Just purchased a 2008 Adria Altea 432PX. There are some pros and cons to Euro vans. Things to consider when looking at them.
Pros.
Longer Drawbar which is why we choose it as need somewhere for bikes. In theory should allow higher front locker payload if no bikes as its further from towball so reducing weight on it. Some say its better handling, time will tell on that one.
Bailey discovery range have long drawbars with traditional UK layouts and fittings but do forgo the front locker.
Higher Payload. Euro vans typically have higher payload than UK vans.
Inbuilt water tanks quite often. I'm not fan of bulky aquarolls and portable waste water tanks which take up floor space when travelling.
Better water tighteness, this can vary but Adria was worlds apart from few damp ridden Bailey's I inspected from same age. Construction of Altea was same as my water tight 2000 Bailey. I'm sure there are horror stories of damp ridden Euro vans.
Lot more layout options, Euro builders like to try different things which can make for better space utilisation. That isn't criticism of UK layouts they work but would be nice to see more options.
Quite often no front window so no breakages from flying stones to worry. Main bed is in front on these designs with seating area at back with windows and views. Plus if its the sea or minus if a hedge.
Cons.
What are standard features in UK van aren't always case in Euro vans. A lot of these are driven by cost savings in process make for lighter van . Altea is case in point gas only heating, electric only HW. No oven or grill.
No battery locker which is vented externally, Altea just has battery box under seat which vents into cabin. Not sure how regulations allow that especially with AGM batteries which can outgas under high loads, high charging currents or when old and stuffed (happened on last battery).
Maybe no charger, which is easy to retrofit but expensive if using professionals
Unreliable self latching window stays which we will be replacing with UKs traditional piston and tensioning knob.
Door maybe on rightside which is roadside not kerbside. Only issue when travelling. Will face neighbours at campsite, which could be plus if trying to meet new people. With motormovers you have option to face anyway you like.
Be aware of these cons when looking at euro vans, some maybe show stopper for you.
In regards to layouts they can vary quite alot, 432PX can have kitchen on left or right. Some research on web will show you what options are out there.
Happy hunting.
Pros.
Longer Drawbar which is why we choose it as need somewhere for bikes. In theory should allow higher front locker payload if no bikes as its further from towball so reducing weight on it. Some say its better handling, time will tell on that one.
Bailey discovery range have long drawbars with traditional UK layouts and fittings but do forgo the front locker.
Higher Payload. Euro vans typically have higher payload than UK vans.
Inbuilt water tanks quite often. I'm not fan of bulky aquarolls and portable waste water tanks which take up floor space when travelling.
Better water tighteness, this can vary but Adria was worlds apart from few damp ridden Bailey's I inspected from same age. Construction of Altea was same as my water tight 2000 Bailey. I'm sure there are horror stories of damp ridden Euro vans.
Lot more layout options, Euro builders like to try different things which can make for better space utilisation. That isn't criticism of UK layouts they work but would be nice to see more options.
Quite often no front window so no breakages from flying stones to worry. Main bed is in front on these designs with seating area at back with windows and views. Plus if its the sea or minus if a hedge.
Cons.
What are standard features in UK van aren't always case in Euro vans. A lot of these are driven by cost savings in process make for lighter van . Altea is case in point gas only heating, electric only HW. No oven or grill.
No battery locker which is vented externally, Altea just has battery box under seat which vents into cabin. Not sure how regulations allow that especially with AGM batteries which can outgas under high loads, high charging currents or when old and stuffed (happened on last battery).
Maybe no charger, which is easy to retrofit but expensive if using professionals
Unreliable self latching window stays which we will be replacing with UKs traditional piston and tensioning knob.
Door maybe on rightside which is roadside not kerbside. Only issue when travelling. Will face neighbours at campsite, which could be plus if trying to meet new people. With motormovers you have option to face anyway you like.
Be aware of these cons when looking at euro vans, some maybe show stopper for you.
In regards to layouts they can vary quite alot, 432PX can have kitchen on left or right. Some research on web will show you what options are out there.
Happy hunting.