IH J220 (2010)
Description
IH J220
Key Features
Full Review
Getting on for one-and-a-half decades ago, Ian Hartley put together his first campervan conversion on his driveway at home. Fast forward to today and IH Motor Campers has gained a place as one of the UK’s best motorcaravan converters and folks queue up to buy ‘em. Recently, a small, but ever-increasing, range of low-profile coachbuilts has joined IH’s famous panel van conversions.
The J220 has a layout that is classic in motorhoming terms. Six-and-a-half metres (21ft 4in) of low-profile coachbuilt hides a layout that places a twin-sofa lounge up front, with transverse kitchen and corner washroom living aft.
It provides an excellent lounging environment (to watch the rain from), plus good kitchen and washroom space. Popularity is proven by the fact that most mainstream converters offer similar designs - from Swift to Auto-Sleepers, via Autocruise and Auto-Trail, you can take your pick.
Looks-wise, the 220 has external styling that speaks of solidity. Folks who find the gold colouring (Jaune Vermeer) of the test ‘van a little too much will be pleased to discover that the hue of your choice can be applied to the sides.
Merc’s latest Sprinter looks good mated with this motorcaravan, while under the hood lurks a (standard for the J220), 2.2-litre 129 horsepower motor. In the cab you get height-adjustable seats and, here, a rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel – offering a comfortable and car-like piloting position for most folks. This motorhome’s soft springing gave a comfortable ride, with much less wincing over the bumps and far less crashing conversion noise heard than within the notoriously hard-sprung Fiat Ducato.
Climbing aboard through the rear-located caravan door sees you in the kitchen with the washroom opposite, turn left for the lounge. The test motorhome's interior was dressed in light oak cabinets with darker worktops and furniture inlays all looking very nice indeed. However, opting for a small converter like IH means you can choose from several furniture finishes and fabrics - something that’s rare with volume producers. Half-leather upholstery is a standard feature in IH products.
Swivel the cab seats and sit down to discover a class-leading lounge - cab pews and super curved-end sofas accommodating six people. Mealtimes see an interesting dining solution emerge. Two, carefully shaped tabletops are stored in the locker above the cab, and two pedestal legs in the wardrobe. Insert the legs in their floor sockets and mount the tabletops (which edge-nest together) to provide comfortable dining for two. One section of the table (in place in either position) provides a platform for coffee and snacks, drinks, or supporting your laptop. All this is easy to erect, comfortable to sit at and looks good.
They say kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, and the same could be true of this motorhome - especially when you inspect the ablutions. Opening the 220’s washroom door, you cannot fail to be impressed by its style. Bright white walls look super-clean, while wood-coloured edgings and that elsewhere-used dark wood-coloured veneer (for the washbasin unit) make a nice contrast.
Beds are made from the lounge seating. Pulling seat squabs out slightly should make two good-sized singles with plenty of space in between. A double should be equally easy: making a giant bed that allows sleeping lengthways or across.
The IH J220 is a great example of an updated classic design. A class-leading lounge, capable kitchen and blingy (though still workable) washroom impress, while outside the rear boot is a unique feature that’s both stylish and useful.
A full version of this review first appeared in the January 2010 issue of MMM. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.
Our Verdict
With a class-leading lounge and a stunning washroom, the IH J220 is a luxurious and capable two-berth.
Disadvantages
