Glenns Leisure Vehicles
1a70af85-b18d-453c-9b92-e7361055b24f
Fortunately, Glenn’s Leisure Vehicles, at Bulwell in Nottingham, is a happy hunting ground for those with limited funds, as even the cheapest vehicles sold are guaranteed to be mechanically sound and are fully serviced and maintained on the premises.
My mission on this occasion was to test the ability of Glenns to provide starter motorhomes to eclipse those from any other source. I can only say that those I found far exceeded my already high expectations.
Rimor Super brig 748
Mart’s impressions:For sure, the exterior lacks the sleek finesse afforded by more recent construction techniques, but it generally in good condition and isn’t without a certain degree of style and character. The Mercedes badge always provides a certain amount of authority and you are even provided with a motorcycle rack, should you require it.
Step inside and you find an Italian designed interior that has stood the test of time remarkably well. The seven berths are easily provided, courtesy of a large overcab double, a fixed double bed at the rear and a further double and a single that you can make up from the lounge seating.
The only possible drawback is that the only belted seats in the rear are the fully belted, forward facing dinette seats (tables included but not shown). To be fair though, very few motorhomes have the necessary payload to make more than four adults a realistic option.
What is does do is give you plenty of options, allowing children to share the overcab and avoid bed making chores altogether, or provide separate beds if that is the preferred option.
There are two clip-on tables provided for the double and single dinettes, but when these are stowed away, you seem to have a surprisingly large area in which to relax.
Continental motorhome kitchens can sometimes disappoint, but you can hardly complain at this one, with three nicely spaced gas burners (with powered extractor above) and a Smev oven and grill on top of a massive 175-litre fridge-freezer. The only possible drawback is that the sink does not have a drainer attached and there is no space on which to place one.
The rear bed is raised above a storage area, not what you would call a garage, although there is access from interior and exterior doors. The bed base will lift up, but it isn’t intended to allow access this way on a regular basis.
The washroom is deep and narrow, running alongside the bedroom and arranged in a linear fashion with first the basin and cabinets, then the cassette toilet, with a shower area right at the back, with an individual shower tray and closed off by a curtain.
Mart’s verdict:
A motorhome with a great many more years left in it and quite remarkable value for money for a family of four and on-site guests.
Rimor Kayak
Mart’s impressions:Prepare to be amazed then, as this little Kayak not only comes in under your budget, it is really is quite desirable. The Ford diesel won’t provide you with the most sophisticated driving experience, but as far as these engines go, it is barely out of short trousers. The two-tier entrance step is mechanically operated, which is probably an advantage in an older motorhome, as it should ensure trouble-free operation.
The Ford cab is, well, a Ford cab, but it is not at all scruffy, in fact it is actually very well preserved.
The cab is set below the living area, but this has the advantage of making the overcab area far more easy to access than in other models with a straight-through design. The roof deserves a mention, as it is finished in slatted wood along the entire length of the motorhome, which gives a reassuringly solid appearance and is far more attractive than the usual wallboard.
Apart from the overcab double, you can also make up a second one in the U-shaped rear lounge, making this a motorhome also suitable for two friends on holiday rather than just a couple.
A young couple will find this ideal though, as it is the kind of motorhome in which adventures are made and memories are formed. The great thing about it is that unlike in many motorhomes that you might find for this kind of price, the solid, no-nonsense construction and plain, bright colours have shrugged off the years in a remarkable way.
Even the orange kitchen range looks quite startlingly modern, with a mixer tap that looks sturdy and contemporary and there is even an extractor fan. A fold-out worktop extension is sufficient to give you space to carry out basic food preparation in this necessarily compact area.
I found one or two minor details that needed attending to (the extractor vent pipe had come away from its connection), but the entire motorhome will be fully serviced and examined in detail before sale, including the wardrobe door, which is missing in the photograph because it is currently being refurbished in the workshop.
The heater unit provides blown air as well as radiant heating, although this is a bit of a luxury really, being hardly necessary in a motorhome of this size.
You even get a washroom, which although quite simple, does at least have sufficient room for you to move around inside. The shower is only a wet-all facility, so probably not one to use every day, but perfectly fine for occasional use if the need arises.
A long, curving shelf, a cabinet and a couple of clothes hooks are provided and a very large mirror reflects the light from a large side window to enhance the feeling of space.
Mart’s verdict:
You can imagine how this would have been the ideal motorhome to follow the England team around the last World Cup, with the two double beds being ideal for a couple of lads and their occasional “guests”. I really thought it was fantastic for the money, but little did I know what I was to find next...
Karmann “Distance Wide”
Mart’s impressions:I think the “Distance wide” actually refers to the name of the factory-fitted alarm, but even the British Karmann Owners Club members seem to have settled on this way to identify it. It is certainly a well loved little motorhome and it is easy to see why. It sits on the VW LT31 cab looking a bit like a demountable, but it gives it a lot of character – a bit like a grown-up Bambi.
It really has been extremely well looked after (seemingly by a Portuguese football fan), who has fitted a comedy air-horn for his amusement. I’m not sure if that is strictly legal, but we’ll let that go.
More sensibly, he has also added a reversing camera, which sits on the very posh looking, walnut effect dashboard. There is a floor mounted gear lever beside the left hand driver’s seat and also a broad engine cowl, but most reasonably athletic people will be able to crawl over it if too lazy to get out to the side door.
When you do reach the living quarters, you find craftsmen-built woodwork of a rare quality. It out-classes Hymer, or almost any other German or continental manufacturer you might care to think of. Not only that, it is also superbly designed, in a way that you simply won’t find elsewhere.
Once again, the style still looks modern and it is significant that all four rear passenger seats in the dinette have three-point seatbelts – even though there are only four berths available. It gets even better when you discover that unlike in a great many other motorhomes, the dinette seats are all very comfortable and highly suitable for surviving long journeys without back ache.
Even the lounge spotlights are the real deal, far removed from the flimsy plastic units that you are often fobbed off with.
I can imagine a first time buyer snapping up this motorhome and being reluctant ever to change it. You would certainly have to spend a hefty sum to improve on the quality and it ought to be possible to keep the VW running indefinitely.
That wood panelling is exceptional and the cupboard storage is as good as it gets - just look at that tall cupboard, with its nine adjustable shelves.
Then you come to the L-shaped kitchen in the rear, off-side corner. It has a wide stainless steel sink, a two burner hob and only a 70 litre fridge. If the lack of facilities concern you, there is an empty run of worktop on the rear wall on which to place a microwave or you could even install a small oven if you really had to. Considering all the other benefits I wouldn’t give it a second thought.
Then, after all that, you get a well above average washroom, with the highest quality plastic units, all intact. There is no separate shower cubicle, but in exchange, you get plenty of room to move around.
Mart’s verdict:
I had never come across a Karmann like this before, but I have seen enough to know that if price is a concern, this really ought to be at the top of your list. Exceptional in every way.
Contact:
Glenns Leisure Vehicles
Leen Valley House, Cinderhill Road,
Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8RE
Tel: 0115 9271393
Web: www.glennsleisurevehicles.co.uk
- This company profile was first published in the December 2009 issue of Caravan Motorhome & Camping Mart.
Recent Updates
Campervan festivals: all you need to know
Get the lowdown on going to a festival with your campervan. We've got everything you need to know, from choosing the right festival to deciding what ...
Off-grid campervans: what you need to know
Ditching electric hook-up and wild camping in your campervan is a great, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors ...
Where and how to sell my motorhome: the ultimate guide
Whatever your reason for selling, there are a number of steps to take to try to get the best price for your ...
Gas tanks or refillable cylinders: our guide to motorhome gas
From cooking dinner to the central heating, gas is an essential feature of motorhoming – here, we explore ...
Engine management lights: all you need to know
What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...
Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know
Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...
Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet
Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Other Articles
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in Italy or winding your way around ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...