When we made the decision to sell our big A-Class Carthago motorhome in favour of a small panel van conversion, the choice of vans on the market in the UK, was few and far between. So much so, we headed out to Germany on our search for a new panel van.
Well that was in 2015, and the difference between then and now and panel van conversion popularity is a very different story.
From what we now see out on the open road, it appears consumers are buying very very differently to 5 or 10 years ago. When market’s were once dominated by the giants of the Coachbuilt and A-Class models, motorhome trends across Europe have changed beyond comprehension.
The NEC and other motorhome shows
Visit the motorhome show at the NEC or any similar shows in Europe and the choice of motorhome and campervans is huge.
Having been involved in the world of motorhomes for over 20 years, first as a hobby and then owning a motorhome hire business, we lived and breathed motorhomes.
It’s hard to believe it was once touring caravans which were more popular, with very little in the way of motorhomes at all.
Manufacturer changes – Panel van conversions
Having finished our motorhome business in 2016, to pursue more travels by campervan, our visits to motorhome shows are now purely recreational. However, one big change we’ve seen is the sheer scale of panel vans over Coachbuilt, low line and A-Class motorhomes.
The manufacturer changes to the type of recreational vehicles they’re building is so different now, with panel vans being dominant it seems.
I’m sure we’re not the only ones to have seen the change over recent years. But why this big change from large motorhomes to smaller panel vans and we wonder if it will ever reverse?
Motorhome trends were on the rise
We think the rising trend of buying a motorhome of any description began around 2015. Back then it seemed that everyone was suddenly buying a motorhome or campervan.
Unlike previous decades, we were no longer one of a few. Suddenly, our usual trips to Europe, were starting to see more and more motorhomes. To the extent, that on one trip to Spain, in 2016, it seemed to be overrun with them.
So, what’s happened in the years since then? Why such a huge shift from traditional motorhome ownership to panel van longing and buying?
Social Media Influence – Panel van conversion trend
There has to be a few reasons in the huge shift to panel van ownership, but possibly one big influence has been social media.
Perhaps, also those first-time buyers of motorhomes from a few years ago have been downsizing, similar to what we did back in 2014.
One thing is certain, the idyllic image of perfection to a life of travel in a panel van has been infectiously reverberating around the globe.
Our own reasons for swapping to a panel van
Our own reasons for abandoning the Coachbuilt and A-Class models was based on experience. After many years of adventures in large motorhomes, we were wanting to explore differently.
We simply felt ready to be able to drive to more remote places, where we hadn’t been able to reach in the other motorhomes.
It was a desire for a more adventure-type travel, but still in a fully self-contained campervan. We also wanted to be able to park more easily and freely. Â Certainly, to be able to drive mountain lanes or narrow, winding tracks was a deciding factor too.
Then there was the hope that one day, we’d be able to ship our van overseas. Whatever campervan we chose had to be practical in so many way – something that our previous type of motorhome’s just couldn’t be to the same extent.
Coachbuilt To Panel Van
The other big appeal for us, is that a panel van is just as the name implies.
First of all it’s a van which is made in a factory for one purpose only – yes as a van. So, the panel van doesn’t have the same potential for water ingress issues as a result. That’s because it’s not assembled separately on a chassis – like a coachbuilt or A-Class.
Secondly – Coachbuilt’s and A-Class motorhomes have purpose built body parts. As a result the spare parts such as bumpers, rear lights and side skirt are expensive and not as readily available as those off the shelf panel van parts.
Consequently, parts can come with a larger price tag and more lengthy wait.
Spare Parts
At least with a panel van, if we need any spare parts, these are usually off the shelf or quickly available to order from stock.
Usually, it’s a matter of sourcing a part from a dealer, such as Mercedes Benz in our instance. After all, vans are made for trades and business, so parts have to be readily available and less pricey.
Another factor in the mass swap to the panel van could be due to pricing, especially with self-build campervans.
When we first started looking to buy our first motorhome in 2004, we could buy a basic brand new Coachbuilt at the NEC show for £21,000. Of course, an entry level motorhome now would be far more costly. Once you start looking at more luxurious motorhomes, these can soon be well over £100,000, rising to £200,00 and more.
It’s Not All About The Price
Ok, so it’s not all about the price and anyway, some panel van campervans can now be extremely expensive too. Some are in excess of £100,000, something unimaginable a few years ago.
This has to mean the surge towards panel van ownership is not based on price alone. So is it more to do with size and practicalities and also maybe – appearance?
Panel Vans Are Sexy
Dare I say it, but campervan conversions sometimes have more sex appeal and idyllic lifestyle dream. Often with instagram profiles to entice followers longing to be a part of the movement.
There are so many glamorous pictures of campervan conversions of all ages, shapes and sizes. Some are fabulous, with ageing models oozing more charm and charisma than ever before. This vanlife following gives a whole new appeal to campervan travels.
It’s also the individual nature both exterior and interior look of the van that appeals to the masses.
Vans can be so welcoming and homely, in a cosy cottage sort of way. There’s no longer plain white or silver paintwork, with various colours adorning the metalwork.
Self-Build and Sassy.
Self-build interiors are often the work of skilled individuals. There’s a whole new era of craftsmanship opened up – in full view of the internet world.
So many intricate wood panels, wood-burning stoves, corrugated sheeting, colourful tiling displays and an array of interior design techniques. It leaves the most experienced designers open mouthed with amazement.
Our van conversion in New Zealand was very different to our UK campervan, being a self-build on white LDV. Yet for the interior we chose a blue theme with earthy tones, reflecting the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle.
Bold manufactures
Our La Strada campervan has a mellow shade of Pebble Grey with chunky tyres, adding to the adventure style.
We chose a dramatic interior of red and silver, a colourful theme which La Strada are known for. We think it suits our adventure travels.
Today’s market has a whole host of bold manufactures to choose from, with countless styling and themes.
Flexibility and shower room
Other benefits such as ease to reach more difficult places and often fitting into normal parking spaces have gone far in making panel van conversions so popular.
Another advantage is having standing room without a pop-up roof and a shower and toilet. At the end of the day, the same fitments can be available in panel vans as a larger motorhome.
One thing’s for sure, with a panel van you can swing open those back doors to wonderful scenery. Hopefully, offering views and sunsets to melt your heart.
Yes – it’s the epitome of vanlife travel and there’s no change on the horizon of the panel van conversion trend.
The pics of instagram and creation of millions of vanlife followers world over. Probably this has gone a long way to making panel van campervans the must have road trip accessory of a generation.
