Shire Motorhomes Phoenix M

Shire Conversions’ latest model is also their smallest conversion.Phoenix M – that’s ‘M’ for medium-wheelbase – is the latest camper from this small, Yorkshire-based converter.

This extends the range to four models as Darryl Healey expands his desire to build class-leading van conversions that are packed to the gunwales with equipment at a price the biggest manufacturers can't match.
Like the other Phoenix models, the M can be based on second-hand, low-mileage base vehicles.

Layout

The Phoenix M has an inward-facing settee on the offside and a forward-facing single travel seat on the nearside (beside the entrance door). The two cab seats swivel towards the rear to complete the large lounging area in a classic high-top camper format. In the centre is a bijou but well-equipped kitchen, while the bathroom brings up the rear.

Lounge

The lounge comes with two tables – one island-leg type, which fits between the cab seats and a free-standing table that’s really too large for the ’van. There are also armrests for the settee, and a TV is fixed to the front of the kitchen’s high-level locker, while a large, square rooflight sits overhead. There are corner shelves for glasses or books – especially useful when the bed is made up.

Kitchen

The kitchen sink is very deep and has a glass lid (Shire will probably turn this around so that it no longer interferes with the cooker. The hob also has a lifting glass lid, beneath which are three burners and Thetford’s Duplex oven and grill. Add this to the 80-litre fridge with full-width freezer compartment and the Daewoo microwave, and you have a very well equipped kitchen.

The worktop needs to extended by using the flip-up work surface attached to the front of the unit. This can only be used if you push the single seat forward to give the worktop adequate space to be pulled out, rendering the seat unusable. On the plus side, a removable draining board, together with an aluminium tray, can sit on this worktop extension – and with the settee and cab seats still usable, the loss of one seat while cooking isn’t a huge issue.

You get completely clear areas for your belongings beneath both the settee and the forward-facing seat. Most impressive storage is found inside the rear doors. Attached to the doors are a pair of outdoor chairs and a table, as well as various elasticated pockets, suitable for all your outdoor equipment, including levelling chocks. Another large external space below the gas locker is suitable for beach towels, dirty washing, cables, hoses, muddy boots, etc.

Washroom with twin entry

An excellent washroom has a modern, shallow washbasin, separate showerhead and bench cassette toilet. There’s plenty of room to shower, with two curtains fitted to cover both the front and rear doors. Using twin curtains also lessens the risk of them clinging to you when wet. You can also enter via the rear doors – convenient for anyone sleeping in the rear, pole-free awning.

This motorhome review of the Shire Conversions Phoenix M was first published in the June 2012 issue of Which Motorhome. You can download the full magazine by clicking HERE

Priced at just £18,000 for the the conversion alone, you can base it on a new or used base vehicle to suit your budget. The dual access washroom is a neat touch, while the central kitchen is well equipped.