VW T6.1 Transporter like no other! This compact Knaus has a shower, loo, fixed bed and a garage!
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2 ай бұрынPeter Vaughan reviews the Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ Vansation, a compact motorhome based on the iconic Volkswagen Transporter T6.1. Unlike pop-top models, the Knaus has a fixed bed, a garage and a unique expanding washroom with a proper separate shower cubicle. And it's still well under 6m in length and can be driven on a car licence.
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◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
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@666JGNotts 2 ай бұрын
I think rather than moan about things, we should all be grateful that Peter shows the slight negatives as well as the positives in all his reviews. There will be plenty of KZfaq “reviewers” who only show the good stuff.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Thank you. There's good and not-so-good in every 'van - I try to show both!
@colinjamesharper 2 ай бұрын
Quantity Great - Quality lacking in some obvious places. Good review, Peter, as usual.
@ApacheTheCat 2 ай бұрын
Your videos are the best. Love your content and professionalism
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much 😀
@GrahamWhinn-rt6uc 2 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed your autumn tour. Where and when is your next tour 😊
@63mckenzie 2 ай бұрын
I'd love one for day trips.
@IslaSprollie 2 ай бұрын
Great, love the shower, just let down by the front end blinds and the lack of the shower wall clip in bedroom mode
@paulfletcher3644 2 ай бұрын
The shower panel has Velcro either side to ‘fasten it back’. Hence no need for a clip. 😊
@philipwright7186 3 күн бұрын
Contrary to what i thought, i quite like it. Had discussions yesterday with other motorhome owners whilst mine was having its annual gas check and we all agreed that smaller is better. They're just so much more usable, and kinda fun too.
@MotorhomeCampervan 3 күн бұрын
Yes, I like a compact 'van but others like lots of space, hence our latest review of the Coachman. We try to cover them all...
@JsJourney-nz7ci 2 ай бұрын
Absolutely fantastic van, typical Knaus quality.I've just taken delivery of a new 2024 Knaus Van Ti 650 Meg and am delighted with it.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Great! Enjoy your Van Ti - lovely compact model
@ratkinson-uk 2 ай бұрын
Have to say Peter, I think you're love of VW's is giving you rose-tinted glasses there mate. Some of the 'features' look like they're still in R&D. That floppy shower wall is just a joke. I can't see why you'd be happy to pay £80k when you can get so much better for a lot less.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
A simple magnetic catch would solve the shower wall. The quality is generally superb
@stevebennett6727 2 ай бұрын
Agreed. Very flimsy for 80k
@josh_bfc_2769 2 ай бұрын
Great looking van. But for that sort of price I'd rather have the award winning chausson X550 . Great video as ever 👍
@ApacheTheCat 2 ай бұрын
Just your opinion not everyone agrees@@stevebennett6727
@stevebennett6727 2 ай бұрын
We were very excited to view this motorhome at the February nec but you say the floor level differences doesn’t matter but trust me it does. We shared the van with 2 other excited couples when viewing and they all said the same. Unfortunately they lost a few sales over this somewhat silly design error. Loved the van but couldn’t get past this thing 😢
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Many, many motorhomes have a step in the floor. In this VW it would be unavoidable as the cab is so low (the opposite issue to Fiat Ducatos where the floor is often too high). As ever, there's a compromise, which I could easily live with but maybe others can't.
@stevebennett6727 2 ай бұрын
It a step down then up then down nothing like the Ducato I ended up buying Peter. 🤷🏻♂️
@paulfletcher3644 2 ай бұрын
I’ve demonstrated this vehicle at the NEC twice now, the shower has not failed once despite its operation being tried by hundreds of people not knowing how it works. You do get used to the step after a couple of times walking in, let’s face it, it’s only the same as walking down the step outside and you don’t fall down that (or do you?). It’s great value given it’s a VW and potential customers love it. There will always be something to moan about what ever you buy. Have a look at one, they’re great!
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Totally agree. I think it's good value, great quality with the appeal of the VW base
@_bav 2 ай бұрын
Agreed. You show me a camper or motorhome with no compromises and I'll show you an unaffordable price tag.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
The unaffordable ones have compromises, too!!@@_bav
@IslaSprollie 2 ай бұрын
I like it
@jenibutler7138 Ай бұрын
Me too, almost ideal, but the cab blinds would really frustrate and annoy me. Love the garage, though.
@justinlinnane8043 2 ай бұрын
These motorhome companies are living the life of Riley with profit margins like these. OIver 80k for this little thing ??🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Really??? They've not been able to build enough to meet demand because of chassis supply issues and costs of all components (as well as staff, power, etc) have rocketed. Many base vans are now £40k-plus (some a lot more), before converters do a thing...
@justinlinnane8043 2 ай бұрын
That hasn't been an issue for at least a year now but the prices havent fallen !! it's profiteering pure and simple . @@MotorhomeCampervan
@ghunt9146 2 ай бұрын
Some people prefer smaller vans. Far more usable.
@_bav 2 ай бұрын
@@justinlinnane8043 What part of increased costs across the entire supply chain for the entire industry leads you to conclude that prices were ever likely to fall? If Knaus ever build a Cloud Cuckoo motorhome, I'll be sure to look you up!
@justinlinnane8043 2 ай бұрын
How nice to hear from the Knaus PR dept !! either that or I " conclude " that you must be one of the dopey suckers that Knaus love most of all . Oh dear !! @@_bav
@karlospappy8908 2 ай бұрын
Miss my T6 Ocean so much but this looks great and as it's one of the last should have good residuals. Not sure how the T7 is going to work out and was shocked when VW first said it was going to be a collaboration with Ford. Cheers K.
@Max_-zt5bm 2 ай бұрын
I'll be glad to see the test of the 'pop-up' version of this Knaus, the CUV, which seems to me to be quite surprising...
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Yes, that's something quite unique (a bit similar to the concept of Eribas in the past). Layouts are the same but it should drive even better
@stevekirk6399 2 ай бұрын
£80,000 and it's started to fall apart. I would have a single bed at the back and a over head double at the front.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
What's falling apart? The quality here is generally a notch or two above other mainstream brands
@stevekirk6399 2 ай бұрын
@@MotorhomeCampervan the screws coming out on a flat surface. don't they plug them properly?
@travelcampervansandmore 2 ай бұрын
Well done to Knaus for daring to go forward with such an innovative product. I do however prefer the other version with the drop down bed. This model looks a good price but the ones I had seen at shows were a lot closer to £100K so be careful how you spec it up. Has this one got the rear stabilisers option which apparently is a must have? That loose washroom panel seems to have two bits of velcro missing opposite (magnets would be even better).
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
I wanted to test the 500 LT layout but this one became available for us to review first. This has the advantages of the garage and rear travel seats and I wanted to try that nifty washroom. The other layout feels a lot more spacious but probably needs the roof bed for sleeping.
@motohobo 2 ай бұрын
I'm new to motorhoming but I know what I want and I'd want more than this for eighty odd grand!. It's clever and looks smart but also looks like some things are after thoughts that don't quite live up the Knaus brand. Small fresh and waste water tanks. Bit of a muck about with the shower. Only two rings to cook with and not much room to add a small microwave or oven. To me it's little more than a fancy glorified "camper". I suppose if you want a small glorified camper and have £ 80,000 it's alright. I'd rather spend 50,000 on a bigger, roomier secondhand proper motorhome. But that's me😉 Each to his own.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Every buyer has different priorities, as you say. The T6.1 only goes up to 3,200kg max, so they couldn't realistically fit larger tanks or more kit.
@IMHAVINHOOPS 2 ай бұрын
Not for me sorry. Struggling to find one redeeming feature I’m afraid. Not a reflection on your review , I love your channel Peter, and I always find your reviews very honest and objective.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
It's probably one for VW fans that want more space than a pop-top. So pleased that you love the channel!
@Jagcycle 2 ай бұрын
At the start of the video, I thought there must be a reason why you don't see many T6 coach builds. At the end, I knew why. They're a great van, but terrible for a coach build.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Compromised, maybe, but terrible no. It's a much smaller chassis than the Ducato, Transit, etc, but it drives really well
@HKRoad 2 ай бұрын
Hi Peter - been watching your videos. I’m looking for a van/small motorhome with a bathroom and a garage that would not require road bikes to be dismantled. 2 berth. Could you please let me know which would be on your list for something in this space which is as small a footprint as possible but still going to be fun to use? Thank you for any advice
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
I've just reviewed the Rapido C03, which should definitely be on your list if you're buying new. Other small motorhomes with a garage that I'd definitely consider include the Adria Compact, Dethleffs Globebus, Hymer Exsis, Knaus Van Ti and the good-value 'Van' models from Carado and Sunlight.
@DavidMcGuigan 2 ай бұрын
Feels like there's many compromises just to get the VW badge. A 5.4m Ducato campervan with the same layout would be far easier to live with and have a smaller footprint.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
You wouldn't get the separate shower and the Ducato feels quite agricultural in comparison. But this is going to appeal most to VW owners wanting more room.
@DavidMcGuigan 2 ай бұрын
@@MotorhomeCampervan remaking the bed or wiping down the wet room walls. Feels like a dead heat in faff terms.
@oliverbrookes27 2 ай бұрын
DSG a 'strong point'? Really? Thousands of owners who have been left with big bills to fix them would disagree. Mine failed under warranty, which was a good thing, but a potential £3k bill after 15 months certainly wasn't.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Most T6.1 owners love the DSG - it's a big selling point and more responsive than a torque converter gearbox. Like anything, there can be issues but we don't hear many complaints.
@JamieVauxnut1 2 ай бұрын
Your reviews are pretty fair normally but i feel there is a slight bias in this because its a T6.1 ... very slight . I think there are far too many compromises in this build and theres nothings that sticks out as spectacular in any one area . For me it has to do something really we'll to make up for the compromise in other areas , all this does well is being a T6.1. You loose the usability of the cali for a daily drive and driving around town , parking in tight spaces but dont quite have the luxury of a motorhome. This is in my price bracket but i really didn't give it a second look and i can tell my initial judgement was right after your review . I love knaus particularly the 600 DQ and the boxlife 600xl are firm favourites of mine but this is a miss for me im afraid. When you compare this to a chausson x550/650 which is similar size and money the difference internally is staggering. You'd only buy this if you had a brand loyalty to VW and wanted a coordinated driveway but i think a Cali has less equipment but also less compromises
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Any Fiat feels very commercial compared with a T6.1 and what surprised me was how well it drove, not as a VW, but as a coachbuilt motorhome. I love the X550 and X650 - I voted for the latter as our Motorhome of the Year - but prefer VWs (and Fords, MAN, etc) to drive. As ever, particularly as this is a very compact 'van, there are compromises. Only the buyer can decide which compromises are OK and which aren't. That's what makes this market so interesting!
@JamieVauxnut1 2 ай бұрын
Having owned a T6 sportline for work I really don't agree. The bangs and rattles were to be expected from a commercial vehicle on bigger wheels but the squeeks from the dashboard were absolutely unacceptable and i wasn't willing to live with that long term . I even test drove a T6.1 ABT with the same issues and ended up with a top spec transit custom 2023 as my work vehicle which in my opinionis a better place to be for long periods. The only thing with the Transporters on caravele spec (or similar)fully lined is its sound deadening from outside noise is better that most and it is generally smaller, lower down and more car like with golf dials . Again that just comes down to how attractive they are to vw fans or people that need a big car but not a big load space . Motorhomes are always a compromise I totally agree but they need to have some areas where they excel and I just don't see it here other than its a T6.1. The only positive with no compromise I seen in the video was the seats are comfortable ...
@lestersmyth692 2 ай бұрын
Very good but not without its niggles, black out curtains no thanks.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Just buy a set of silver screens??
@rubymouse6904 2 ай бұрын
I considered a new caddy 5 but it was identical to the ford. Which is OK if that's what you want. The caddy cost a lot more!! I'm not a big fan of this - I think I'd rather have a cali. Far too much faff and many things to go wrong.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Yes, not sure if VW fans will want a rebadged Ford... I don't think there's anything much to go wrong here and the design is really clever. The T6.1 Cali is superb but a very different proposition.
@duncangibson9235 2 ай бұрын
I’m at a loss to see who this really appeals to. T6.1 lovers will want the day to day useability of a PVC and motorhomers will want the space and lack of compromise of a coachbuilt. I have a BoxDrive 600XL agree quality is super…..except for that appalling front screen blind. I put a Remisfront in mine. Don’t think they do one for the Transporter but that material and magnet solution is a deal breaker for me.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
There are plenty of T6.1 owners that look to move up to something a little bigger (but not too much bigger) with a shower and toilet. Many will not want to switch to Fiat or Ford, so this should have a ready market with those folk.
@robgaskell2391 2 ай бұрын
I still can't believe that vw are sacrificing the transporter for the ev vans. I feel this is a penny wise, pound foolish choice. The ford will be cheaper, so no one will pay for the vee dubification version
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
The (Ford-based) T7 will be diesel and petrol/hybrid as well as EV
@user-oz2hl1zd6x 2 ай бұрын
Far to fiddly, one night in that I’d be finding a hotel, much better camper homes for 80K
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
Every 'van is a compromise - "better" for one person is not as good for another. This is a unique combination of VW T6.1 driver appeal/quality with a separate shower washroom, fixed bed and garage
@IMHAVINHOOPS 2 ай бұрын
On an unrelated note, the the amount of potholes on the U.K. roads is disgraceful. 😡🤬
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
So true, and not getting any better...
@_bav 2 ай бұрын
For a long time, I held out hope that VW would come to their senses and decide not to throw 70+ years' of Transporter heritage in the crapper by teaming up with Ford. Obviously that hope has long been extinguished and VW are definitely hell-bent on self-harming. It seems that the desperate need to claw back those fines imposed for emissions cheating will cost VW (and VW enthusiasts) very, very dearly. RIP the VW Transporter.
@MotorhomeCampervan 2 ай бұрын
For real VW devotees the Multivan-based new California might be an option. That's got no Ford input
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