I was part of a group of 7, who hired 3 campervans, one a Mercedes sprinter ( Kea 660), the next a Mercedes sprinter van, and the third a Toyota Hi- ace.

The overall experience of the campers was good, the pickup and return efficient and helpful. The overall cost was astonishingly reasonable. The vans were all great to drive.

However all vans had problems, which should have been highlighted by the most rudimentary checklist, at preparation for hand over to the next client. On the Mercedes/Kea 660 there were 2 potentially dangerous faults with the operation of the vehicle. (1) When the vehicle brakes were applied, the reversing lights came on, when the gear selector was put in reverse, the brake light was on..(2) The O ring on the male gas regulator connection to the gas bottle was so shredded, it looked like an end of a frayed nylon rope. The bed which pulls down from the roof ( a really good design) wouldn't come down, then jammed and wouldn't go up...the problem was a mounting screw of one the bed elevating tracks that was half unscrewed, trying to join the 3 screws missing below it. The 2nd Mercedes van either had an electrical short, or a defective house battery, causing it to very rapidly lose its charge. We were treated to frequent running of the motor, to enable use of any electrical appliance,water pump, fridge,lights...etc. The Toyota had no power in the house battery, and non functional gas. On ringing the help line, we were told it shouldn't have been used for freedom camping....despite having a self contained certificate on the back window...The house battery eventually charged up. The gas bottle was found to be full, but it took the help of a gas specialist to connect the mixer to the bottle with great difficulty, which despite the full bottle, gave very weak burn at the stove.

All these campers are well designed, and if detailed properly will give you a great holiday, at an amazing fee. Do some checks first before you head off.

Reviewed over 4 years ago