Consort Reef or Nova? [Which is BEST]

6m and an Auto! As wishing you'd gone down that track later is a bit frustrating (buyers regret). I'm certain FIAT are more in control of their stock than VW seem to be.
In all honesty the height and width on both is the same so it's just the longer wheelbase you'd need to get used to, which I think you did well with on the Hire Van.
Good idea going for the Truma diesel version, the gas for cooking will last an eternity!
I'd go for the internal thermal screens, and opt to have an external Wifi aerial fitted along with a router, as I fitted in my caravan. You end up with a better WiFi signal and can stream to that Smart TV 🙂
Just be prepared for a sharp intake of breath when you visit a fuel station, especially like those you were at in Norway!
Finally, Ken, have you come round to the fact "Stinky Pete" might be a part of your lives again? Or will you keep your current arrangement?
Look forward to the next instalment!!!

We collected the Cove on 6m manual in April but i am.6 foot tall so needed the bigger bed. Im not a fan of automatics either. We went for the Cove on a 18 month old van with approx 14k on the clock.

Both very nice vans but i think the longer model is the one I would choose,very well presented vans.I would choose manual over auto but my fiat Ducato 2022 model has an electric hand brake which is great I don’t know if that’s an option on the one you’ve chosen, i am pleased for you both whatever you choose 👏

Definitely the automatic......preferred by Carol. Plus, if you have recurring spinal problems Ken, an automatic does make it easier to drive during a flare up. From personal experience, a manual gear change can be excruciating at times, and sometimes I'd not be able to drive at all. I never regretted paying the extra cost for an automatic. The 6m will give you that extra space. Will be interesting to see which van you've decided on.

Hello,
congratulation to your new van :-) It looks very nice!
I personaly would always take 5.40m but it can get quite acrobatic to get out bed, so with a bad back a 6m is definatly better...
To the Remis: we have got Remis and thermal pads. When we use the pads we can still close the Remis an have double protection. The Remis are very prectical because you can use them even if you are out of the van only for a short time (shopping). We dont't want to miss them.
I am very courious which van you baught :-)
Best wishes from Berlin :-)

Another fascinating video, thanks Ken and Carol. I guess the main choices are transverse bed means one of you may have to climb out carefully! But on the plus side at 5.4m more able to fit in a traditional size parking spaces. Whereas 6m gives easier bed access but larger parking bay may be required. How often do you think you will entertain 6-8 as opposed to 4-6 using Captains chairs? Ferry costs? What ever you have decided the vans look great. Look forward to seeing your new adventures but hope the little red van finds a good home.

If you have to frequently get up in the night then you should get the 6m version you will soon regret getting the 5.4 version. Great choice though.

The quality of those vans looked second to none. I’m sure you will make the right choice. If it were me and my hubby we would probably go for the 5.4 and it would be manual. I know Carol is keen on automatic so maybe you should wait as you have waited a while so far. Whatever you have decided, I will miss the little red van!

Looked like you were a bit scrunched up in the smaller van, the bigger one looked better for the long term, and won't be too much of a hassle, size wise, especially coupked with a good rear view camera system and parking sensors. Manual no probs, if it's going to delay the van, automatic would be nicer to drive no doubt, but as you say, you don't want to miss anymore travel opportunities. Nice looking van, but never liked that swivel front drivers seat/ wardrobe combo, you looked like you were 'peering' round the corner from it. Good luck with the one you've chosen, and safe travels when it arrives.

Very interesting,my preference would be to go for the best quality you can afford,the 6m one would be my choice ,and a manual gearbox!

Thanks for the vid, a very good open and honest view from all aspects. Your needs through to Consorts' approach. No hiding. Just what is needed. Thankyou

Still subscribed.
Great video, seeing the vans again reminded me why I sent you that link. The wife and I are both short so the 5.4 m would be ideal for us, although I might like the larger boot in the 6 m. You must choose whats best for yourselves, either looks great, maybe the smaller one would be better for wild camping and the larger van for campsites.
P.S. I'm not trying the drinking game, not sure I'd make it to the end of the video!

6m every time...Manual gearchange is so good, probably not worth a long wait for auto.....

That’s such a nice van! 😍

Love the vans what a dilemma could you not buy one of each problem solved 😂😂just kidding love the thought of the fold up sink but love the 6 mtr van but I would be happy with the 5.4 mtr as well this is so hard to decide and I love the thought of an automatic but it’s the wait and how long ? This is a tough one I’m glad you’ve made your choice. If it was me right now I would want a automatic 6 mtr with a fold up sink if it was possible good look carol and Ken look forward to finding out what you’ve gone for 👍

I’d say 6m, gives you a little more space (I know you’re used to the little red van) But, being able to stretch out in bed, is wonderful 😎 Look forward to seeing what you went for, you won’t regret getting it, I’m sure. Em 💜

May I suggest giving SK Conversation a call, Sussex van builders. Bear in mind a van that size will not be able to go under height barriers.

You guys did it right get the first one see what you like and don't like and need then get those things with the next one. Why can't you make that a queen size with little rails underneath for a piece of wood to cover the gap?From an American that has a 30 ft Fleetwood Tioga on a rainy day the extra room is magical 😂

IMO the only advantage of the 5.4m vehicle is that having a shorter wheelbase it is more manoeuvrable and easier to park, especially at roadside in towns.
On the other hand, the 6m vehicle offers much more usable space inside. Sleeping across the van is not as comfortable as sleeping lengthways unless you are well under 6ft tall and the longer benches allow that daytime chaise-longe option. More usable space in the shower, more practical storage space.
I live full time in a 6m van, I would struggle in a 5.4m!

Love the Consort van's and love the reef! I'm very tempted myself!! :) Hope you get one!

Hi Carol & Ken… As I’ve mentioned previously our van is 6.3 long. In over years we have never entertained 6 people but do find that little extra bit of room suits us, besides when you have a Labrador who demands more space than us, 6 people will always take up less room anyway. But as you know well, every van is down to personal choice and I think I know which van you will go for, but I’ll keep my powder dry until we all find out. And finally my own personal thoughts are to just get on with your lives …. Best wishes M 👍🍻

Hi guys, we have an Auto and find it so much less tiring on long journeys. Whatever you choose we hope you enjoy many years of enjoyment with your new van and look forward to seeing videos of you making the most of it. Geoff & Christine

Carol and Ken, for comfort of driving i would wait for the automatic. I would also go for the 6M body, just a little extra space but it could be a deal make. Diesel heater is a great choice, so to with the thermal blinds, shame that you cant fit both. Finaly, if Carol is not happy driving a manual, this thoughs most driving on you Ken, you have waited a year posibly another 6 months wont hurt, tick all the boxes with no compromises

Hi Carol  & Ken,  I've been away from your channels for a few months,  it wasn't just you lovely people but I had a break from YT in general as we hit what was such a lovely and 'globally wamingly' extended summer right through to mid Oct. which was just perfect and allowed me to  devote more time to walk our beautiful Kerry Beagles and Otter Hounds, such amazing breads. 


However, now winter has truly hit it's now time for some escapism again and who better than with my favourite travel couple . 


With regard to your pick of vehicle the Consort brand appears to be a lovely choice and beautifully made with some well thought-out additions which can only come, in my experience from people who have 'lived the life' so to speak. 


My advise to anyone who is in your position is get the best you can afford, no penny pinching what so ever this vehicle will become your home form home for prolonged periods of time, weeks or even months in some cases. So, for a few £k extra it will make all the difference from having an amazing time every day, regret and thinking if only!!!? I've done it when we bought our first caravan. It was small compact and easy to tow, but I grew to HATE it very much. The regret will set in very quickly if you make an emotional decision. For me it usually vtakes between 1 & 24 hrs untill I realise, oops!

With regard to Consort the smaller on offer, 5m I think would make it much more suitable for access to the areas we like to get to, each to there own. Additionally, as long I can get a couple of our hounds and a terrier onboard, oh and hubby of course I'd be very 😊 As I said the 5m version looks just F.A.B. as long both front seats revolve, which would be perfect as you pointed out it would be a good place to sit, work, rest & play while a partner continues to top up on some Zzzz's. 

With regard to auto, or not to go auto? Over the years, along  with my dad and brother we all loved automatics but sadly, other than with the exception of my American Chrysler Neon and version 2 for the odd ball and fantastic Smart Fortwo, both of which I loved and drove without a single gearbox issue for nearly 6yrs. Unfortunately, and sadly every other automatic I and my family have ever owned has presented as problematic, ranging from the odd 'cough' to catastrophic and total failure as happened with my beloved Citroën Berlingo (which we used for yrs as a micro camper with the Amdro camping insert).  Regarding my Citroën the only warning we had was  a flashing 'gearbox fault'  light that came on and cleared within a couple of mins. during a journey over to England from here in Ireland. When I got to Penrith we had Cylus checked over by a Citroën dealer who advised he could be driven back to Ireland but get the issues looked at by my dealer on our return home, which we did. The repair estimate was for over €6,000! We had him looked by other Citroën  dealers and a good independent garage but all said the same, very alarming and worrying diagnosis which resulted in the vehicle being scrapped!!!. So with that experience I would not be able to recommend a automatic gearbox to anyone if the vehicle is an important mode of transport within your family. It maybe that things have improved out of sight but auto boxes have left me the jitters, 😐

With regards the two of you lovely people I can't wait to see what you pick for your next adventures.

PS. I started watching your adventures to the Outer Hebrides as a result of a YT algorithm suggestion. You uploaded this series during the travel restrictions of 2020-2022. It probably wouldn't have been something I'd have watched because of your caravan, but that's my issue for being overly picky, and my loss if I'd not have taken a look.

The whole series is just lovely and it's so nice to see just how much the two of you love each other. I've left a quite lengthy comment on the vlog Part 29 of the series 😊.

You make such lovely and interesting videos always with a great choice of music. You can be trusted to make the right decision I think. 😂 I was very impressed with the build quality of the Consort Vans, a good choice I think.

Best of luck. The toilet will give you so much freedom, for more wild camping. Good Luck

Grab a 6 metre , have the extra 60 cms

I/we would go for the 6 mtr. And wait for the automatic.
Just this year I am building a new (old) campervan.
Went from citroen 5.4 mtr. manual to Ducato Maxi 6 mtr. automatic.
What an upgrade!!

6mt auto we have sprinter with sprintomatic fantastic

I am delighted that you have your new van. Every Blesssing, Fr D.

Get the 6m and go for it sooner with the manual. We have a 7 m manual fiat....loving it and the touring life. Currently in Bulgaria. Good luck whatever you choose.

Size does matter 😜

Even though I scratched my 6m van on my driveway first day of ownership still prefer it over 5.4m Yes auto 9 speed box is the one.

The 6.6 automatic. Carol needs to be completely fitted as well.

We are a couple of years out from making a similar decision. Personally we would hold on for the automatic and go for the 6.4M so that you can have the option of single beds. We also prefer the usability of the Remis blinds and then to have an external insulated screen for those rare winter outings.

What beautiful vans, I personally would go for the 6m as it’s not much longer but gives you much more floor space overall. Here in Australia a automatics are more pricey but I need automatic due to a injury but also it’s just nice to drive . Hey all the best with your decision and by the time you get this you maybe driving your new van. Good luck. Cheers Judy

6M van for me.. sleeping long ways makes a big comfort difference and if Scott's design are like they used to be, you can miss out the last cushion at the feet end to easily swing your legs out of the bed but still have that double bed feel at the top end. ❤ great videos.. also I prefer the fold up sink for more hip room whilst showering 😁

5.4 all day long guys,good luck with your choice.

Hi Carol & Ken. I would wait for the automatic, the shorter model would be my first choice but if the longer version would be available sooner then I would for that. If the thermal blinds would fit behind the Remis blinds why not go for both?

😀👍. Buy a Fiat 5, 99 m, and you will never regret!

You have to have in mind that the smaller the car is, it is easier to maintain the temperature in winter. Than I mean temperatures from -10C and colder. So if you consider really wintercamping, go for the 5,40. If you moustly camp in temperatures down to -10C, not below, than go for the 5,99m. NOT 6m! Than it is very expensive to use ferryes!

All the automatic transmission vehicles are shipped to North America as there is no way in a post 1960s world where manual transmissions are used other than some sport cars.

We picked up our Nova (now named "Noreen"!) 7 weeks ago. It's fab 😊 We went for the 5.4m so we can park it standard car spaces and it isn't too intrusive on our driveway.

Very nice it is too. I completely understand yur dilema re. the length. I would go for the 5.4 m version. I'm impressed with the workmanship.

Nice .❤

Great video I would go for the 6m thanks for sharing 😊

Since our look at the Reef at the Newbury show, we have ummed and arrd,going back and forth, yes or no,are we being stupid etc. The conversation died down ,to rear up again recently .So we are off to Consort shortly to have another look ,this time at the Pace ,we shouldn't have watched your video again

Very enlightening video you've put together, i was very impressed with the Consort van and their whole setup. The only thing i have against it is the restricted room behind the drivers seat, would be nice to have a small shelf there and a little window would be nice! Certainly worth looking into, thank you.

Ken on automatic "yeh yeh" . Think he was stunned😂😂😂.

I am intrigued. There is a rectangular hole in the panel behind the rear cushion ( visible when you open the rear door). It seems to be about 6”x 8”. Do you know what it is for? Thank you.