PJB Motorhomes Bacc’s (2007)

PJB Motorhomes Bacc’s

RELATIVE newcomers to the camper conversion scene, PJB Motorhomes started life converting the latest LDV panel van, the Maxus.

The firm’s latest model, however, is more mainstream, as the curiously-named Bacc’s is based on the long-wheelbase Citroën Relay.

The Relay shares the same styling as its Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer stablemates, being built on the same production line at the companies’ Sevel partnership factory in Italy.

This latest van makes a superb base for a camper – crucially, it’s wider, allowing a decent length transverse bed. Upfront, the cab boasts improved ergonomics, comfortable seats and better heater.

Engines are good too – the Citroën comes with 2.2-litre 100bhp or 110bhp motor, plus the range-topping 3-litre lump that kicks out 157bhp. The two larger engines are also partnered with a brand-new six-speed gearbox.

Although the Bacc’s shares basically the same layout as its LDV brother, it is longer, offering more room inside. The interior’s design is dominated by a twin-sofa rear lounge that converts into a six-foot transverse double bed.

One of the big appeals of panel van conversions is the fact that – unlike coachbuilt motorhomes – they have big doors and plenty of them.

Here, the rear lounge configuration allows the twin rear doors to be opened on site, admitting fresh air and natural light in quantity – fabulous for summer in the south of France.

Further forward, there’s an offside kitchen with full cooker and modestly-sized fridge.

Ahead of this, the washroom has no separate shower but includes good quality plastics with vanity basin, pull-out showerhead, shower tray floor and swivel-bowl cassette loo.

Kit-wise, the Bacc’s aims to come fully equipped – externally there’s metallic paint with colour-coded bumpers and mirrors, alloy wheels and LED-lit cassette steps front and rear.

Interior gear includes Gaslow refillable gas cylinders and flatscreen TV, while in the cab, Smartnav satellite navigation with a vehicle tracker system is also included. If you’re hell-bent on a rear lounge layout, the PJB Bacc’s is a must-see.

However, the demonstrator did seem to be somewhat sparsely trimmed, while the price – in spite of the good levels of equipment – could seem to be a tad high when compared to the likes of the bargain-priced Adria Twin and Trigano Tribute.

Verdict
A camper that’s well equipped and includes a rare – in panel van conversion – rear lounge layout. However, its price may be a touch too high.

This report was firts published in the April 2007 issue of Which Motorcaravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.

Rear lounge layout is unusual in a panel van and works well, but it’s not a cheap conversion