Verdict
Fitting two lengthways single beds into a 6m-long vehicle is one of those challenges motorhome designers love to rise to. Benimar has succeeded well here, so long as you’re not particularly bothered about doing a lot of sophisticated cooking on tour. The washroom is impressive for the size of ’van.
Pros
- Impressive washroom
Cons
- Kitchen not set up for sophisticated cooking
The new Benimar Benivan 161 van conversion is the same length as the 144 that I reviewed recently. Both come in at 5.99m long, to make them easier to park.
But while the Benimar Benivan 144 has a transverse double, the 161 manages to squeeze in two fixed single beds, as well as some intriguing storage options. Does it work? I went to find out at Marquis Leisure’s Lancashire depot. If you’re interested in a different type of ‘van from the manufacturer, take a look at our review of the Benimar Mileo 294, an island bed motorhome.
The cab and lounge
The cab is standard Ducato, a base vehicle which features in our best van for a camper conversion guide. This sees it come with drinks holders in the middle, while my model came with Fiat’s fairly new nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Coming in at the sliding door, you have to step up to the front lounge, with its two travel seats. There is no sunroof, but you don’t really notice, thanks to the Heki in the roof and the large windows. The window surround above the clip-on table is padded, to add another touch of comfort, the type of thoughtful inclusion I like to see when looking for the best campervans.
A striplight across the entrance to the cab, an LED in the ceiling and an individually switched striplight under the overhead locker offer extra lighting at night. There is a mains, 12V and TV socket to the left of the locker.
A TV above the bench could easily be seen by both people in the cab seats, but there are no USBs nearby.
The kitchen in the Benimar Benivan 161
The first indication of compromise to fit two single beds lengthways in the back comes in the side kitchen. It only has a one-burner hob, inline with the small sink. But you do get an unusually large amount of workspace, which is well lit with a striplight.
Putting the fridge at the peninsula end of the kitchen unit is also clearly a space-saver, but it does make it easily accessible for anyone sitting outside. It even comes with corner lighting that brightens both kitchen and lounge.
I thought it was a pity that the only socket in the kitchen is at the rear, inconveniently over the sink. I thought it would be better placed closer to the fridge and the worktop.
The washroom in the Benimar Benivan 161
The washroom packs in a lot for a ’van of this size. You don’t get a separate shower cubicle, but you do get a large fold-up handbasin with a mirror, an opaque window, a swivel toilet and a sizeable shower tray with two drain holes. All is lit by an LED and a striplight and there is a roof vent, too.
Beds in the Benimar Benivan 161
The rear beds should be wide and comfortable enough for most adults and I liked that they come with swan-neck, switched spotlights with USB ports.
If you prefer to convert the beds into a double, there are wooden panels with ‘claws’ that you fix to the inner edges of both beds, plus cushions to fill the gap. But these are heavy and awkward, so it might be best to decide before you set off whether you need them, and to leave them at home if not.
Storage in the Benimar Benivan 161
In this rear section, there are two overhead lockers on the offside, both a good size. There is one at the back on the nearside, then further up front there is a half-height wardrobe that includes a shelf, but also has a hanging rail – if you remove the shelf and the panel, there is at least enough room to hang several jackets. It’s an innovative idea.
Under the beds, meanwhile, there is a standard compartment on the nearside. But on the offside, there are no fewer than three cupboards – one of which comes with a second hanging rail, and two others that can be removed if you would rather use the space to store more bikes en route, for example. You really do get a lot of storage options here.
Up front, there is one overhead locker, a corner shelf and a large cubbyhole under the table. You can also make use of the space around the electrics and ducting under the travel seat, thanks to an access flap.
Storage in the kitchen, however, is a little less copious. As you only get two drawers and one overhead locker, you might need to use some of the other space for dry food storage. Similarly, in the washroom, the cupboards are very shallow – you won’t be able to fit much in.
Are you thinking of a non-professional ‘van instead? Then check out what I have to say about the pros and cons of self-build campervans.
Alternatives to consider
Coming with a pop-top roof, the Ventura VR400 is a gas-free option that will be ideal for fans of off-grid touring. Alternatively, how about the Bailey Endeavour B62? The washroom has been designed in a clever manner, while it’s also well-specified and comfortable.
Technical spec of the Benimar Benivan 161
- Price: £57,495
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre 140bhp turbodiesel
- Length/width/height: 5.99/2.05/2.65m (19’7”/6’7”/8’7”)
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2853kg
- Payload: 674kg
- Water (fresh/waste): 70/70 litres
- Leisure battery: 100Ah
- Gas: 2 x 6kg
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Technical Specifications
Berth | 2 |
MiRO | 2853 kg |
Payload | 674 kg |
MTPLM | 3500 kg |
Shipping Length | 5.99 m |
Width | 2.05 m |
Engine Size | 2300 cc |