With our lives getting busier by the day and multitasking becoming the norm, consumers are increasingly on the lookout for products that fit with their eclectic lifestyles: a trend we’re now seeing even in the laid-back world of campervans.
Two new Volkswagen T5-based launches have hit the showrooms offering customers a host of modular layout options. The Space by Bilbo’s and the Trekker by CMC Reimo are both aimed at offering buyers maximum versatility – fitting in with all areas of their lives.
These quirky campers show that the campervans and motorhomes for sale in 2014 look set to offer more flexibility, versatility and personalisation than ever before.
The Bilbo’s Space system involves a series of clever removable ‘pods’. These include:
- a kitchen pod with tap and storage
- sleeping pod
- coolbox pod
- plus a storage pod with shelving (housing the optional Porta Potti, for when you just can’t make it to the toilet block)
The pods attach into ‘strong points’ within the base vehicle’s floor.
Standard specification includes Bilbo’s side-lifting elevating roof, a rear RIB seat, portable hob, coolbox, wardrobe and storage cupboards, LED lighting, water carrier and hand pump tap, mains hook-up with portable mains charger and auxiliary battery.
CMC’s Trekker offers a removable kitchen unit with double burner gas hob, sealed gas container and storage area, plus an 18-litre portable compressor fridge.
Between five and seven travel seats are available (if you’re popular), with a Reimo Variotech 3000 bench seat offering belted travel for three, plus the option of individual ‘jump seats’, complete with three-point safety belts.
Sleeping numbers depend on the type of roof you choose (elevating, fixed or high-top are offered), with the bench seat offering a double, and an optional roof bed allowing two more to stay the night.
Standard equipment also includes twin swivel cab seats, a beefy 80Ah auxiliary battery, mains hook-up with charging system,12V and three-pin 240V sockets, and 12V LED lighting.
The price difference between the two models is mainly down to the respective base vehicles.
On an 83bhp (84PS) engined T5, the Space is priced from £31,385.Options include:
- a 138bhp (140PS) engine upgrade with DSG automatic gearbox (£4,380)
- air conditioning (£850)
- swivel cab seats (£370)
Plus loads of other swanky VW options, taking the total to over £41,000.
Based on a 178bhp (180PS) 4Motion short wheelbase window van, the CMC Trekker starts from £45,500. Optional extras include:
- a Webasto diesel heater (£1,600)
- climatic air conditioning (£234)
- rear parking sensors (£222)
- and cruise control (£162).
Customers choosing all available options can expect the price to creep up to over £52,700. CMC points out, however, that a cheaper base-vehicle can be specified.
Whatever your budget, with so many options available, knowing what to look for when buying a new campervan or motorhome can be a minefield. Luckily there are some great websites out there full of help and advice, and of course loads of lovely motorhomes for sale to choose from.
About the Author
Kieran McVeigh is a campervan enthusiast from the UK. He regularly has used motorhomes for sale on Out and About Live.
