Hymer Van 522 - Practical Motorhome

Read the Practical Motorhome review of the Hymer Van 522 for the definitive verdict

Verdict

The Van retains its appeal but its practical interior feels less homely than some compact motorhomes.

Pros

Good headroom in double bed, with clever step system in base.

Cons

No offside single seat; lack of cupboard space in kitchen.

Living

Continental buyers generally prioritise dining areas over lounges, so the emphasis is usually placed on the former – with the design of the half-dinette being all-important. Here we have a swing-out section under the table to increase the surface area quickly and without fuss. The only thing letting down the Van is that it has an offside cupboard and overhead locker where most others have an offside single seat. This means it seats only four at dinner – and the cupboard impinges on legroom around the driver’s swivel seat.

There is a swivelling flatscreen TV bracket, and a three-point 240V socket in the base of the bench seat.

Kitchen

For mealtimes you will find a generous amount workspace in front of the hob, which has three burners. The sink is a deep steel affair with a wooden infill that takes up valuable storage space when not in use. An extractor fan is not included.

There is enough storage space for food and kit to feed two or three people, including a cutlery drawer and overhead lockers. One of the two lower cupboards is largely taken up by the sink, however.

Washroom

The Van’s washroom feels small, but is well designed. The false wall swings out to make a shower, although the two-piece door arrangement feels flimsy. The Thetford is squeezed precisely into a corner, and there are two large mirrors and three towel hooks. Our main criticism is the six-inch step into the room, over which it’s easy to trip.

Beds

A good fixed bed is crucial in this type of motorhome, and the Van 522 has a transverse double on a slatted base. The garage roof below has been lowered to improve headroom, meaning you can sit up in bed.

Storage around the bed is stylishly achieved by three lockers and extra storage space in the steps, which slide out neatly from under the bed – itself a better solution than a wobbly ladder.

Unusually, the extra single bed runs lengthwise. It uses the swivelled cab seat to make up its base, with a rather ill-fitting infill cushion laid on top.

Storage

The Van’s main storage area is its garage, with a maximum payload of 150kg, accessed via a small nearside door. It’s large enough to store an active motorcaravanner’s kit and has extra storage capacity thanks to its elasticated storage baskets.

Cramming extra storage capacity into every available space is a theme in this Hymer. Wherever you look there are storage nets and pockets, making it a practical ’van.