines. 

Hi

Welcome to the wonderful world of motorhomes.

We are recent converts to motorhomes and have an Autocruise Starblazer which suits our needs perfectly and I think it goes without saying that the internal layout is a personal choice and it needs a lot of research and visiting the dealers to look at every combination even to the extent of climbing up into the overcab bunk to see if its comfortable(we did!). After all its a huge investment so you have to make it right. Another concern for us was that we chose a rear fixed bed as we couldn't do with the hassle of making up the bed every night, also its a good place for an afternoon siesta, but that was our choice. You really have to visualise using the outfit before buying, it's easy to get it wrong.

Also one point to consider is that motorhome usage in Winter is different to Summer,ie the kitchen isn't used as much in Summer so decide what time of year it will be used the most and decide from that.

As for Petrol v Diesel I would always choose diesel for the obvious reasons of economy and sheer grunt. A good rule of thumb for diesels is that anything over 17ft long and around 3 tonnes will need a minimum of 2.2 ltr Turbo. We opted for the 2.8 HDI Turbo but our van is 21ft and 3,8 tonnes laden. Another possibility is petrol with a gas conversion for economy but there are also strict rules and regs on LPG vehicles on ferries and the Chunnel.

Hope this helps and good luck

Tom 

Welcome to UK Camp Site, Jaybiz.

More of a motorhome than a camper van, the Kon Tiki, esp. the 6 berth. Will it be your only vehicle or will you have another for day to day transport as the Kon Tiki is pretty big.

My motorhome is a 6 berth, although only about 20 feet long, but it is awkward for parking as it won't go under height barriers & needs a long parking space. Diesel will do more miles per gallon but even so not cheap to run - mine does about 25 mpg. You may be able to get a petrol that has been converted to run on LPG as well and this would be more cost effective. Another problem with older ones is lack of power steering, adding to your problems in parking!

Hi Jaybiz, welcome to UKCS

If you are looking for a campervan I would have thought that perhaps the KonTiki is too big for you, especially if like Caz says you are using it as your only vehicle. 

I have a Bedford Bambi which is VERY small but suits us down to the ground, I use it as a run-around vehicle too, it's only a 995cc engine so in the lower tax bracket, but even with a small engine the petrol consumption is still about 25 - 28 mpg. You also need to think about where you are going to keep it, if you have room at home that's fine, otherwise you'll have to find storage which isn't cheap unless you can find a friendly farmer.  Bambi doesn't have power steering and although small is a bugger to park as I can't see behind me - really must get some caravan mirrors!

Debbym

Hi jaybiz ... welcome to UKCS

We have a little Romahome ... great for a run around and for long haul travel doing 45mpg (diesel) and the odd pick from ebay lol

Also have Renault Master ... all the bits shower, on board water + heater, bed in the roof ... mega beasty .. no power steering ... also diesel, but only 25mpg ..

Have you seen here

Happy motorhoming

Hi Jaybiz,

It seems you definitely need to decide between a motorhome or a campervan but if it's any consolation, there is no perfect rig. Each has advantages and disadvantages so you need to figure out what type and length of travel you will do most. We went from an 18' caravan to a Toyota Hiace LWB campervan (reluctantly because of bad hands and advancing age!!) but we couldn't be happier and use it as our only vehicle. Not only does the shopping go in the back but it parks easily at the supermarket and we can also go for a picnic by the water on the way home.  We would have done about 80,000 kms in the last 2 years and 3 months in all sorts of weather and can recommend diesel. We get about 11km to the litre which I think is about 31mpg when fully loaded.  Good luck whichever way you go.

Fran

Cheers chaps for all your comments!!

I agree, it appears that the choice of van layout (camper/motorhome - what is the difference anyway?) is completely down to personal choice.  We have looked around within our budget (ish) and conclude that the 640 Kontiki appears to suit us best - we and our hounds (2 labs) like to spread out and although sleeping in the overcab area sounds like a good idea we need to feel that if this is not feasible that there is decent space elsewhere!  We too have climbed in and out of overhead spaces and even in the big ones we are dubious about the practicalities of using that space.

As for diesel v petrol we want to ensure that we can get up those hills and think that 2.5 TD is the only way to go - the trouble is now keeping to the budget!!

Thanks for the link into the AOL search - it's proving useful. 

Happy camping - Jaybiz