I'm tentively looking around for possibilities for our next van.

[YeoBlade]

It is beginning to look like I have to want what others want here.

It's taken a while, but yes

 

[colinm]

It is beginning to look like I have to want what others want here.

Not really, there have been several PVC's with rear lounge which converts to large double, or can be used as twin singles, but as that's not a layout we want anymore (having previously had vans with that many years ago) I'm not sure of the names.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I may HAVE to get yet another coachbuilt, but I have not looked at them yet, but I will now.

 

[colinm]

If it's the length that is an issue, then 6m coachbuilts with rear lounge are available, just had a quick look around and there is the Elddis Marquis Majestic 120, not sure whats for sale.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Not really except for ferries the Siena is 6.3m, parking is never a problem, weight is, has to be 3.5t, I could try to get the 7.5t licence back but it's have to be a damned good van to make that happen, then there are the new proposed hoopes I have to jump through and I honestly can't be arsed.

As it happens, I didn't expect any replies; I needed somewhere to park any vans I came across that might work. I'd not even seen the Warwick until quite a way in, still like it though, but no opening windows kills it for Liz, I'm not that fussed, less to break.


I just had a closer look at the 360° on the AS website, and I can't see any way to open the lounge windows; it does seem to have net & light blinds though, hard to tell.

Warwick XL | Fiat Campervans | Auto-Sleepers

The Warwick XL builds on the concept of the ever-popular Warwick Duo Campervan. Discover more now.

auto-sleepers.com

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I just rang a AS dealer, he was very obliging and went to physically check the lounge windows, he was gobsmacked (crap product knowledge) he said.

Why on earth would they put flyscreens on windows that can't be opened?

Indeed.

 

[mark61]

There’s a shed load of converters around the country. Draw up some plans and get a price, it may not be as much as you think, especially when you take into account how much vans devalue in a few years.

You get the choice of everything that goes in it then.

 

[TJBi]

What PVCs have a rear lounge, opening habitation windows and an automatic gearbox?

Copilot says:

Panel Van Conversions (PVCs) with Rear Lounge, Opening Windows & Automatic Gearbox​

Here’s a quick comparison of factory and specialist PVCs that tick all three boxes: a rear lounge layout, opening habitation windows, and an automatic gearbox option.

Manufacturer	Model	Base Van	Rear Lounge Layout	Opening Habitation Windows	Automatic Gearbox Option
Auto-Sleepers	Symbol Elite	Fiat Ducato	Wrap-around U-shaped bench seating	Yes (sides & rear)	Comfort-Matic 9-speed (Ai)
Swift	Select Tourer	Peugeot Boxer	Dual-facing benches form U-lounge	Yes (sides & rear)	EAT8 8-speed automatic
Devon Conversions	Horizon	Renault Master	Twin swivel captains + rear bench seats	Yes (sides & rear)	6-speed automatic
Leisuredays	Dream (4 berth)	Fiat Ducato	Two bench seats convert to a U lounge	Yes (sides & rear)	Comfort-Matic dual-clutch
Explorer Vans	Cambridge Edition	Mercedes Sprinter	Offset rear lounge with table	Yes (sides & rear)	7G-Tronic 7-speed auto

Key Features Explained​

• Rear Lounge Layout:All models above use two or three bench seats (often swivelled) that convert into a wrap-around U-shaped lounge. This maximises seating for socialising and dining at the back of the van.
• Opening Habitation Windows:These PVCs fit multiple opening windows in the conversion body (both sides, often the rear panel) for cross-ventilation and daylight. Look for brands using Dometic or S7 series windows.
• Automatic Gearbox Option:Most modern panel-van bases (Ducato, Boxer, Transit, Master, Sprinter) now offer an automatic or dual-clutch transmission. Confirm with the dealer that the specific conversion you’re eyeing can be ordered on the auto-gearbox variant.

Tips When Shopping​

1. Check Base-Van Spec Ensure the van you choose (e.g., Ducato vs. Boxer) offers an automatic. Factory automatics can be a dealer-fitted option or ordered from new.
2. Window Types Ask for gas-strut-assisted opening windows rather than fixed glass. Some converters fit two-way vents with flyscreens and blinds.
3. Weight & Payload Automatics usually add weight. Verify the maximum technical permissible laden mass (MTPLM) and payload after conversion.
4. Layout Visits Visit the converter’s showroom to physically inspect the rear lounge: test seating comfort, table fit, and window operation.

Beyond the List • Smaller PVCs on VW Transporter (e.g. Danbury’s Camper 4) offer rear bench seats but rarely a full U-shaped lounge.• Higher-roof Sprinter or larger Ducato coach-built motorhomes often include true rear lounges but step outside the “panel van” category.• If you’re set on an auto-gearbox, double-check warranty implications when ordering a converter to your own spec.

 

[colinm]

I just rang a AS dealer, he was very obliging and went to physically check the lounge windows, he was gobsmacked (crap product knowledge) he said.

Why on earth would they put flyscreens on windows that can't be opened?

Indeed.

Because the cassette blinds come as standard with a flyscreen, to fit a blind without flyscreen would be a custom part.

 

[wildebus]

I just rang a AS dealer, he was very obliging and went to physically check the lounge windows, he was gobsmacked (crap product knowledge) he said.

Why on earth would they put flyscreens on windows that can't be opened?

Indeed.

That is an interesting observation. And I wonder if his 'crap product knowledge' is showing not necessarily about ....

Because the cassette blinds come as standard with a flyscreen, to fit a blind without flyscreen would be a custom part.

But instead that the windows possibly DO open, but he didn't know how?

I say this as the owner of a Motorhome that had a flyscreen on the Hab Door Window that didn't open and thought it was because they used a standard blind cassette to why it had a flyscreen as well.
It was only more than a year later I noticed the window did actually slide down and I never noticed the catch!

Looking at the photo you posted, you are probably right about the windows not opening though. However, there is another thing to consider though ....
The 'flyscreen' may have an alternative purpose, and that as a sunshade to block harsh sunlight and have a useful purpose in that respect? Have you never use the flyscreens on a closed window for that use?
Here is a photo of my VW T5 with one of the rear blinds pulled up. This window is not an opener and the (factory standard) blind is very similar to a flyscreen but is a sun/privacy blind

(the blind is factory. the curtain is my addition)

 

[barryd]

You need a proper salesman to tell you want you . I've had couple explaining why the van they have in stock is the ONE. (Like I'm doing now )

I'm with Colin, a non negotiable is 2 separate areas, dinette & lounge, to get away from each other, may not be perfect but.....
With the each area must have a dual purpose theme, the dinette models achieve that more so than not. Having a shower rather than shower/bathroom I see as the most wasteful of spaces of all, I like a shower but I spend 0.034% of my day in a shower (sorry I calculated it ) seems the most wasteful of a non dual use space.

Ah Ha!!! You have seen my presidential motorhome bathroom suite! Its massive! You could live in it. The solution is to just make the van even longer then you can fit one in and have a front dinette and a large rear lounge. Michelle loves it and even I have managed to keep clean (ish) since we got this van. The old one with just a wet room was a right PIA.

 

[barryd]

It is beginning to look like I have to want what others want here.

You should have bought my old Kontiki when you had the chance. One careful lady owner.

 

[wildebus]

You should have bought my old Kontiki when you had the chance. One careful lady owner.

What about all the careless ones though?

Ah Ha!!! You have seen my presidential motorhome bathroom suite! Its massive! You could live in it. The solution is to just make the van even longer then you can fit one in and have a front dinette and a large rear lounge. Michelle loves it and even I have managed to keep clean (ish) since we got this van. The old one with just a wet room was a right PIA.

It really makes a big change to have a good sized shower room in a Motorhome. I was originally going to get an Autotrail Mohican, which even had a stool, small dressing table and mirror in the shower room. I ended up buying an Autotrail Cheyenne, which had a smaller one, but still big enough to also include two good sized cupboards as well as a Wardrobe and drawers for clothes.

 

[YeoBlade]

The luxury of a good sized shower room is great, I love it in my current A class. but when compromising in a PVC?
I probably spend 40% sleeping, 20% eating/cooking... 39% chillaxing and 0.034%in the shower so that's the area to compromise in for me.

 

[barryd]

What about all the careless ones though?


It really makes a big change to have a good sized shower room in a Motorhome. I was originally going to get an Autotrail Mohican, which even had a stool, small dressing table and mirror in the shower room. I ended up buying an Autotrail Cheyenne, which had a smaller one, but still big enough to also include two good sized cupboards as well as a Wardrobe and drawers for clothes.

Incredibly The 28 year old Kontiki only had 3 owners from new including me for 16 of them.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

What PVCs have a rear lounge, opening habitation windows and an automatic gearbox?

Copilot says:

Panel Van Conversions (PVCs) with Rear Lounge, Opening Windows & Automatic Gearbox​

Here’s a quick comparison of factory and specialist PVCs that tick all three boxes: a rear lounge layout, opening habitation windows, and an automatic gearbox option.

Manufacturer	Model	Base Van	Rear Lounge Layout	Opening Habitation Windows	Automatic Gearbox Option
Auto-Sleepers	Symbol Elite	Fiat Ducato	Wrap-around U-shaped bench seating	Yes (sides & rear)	Comfort-Matic 9-speed (Ai)
Swift	Select Tourer	Peugeot Boxer	Dual-facing benches form U-lounge	Yes (sides & rear)	EAT8 8-speed automatic
Devon Conversions	Horizon	Renault Master	Twin swivel captains + rear bench seats	Yes (sides & rear)	6-speed automatic
Leisuredays	Dream (4 berth)	Fiat Ducato	Two bench seats convert to a U lounge	Yes (sides & rear)	Comfort-Matic dual-clutch
Explorer Vans	Cambridge Edition	Mercedes Sprinter	Offset rear lounge with table	Yes (sides & rear)	7G-Tronic 7-speed auto

Key Features Explained​

• Rear Lounge Layout:All models above use two or three bench seats (often swivelled) that convert into a wrap-around U-shaped lounge. This maximises seating for socialising and dining at the back of the van.
• Opening Habitation Windows:These PVCs fit multiple opening windows in the conversion body (both sides, often the rear panel) for cross-ventilation and daylight. Look for brands using Dometic or S7 series windows.
• Automatic Gearbox Option:Most modern panel-van bases (Ducato, Boxer, Transit, Master, Sprinter) now offer an automatic or dual-clutch transmission. Confirm with the dealer that the specific conversion you’re eyeing can be ordered on the auto-gearbox variant.

Tips When Shopping​

1. Check Base-Van Spec Ensure the van you choose (e.g., Ducato vs. Boxer) offers an automatic. Factory automatics can be a dealer-fitted option or ordered from new.
2. Window Types Ask for gas-strut-assisted opening windows rather than fixed glass. Some converters fit two-way vents with flyscreens and blinds.
3. Weight & Payload Automatics usually add weight. Verify the maximum technical permissible laden mass (MTPLM) and payload after conversion.
4. Layout Visits Visit the converter’s showroom to physically inspect the rear lounge: test seating comfort, table fit, and window operation.

Beyond the List • Smaller PVCs on VW Transporter (e.g. Danbury’s Camper 4) offer rear bench seats but rarely a full U-shaped lounge.• Higher-roof Sprinter or larger Ducato coach-built motorhomes often include true rear lounges but step outside the “panel van” category.• If you’re set on an auto-gearbox, double-check warranty implications when ordering a converter to your own spec.

Copilot must be blind or I am, none fit my requirements on a google search.

 

[YeoBlade]

I have in the the last week been in 2 Merc vans, One being an Ambulance (More later) and one a local minibus service to go back to hospital for a follow up injury assessment, I was very impressed with the vans' ride. Shame so few are used for PVCs (not really the best way of 'test riding though!)

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I asked Chatgpt to have a go at a search, and to supply links.

2022 (72) SWIFT SELECT 122 9 SPEED AUTOMATIC, ONE OWNER, 6M, 3.5T GVW, CAB & HAB AIR CON, LONG REAR LOUNGE

SWIFT SELECT 122 9 SPEED AUTOMATIC, ONE OWNER, 6M, 3.5T GVW, CAB & HAB AIR CON, LONG REAR LOUNGE, For Sale In Bradford

www.hoylesdenholme.co.uk

Sold but love the colour

Used 2021 Swift Select 122 for sale in Flintshire

View the latest Used 2021 Swift Select 122 for sale in Flintshire. Available to order or purchase today with finance options also available. Call for more information.

www.spinney.co.uk

New Fiat Autotrail V-Line 610 Sport 140BHP Auto Motorhome for Sale | Brownhills Motorhomes Limited

New Fiat Autotrail V-Line 610 Sport 140BHP Auto motorhome for sale at Brownhills.

www.brownhills.co.uk

 

[RichardHelen262]

2015 (15) LUNAR LANDSTAR RL For Sale in Kendal, Used Motorhome Dealer Cumbria - E S Hartley Motorhomes Kendal

LUNAR LANDSTAR RL and more available for sale in Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cumbria, E S Hartley Motorhome Centres

www.eshartleygroup.co.uk

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I drove sprinters more than any other van working, but I only had one Moho Sprinter, and it gave us loads of trouble, got it off Motorhome Depot and why I'll never use them again.

That looks a nice van though, no idea of the value, only drawback is they are a much narrower than Fiat etc illustrated by the narrow gap between the sofas.