Size envy.

[LukeC]

I know that this sounds really petty, but I can't help but feel envious over those who have a long wheelbase Berlingo/Caddy/Etc. I'm seeing loads at the moment, and while half living out of the van I keep thinking how nice it would be to have just that little more space (may be why I'm jealous).

Is this just me being silly? Does the long version really make that much difference in space?

[notsofast]

I considered buying the LWB version when I bought my K9, but decided against it.  The standard wheelbase version is still bigger than my old M49, and generally I've found it sufficient.  Yes, sometimes I've thought it'd be nice to have a bit more room in the back of the van, but the shorter wheelbase does have advantages:
1) More robust - it has a payload of 1000kg, whereas the LWB's is 950kg.
2) Easier to park
3) Looks better in my opinion
4) I expect it's slightly more economical and perhaps faster too (it's lighter)

[LukeC]

I've got the 75hp(?) B9. So speed may not come into it.
I have thought both look better than the other at times.
Shuffling around using a camp stove in this weather is the main thing that's made me think more space.
I'm surprised about the load capacity being lower on the lwb.

I guess it's just jealousy over someone else having a bigger vehicle.

[boop]

L1 is peppier but L2 is overall better to drive. I also like L2 proportions more, L1 side view is too nose-heavy.

I'm tall and do a lot of camping so I would not fit sleeping in L1 in any position (I have tried). L2 is snug fit with rear seats folded.

[Gadgetman]

   

   

That is my K9(Electric) Berlingo after a quick(Hah!) trip to IKEA...    

What you see there is a KIVIK 2seater couch(2 large boxes), an ALEX Writing desk(132cm wide), a 70cm tall ALEX drawer section, an ALEX cupboard the same size and way too much from the Cash'n Carry.  
I even managed to fit 2 EIFRED ergonomic chairs in there...   

Who needs a larger vehicle?   

Actually, the long wheelbase version would mean that I'd have to throw out my CNC Router from the garage...

[LukeC]

No such thing as a quick trip to IKEA. I've been known to go just to look around for a morning.

It looks far too cold there Gadgetman. It's cold enough here without the snow, at least, I suppose the weight will give you a bit of traction...

[Gadgetman]

I admit, I started at 23:30 on friday, arrived around 08:00 on saturday morning, left IKEA at 13:00, and was home at 21:00.
Trip to Ikea was a little over 200Km, but contains a mountain pass. and it was raining all the way with lots of water on the road surface, except over pass... there it was snowing...
I tried to keep it 'in the green' as much as possible, so never powered up over 70Km/h, but also sat a lower limit of 40Km/h.
The return was about 250Km because I did NOT want to drive over that mountain pass again. Not with colder temperatures and a heavy load.

The temperature was mostly around 2 - 4degrees outside, except for one snowy section...
(Prognosis was that temperatures would drop soon, so this was probably my only chance until after easter)

[LukeC]

Was it really essential to go to IKEA that day? It couldn't have waited? I love driving, but when it comes to the snow, I'd rather stay home as I don't trust the other idiots on the road. I was in Denmark when they got hit with snow at the beginning of the year, I never thought I'd hear everything grinding to a halt there with the weather. I keep being told we're getting snow here, but always "next week"... Hopefully it doesn't come! Nearly 24 hours, you must have been dedicated to that shopping trip!

[Gadgetman]

I KNEW the weather would be turning for the worse soon, so it was NOW or after easter some time.

My old couch was literally falling apart, my back needs some help also, so yeah, I kind of had to do it.

[ItsGreen]

It's what you do with it that counts! I don't think she's even noticed that I haven't got a luton van any more, and seems satisfied with the Berlingo.