A few people have asked me about what our Adria 4 Twin van conversion is like after seeing photos over on my Flickr page. When I was researching vans to buy there was next to nothing on the web (apart from the obligatory forum rants by fringe lunatics), so rather than send out hurried emails I hope this will be a useful text.
The brief when choosing a van conversion was as follows:
- insulated for trips to the Alps
- high enough for me (6’1)
- garage for dog
- contain an energetic 8 month old
- fast, economical, confortable etc.
- flexible sleeping
- not a Ford Transit
The standard Adria Twin was a good consideration, however the sleeping accommodation on the double bed kind of ruled it out for a growing family. The 4 Twin seemed perfect in terms of the cleverest use of space I have seen in a MWB Fiat Ducato van. In the end we went for a second hand Adria 4 Twin based on a 2.3 Multijet Fiat Ducato that had been well looked after (the first owner kept it in a marquee on his lawn!). Extras included alloy wheels, full spare wheel, reversing sensor, Fiamma F65 awning, metallic paint. I subsequently fitted a Fiamma roofrack (that fits onto the F65 awning despite most dealers telling you it does not exist), rear door ladder and bike carrier.
What’s good?
The build quality and specification of the internal fit out is excellent. The van is a pleasure to drive, averaging around 29-33 MPG at brisk motorway driving. Plenty of power for mountain roads. The double bed assembly takes a bit of getting used to, but can be constructed in under five minutes with practice. Having the van level seems to be important to not waking up with a bad back in the morning.
The storage space is very flexible with a huge space under the top bunk with the lower one neatly folded up.
The central heating is very effective and not at all noisy in the night and the flexibility to run off gas or electric hookup is convenient.
What’s not so good?
We’ve got Sprinter vans at work and the bodywork is like a tank. I can walk on the roof no problems, but on the roof of the Ducato there is no way it would hold an adult’s weight without bending and causing the windows to leak. The only way is to walk along the very edge of the roof holding onto the roofrack – or get a duck board fitted (more wind noise).
Adria service is TERRIBLE. I took the van to our local authorised agent in South Wales and still after almost 7 weeks warranty issues have not been resolved due to lack of communication from the manufacturer. It seems that the fridge vent was incorrectly installed at the factory and needs refitting – plus repair of part-melted plastic exterior grille. Apparently nearly all motor home manufacturers are like this. Why?
Reverse gear – a known factory recall issue. Apparently Fiat got the ratios wrong, so the van can do 40MPH in revers (well the Italians like driving fast!). I need to get this checked, but worth doing as you get a free clutch.
Problems:
Fridge vent (see above)
Leaking kitchen tap – fixed under warranty
Toilet fill indicator always flashes red, even when empty. Apparently a know issue with these Thetford Cassette toilets
Infuriating that the side sliding door does not close properly when van is off-level. Bottom latch does not engage meaning the van cannot be centrally locked.
Conclusion:
Where ever we go in this van people admire it. Owners of big motorhomes are often envious of the wide sliding door and alfresco dining arrangements. With the side door open, the access and view is superior to any other motorhome that conversely have a narrow opening.
The layout is very practical and flexible. Particularly the ability to fold the lower bunk for large storage (plus dog), or have long things like surfboards in the aisle entered via the rear door. I’d give the van 8/10 if it weren’t for the non-existent support from the manufacturer.
Therefore great van, recommended 7/10.
Thanks for your review – it’s been very helpful for us – as we too are a family of 4 although our kids are now 16 and 20! Just wanted to ask how long are the bunk beds ? Are they child sized or would they accommodate people 6ft tall? We have narrowed down our search to the Adrian 4 twin, or a Trigano Tribute 665 but that only sleeps two plus extra person 5ft5 (so a child really).
best wishe
Anne Sweeting
Hi there, just to say we also have an Adria 4 Twin which has been a great step up from our beloved Mazda Bongo. It was the thought of skiing trips and the need for 5 seat belts and to sleep 4 which sent us down this route. It is amazing and we are now lending it out regularly. We used it for skiing at Christmas and it was great although some more Welly on the heating would have been good. However the comment re the roof is helpful, husband clambers up there to fix our canoe so that weakness is good to know and I would say that Fiat have been a problem with some warranty work, seems the paperwork was not in order but neither the main service dealer here in Bristol seemed to want to know about a camper. Nut eventually fixed at no cost to be fair. Dealer on other hand was excellent. Would recommend them- venture Caravans , used to be Broadlane Leisure. Pleasure to deal with.
Hope you don’t mind me posting, saw your detailed write up and as there are still fairly few of us Adria 4 Twins around thought I’d jump in!
Anne- bunk beds are shortish. Also top one has a weight limit so this may be an issue. Also the chassis in my view is simply not big enough for 4 adults, if it’s rainy or if it’s cold ( see my previous comment re skiing!) it would probably be a nightmare. Also ago between bathroom and beds ace , so that the rear doors can be opened, may also not be ideal. We love ours but suggest you borrow one for weekend and give it a test run!
Best wishes Janie