Michael W

Very happy

I’m very pleased with my Mercedes Viano conversion. I previously bought a Mazda Bongo from Free Spirit. I was very happy with it and had it for about 5 years before selling it to trade up to a Motorhome from another supplier. A Bongo is a good first buy camper. The Merc was more expensive than the Bongo but in my opinion has a lot of advantages; The space between the front seat means that you can move around the van without going outdoors. It feels much more spacious. It feels much smarter and has the Merc badge The powerful petrol engine means that it drives like a car and doesn’t strain going up hills! The roofline is lower than a Bongo so it’s easier to park. The push up roof is incredibly quick and easy to use as is the new rock n roll bed/rear seat. I sold my car because I only need the Merc. Unlike a Motorhome it’s easy to drive and park in a town. I took the Bongo and Motorhome on trips around the UK and also around France, Spain and Portugal. I will do the same with the Merc. That said, the Merc is perfect for days out picnicking and music festivals (where a porta potty is infinitely better than a festival toilet). I windsurf and it’s bliss to be able to travel with my board and sails inside the van rather than on the roof. It’s great to be able to get changed in the van and then to have a beer from the fridge or make tea when it’s cold. In my opinion the only downsides of the Merc are that It’s quite thirsty to drive around town and it doesn’t have a shower/toilet room but you pay a lot more for them and Campsite shower blocks are much cheaper! The team at Free Spirit are a pleasure to deal with. NB it’s become much more professional under its current management and the build quality is superb.