Hymer Aktiv?

[Navanod]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

It would be nice if they had the side windows in the rear like on the Akitv in addition to the rear windows that open...

Any idea how they keep the sliding door from hitting the passenger side rear side window on the Akitv? Doesn't it open or is the opening limited?

It opens like the rest of the windows. If it is open and you slide the door open it will hit and potentially break the glass. Is it perfect? No, but I'd rather have the option to open it versus not and be aware of it and not breaking the window.

[mojoman]

The bed is at the exact elevation I built mine which is at the level of maximum width in the van. Windows would shave about 3 or more inches. The bed width on that model is probably around 75", same as mine.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Navanod

It opens like the rest of the windows. If it is open and you slide the door open it will hit and potentially break the glass. Is it perfect? No, but I'd rather have the option to open it versus not and be aware of it and not breaking the window.

Ow! If we owned such a thing, I would give the chances of eventual glass breakage at approaching 100%. If it were me, I would attempt to rig a safety interlock (or at least an alarm) using a magnetic reed switch on the glass. Our Sienna minivan won't let you open the driver's side sliding door if the gas filler door is open.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by avanti

Ow! If we owned such a thing, I would give the chances of eventual glass breakage at approaching 100%. If it were me, I would attempt to rig a safety interlock (or at least an alarm) using a magnetic reed switch on the glass. Our Sienna minivan won't let you open the driver's side sliding door if the gas filler door is open.

I guess you are not likely to actually break the double panes of whatever it is, maybe polycarbonate or some type of plastic, but it surely would damage it in some way...

[MsNomer]

Silly question I know, but how does one make up these strange-shaped beds? Not just this one, but also the ones with corners shaved off, etc.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by MsNomer

Silly question I know, but how does one make up these strange-shaped beds? Not just this one, but also the ones with corners shaved off, etc.

A lot of people just use sleeping bags of some sort or another. We prefer real sheets, and so are glad our bed is rectangular.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by MsNomer

Silly question I know, but how does one make up these strange-shaped beds? Not just this one, but also the ones with corners shaved off, etc.

(1) you can just use regular sheets, i.e. not fitted.(2) if you know someone handy with a sewing machine, not a big deal to custom fit a set for the bed.

[GeorgeB]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

It would be nice if they had the side windows in the rear like on the Akitv in addition to the rear windows that open...

Any idea how they keep the sliding door from hitting the passenger side rear side window on the Akitv? Doesn't it open or is the opening limited?

I haven't seen one so I'm only guessing but the mechanism of that small awning back window on the passenger side would be easy to block so that it doesn't interfere with the sliding door. Enough clearance for ventilation.

[GeorgeB]

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

I haven't seen one so I'm only guessing but the mechanism of that small awning back window on the passenger side would be easy to block so that it doesn't interfere with the sliding door. Enough clearance for ventilation.

Safari Condo does it on their Sprinter XL Flex for the window next to the sliding door opening.

[MsNomer]

I've seen on the PM forum a DIY bump on the slider bottom rail that stops the door at an intermediate position.

[GeorgeB]

Originally Posted by MsNomer

I've seen on the PM forum a DIY bump on the slider bottom rail that stops the door at an intermediate position.

...but then you would loose the pleasure of having a galley counter accessible and open to the outside (IMO THE most interesting features of campervans with sliding doors and galleys on the passengers side, as opposed to motorhomes).

I might be wrong but I think it is easier to have a blocking mechanism in the gas springs or the locking hardware (that you could override in case of extreme heat, but then it gets tricky!) that limits the opening of the awning.

I think you have at least a 2"-3" inch clearance between the inside of the sliding door and the exterior of the very flat acrylic window (not the bulbous ones). More than enough for ventilation, with the rear windows that open also (or do they open really? I've read that DOT regulations forbids opening in the rear of the van)
But then you also have a window that fully opens on the driver's side.




I believe Safari Condo is using a simple strap that limits the extension of the awning window.
Found it when blowing up a photo available on their web site

http://www.safaricondo.com/en/motorises_Mercedes-XLFLEX





.

[GeorgeB]

OK, I was wrong. I thought they would be wiser to solve this potential problem.

The official answer from their Facebook page:

Go Hymer
In order to open the door fully the back window will need to be shut. As the door is open the window has a couple inches of clearance. But you'll need to be conscious of opening and closing the door.

!

[MsNomer]

My PM measures a hair less than 3" to the van wall.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

OK, I was wrong. I thought they would be wiser to solve this potential problem.

!

GeorgeB

Looks like you just identified the first mod for new Aktiv buyers! (unless RT picks it up first ;~)

[gregmchugh]

The Hymer dealer locator is up and running...

Go Hymer » Dealer Locator

[BobB]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

The Hymer dealer locator is up and running...

Go Hymer » Dealer Locator

Thank for the link, Greg!

Hope they keep it updated. Strange - IMO - choices for dealers. Must be the "beta" version. Live just outside Philly, gave me General RV, a bit over 150 miles (2-1/2 to 3hours) from me, who does not even handle RT Class Bs. But they do sell Winnebagos?? Now they are a Hymer dealer? And the address has a zip code in Florida (32073). Go figure. Biggest RT dealers near me are Fretz and Colonial. Surprised one of them is not listed. Seems they left out the entire Northeast corridor.

Not a good first step.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by BobB

Thank for the link, Greg!

Hope they keep it updated. Strange - IMO - choices for dealers. Must be the "beta" version. Live just outside Philly, gave me General RV, a bit over 150 miles (2-1/2 to 3hours) from me, who does not even handle RT Class Bs. But they do sell Winnebagos?? Now they are a Hymer dealer? And the address has a zip code in Florida (32073). Go figure. Biggest RT dealers near me are Fretz and Colonial. Surprised one of them is not listed. Seems they left out the entire Northeast corridor.

Not a good first step.

Looks like when they got a big multistate dealer network with lots of locations like General RV they eliminated some of their current high quality Roadtrek dealers such as American RV in Michigan.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

Looks like when they got a big multistate dealer network with lots of locations like General RV they eliminated some of their current high quality Roadtrek dealers such as American RV in Michigan.

Agreed. But what I am looking at is the huge gap in dealers in a part of the country where (1) lots of people and (2) lots of potential buyers

IMO they have a number of dealers clustered together fighting it out.

[gregmchugh]

I expect there will eventually be dealers filling in those holes...

[mumkin]

The whole middle of the country has nothing... East Coast/West Coast/Texas and Florida - to hell with the rest of us.

Doesn't make any sense to me to stiff some of their best Roadtrek dealers and dealers that specialize in B's and small C's, like Lake Region in Minnesota.