Final decision... how does a lwb drive?

[Mr Doo]

Hey everyone!
I don't think we've ever had to make so many decisions about anything before, fair play to all of you who have already committed - we're trying very hard to avoid any regret.. or too much envy!

We finally took the plunge and decided on a T32 204 4 motion - SWB... and there is our dilemma!

It will be a daily driver but outside of that there are the two of us, our 3 (medium sized) dogs, a couple of surfboards and aspirations of long weekend travel around the UK, a couple of longer trips to Europe each year and possibly the odd snowboarding trip - are we nuts for going down the SWB route?

How differently does a SWB drive to a LWB ? We have only been able to test drive a SWB and liked the drive so are concerned the LWB might feel like a tank in comparison! Not too worried about parking issues.

big thanks for any thoughts or advice!

 

[Tourershine]

I drive a LWB every day and it's no issue what so ever. I did have a SWB Vivaro before, and other than my VW won't fit in my garage, there's no difference.
Yeah they do stick out of parking spaces a little, but again, no problems.

I actually prefer a LWB, and if you're worried about it looking too long, just lower it and put some bigger wheels on, and that tends to hide the fact it's longer.

 

[Deaky]

I've gone from SWB to LWB. Driving feels no different, the only thing I've noticed is the turning circle when reversing is bigger.

 

[MEZ50]

Same Here. Gone from SWB Bilbos to LWB Bilbos. Daily driver.

Driving seems the same, you do not notice the 400mm

Parking no issues except at home ( only have 75mm room each side of the rear bumper, when parked )

The extra room inside feels a lot more than the 400mm. May have a buy another Clip on Table.

Ride seems smoother (may just be me)

Have not tried towing/reversing my trailer yet. Could be fun.

Agree looks better lowered .

 

[Ed Webb]

Check your mirrors and all will be fine.
Parking sensors help if you not spacially aware but I think you'll find it a lovely drive.
Always go long. Wish I had.

 

[Nigel W]

Hi, I have done exactly the same, Bilbo Celex from 5.1 SWB to a T6 LWB and it’s the best thing we have done, those extra few inches make a huge difference and when driving you just don’t notice it. May I ask MEZ50 if you had yours recalled to fit a BtoB charger?

 

[MEZ50]

Hi Nigel,

Good Choice Celex. The perfect layout.

No I have not had a recall for the B to B charger, yet.

Unless they updated the part in December when they had the Van in.

I will have to ask them.

Cheers.

 

[Nigel W]

Hi ME50 - sorry I might have misled you, mine was an early conversion and the recall was to fit a BtoB charger as the Sargent system turned out not to be Euro 6 compatable so the leisure battery was not charging. If yours is a newer version then I think you will have it already fitted under the drivers seat.

 

[amdowney]

Only know LWB, no issues with it - got it a up all sorts of multi storeys!

 

[SofaKing]

Had both swb and lwb T6. Can’t say they handle much different, even turning circle is not a real problem. The only issue I can say is that the noise inside the lwb is LOUDER than the swb! I’m reffering to a low frequency rumble, that causes me fatigue after only an hour drive. It’s most likely the bigger volume /lack of stiffness that probably hit some resonance frequencies(?)

Both my swb/lwb had same spec highline with 7db extra sound proofing from factor. In my lwb it’s actually starting to be unbearable and I’m now fed up with it after owning it for just 2 months. I guess studded winter tyres is not the best option -we need to shout in the van during conversation...

 

[Vinci]

My first van and it's a lwb....my other regular drive is a Fiesta....and I have no issues with it. Ok, if I am working in some parts of Bath, I know parking is a nightmare so I take the car, otherwise van every time. FWIW, have no regrets in going for 150 2wd either

 

[Phil_G]

I tried both before choosing SWB, my concerns driving the LWB were manoeuvrability, and overhanging a supermarket parking bay - especially as I wanted a tailgate rather than doors. As its also a car replacement, both points were important to me. But, each to his own eh?
Cheers
Phil

 

[Gavandi]

T6 T30 150 LWB.
Nearly at the 2 year service point.
1st van and don’t regret it at all.
At a quick glance it’s difficult to easily see the difference but as above, the
40cms does help.
No issues with driving, reversing, turning or parking.
If you do put a bike carrier or rear box on then you do need to be a little more aware!

Good luck and you’ll not regret it whatever you chose!

 

[Mr Doo]

very big thank you for all your input - looks like its going to have to be a lwb from that response! ..must try hard not to change our minds yet again on anything else ... will have to stay away from the forum until order is confirmed

 

[Leigh]

We have both SWB & LWB T6's.

No noticeable difference in driving except for the performance - The LWB 150 is 'nippy', the SWB 204 is 'rapid'

 

[Rick]

I have a lwb kombi and have yet to find any issues with its length,extra space is much appreciated especially with the rear seats in

 

[Banj]

I dont understand why anyone buys a shorty, long all the way!

 

[PukkaT6]

I dont understand why anyone buys a shorty, long all the way!

Because they look better

 

[Bryn23]

Because they look better

Pukka, its a Van they may look a little better as a SWB, but firstly by buying a Van is function over form at the end of the day.

The extra 400mm does feels a like a lot more in real life, as a Camper or kids/dogs its a no brainer.

No issues with parking in Cities, but having said that i've driven and parked large trucks in the city, so a LWB is nothing.

 

[PukkaT6]

Just to be clear though - For those of us who dont carry planks of wood, use as a daily driver, occasionally camp and want a beautifully proportioned van, the SWB beats everythibg handsdown including lwb

I have heard stories of lwb just snapping in half over speed bumps - seens s common fault.

Horses for courses as they say.