PILOTE VAN F60

A SPORTIVE DIMENSION

Words & photos by John Page

Addicts of this world famous journal will no doubt recollect that we were lavish of praise for the Rapido Van V53 in the August issue. Here we test Pilote’s challenge to the V53. The basic concept is in the same category but the approach is different – in appearance, construction and modus operandi. Both are from France – Rapido in Normandy and Pilote from the Loire Atlantic. Fiat Long wheelbase vehicles are the choice in each case yet they are quite different in appearance. The rise in popularity of the type would seem to be a reaction to fuel prices and perhaps a gesture of good citizenship? Our test location was by courtesy of Hawton Waters; a peaceful lakeside CL location visited by various avians and no more than a ten minute drive from the castle town of Newark. Facilities are of the basic essentials only but the lake and the skyscapes can be incomparable, witness our exterior snaps.

Two + Four describes the accommodation in that there are belted seats for four and extended table at mealtimes but just two berths quoted in the brochure. Stalwart children would no doubt be happy sleeping in an attached awning. In essence this Pilote Van concept boasts an ingenious layout whereby the front lounge can comfortably accommodate four around the table, there is a proper washroom, ingenious galley and a decent, well sprung double bed that can fold away to reveal a wonderful stowage/garage area ample enough for those who take their outdoor activities seriously.

 

Construction

There is something nautical about the white-planked effect for the floor to complement a bold dark brown and cream décor scheme for the fabrics and the furniture. If chocolate and cream are your passions look no further. Versatility is the really clever attribute of Van F60, in that it’s a highly manoeuvreable transport around town, potential fast tourer and really comfortable to live with machine wherever your imagination leads you. Out of season the Combi heater and the all vehicle insulation will do their stuff and there is all the gear here to rough it gently.

Let’s get down to detail though – how is it possible to have a garage and bedroom in what is a compact section of the interior? Ingenuity plus inspiration supplies the answer with lockers on two sides of a central gangway to accommodate the bicycles. Those lockers incorporate the heater system, the electrics and the gas locker together with a fantastic amount of locker space for clothes, outdoors tackle and personal gear, all of which is easily accessible. Change to sleeper compartment takes seconds only when the slatted frame to complete the bed base hinges into place and the sectioned mattress unfolds for a superbly comfortable 1.35m x 1.80m double bed. Reversing the procedure complete with sleeping bag or duvet is also a non-hassle operation. Of especial interest (note our photograph) is the immediate access for the electrics and house battery within one of the offside lockers.

 

On the Move

First off, Pilote Van F60 has air bags for pilot and passenger, superb anatomically supportive six-way adjustable seats and cruise control all as standard specification. Other automotive goodies specified by SMC include a quality radio/CD; the colour-coded bumper, cab air-conditioning, electric windows and electric rear-view mirrors with power defrost. A long-wheelbase chassis for minimal overhang and twin leaf springs plus adjustable Al-Ko self-levelling air suspension contribute to an impressively stable but comfortable ride quality. Generous by any standards the 500kg payload is impressive and superior to some coachbuilt Motorhomes. 16 valves for the 2.3 litre turbo diesel motor supply 120bhp and 320Nm of torque for what is possibly the most popular engine ever fitted to a Camper in this age. Let’s not forget the six-speed gearbox here – no gimmick but the wherewithal to get the very best from the engine whatever the situation. Cruise control is something that I’ve studiously avoided – not any more because, used with foresight, it certainly helps not only with the fuel consumption but is also a relaxation for ones back and right leg. Noise levels, providing all is carefully stowed, are acceptably low, helped of course by the integrity of an all-steel body shell. I’ve mixed feelings on the repair kit in lieu of a proper spare wheel but do admit that Fiat coverage for repair etcetera throughout Europe is pretty comprehensive.

 

The Good Life

There are many reasons for this particular camper concept to have become so popular in a relatively short time. Foremost must be that the vehicle itself is less bulky than a coachbuilt body Motorhome: easier to park and manoeuvre of course – potentially an improved fuel consumption – less obtrusive on the landscape but now with a fixed bed that folds away in seconds, does not involve pushing and shoving cushions and has the concomitant of a really impressive stowage capacity. Right, that’s the rear – up front is the area where we eat, entertain and enjoy the view and what a view when the sliding door is wide open and all of nature is on display. We watched literally dozens of swallows swooping along an inch or two above the grass and then perching on a fence for a while before zooming off again. And by the time you read this they will be somewhere over East Africa.

Cab seats have swivelled now into incomparable armchairs, the table adjusted and we take stock of this four-seater lounge. Chocolate brown and cream is undoubtedly a bold décor scheme but only one component of the overall scheme of two-tone light and dark furniture plus the large off white table. Spotlights and an Art Deco ceiling fitting with LED and tungsten fittings was all rather grand. At mealtimes the height adjustment of those armchairs is a brilliant idea. Oh and for those whose fabric choices may differ from the scheme here SMC can show you a swatch of brilliant alternatives that Pilote offer on the F60.

 

Sleeping

Experienced Motor Caravanners know all about beds that involve a ritual of re-arranging cushions and bed bases – the last thing you need at the end of an energetic outdoor day. So what a pleasure here to unclip one safety strap before lowering the base into place and unfolding the foam mattress. All done more quickly than you can read this paragraph.

Both rear windows are double glazed with blinds and flyscreens and there’s a roof vent to complete the ventilation. Here was a beautifully comfortable bed – firm but resilient – the end result of thoughtful design from an independent company with four decades of experience.

 

Kitchen

To the offside close to the sliding door is a galley that gets the essentials spot on. Worktop space with extension and hob top in play is ample, stowage is generous and the chef has a view outside to inspire the menu. There are large and medium size lockers, a splendid cutlery drawer and racks for the condiments etc that our formidable chef needs for the concoctions a la mode. We also appreciated the obvious accessibility of the gas isolator taps and the immediate proximity of the ingeniously designed Thetford fridge/freezer. OK, it’s not the largest Motor Caravan galley but by Camper standards it’s brilliant enough to keep the crew well nourished after a long active day on foot or astride les bicyclettes.

 

Washroom

With the latest ceramic bowl flushing toilet, generous size wash basin and good shower arrangement this particular washroom is a handsome facility. On the basis that a tall male may find the roof locker close to his forehead at times it would be logical to swap the places of the mirror and roof locker. Otherwise there is space adequate but not generous to perform the normal ablutions. Full marks for the safety and convenience of the soft plastic duckboard and handy rack for a few unguents close to the sliding sink.

 

Stowage

In this regard Pilote’s Van F60 is surely magnificent throughout. There are roof lockers for the lounge, galley, washroom and sleeper compartment, one of the largest camper wardrobes (above the fridge) and the placing of the fresh water tank under the bench seat in the lounge area make it nicely accessible for checking and cleaning. Surely though the stowage piece de resistance has to be the extent of stowage room in the garage/sleeper compartment. Remember too that the steel roof lends it self to a large rack for surf boards, hang gliders or whatever crazy sport you can mention and finally with its self levelling suspension it could prove an ideal tug for a microlight or jet-ski. Ask SMC for more information on that.

 

Summary

Blooming marvellous! No joking apart, Pilote have got this machine about right. Comparing it with the Rapido Van V53 they are different ideas on the same basic theme of Camper alternative to Motorhome. They both achieve the bedroom/garage facility but the detail is in how the beds lift to access what is underneath – both are clever. I’d rate the Rapido washroom to have the edge and the Pilote galley to take the honours. Our Pilote here also has the air self levelling suspension included in the on the road price alongside the Radio/CD, Electric and gas heating, cab air con, colour coded bumper, and electric rear view mirrors with frost protection, all for £41,995.

In essence Pilote Van F60 combines Motorhome specification with Camper compactness. Our thanks to Hawton Waters on the Cotham road out of Newark who gave us freedom to roam within their Campsite to obtain the pictures when the clouds were just so.

 

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification: Pilote Van F60 DG

Price of vehicle tested: £41,995 including options quoted in the summary

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: SMC Motorhomes, Northern Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 2ET, Tel: 0844 4705291

 

CONVERSION

Overall length: 5.99m

Overall width: 2.05m

Overall height: 2.58m

MPTLM: 3,300kg

Payload:  500kg

Construction: all steel body with foam insulation

Fresh water capacity: 110litres

Waste water capacity: 80-litres

Gas storage capacity:  two 13kg cylinders

Auxiliary battery:  105Ah

Refrigerator: Thetford 80-litre fridge/freezer

Water heater: Truma Combi model 4000w heater/boiler

Lighting: mix of tungsten and LED fittings

Upholstery: brown and cream microfibre

Other equipment fitted: New Remiss pleated cab screens, TV wiring and adjustable base. Tinted windows in habitation section

 

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Fiat long wheelbase Ducato Camper

Power unit: 2.3-litre turbo diesel

Maximum power: 120bhp @ 3600rpm

Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 2000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking: Servo assisted system with ABS to disc brakes

 

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: estimated 26 – 52mpg

Maximum speed: estimated 92mph

Comfortable cruising speed 65-70mph