used ’van buyer
Each month Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand motorhome. He then reveals which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for
Gentleman Jack casts an expert eye over the Hymer ML-T low-profiles, in production from 2014 to the present
Hymer and Mercedes-Benz go together like sauerkraut and wurst, not least because back in 1971, the very first Hymer ‘Integral’ (what we would call an A-class) was based on a Merc.
As early as the mid-2000s, Hymer predicted an increase in demand for lighter motorcaravans, weighing 3500kg or less, because of driving licence restrictions at both ends of the age spectrum.
Initially, lightweight models were on the Fiat Ducato, then 2014 saw the launch of the Merc-based lightweights, the ML-T range. Although they were initially exhibited in 2014, all are to 2015 model year specification.
ML-T kicked off with a four-model line-up, three with a practical payload at an MTPLM of 3500kg (chassis upgrade possible) and one with a generous payload, but an MTPLM of 4200kg.
All available at 3500kg have a similar layout ahead of the permanent rear beds. Most compact is the 6.36m-long 540, with stablemates the 560 and 580 stretching the tape to 6.98m.
Swivelling cab seats and an L-shaped half-dinette are ahead of the offside kitchen and nearside washroom.
At the rear, the 540 has a standard size transverse double bed above garage-style exterior-access storage. The 560 boasts a wider transverse double and the 580, two mid-height longitudinal singles – joined at the head end and convertible into a transverse or longitudinal double.
The heavier and longer (7.79m)
620 adds an ensuite washroom, with a separate walk-in shower cubicle. It also favours a different kitchen, with the cooker and sink on the nearside and the fridge-freezer on the offside.
Late arrival the 630 was basically a 620, but with the single beds replaced by a permanent island double.
By 2018, the 540 had been dropped and the 570 had been introduced, replicating the 580’s layout in a shorter length of 6.74m.
So far so good, but why choose the ML-T over others of similar design? Well, apart from the three-pointed star on the bonnet, rear-wheel drive, and a class-leading Driver Assist package as standard, four-wheel drive and a seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission are available as cost options.
For the author, the USP of the range is not the availability of these desirable motorcaravans at 3500kg, but the manner in which this was conceived and executed. Some of the competition achieved this by stripping out current models, whereas Hymer went back to the drawing board and started with the proverbial ‘clean sheet of paper’.
By designing it to be lightweight from the get-go, they were able to take full advantage of new materials and construction methods that ensure the ’vans feel (and are!) just as substantial as any of their much heavier models.
A high standard of thermal insulation is achieved via their PUAL construction system, which ensures the timberless coachwork is as efficient an insulator as an 85cm solid brick wall.
Initially ML-Ts were built on the Sprinter with the 129bhp TD engine as standard, plus either the 163bhp or 190bhp variants as cost options. Later models had the 143bhp motor as standard, with 163bhp and 190bhp units available as cost options. All are to at least Euro 6 standard.
The early models showcased light pearwood cabinetry, although within three years, there were no fewer than five wood finishes to choose from.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ■ Base vehicle
Mercedes-Benz commercials are a good choice for those planning long-term and/or high-mileage ownership. Worldwide availability of spare parts is probably better than any competitor’s. Merc Sprinters are well engineered, but like all manufacturers, can suffer occasionally from engine management failure. Those reported usually concern the electronics or failure of the diesel exhaust fluid pump. There are no early warning signs, so keep some ‘folding’ in reserve as it ages.
Motorcaravanners who tow heavy trailers frequently opt for rear-wheeldrive ’vans such as these, so check any towbar is an approved one and there is no rear-end suspension sag caused by towing trailers with a too heavy noseweight. FSH is essential and better if OEM parts have been used.
■ Conversion
Absolutely as sound as a pound (or should that be a euro?). Microwaves are not part of the standard spec, so check any present are secure, safely wired, and have sufficient ventilation.
Previous owners are likely to have been mature couples, a few of whom enjoy spending winters in sunnier climates, so low mileage might not mean light usage. Some will also wish to budget for replacing the mattresses.
1 All Hymer ML-Ts are low-profile overcab coachbuilts based on the Mercedes Sprinter. Most are available at 3500kg
General view rearwards in the ML-T 580. All models in the range have four travel seats, including the driver’s seat
Practical kitchen boasts large drawers, among other benefits. The author feels you can’t have too many of these!
Models with twin permanent longitudinal single beds above a garage are the most popular in the range. The central cushion can be removed, revealing a ‘bedside table’ underneath. In addition, the singles can be converted into a double bed
Under the foot of the mattresses, you’ll find a brace of surprisingly capacious individual wardrobes
Bird’s-eye view of washroom in 2019 ML-T 580. Bench-style toilet doesn’t project from the wall as much as a swivel one, so adds to the floor space here
The 2019 ML-T 570’s full-width garage has a door at either end for easier access, plus sliding tie-down cleats running on rails
Hymer’s ML-T range is available with basic four-wheel drive or as this rugged Crossover off-road version, which also has four-wheel drive, but with altered gearing and higher-spec differentials.
The stratospheric spec includes modified suspension, increased axle articulation – and a snorkel