UK's oldest campervan brand is back with an off-grid MAN conversion for four

[@camperlux7151]

Nice Review Peter. This Dormobile conversion is sadly lacking top quality spec in certain areas. Having converted my own crafter I can see where they have cut corners such as the electrical system is not good enough to run an air fryer off the grid. Also, a van like this should be prepared for four-season use in my opinion.

[@newshamdr]

I could not live with that racket whilst driving. I’ve built my own camper and never had rattles like that. Dorobile really dropped the ball letting you take it like that. Total lack of ventilation in the bedroom and wash room, couldn’t live with that either. Few nice touches, but 100k!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Unlike many converters, Dormobile have listened to the issues I raised. As for the price, that's reflective of the MAN chassis and the spec.

[@jenibutler7138]

I'm going with the WildAx Altair RS, rather than this Dormobile one. I couldn't find a review on it from you, Peter, it's a great van, would love to see what you think? I've put a deposit down on a nearly new one, will be getting it next month! Can't wait!

[@lukedavid4393]

Nice video Peter 😀 . I like the interior styling, and the uncluttered outside (no ugly doors, flaps and vents) - yes, a few small things need to be added. PS when I lived in Ringwood in the early 70s - I had a friend who had an original Dormoble (and maybe a Tilley Tourer too) 😄.

[@alisonb4898]

That rattle coming from inside while you’re driving would gradually drive me mad. And as I’m getting that bit older and would want to keep my next camper for a few years my mobility is going to decline, little things like having the electric hook up under the bumper would mean bending or getting on my knees and the cassette toilet in the garage where you would have to crawl or sit in the garage to pull it out instead of just having it on the side of the van makes me think this would put off he older customers.

[@teaforthree1]

Totally agree. Style over practicality

[@Agrajak]

Loving my Boxer based Dormobile D2B 2 Berth van, and Dormobile have been exceptional with their after sales service. Plus, they are all nice people there and want to ensure it is right.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's fantastic to hear. They certainly responded well to all my comments about the test 'van

[@neildean7515]

Thats what i would want to hear. Too top after sales service. I am sure they get this right. They have bee. around as long time and i suspect this is the main reason. My family has had all these in view, but not the man. But, if they get this right, its a beautifully finished motorhome. Cannot wait to see in real life

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

love this site love all these camper vans like the vw t2 /and the vw t1 that your turning into a camper van

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The number of drawers to cupboards is very similar to that in the Bedford CF coach built!!

[@neildean7515]

Beautiful motorhome, but, for that price, i’dd expect Fly screens, rear window and a shower that does not leak. Also installed table snd chairs for the outside. Otherwise, if they improve this, it looks like a winner & a beautiful finish.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Just look at all that lovely unobstructed SPACE in the old Freeway.......definitely a case of 'less is more!' Can never forget my first holiday as an eight year old in the Transit version - Mum and Dad downstairs and two kids giggling on the pull out bunks looking up at the striped roof - oh, what fun - even preparing full cooked breakfasts for us all.....Mum kept smiling!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

We went to Bulgaria in a Commer Auto-Sleeper in 1980 - memories that last a lifetime!

[@robertp.wainman4094]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Wow - that definitely sounds more than 'memorable' - and still in communist times too - what a great adventure! Guessing it was probably in an Autosleeper Commer - with the tapestry style upholstery? I really think I prefer those older conversions for the amount of uncluttered space (and lack of modern bling!) avaliable in a small van.....of course by not including a usually pretty useless bog - sorry I meant washroom - it created a much more open feel. After my parents hired the Transit 'Dormobile' - it planted the bug in me and I went on to live as a student in a 1959 Austin J2 with a box body, on the hall of residence car park for 18 months - before being 'discovered!' No heater other than the cooker, no insulation, ice on the inside of the windows.....but brilliant! Had campers ever since - always elderly.....but as I so often notice - they're the ones that get 'used' much more than the new showpiece! I've always told folks thinking of trying: "Compare it to a hotel and you'll be disappointed - but compare it to a tent and you'll be in luxury!" Keep up the good work with the videos!

[@andy5786]

Very nice from man camper little over price but it got quality thanks for review 👍👏

[@karlospappy8908]

Great to see the old vans but this new one needs some re thinks, crawling under the bed to fill with water and empty the loo is crazy as is a washroom with no ventilation and only 2 opening windows in the van, it's as though they were frightened to cut holes in it. Fridge is woefully small and should have been sited high up at the end of the kitchen next to the bed with a larger option as standard IMO. Like the way the pop top has been integrated and looked smart when down. I suspect one of the issues here is farming conversions out so the converter want their profit as do Dormobile. It's not difficult to see what the competition are doing to create a more user friendly van, for the money I would look at VW Grand Cali which is also not without issues. Cheers K.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I always like to see fewer holes cut in the van - less to rust years down the line!

[@JustVince8864]

Another great review. Spending that kind of money, I think I would much rather spend it on the Globe-Traveller Voyager Z. Or the Buurstner C644, and sve some money.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But the MAN is so much nicer to drive than a Fiat

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks Peter for a great review. We have a Westfalia Sven Hedin on order coming in October and we're always keen to see what can be done with the 6m MWB Crafter/MAN platform. With the pop-top this could be a winner for some, I don't understand why Westfalia don't offer it as an option on the Sven, given they do on the Columbus... Maybe with the MAN facelift in a year or two perhaps! One question - is the whale heating system blown air or wet/radiators?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Whale is blown-air

[@andywass3196]

A generous review and verdict I think..... Would love to have seen around that CA Debonair on their forecourt! .... For me some details require attention, tiny fresh water capacity, inboard garage fill point and loo emptying access, serious 3 season only use!! daft double door access to the fridge. v. small table, v. narrow toilet/shower room. Ladder access and no ventilation to rear bed, no flyscreens, all of the chassis hung ancillaries looked a bit low and vulnerable ........ A proven layout and a classic name perhaps deserve better! ......... Having said all that, love your content and review style Peter, ATB!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Sadly, the CA Debonair is a coffee truck as all its interior had gone AWOL. The D4/6 and Freeway are 100% original, though.

[@andywass3196]

Hi Dormobile, Nice to see a response to my comments, and thanks for being polite. Good luck in developing this one and introducing new models and ideas, I wish you every success.

[@nigelk780]

Im afraid it's a bit confused a 4 berth with the support capacity of a 2 berth , fridge, fresh and waste etc. Even my california had mostly double glazed windows for instance. I realise it's a first attempt so my advice fwiw and free to ignore is that Dormobile take inevitable criticism as a gift to get things sorted quickly and not to be defensive which is harder than it sounds. Some of which Peter has already pointed out. Good bits are the base van, length, the name and the top is nicely integrated into the outer profile. Resale of 4 berth better relative to the asking price ? I would do a tin roof option under 100k optioned it will also have good resale.

[@Agrajak]

Having purchased a camper from them (not one of these) I can believe they will do exactly that. They are a small enough company , they really want to get it right, and they can and do react quickly.

[@duncangibson9235]

Nice video, looks a lovely van but totally overpriced with some very significant shortcomings - lack of ventilation in all the important areas, poor windows/no proper blinds and little to no winterisation. It’s very poor against the competition. It makes my Knaus BoxDrive 600XL on the 4x4 MAN TGE 180 look very good value at £96k. You’re welcome to review that; there are very few UK reviews around on a van which I think makes a lot of sense for families in the 6m length category.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Love the BoxDrive 600 XL - saw it at Düsseldorf last year. Dormobile are making lots of improvements to the Ballintrae, this was the first one built

[@andrewstevenson6540]

A very nice looking vehicle which doesn't shout it's a campervan. Unfortunately that toilet cassette would put me off, imagine how many Scotch Midges could get in while you're in the back playing Jenga. The side step reduces ground clearance and I don't like hook ups etc too close to the ground either. I'd save the 3K and stick with a manual gearbox 👍 Excellent review again, 🙏

[@markbur1503]

Hi Peter good video shame about the van. At nearly £105k we will stick with our 2022 Ducato based Swift Select 164. 👍😁

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Why shame about the van? Drive a MAN and you'll soon want to change from a Ducato!

[@mikegilboy]

Agree with the comments - very disappointing for that huge price tag

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Another brand is just adding MAN to its range, at £12k more than a Fiat. Are you taking that into consideration?

[@Agrajak]

Spec a Murvi out similar, it’s a frightening price, but competitive for what you get.

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

my aunt had a vw t2 befor the vw t25

[@jamesiwcooper]

There seem to be a lot of issues with this van: the gas fill at the lower rear and vulnerable to knocks on rough ground, the electicity hook up below the rear bumper also vulnerable and difficult to use, the toilet cassette inside the storage area so inaccessible when the store is full, the water fill within the same area so any leakage on filling within the store, the main double bed less than four foot wide and accessed by ladder, the main bed lacking opening windows, a canvas sided pop-top on a semi high top six metre van (why???), two doors on the fridge, limited room between the rear seats and the kitchen units, limited daytime living area despite this being a four berth. Not on my shopping list even if I was considering spending £100,000.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I like the hook-up below the bumper on my T6 - less holes cut in the body looks so much nicer. Double bed is wider than in many VW campers. A pop-top to give you four berths - like a lot of rivals, this is becoming increasingly popular. Gap between seats and kitchen is typical for this layout. Obviously, not your cup of tea but there's also a lot to like here and, unlike a lot of converters, Dormobile is listening. A window has been added in the bedroom and other changes are being made.

[@bitminerbob6731]

Get rid of the poptop and you'd have a great camper.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You don't have to use it and it'll make it easier to resell (as it's a four-berth)

[@jayt5970]

Desperately needs rear opening windows but a nice looking van and interior

[@savingelectric]

This type of vehicle will always be more expensive than a motorhome but people like the campervan as it will fit in parking spaces and driveways easier. If you want a cheaper one, buy a second hand VW California for £70k without a fixed bed or bathroom! Personally I like our motorhome but see the reasons for campervan purchases, each to their own

[@michaelmorley6522]

Peter loved the references to the 70’s. I seem to detect some 70’s design influence in a few of your shirts. For a company that just does the design and at the price point they are charging, they have overall missed the mark. Off grid with 65L of fresh water for example. Lack of power points, no fly screens, lack of windows and other shortfalls you have highlighted add to this. Lack of insulation and payload again missing the mark. Thanks for the review, but overall “could do better”, and with Dormobile history, “should do better”.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There's a lot to like here, too, and it's a 3,500kg van, so there are limits. Also, many of the points made (eg ventilation) are being addressed

[@CamillaI]

Visited Dormobile last Month and looking to buy a T6 automatic Portrush version . Any thoughts on their VW conversions please ?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Sorry, we haven't tested one. If you're looking for a T6, we'd always recommend starting by looking at the California. Then, these were our award winners in the VW class for 2023 - www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/information/best-volkswagen-campervan-award-winner

[@CamillaI]

Thank you @@MotorhomeCampervan 👍

[@jenibutler7138]

I always enjoy your reviews? I'm looking for a small motorhome or large campervan, and though this one has some nice features, it wouldn't be one I'd choose, lack of ventilation in bedroom and loo, 3 season only usage, lack of flyscreens, awkward access to loo cassette, etc. would be no-nos for me. Pity, because I would love a better alternative to Fiat/Peugeot, and I do love that the step syncs with opening/closing the door!

[@terryhere3889]

It’s a lovely van but a lot of money 😥 and a shame the water tanks are not 4 seasons, can you order it without the pop top?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Any camper based on the Crafter, MAN or Sprinter seems to be heading towards £100k now. The plan is to build them all with the pop-top (better for resale), but they might entertain a special order without.

[@nigelk780]

@DormobileLimited Hmm. You might want to reconsider as I for example now actively avoid the pop top as it adds cost, cold in winter, nowhere to fit roof vents or aircon, weight eating into payload. Prefer the at a pinch 3 birth option around the front seating area. I should say we like many these days are only two travellers and I bet at least 50% are that could afford this van.

[@broadpete]

I agree. No opening windows in the bedroom is a complete no no, and no vent in the bathroom is even worse. Both are solved a d a huge chunk of change saved by deleting the pop top. How many folks with kids can afford £105k. It's reserved for wealthy retirees, who travel in twos.

[@lukejack56]

Nice but I wouldn't fit on the toilet I got rugby shoulders, not sure on handbrake having to be down to swivel the seats either not always on level ground..

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Handbrake is still on when folded

[@jenibutler7138]

Yes, true about the handbrake/swivel seat issue, I thought the same - also, one armrest only on drivers seat would annoy me.

[@peterrose9886]

Not sure that this offers very good value tbh. I own a VW Grand California 680. Brand new with a much higher spec than this and it comes in at £96k! Build quality is excellent and was faultless for a recent 1600 mile trip around the Outer Hebrides.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Higher spec? You haven't got a £5k pop-top, probably not a lithium battery... Maybe more kit on the base vehicle, though. But the Grand Cali 680 is a great 'van, too, although much longer and not able to be driven on a Class B licence

[@evolutionaryfield4091]

PETER VAUGHAN

[@pauharpe8464]

Sounded like the interior was rattling its t*ts off

[@wayneevans9682]

For that pricing think Hymer White line.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Different beast for a different customer, but yes the White Line is a very nice 'van

[@_bav]

Lots of folks in the comments here that are totally out of touch with reality regarding prices. In the post-pandemic, inflation-ridden world we find ourselves in, comments like "you can getter a better spec in a £60k 'van" are off-the-scale idiotic.

[@williamfence566]

Basics missing that are found on vans at £70k. Shame.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There aren't many good-quality campervans at £70k these days, and certainly none on a premium base vehicle like this

[@_bav]

B.S.

[@williamfence566]

@@_bav Thank you for your considered and articulate response.

[@_bav]

@@williamfence566 You're welcome. Thank you for posting drivel.

[@williamfence566]

@@_bav Just following your lead.

[@SqueakyduckDesign]

Nice finish, compromised by some really poor design (in my opinion). Half the garage empty to get access to empty the loo. Tiny fridge for the van size (and 2 doors to get in there!). Bathroom looks poor. Gas and hookup both look like they are could be clipped quite easily. Then that price.. Wow.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There's a LOT to like here and Dormobile are making improvements. A bigger fridge is available, too. Price reflects the MAN chassis (superb) and spec (lithium battery, etc)

[@crosgor]

Just too many compromises made slush box, toilet cassette access, wash room space, lack of ventilation, storage for four berth, side bulges to accommodate bed, very little spare mass with four up and their gear and all for just a tad over £100000.

[@gordonkerr4300]

Very poor for 104 k no fly screens one armrest on drivers seat and the sink in washroom is a joke. A lot more thought needs to be done to justify that ridiculous price. Sorry Peter but I must disagree with you there.

[@fatsanta55]

Great video as always Peter, but a very dissapointing van.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

What don't you like? The quality is nice, the bedroom works well, the garage is huge and the kitchen has a microwave or oven, which most imports don't...

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Great video. So many things I don't like about this motorhome. To mention in the comments. Just yuk yuk. Cheers from old George and Jane Motorhome Adventures. 😢

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

A bit harsh? A very popular layout in the best base vehicle and Dormobile have listened to a lot of the issues, unlike most companies

[@CosmicSeeker69]

I got as far as the leccy system - First look and there's a LOT of space wasted - which could/SHOULD house a second battery... Let's face it the amount of devices any single person has these days - plus you could then drop gas altogether ... A Van for the early 2000's

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm sure you could add a second battery. However, not many buyers want the expense of going fully electric on the habitation side - gas is still best for cooking for most owners.

[@commuterbranchline8132]

£100,000 English pounds for a van? It’s very well specified, it just £100k.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Have you seen the price of empty panel vans in 2023?

[@jamesmackay4652]

Think there having a bit of a laugh.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not sure why?

[@jamesmackay4652]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Cost,empty and reload each time to empty the cassette.

[@lowmileageimports]

Too many basic design errors. What a shame they didn't ask you to look over it before they released it for production Peter.

[@900daysandcounting5]

Rather than this being an objective review, you seem to be fighting Dormobiles corner very hard, especially in the comments that it’s overpriced. Most of the people who commented say this. Makes me wonder if you received any financial benefit from Dormobile for making this video. ??

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No, we don't receive any payment from any maker or dealer when filming these reviews. They are 100% objective. Look at 2023 prices - Auto-Sleepers has just said its new M-Star - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lae1i4Z5o5x8jpY - see will be £125,000

[@turbojones8562]

Rolf Harris! Hi

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

He's dead.

[@wiltonlewis5369]

Big on price and fancy features, low on basic features. This looks like a campervan designed by people who dont go camping.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I thoroughly enjoyed using it and with the improvements Dormobile are making, it'll be a great 'van. The price is down to the chassis and spec

[@vincentzielinski7157]

Overpriced !!! Can't believe you would have to empty so much out of garage to empty loo , and probably in the rain ...wet bed .

[@Agrajak]

You say that, but spec up a Murvi, or any other 4 berth van for that matter, with auto, lithium, powerful solar and inverters, Fiamma awning, etc, and they will not be far off. Frightening price for all of them really!

[@darrenjones3681]

Why not put opening windows higher up on the rear doors

[@howardtennant5766]

Trying to put to much into to little see what it looks like in 2 years

[@pamelahughes595]

Far too expensive for what they're offering x

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Compare it with other MAN/Merc campers and the price is spot on

[@darynsax]

Over £100k for a rattly van wow how many people can afford that. Think I would prefer to do my own van conversation. £100k+ I can't get over that price wow

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But very few folk have the skills to build a professional-looking conversion that's safe - and then the resale value will be very poor

[@MrBerry67]

Great looking vehicle- bit overpriced though

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's the MAN chassis that puts up the cost - worth it though IMHO

[@jmwintenn]

is man a daimler company? looks like a mercedes.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No, MAN is VW Group

[@dansmith540]

3 £100,00+ NOT GOOD YOU MUST BE KIDDING

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Look at the price of the base vehicle and components!!

[@teaforthree1]

Very pretty van but the more I watched the more I went nah!

[@TheStaymaker]

Overpriced and a lot of shortcomings in my view. the toilet, no window nets, glass windows all round = condensation all round? Etc. Sadly I think Ducato is still best base vehicle for a camper. Its wider for the bed and of course the latest Ducato is rated as the safest by Thatcham

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thatcham rating is for all the electronic systems (mostly extra-cost), not actually crash performance. MAN is narrower inside but a million times better to drive than a Ducato. Dormobile making plenty of changes to improve the conversion since my review.

[@brutallyhonest7242]

Rear door mounted spare wheel more room for larger tanks, solar and more batteries, composting toilet and no bloody pop top, van works do a better van

[@stevieeffingham9314]

100k to sleep in a tent?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

If you're referring to the roof, same as many other campers at this price.

[@pauharpe8464]

Less rattles from a tent…

[@johnfoley865]

Far too expensive and absolutely no imagination in the build

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

As I've said to others, compare the spec with other MAN or Merc campers and it's not dear at all in 2023

[@andym1908]

They are a great looking van . Great to drive . But just so unreliable. And you will pay the price for that being an MAN . none of the dealers are prepared for vans only HGVs . And volkswagen dealers are not much better.

[@CampervanTime]

When we went to MAN in Peterborough to test drive a TGE 3.180 they were telling us the sheer quantity of TGE DPD vans there are (and they service) and also private ambulances too. They were certainly servicing them and seeing them all the time there.

[@andym1908]

@CampervanTime trust me the issue is the unreliability. Of the engines its shocking considering you are buying a premium vehicle.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The engine is proven VW, so what's the problem? As for MAN dealers, I'm only hearing good things

[@andym1908]

@@MotorhomeCampervan You are deluded . Go on the forums . You see the same recurring problems. I had a 68 crafter from new now on 116k . EGR cooler . Engine rebuilt. Fuel pump .fuel rail . Injectors. Turbo . Ad blue tank ....... shall I go on ,

[@andym1908]

Yes they are selling lots but they all have the same problems .

[@доктор-вонючая-морковь]

Hmm just seems a bit clinical and boring looking inside. And no ventilation in the bathroom is a big no.

[@jaminthevanuk296]

Ahaaaaaa haaaa gaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaajhhaaaa haaaaa haaaaaaaa.mike the plumber Scotland...on the floor ahaaaaa

[@combatsurfers]

It sounds like a rattling bag of bones.

[@TheUrbanSplash]

Fail to see why this is £100k. Outrageous. What’s going on in the roof? Jokemobile

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Find another MAN/Merc camper with similar spec and pricing will be similar

[@georgeshort4112]

Overpriced dosent look that good a quality. Would be a stuffy van with its poor ventilation.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Quality is good, ventilation being improved

[@mikecarroll6358]

Vastly overpriced. The VW competition are cheaper and better built. Ridiculous.

[@Desmond.TuTu.]

Not worth the money…..

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Look at other Merc and MAN campers and you'll see the pricing is right

[@epj900]

Dormobile are going to learn along the way??? At the expense of the mugs who buy these over priced status symbols. This guy needs to do a more objective test of this thing and tell it like it is, not how Dormobile wants it

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Just a market price and, if you want a status symbol, buy a Range Rover. After 40 years of campervan testing, I think I can be objective...

[@101carl]

That is the worst new camper I’ve ever seen as for the price you are having a laugh would not have one given to me

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Think of the price of the base vehicle and items like the lithium battery, pop-top, inverter...