Verdict
Motorcaravanners appear to have judged the IH N-Class to be one of the best British-built campers, given its sales success.
We reckon the 630 RL will become the most popular. High-quality build and intelligent design are both amply in evidence.
Pros
Enormous double bed
Comfy rear lounge
Warm décor, not at all clinical
Rear boot locker
High specification
Cons
High quality comes at a price
Only two berths and two travel seats
Panel-van converter Ian Hartley has continually evolved the design of his IH motorhomes over the past two decades. He has an innate ability to combine traditional and modern elements to create an interior vibe that is up-to-date while being timeless in a classic way that is reminiscent of high-end yacht cabins.
In the past, IH has altered a variety of base vehicles but, for 2016, the line-up is built solely on the Fiat Ducato, with models on both the LWB and XL versions. These are available with the standard-issue rear doors or with an optional one-piece moulded rear panel that creates a full-width, exterior-access boot.
The IH Motorhomes N-Class 630 RL costs from £62,995 on the road; and we were given a chance to test a higher specification one costing £74,303.
It is timeless in a classic way that is reminiscent of high-end yacht cabins
Living
Rear-lounge motorhomes are popular in the UK, and with good reason. These seating areas are comfy, well-lit and socially inclusive. The cabinet for the telly is standard; the set itself is a cost option.
As often happens, it is the details that make a difference – and here for the better. A proper magazine rack (not one of those awful spider’s web things), well-placed lighting and a stable table of sensible proportions all scored highly.
Every bit as important are the insulated gap between the backrests and the wall, the absence of draughty rear doors and the inclusion of a powerful combi boiler. Taken together, they should provide the basis for comfortable, year-round motorcaravanning in temperate climates.
Kitchen
The chef’s galley is well designed, offering accessible storage via two large drawers, plus all the usual white goods. To illustrate the amount of thought that has gone into this area, note that the sink has a proper draining surface – not one of those loose plastic afterthoughts. Also, the fridge door is hinged the correct way – you’d be surprised how many aren’t.
Washroom
The offside washroom is comprehensively equipped and boasted a warm wood finish that gave it a more luxurious and less clinical feel.
Storage abounds with two large cubbyholes and, above the foldaway basin, a medicine cabinet with a mirror door and shelves. I’ve a personal dislike of storing a tabletop in the same room as the toilet, but freely admit that I’m probably being illogical.
Beds
At bedtime, you can choose to make up a pair of single beds or a double. In either case, most people will find the berths generously sized. The twin singles are 1.93m x 0.68m (6’4″ x 2’2.5″) and the double bed is a superb 1.93m x 1.86m (6’4″ x 6’1″).
Clever positioning of reading lights offer occupants of the double bed a choice of sleeping transversely or longitudinally. Because there is a cracking additional seating area in the cab, the bed(s) could be left made up if desired.
Storage
General storage is both ample and varied – in fact, every space that could be used has been. On occasion, less is more and, by reducing the depth of the cupboards behind the driver, sufficient room has been created to allow comfortable swivelling while keeping the storage space large enough to be useful.
Behind the waist-level door are the consumer unit, fuse board and the rest of the electrical gear. I know it’s getting repetitive, but it is yet another well thought-out piece of design. So many converters hide this stuff away at the back of wardrobes or in seat boxes, turning a tripped MCB into a major military operation.
Technical Specifications
| Payload | 560 kg |
| MTPLM | 3500 kg |
| Shipping Length | 6.36 m |
| Width | 2.05 m |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc |
