SMALLER IS BETTER! Why Malibu's petite 540 is the best campervan it makes

[@GP-pw5wb]

Owned our 540 for nearly 5 years now, spent nearly 9 months before that looking at every other van available on this 5.4 long platform. Took Malibu another 6 months to build it to our specfication. Had just about had every thing fitted to it, and yes its expensive compared to others but it is in a completely different league to everything else in regards to build quality. We use ours as a second vehicle not just a holiday trip having done over 30k trouble free miles now. Never regretted its purchase for a single moment.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's great to hear - and you'll have got a good price compared with 2024 costs!

[@michellep5956]

OOh this is good to hear, ours is on order. Cannot wait to get it

[@glennfarr7709]

Reference the Gas Compartment. We have a twin 6Kg Gaslow system in our '22 van, with automatic changeover. The washroom is compact, but the shower is excellent with the magnetic all-round screens. We love the versatility of the smaller van and we're also able to park on our driveway, which is a real bonus.

[@williamhurley8407]

No reversing camera, boiler under your bed, no auto retract step, tiny gas locker, tiny garage, lack of storage, unwanted overhead cab locker, no bracket to use table outside, no Truma inet X control, no spare wheel,tiny fridge, no oven, no carpet, poorly positioned electric socket, tiny fiddly toilet/shower, small traverse bed, overpriced options, and more. I looked at Malibu 640 charming, but decided to go for a van with equally good build quality, better spec in so many ways, and a more reasonable price. They even held the original price rather than increase during the waiting period as Malibu also did. I bought a Rapido V 68. I can sit up in my bed, and I can carry two 13kg cylinders with duo control if I choose to. Sorry Peter but how can a smaller garage to achieve a lower bed be a win win, its clearly a compromise between them both, and what led to the tiny gas locker. Also did you try behind the steering wheel for the radio controls Peter, I have them on my Rapido. I think you will find them there, if not another black mark for a grossly overpriced van. As for the rattling screens in the toilet, no way. But then it says Malibu, surely the name worth £10,000 alone. 😊 Sorry Peter, not one of my favourite vans.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You can please some of the people some of the time... I like some of the Dreamer/Rapido campervans too, as you'll have seen if you follow the channel and our mags.

[@williamhurley8407]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I would never consider an over priced under spec Malibu Peter. Some of the things missing here on an £80,000 van are disgraceful. Yes I have seen your review on the Dreamer D68, it was that review which led me to buying my Rapido V 68. You also reviewed my previous van in 2016 the Roller Team Pegaso 590, and that review led me to buying that van. Thanks for that Peter, and thanks for your reviews. The radio controls on fiats are on the rear of the steering wheel.

[@tonysutton6559]

A lower bed is a win for those of us who are less agile. A bigger garage means that you end up carrying more clutter that you rarely use. I agree with you that the model shown is over priced with "extras" that are really essentials.

[@williamhurley8407]

@@tonysutton6559 that was not my point. My point was Peter said it was win win, but it it was a win lose, a compromise. The height of the garage was the reason for the small gas cylinders, and you don’t need to fill the garage if you don’t want, but having the option is handy. Some things like external covers are light but take up a lot of space. I am nearly 70 and I have no problems getting into my bed. And the garage in a PVC tends to be small even with a higher set bed.

[@bluesaint72]

Malibu held the price for us 16 months ago. Picking up ours next month. The price fix has “saved” us well over £10k.

[@nigelk780]

I went around and around on 5.4m vs 6m and came from a California. In the end I went 6m because the undoubted parking downside is outweighed by the bigger bathroom, bigger bed, kitchen size and more storage. Two years on I still think the 6m is the better compromise and why most are sold in that size no doubt but fully get why a 5.4m is very appealing. That gas boiler needs to be diesel with only a 2.7kg option.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Diesel heating is a factory option and definitely one to tick. Very much depends on how you'll use the 'van whether 5.4m or 6m is better but, if you want a 5.4m, this is one of the best

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Totally understand where you're coming from with the size comparison. Parking up with ease makes it more convenient and less stressful. The extra pop top roof would be a great addition on this model. Great review and beautiful van.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, 5.4m is much easier to park in towns, so you don't have to park miles from where you want to be

[@jwcgroup]

Loved the review you did of the larger version, and love the Malibu ... so we ordered a 640 LE K Skyview Diversity, thank you Mr V, your assistance was appreciated ❤

[@bluesaint72]

Same here. Picking up our 640 version in the next few weeks. 😊😊😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's so good to hear. Hope you'll keep watching, though!

[@jwcgroup]

@@MotorhomeCampervan totally, the missus loves you 🤣🤣

[@Jagcycle]

Smaller chocolate is never an option. I want both! For that price, I would certainly be getting something bigger. Having said that, I don't think you could squeeze much more into such a small van. Very well done.

[@tonysutton6559]

A very well designed van. I reckon that the two of us could go off with the dogs for several weeks but might get a bit of cabin fever if the weather is bad. Being a bit shorter means cheaper fares on some ferries but you would have to catch a lot of boats to save enough to cover the extras that add over 25% to the base cost.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You can always lounge on the bed, rather than just using the dinette. As long as the dogs aren't Burmese Mountain Dogs, I reckon you'd be fine!

[@basecamper7504]

Too small for us but I can see the appeal for people who want a smaller vehicle. Pricey though. Another comprehensive review Peter.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Pricey? Not for the quality, I don't think. Plenty of campervans cost more in 2024

[@teaforthree1]

Ridiculously over priced when so many essentials are options

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Almost exactly the same price as an Auto-Sleeper Symbol (same 5.41m size panel van) with Premium Pack...

[@julianhowell6351]

I don’t see any of these companies going out of business or having excess stock on sale - so I guess they know there are customers out there that are willing to pay and see that price as reasonable.

[@tteric67]

Way too expensive indeed! I agree better off getting a smaller camper second hand if you can! They probably have a gps too! Or a oven!

[@larey12]

There has to be a fine line between selling a lot more at a cheaper price to selling a lot less at a ridiculous price.

[@sergejus77]

Totally agree,it's a total rip off ,few flashing cupboards that's all, a lot of British people will find the shover way too small, a bigger person won't be able to have a shower or I should say just rinse himself at best. The rattling of the shower door it's another disgrace It will make you mad when you drive. And paying almost £80k it's a NO NO NO I can buy Peugeot boxer 6500 miles on the clock for £24000 plus max £10k on converting myself well, it won't be as flashy as the new one but I can live with saving £46k 😂😂😂

[@thesmudge1353]

Smaller is definitely better as far as we are concerned. Every compromise on space is worth it in spades when we can (and do) literally take it anywhere, park it anywhere, use it as our car. You just learn to take what you need and not half the house contents 'just in case'. Ours is a 5m Carvano.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I agree but for others space is everything. That's why the motorhome market is so varied and so interesting!

[@thesmudge1353]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Oh, I know, horses for courses.

[@williamhurley8407]

It’s not about what you carry. We went for a 6.4m PVC to get longitudinal beds. No more climbing over the top of my wife to get to the loo. If I had a 5.4m van I would have a larger payload, meaning I could carry even more stuff.

[@thesmudge1353]

@@williamhurley8407 Of course, I did say 'as far as we are concerned'. Plus I realise that we are still working full time so ours is a weekender and the odd week. If we were in a position to spend more time in it we might well want more space. Nonetheless, we really enjoy being able to take the van deep in to the little lanes and tight spots and we have learned not to overpack (we had a caravan before).

[@rosswhittleton6277]

I liked the video of the big Malibu 6.36 metre you did some time ago on a very cold day i think this one is an excellent van too.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

We also reviewed the 6m model last year - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2LTYX1rlKmSgKM

[@rodbtelenetbe]

Thanks for the good infotube. Always nice to see

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Our pleasure!

[@CharmingVanAxJ]

Bit too compromised in the bedroom and bathroom, we went 6m. Fit & finish generally good, but have had issues with trim and a stress cracked Skyview panel that despite what I believed to be a strong case was dismissed and so had to pay for a replacement. Lead time for spares not good, been waiting nearly 2 months just for a price to replace a soft drawer closer, not the part!

[@markderby22]

Thanks Peter! Great review and that low bed is such a great compromise between storage and headroom. Still favouring a Murvi on the Man though!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The Murvi Pimento XL is still one of my favourite campervans - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJerc3aBrMx8qNU I've not seen an MAN version yet but it's a great base vehicle

[@markbur1503]

I still prefer my 2022 Swift Select 164. Its literally 1m longer but so much more and better inside. I like the 2 rooms in the 6.36 but compared to the price i paid for my brand new Swift i just dont think it offers anywhere near the same value for the money.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

They don't make the 164 layout now and the longer Carrera campervans from Swift are now nearly as expensive as this Malibu. Prices have changed a LOT since 2022 - you bought at a good time!

[@_bav]

Baxter's French Onion soup - one of my faves. 😋

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Mine too!

[@johnpaine72]

Another great review on what is quite a niffty short wheel base van. easy to get around towns but big enough for everyday use for larger items. As you say the build quality is very premier looking and feel to it. Lacking in some places with the Skyview or bathroom and gas supply, but would you really miss it that much if on a budget!? Always a pleasure to watch your excellent reviews and can't wait to eventually getting one and using your analyses to make a defining choice. Till next time...

[@williamhurley8407]

Would you really miss that if on a budget, its £80,000 not £50,000.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you. Don't forget you can find many more reviews at outandaboutlive.co.uk

I like the lower bed. Not only for us, but for our ageing dogs.

[@andrewstevenson6540]

I can't believe anyone spending so much money would let a dog up on the furniture and bedding 😂😂

@@andrewstevenson6540 It's just the same if you have kids and you let them on the furniture. We do tend to use a seat cover for the dinette travel seats and spreads for the bedding, though.

[@bidpop8608]

There's so little floor space in these vans, they have to go on the bed !

[@andrewstevenson6540]

@@bidpop8608 all the more reason to dump them at your local kennels 😉

@@bidpop8608 What do? The dogs? No, they go to bed earlier than us, so they can have the bed and we'll stay in the dinette until we go to bed.

[@thatwhit1]

I started with a 6.36m Fiat which was plenty of space due to extra width and occasionally a pain to park. I then went to a 6m MAN which was too small inside but extremely easy to park being narrower and a massive upgrade in driving experience. So I’m going for the 6.70m MAN van…the narrower width makes parking easy and it’s always possible to to overhang the rear. I can now fit two bikes under the bed. I would never bother with a premium’ builder on a Ducato base…the fiat just isn’t good enough compared to the sprinter or VW or MAN. Those non flush windows are cheap and nasty…and more susceptible to break in…

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'd agree that the MAN/Crafter is a much better base vehicle. We've tested a few - Dormobile, Adria, Hillside, etc on the channel

[@remconet]

Great video! Can you tell me how big the shower actually is, once all folding and sliding doors are closed?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Big enough for me! I'm 12 stone and 5ft 10in, Hope that helps

[@brianjohnson4253]

80 grand for a van mind blowing

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You could easily spend more. I've just seen a same size Hymer at £103k...

[@CliffordDive]

It looks good but with such small gas capacity it should have the diesel Truma.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Diesel Truma is an option that I'd go for

[@williamhurley8407]

@@MotorhomeCampervan even with the boiler under your bed.

[@fenflyer]

Thinking of smaller is better? How about some current Japanese ki type suzuki micro motorhome tests 👍 featuring romahome type bodies 😎

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'd love to! Anyone want to supply them for review?

[@fenflyer]

@@MotorhomeCampervan give romahome a ring ........... I bet there 'bend over backwards' to provide some vehicles for Your great reviews 😎👍

[@karlospappy8908]

Great intro Peter, nice van but the area the toilet slides in to looked like it would be a pain to clean. Cheers K.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think you'd be able to clean it OK via the exterior hatch

[@glennfarr7709]

@@MotorhomeCampervan That is indeed the case. The whole compartment is like a wet room with plenty of drainage.

[@billienomates1606]

£80k think I will build my own and actually have a campervan that works in the real world.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Do you have the gas/electric skills and want to cut holes in a brand-new panel van (probably worth £50k)? Some DIYers do a great job but resale is always a problem

[@StevenDoom]

I think the radio controls are on the back of the steering wheel 😉

[@glennfarr7709]

Sadly not. Lots of other info options, which you don't really need when driving.

[@tomaskertesz2998]

I am deciding between this malibu and the Hymer Ayers rock. (I don't like the details in the freeblue) I am always looking for your reviews as I consider them the best. I was looking for this one literally yesterday and wished you review it!!! By the way. Which one would you buy for your own money?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You'd need to try the washroom in the Malibu 540 to see if you like it. I prefer the fridge position in the Hymer but I don't like its washbasin. You can have a sunroof in the Hymer but I've just spotted one at over £100k with options. Probably Malibu but it might depend on availability/delivery times...

[@holger3635]

Hello, We just bought a Sunlight Cliff 540 Adventure RT (roof top) in dark grey. We played 63.000 Euro. Very nice Van !

[@mrmeg01]

The compromise is as always in great compact vans the shower /wc

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, but that applies to some coachbuilts too. All depends on your priorities and you own dimensions! Some lack leg or headroom, others are just a bit compact for larger folk.

[@cristinacucconi7411]

Amo ❤ Malibu

[@silviuflorescu6838]

I am also for the compact ones. Easier to park and it fits in a HC 20ft container (if the total height is under 2,58m - not the case here because of the roof vents). But... RHD camper with the middle door on the same side as the driver? Why? Would you feel safe to let your kids go out straight in the road? Also, very unconvenient to "quick camp" on the side of the roads. Another issue: not very clever to put the compressor fridge near your head. You have to turn it off every night to cancel the noise. That exhaust in the middle of the van is "priceless". I guess they've never been outside of the paved roads. Those bath doors and covers will be a pain in the ..ss. Malibu's guys should try live in a camper before building it. For that price, they should give you a top notch camper.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

RHD with an offside sliding door so that they don't have to redesign it for the UK. It's a two-berth, so does it matter. If the door was on the other side it would be "wrong" when you go abroad. Compressor fridge has a quiet/night mode. All Fiats/Peugeots have the exhaust in the same position - it's not a 4x4 and I've only once had an issue.

[@DavidThomas-fc2vh]

I just bought a new Malibu 540

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Well done. Super little 'van. Let us know how you get on!

[@DavidThomas-fc2vh]

Having it in 2weeks

[@GP-pw5wb]

​@@DavidThomas-fc2vh we purchased ours nearly 5 years ago, so glad we chose the 540. Yes you do have to compromise on the bathroom size but it works well once you get used to it. The big plus is the fact you can park this vehicle in a standard supermarket car park space, and have no hassle driving into towns rather than having to park miles away. Its basically can be used as a second vehicle for a trip to the shops etc and not a vehicle you only use for holidays. I am 6ft 1 tall and find the bed really comfortable, sleep better in the van than the bed at home in fact. Spent 5 weeks touring the outer hebrides in it last year, 2 adults and our dog didn't really want to go home. As regards to the gas locker, I use 2 of the smaller gas cylinders from flogas 4.5kg I think? Used to use the smaller calor cylinders till calor decide to stop them, a decision that they have now done a u turn on so hopefully they become available again soon. These cylinders fit fine and last for ages during the summer months. Yes an expensive purchase ours was the best part of 63k back then but for build quality and performance it's worth every penny and never regretted buying it. Happy holidays and hope you enjoy your new van just as much as us.

[@DavidThomas-fc2vh]

I got to take my Malibu back when charging it up at the house there no light coming on in the van anybody now's what wrong with it

[@GP-pw5wb]

As a fellow owner, there is the main 240 volt fuse box. It's hidden away under the bed on bathroom wall. Have to take out the lift off access panel to see it. Took me ages to find it. Really stupid place.

[@johnrocker2986]

Carthago Malibu's are so well made, no bling but solid and long lasting!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Have you seen our reviews of the 600 Diversity and the 640 First-Class Two-Rooms models?

[@bebopkirby]

Most camper vans like this are for people who have not thought things out. They want to put a bedroom, kitchen, place to eat, to relax, go to the bathroom, shower, and finally store their gear into a tiny little space. Add overpriced, poor mpg, maintenance headaches, horrible ventilation, then you have maneuver it around to level it, and lastly you have drive the damn thing. But they are all so clever, with gobs of little cubbyholes for all that storage.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Why poor MPG or maintenance headaches? I don't see why you should have either. Getting it level is easy once you've done it a couple of times. And driving - enjoy that high-up seating and great views!

[@williamhurley8407]

I am struggling to get my head around your post. Poor MPG, PVCs have better MPG than motorhomes. I have more storage space in my PVC than I had in my A class. I actually have spaces with nothing in them. We have a large bedroom with separate beds. We enjoy our meals in the lounge no problem. PVCs have less maintenance than motorhomes, there’s less to go wrong with the body work. The ventilation is as good as it was in our A class. As for manoeuvring it about, my PVC being 30cm narrower is easier to drive, and manoeuvre. As for levelling, I really don’t get that one, it’s just the same as levelling any vehicle. Then in your last sentence you contradict yourself. Gobs of little cubbyholes as you put it, means more storage not less as you earlier stated. I don’t like the van covered, it’s not to my liking, but your comments make no sense whatsoever.

[@bebopkirby]

@@williamhurley8407 I’m happy they are your cup of tea. Actually have never even been in one, and not even familiar with the term PVC. Obviously l do have a interest in vans like this. My comments just reflect the hundreds of videos I’ve watched over the years on the subject. The videos where people are selling a product show how wonderful they are. Then you have people who talk about their ownership, and those are the ones l trust. The pitfalls l see are concerns that happen to turn just me off, not necessarily others. The last sentence, l was being facetious, sorry.

[@williamhurley8407]

@@bebopkirby possibly before commenting you should actually get inside a PVC (panel van conversion.) This model for various reasons is not my cup of tea, ours is a 6.4m. My previous van was an A class. Don’t get me wrong we do miss certain things about the a class, but we are delighted with our pvc. Motorhomiing involves compromise, and everyone has their own ideas, hence why there are many variants to pick from. But I found some of your comments difficult to understand.

[@annamric6597]

No reversing camera!! bad. But like the interior water tank. No retracting step, Oh hell!! Can that be added?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm sure a dealer could sort the automatic retraction.

[@salrivera7578]

😂😂 that not really a camper trip man man I'm old school I have a mini RV camper custom 1981 f150 straight 6 300 carb engine 4 sp standard transmission the transmission is a old school granny transmission and she is perfect for me strong like a bull and everything works cheap to maintenance and gd on gas .I hardly use stove or anything else i dont nd it i hunt small games crosbow fish cook outside take shower in rivers etc old school style and i live in my rv year around from winter to winter work here and there and kp rolling up hill down hills ccr born in the byuooooo straight 6 300 america pride 😊

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Lost me at the price. Way too much. What is it with all those extras that should be standard………I am out

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Does it really matter what's standard, or not? The total cost is the issue, which is competitive. A Hymer would cost a lot more and an Auto-Sleeper is similar money.

[@apiscator444]

Peter seams to politely excuse all faults, omissions, upgrade costs on essentials, and disadvantages as possitives, not a ballenced review. Obvious fan.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Actually, all the negatives are pointed out - unlike most KZbin reviews! I liked this 'van but I have no bias at all - that's 40 years' road testing experience for you...

[@williamhurley8407]

I don’t agree, Peter did highlight many of the disadvantages in his review, my only “complaint” is when Peter fails to acknowledge that a lower bed is a compromise, not a win win. But that’s just my opinion.

[@gerriewretham-roos]

There aren’t any great bits of road in England, hasn’t been for years and years! Who knows where the road tax money goes to, but it ain’t on the highways and byways that’s for certain!

[@rodbtelenetbe]

For that price, give your customers a flat floor,and Mercedes or Ford, gas free

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You won't get a Merc for that price! Fords always have a step from the cab to the habitation area.

[@daletinsley2954]

Thats obviously 30k !

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

£30k wouldn't even buy an empty Fiat van

[@daletinsley2954]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I paid 17k for a 2011 Renault tragic pop top. Twin gas hob sink twin leisure batteries twin solar panels 12/240 fridge. Brand new leather interior. Reverse camera. Rock n roll bed. Brand new interior etc etc etc. I've wild camped in it many times. It now also has brand new balance twin lithium batteries and 250w solar panel. Batteries given to me from where I work. ( Cosmetically damaged ) believe me I've parked up next to people who've spent 70k and they've been envious of what I have.

[@daletinsley2954]

Renault trafic

[@williamhurley8407]

@@daletinsley2954 I spent 76k on a van and have never been envious of what anyone else owns, even £250,000 vans. I am pleased that you are happy with your van, as I am with mine.

[@glennfarr7709]

@@daletinsley2954 Gas/electric hot water? 80l fresh tank? 90l waste tank? Sit-down loo?

[@MadMax-xu7ij]

Would not pay more than 40k

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

£40k might get you something similar that's 11 or 12 years old...

[@liondecka9062]

the materials look cheap

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not in the slightest if you see them for real

[@keithwebster9131]

Awful design. Fridge and drawers need changing round. Bed could be higher. Gas too small. Who needs alloy wheels. No reverse in camera.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The drawers are there to keep furniture slimmer in the entrance. Bed could be higher but I loved the easy access, like at home. Alloy wheels? Most buyers insist on them. Reversing camera is an option.

[@annamric6597]

Why do you not have a link to the van you are reviewing. Really irritating!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Link to where? The manufacturer's website?

[@peromalmstrom7668]

Stay Swift, Stay British

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But Swift don't build anything like this

[@glennfarr7709]

On a continental chasis of course!

[@ChrisGallone]

Do you really speak like this all the time? Made vid unwatchable sorry

[@justinlinnane8043]

65K ?? oh dear . not really sure why anybody would spend this much on soemthing so small . its no good for long term fulltiming trips and if you're just doing holidays in this then you better really , really like each other !! 🤣🤣

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No, it's not aimed at full-timers but, if you want to holiday in places like Cornwall, it's so much easier with something more manoeuvrable. Or, if you're abroad in summer, you'll just spend more time outside - but still have a fixed bed, proper bathroom, etc