Camping Sleeper - Hyundai Imax - Work in progress.....

arthur · Veteran Member

Camping Sleeper - Hyundai Imax - Work in progress.....

Vic41 · Guru

Thanks Arthur, just a bit of odds and ends to do now, will see when I can get away somewhere for a test run etc.... biggrin

Beth54 · Guru

Looks good Vic.

As you know, I'd been toying with the iLoad/iMax. I actually had a test drive of it and the Toyota HiAce. I decided on the iLoad because it drove like a car, very easy and comfy. The HiAce I felt was more like a truck. (Both were diesel autos.) As I want more of a fitout than you have, I started enquiring with a few local companies to get their opinions. All three said they didn't like doing the iLoad for a few reasons which won't be of concern to you.

The major problem is the shape of the roof edge makes it very tricky to mount an awning, and to convert the roof to a poptop. So I've turned my attention to the HiAce again... the SLWB/commuter size. I know this will be a nuisance as an everyday vehicle, but I'll just have to manage. My number two son has said he'll do a basic fitout to save me some $$$. Still waiting for that insurance payout though, so cooling my heels.

Sorry, didn't mean to make this about me. I just wanted to add my opinion of the iLoad. I loved it!

Vic41 · Guru

I'ts an Imax Beth, I chose that as it was already lined but meant having to remove the seats.

Unlike the Hi Ace, the floor is flat all the way through and my model only has the two bucket seats with a gap in the middle so you can walk through. The cab steps make it a lot easier to get in and out than the Hi Ace and it also has the engine in the front and easy to get at things, so no engine under the cab/seat lifting like the Hi Ace. Mine is auto, petrol 2.4.

For full height campervan I think the SLWB/Commuter is a good choice and being a high roof and you being reasonable short won't have to add a pop up roof and would make for a better campervan for your purposes. If I was looking at a full height campervan (with or without a poptop) with room to move etc I think I would go for the Commuter as well. Those GN's that have them seem very happy with their choice.

As said earlier, mine is not meant to be a full campervan, just something to use on a daily basis but the a bed for the night, fridge and portable cooking when and if needed. SWMBO (Carol) has her own Mazda Hi Top Campervan (ex hire) which is similar to the High Ace and is very happy with that, but only really suitable for one adult sleeping if big size people. When we go away together hers is the "chuck wagon" and we take both vans.

I would look for high top ex hire Hi Aces too as they may suit you, as long as they are in good nick both mechanically and body wise (rust etc). All the work (conversion) would be done in them, preferably auto if you can get one, conversion is very expensive and it would cost a lot less for a new/reconditioned motor or gear box than the cost of a conversion if it came to that. Just my humble opinion.

antigoon · Veteran Member

hi Vic, are you still using the Hyundai? Any changes over last five years?

PeterD · Guru

antigoon wrote:
hi Vic, are you still using the Hyundai? Any changes over last five years?

Click on his forum name (top LHS of each of his posts.) You will see Last Access 22:37 Nov 23, 2014- he is no longer active.

vansam · Newbie

Antigoon I'm wondering the same. I'm currently in the market for a van and iMax's seem to be popping up consistently as a value option, especially if you have some idea what to do with the fit out/seat removal etc.

yobarr · Guru

vansam wrote:
Antigoon I'm wondering the same. I'm currently in the market for a van and iMax's seem to be popping up consistently as a value option, especially if you have some idea what to do with the fit out/seat removal etc.

Hi Sam....if you click on Antigoon's name,you will see that he no longer is a member here.Cheers