Van cab or A-class?
- Thread starter Phantom
- Start date
Campervanannie
Full Member
- Messages
- 5,772
I think it depends on your height I’m just under 5’ and I took a Hymer AClass for a test drive and for me it felt wrong it was a bit like driving a car from the back seat but I dare say you would get used to it. 
Phantom
Full Member
- Messages
- 432
I expect that it would no doubt feel a bit strange to start with. Though would maybe feel more natural after a while?
tonybvi
Full Member
- Messages
- 1,008
We have only ever had A class vans and we love them. However I do worry about things like the non-standard windscreen (insured but difficult to get replacements), non-standard exhaust layout and access to the engine bay, which can be very difficult and makes repairs costly. With a van cab everything is standard with replacement parts easy to come by.
Lee
Rally Organiser
- Messages
- 2,004
I've had both and love the A class, I'm 6ft 8in tall and found the cab in the c class to be claustrophobic and also had to change the wiper blade for a larger one so I could see out of the top of the windscreen.
I think it would be difficult for me to go back to a c class.
I think it would be difficult for me to go back to a c class.
wildebus
Full Member
- Messages
- 6,355
The thing that would concern me most about an A-Class is when they get to an age where a Windscreen replacement is not just hard to find but impossible and could result in the vehicle being written off and undriveable.
Never driven one but when I have sat in one it does feel like you are way away from the front. Guess it is just a matter of getting used to it but must be a bit weird until you get used to it, as others have said
Never driven one but when I have sat in one it does feel like you are way away from the front. Guess it is just a matter of getting used to it but must be a bit weird until you get used to it, as others have said
nabsim
Full Member
- Messages
- 3,577
I've had both and love the A class, I'm 6ft 8in tall and found the cab in the c class to be claustrophobic and also had to change the wiper blade for a larger one so I could see out of the top of the windscreen.
Not that I do much under the bonnet as I suspect is normal with most owners but on that Hymer Charlie had it was a pain to get to the engine. Can’t remember what it was he was doing now but wasn’t easy.
Saying that I like the idea of a drop down bed at the front with an A class and for folks wanting shorter vans it helps a lot.
Think it depends on layout though Lee. I know I am a dwarf compared to you but I can stand up in the cab with quiet a lot of room above my head in ours. You step up 3 or 4 inches from cab to hab area. I know this isn’t usual for most C class though.
Not that I do much under the bonnet as I suspect is normal with most owners but on that Hymer Charlie had it was a pain to get to the engine. Can’t remember what it was he was doing now but wasn’t easy.
Saying that I like the idea of a drop down bed at the front with an A class and for folks wanting shorter vans it helps a lot.
wildebus
Full Member
- Messages
- 6,355
I think the drop down over the cab on A classes is a great boon
I've seen video tours of C Class motorhomes with the central drop-down beds - not sure if I like those as very often when they are dropped not only do you lose access to the seats below but on many it looks like you lose proper access to the habitation door!
Wully
Full Member
- Messages
- 2,658
A class gives you more room in cab makes longer journeys seem more comfortable. I’ve just got a new automatic vw crafter for work and find the cab very spacious and well laid out. If I can find a decent layout motorhome based on the new crafter I’d change tomorrow the engine and gearbox are as smooth as any car I’ve ever drove and you can feel the difference in build quality compared to my current fiat A class.
trevskoda
Full Member
- Messages
- 5,269
There are folk out there who can make any screen, some are hand cut from bus or truck screens, they can even heat and bend them.The thing that would concern me most about an A-Class is when they get to an age where a Windscreen replacement is not just hard to find but impossible and could result in the vehicle being written off and undriveable.
Never driven one but when I have sat in one it does feel like you are way away from the front. Guess it is just a matter of getting used to it but must be a bit weird until you get used to it, as others have said
Last edited:
Lee
Rally Organiser
- Messages
- 2,004
Wildebus posted
Never driven one but when I have sat in one it does feel like you are way away from the front. Guess it is just a matter of getting used to it but must be a bit weird until you get used to it, as others have said
When I got my first A class and I was like you apprehensive but after 10 mins driving it became perfected normal.
Also because of the fact that the extra vision and the sides of the van being flat rather than stepped I found the driving much easier.
Just to reiterate I would find it difficult going back to a C class.
Never driven one but when I have sat in one it does feel like you are way away from the front. Guess it is just a matter of getting used to it but must be a bit weird until you get used to it, as others have said
When I got my first A class and I was like you apprehensive but after 10 mins driving it became perfected normal.
Also because of the fact that the extra vision and the sides of the van being flat rather than stepped I found the driving much easier.
Just to reiterate I would find it difficult going back to a C class.
Last edited:
Obanboy666
Full Member
- Messages
- 629
I am 5'10" and like you it felt like sitting in the back seat lol.I think it depends on your height I’m just under 5’ and I took a Hymer AClass for a test drive and for me it felt wrong it was a bit like driving a car from the back seat but I dare say you would get used to it.
Putting that aside the 15.0K price difference versus the c class I bought somewhat influenced my choice !