Helga

About the motorhome

Make

Mercedes

Model

711D German Fire Engine

Year

1988

Length

23.00 ft

Berths

5 internal

Seatbelts

5

Fuel type

Diesel

Fuel consumption

22.00 mi/gal

Gross trailer mass

6600.0 kg

Amenities

Linen

Safety Information

Location

Daniel's Motorhome is located in Long Crendon.

Exact location information is provided after the booking has been confirmed.

Availability

Additional information

CAN YOU DRIVE HELGA ? ----------------------- Yes you can drive her if you meet the following criteria. • Must hold UK licence for 3 years minium and aged over 30. • The vehicle requires class C1 license as it is over 3.5 tons. This can be either through passing your test before January 1997 ( Grandfather Rights ) or through later separate C1 test if passed after that date. • The insurance covers some minor convictions for speeding, but not more serious convictions such as drink or dangerous drving. Each hirer must submit licence number so DVLA check can be performed. • Cover is not available if you have CCJ or criminal record, or had any fault accidents or theft claims in last 5 years. • Standard cover only applies to UK. If you wish to take Helga overseas then please contact us for an insurance quote. If you cannot drive but would still like to stay in Helga then we can deliver. THE OUTSIDE ---------------------- • Bright red authentic 1980s German Fire Engine exterior, carefully restored and preserved. • Rooftop garden terrace with Astro-turf, perfect for enjoying panoramic views. • Outdoor Gas BBQ connection, supplied gas BBQ and small charcoal BBQ/firepit. • Ample storage compartments, including a garage area for outdoor gear, 3 lockable external storage boxes , towbar and bike rack for upto 4 bikes. • Dual lift up sides presenting an outside bar area and fold down table and open access to kitchen and rear seating. • Extra large 4mx2.5m side awning. • 200litre fresh water tank & 100litre grey water tank. • 700w of roof top solar panels meaning fully off grid power. • Keypad entry to living area, meaning keys can be locked inside the safe. • 30m mains electric hook-up lead. THE INSIDE ---------------------- • Seating with belts for up to 5 passengers (including ISOFIX for 2 rear seats). • Swivel double passenger seat that also forms part of dining area. • Digital safe that is hidden and secured to chassis. Fits Ipads and small laptops. • Fully connected Victron electrical and monitoring system with touch screen. ( See power in/out & water levels ) • High-speed Wi-Fi, 5x USB charging ports, reversing camera, dashcam and integrated Apple Carplay with upgraded 4 channel speaker system which can run of either main or leisure batteries. • 1400w mains inverter with 4x 240v household sockets. • 240ah of leisure batteries to run electrics when off grid. KITCHEN AREA ---------------------- • Large solid oak worktop and draining board and under cabinet lights. • Opening side so you can cook inside whilst talking to those outside. • Large 'Belfast' style sink with instant hot water. • Large 130l l fridge/freezer • Microwave oven & grill • 2 Burner gas stove. • Fully equipped cutlery and utensils for 6 people. • Multiple shelves and 3x large food storage drawers as well as under sink cupboards. • Slow cooker, ice maker and Airfyer all available on request THE BEDS ---------------------- • Sleeps upto 5-7 people in 2 double bunk beds & hammock & front rooftent. • Electric full size double bed the retracts into the ceiling above living room. Drop low if additional bed isn't needed, or leave in the middle as double bunk beds. Maximum 6' length ( Kids only on top if used as bunk bed ) • Rear L seating converts to double bed. Maximum 6'4" length. • Front cab area converts to large flat hammock bed suitable for 1 teenager or 2x under 12s. • External Thule Foothill Rooftent above front cab. 213cm long x 119cm wide. Perfect for older kids and teenagers. Accessed from ladder on outside. Includes power for lights and chargers, and has opening 'moonroof' panels to truly sleep under the stars. • At least 2 USB ports next to each bed. • 2x dimmable bedside lights, storage pockets next to rear beds. • USB fans for both sleeping areas. BATHROOM ---------------------- • Rain and hand showers. 200L of water is enough for 6-8 good showers. more if careful and instant gas water heating means everyone can have showers back to back. No waiting for re-heat and yes it is hot enough. • Integrated 17L toilet with plumbed in flush and level indicatory. Fully sealed so no smells. • Integrated sink and storage areas for toiletries. • Underfloor and hot air heating. SAFTEY ---------------------- • Water and CO2 Fire extinguishers • Fire blanket • Gas Inspection certificate. • Gas Regulator Crash Sensor • Smoke & Co2 detector alarm. • Internal deadlocks on cab doors. • Automatic dashcam. HEATING AND COMFORT ---------------------- • Ceiling mounted remote control Maxxfan that can blow air in or out and set at 10 different levels or thermostatically controlled. • App controlled and scheduled timers for underfloor heating, fridge and water pump to conserve power and enjoy peaceful quiet nights. ( eg Switches fridge and water pump off between midnight and 6am.). • Fully Winterised for winter touring including : • Hot air diesel heating system for instant heat, fully controllable by termostat or fan settings and plumbed into main diesel tanks so no need to refill smaller tanks. • 24v underfloor heating throughout, uses approx 500w and when connected to shore power can be left on constantly maintain a pleasant temperature or used with the scheduled timers to take the chill of the floor in the mornings. • Reflective silver insulated covers for all windows • Multiple layers of insulation throughout the vehicle to ensure temperature is maintained even in the coldest of environments. Has been tested to maintain 20c inside with -10c outside, but should be able to go even colder. • Both water tanks are fully insulated and also include app controlled/timed heat pads to prevent freezing. DRIVING ---------------------- Helga is a 35 years old Left Hand Drive German fire engine, however she is still enjoyable to drive. • Fitted with electric power steering • Automatic reversing camera/dashcam • Large mirrors to help with visibility. • 4 litre Turbo Diesel and 5 speed gearbox • Will cruise all day at 55-62mph • Return about 22mpg. • 'Dually' rear wheels with heavy duty truck chassis. • With the weight being down low and central she feels very stable on the road, much more so than a similar sized modern motorhome on a lighter chassis. • 3PMSF '3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake' marked winter tyres The main differences from a modern motorhome is that the engine is noisier, but the owners have put alot of effort into reducing this with multiple layers of sound deadening meaning you can still listen to music and talk whilst driving. Having come from service in a small German village as the local fire truck until May-2020 she has only done about 30,000 miles in those 35 years. As part of the restoration she has also undergone a full mechanical inspection and refresh and is ready for the next chapter in her life as a motorhome. Fully suitable for long journeys and has already travelled throughout the UK and France. ULEZ ----- This vehicle was built in 1988 so is over 35 years old. This means she does not yet qualify for the UK ULEZ 40 year historical exemption. Driving in some cities would incure a ULEZ fee for which you are responsible. You can check this via the relevant city's own ULEZ website using vehicle registration E453MAS. how much. For example. London ULEZ - £300.00 per day Birmingham ULEZ - £50.00 per day Portsmouth ULEZ - £100.00 per day

Hiring rules

• We kindly ask that you follow these rental guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for all:
• 1. Please return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, just as it was provided to you.
• 2. Before returning the vehicle, kindly clean it and empty the grey water, bathroom, and waste. If not, a £50.00 waste fee will apply.
• 3. Please clean and store all kitchenware after use.
• 4. If the exterior requires excessive cleaning or has large deposits of mud (e.g., from a festival), please clean it before returning to avoid a £100.00 cleaning fee.
• 5. For safety reasons, never leave the vehicle unattended with the awning open and close it when winds exceed 15mph.
• Above all, we appreciate your common sense and respectful treatment of our motorhome, as if it were your own cherished creation. Thank you and enjoy your adventure!

• Hirer must be 30 years of age or older.

Pricing

Hire Fee

From £180.00 per day

Service fee

£40.00

Delivery fee

£5.00 per mi

Bond

The owner of this listing provides their own hiring insurance. The accident excess for this van is £850.00 per damage event and is managed by Camplify. The owner may carry out their own additional driving licence and security checks.

Cancellations

Moderate

Photos

• 5.0

  Helga is wonderful, comfy, well equipped and a real attention grabber. The layout was functional and easy to use with lots of really nice touches. Crazy number of accessories and vast storage. Slept undisturbed through heavy rain and winds gusting near 50mph. I found the step from the ground into the living area quite high, but this is due to my own disability and no-one else had any problems. Daniel was really helpful throughout the booking and the holiday. Communication was quick and clear. Daniel was very helpful with a last minute change that really helped make my holiday more manageable. Absolutely would recommend

• 5.0

  we hired Helga for a weekend at Silverstone . it was a fantastic experience and although we had some personal difficulties a week before the event , Daniel stepped up to help us out by delivering Helga to site and a collection afterwards . unbelievable service and made it possible for the event to continue for us . it was spacious and comfortable and a real head turner too ! looking forward to hiring Helga again in the near future . thank you again Daniel .

• 5.0

  Helga was a complete joy. Easy to drive with great tech (Apple Car Play and rear camera). She brings a smile everywhere she goes. The interior is very well thought out and she has all the extras one might need. A good nights sleep is assured. Kids and adults alike loved her.

• 5.0

  We were looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, and in booking Helga we were not disappointed. She has been lovingly and expertly put together by Daniel, and he hasn't missed out any detail. He is a great 'host' and communicator and should really be converting classic vans for a living, as he is brilliant at it. We visited a beautiful music festival over 5 days, without hook up, and she was definitiely the best van there by a country mile. Lying in the automatic adjustable top bunk listening to passers-by strike up chats over how taken with her they were was amusing. Fielding questions, photos and quick looks inside were part of renting Helga and it just made it all more fun. High points of Helga: Copious amounts of clean water Seemingly endless amounts of power to run the appliances and lighting - we were blessed with sun, which helps. Having a microwave was a real treat whilst watching others shielding camping stoves from the wind. Clever storage. There was never going to be enough with the amount we pack, but our large suitcases fitted in the back compartment for travel and just lived under the van while we were there. Numerous dimmable lights. All the towing, levelling, jacking equipment you might need. Comfortable beds Backout covers for all of the windows Yoga deck on the roof A large fridge that was constantly cold The raising side panels really made the van very useable and social in our camp. Driving Helga: Once you appreciate that she is quite heavy on winding roads and that on these you just drive her slow and respectably, Helga is very easy to drive. She is left hand drive with an old format gearbox, but Daniel talked me through her idiosyncrasies and after an hour I had her worked out and she was actually quite fun to drive, and a constant head turner on the roads. We'll be hoping to rent her again for further adventures, if Daniel can trust us and part with her again.

• 4.8

  We hired Helga to go to a festival and she was perfect. We had power and hot water all weekend without using a hook up. The van conversion is excellent, really well thought out. Communication with Daniel throughout the process was also excellent. He was happy to show us round the van a few weeks before we hired and then again on the day of hire. Even after we had given the van back and I thought I had left something behind he was quick to respond. Would highly recommend.