Integra - luxury and comfort on the go

In a series of articles presenting the design assumptions of individual motorhomes, the time has come for integrated vehicles . Popular "integrateds" are vehicles in which we do not find a separate cab of the base car, and the cockpit is somewhat "absorbed" by the bodywork. As a result, the vehicles have the same width along their entire length, and the enormous windshield catches the eye, at first glance justifiably associated with a bus.

In this material, we would like to introduce you to the profiles of two cars representing the flagship models of two brands from one producer group - these will be the Frankia Platin i7900 Plus and the French Pilote G781FGJ produced in Germany. Despite their similar dimensions, these are cars with a completely different style, purpose and design solutions.

Frankia Platin i7900 Plus - a platinum star (not only) for a couple

The Frankia Platin series is synonymous with luxury and the maximum version of equipment. The German manufacturer, belonging to the Pilote group, is known primarily for its large integrated vehicles . Although it also successfully takes up the glove in the segment of cars up to 3.5 tons, it is associated with the premium segment. I7900 Plus is a model based on the latest Mercedes Sprinter , measuring 819 cm in length and 323 cm in height with a permissible total weight of 5500 kg. The dimensions could indicate belonging to the category of family cars, but nothing could be more wrong. It is an ultra-modern, well-thought-out motorhome with an extraordinary impression of space, intended for couples.

In a car of these dimensions, you will find 2 places to drive (optional up to 4) and the same number for sleeping (optional also up to 4). The functional layout of the interior is to provide comfort like at home. At the rear of the vehicle there is a spacious lounge with a horseshoe-shaped sofa, behind which a wide shelf is located. According to the price list, it is possible to "conjure up" an extra bed for two people. However, the basic bedroom is located at the front above the cab and is characterized by a rather unusual design. Of course, the double, shared bed can be lowered electrically, and access to it is gained through retractable, stable steps. Sanitary facilities are concentrated in front of the bed - a toilet with a sink on one side and a separate shower cubicle on the other. With the help of the toilet door, we can easily separate the sanitary room from the kitchen and the rest of the vehicle, while gaining a spacious bathroom. The ergonomics and organization of the kitchen in Frankia motorhomes is legendary - a large amount of space to work, huge cabinets, brilliant lighting, and even a dedicated, integrated with the table top basket for peelings is a standard. We also store provisions in a spacious refrigerator that can be opened from any side and in numerous compartments located on the floor. Additional features of this Frankia model include a fully functional garage in which we can even fit standing bikes.

As standard, we also have above-average quality on-board electronics by Büttner, working with 4 solar panels and 2 LifePO4 batteries, 110 Ah each. Substantial size tanks for clean and gray water (270 and 130 l respectively) will help us spend several days comfortably in one place without the need to visit a service point. The standard equipment of the vehicle is impressive, but we can always set up additional elements to increase the comfort of traveling - from hydraulic supports to driver assistance systems (keeping the lane, distance to the vehicle in front or a sensor detecting driver fatigue).

Pilote G781FGJ - French elegance for the family

Wide, comfortable doors lead to the building, and in front of us we are welcomed by a cozy arrangement of two couches placed opposite each other with a table placed between them. 5 people will sit comfortably here. This solution optically enlarges the interior and facilitates communication towards the cab and makes it easier to take the place of the driver and passenger. In the night system, a bed measuring 135x190 cm lowers over the cab. Right next to it, we have an ergonomically planned kitchen, and in front of it, a large fridge (to the left of the entrance). The further part of the building is, so to speak, a "classic of the genre" - a room with a toilet, a washbasin and a shower cubicle located opposite each other. The bathroom can be separated from the kitchen and living space by a door, and from the rear bedroom by a partition. At the very end, there are two longitudinally placed beds (dimensions 80x210 and 20x204 cm) with the possibility of connecting them. Clothes and luggage can be found in wardrobes under the beds.

Autonomy will be ensured by a clean water tank with an optional capacity of 205 l (standard 130 l), and taking into account the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, we will not have to carefully monitor every kilogram. Lots of space for recreational equipment, tourist furniture, etc. We will find in floor storage and a gigantic garage with a capacity of up to 4,000 liters!

Integra - facts and myths

Already at the first meeting with an integrated vehicle, we will notice the difference in the space it offers. The main advantage appreciated by users is the fact that there is a place for a sleeping space above the unused cab . The unfolding of the bed will not affect the use of the living room / living area, because the bed "moves" down and forward. It is worth noting that, taking into account the width of the bodywork of most integrated vehicles (220-230 cm) and their length, we have to deal with the topic of the permissible total weight. In the vast majority of cases, we should not succumb to marketing myths about being within the 3.5 ton limit. The authorization to drive a truck and tolls are a prerequisite to be able to use this type of vehicle stress-free. The fact is that the comfortable integrated is a vehicle of not only the right weight, but also of a considerable size. In practice, the length is well over 7 meters (usually 750-800 cm).

Less skilled drivers will have to learn to maneuver in particular (the increasingly used driver assistance systems can be of help). The very space inside and the associated travel comfort as well as the visibility through the enormous windshield are an amazing experience. Thanks to the use of dedicated chassis for integrated cars, we gain space for additional stowage spaces in the vehicle floor and convenient, reduced access, e.g. to the garage at the rear. Due to the fact that there is no need to monitor every kilogram, we often have comfortable Alde heating and full preparation for winter escapades.

The fact is also a higher purchase price than in the case of most cars from other motorhomes categories. Also, insurance and possible repairs will be associated with higher costs than in the case of campers such as alcove or semi-integrated cars . The car, however, will pay us back with comfort and space. The durability of the currently produced integra cars is at a very high level - in practice, wood and polystyrene are no longer used in their construction, and instead, modern aluminum structures (low weight, stiffness and durability) and XPS foam cores are used. Roofs, on the other hand, are sheathing made of laminate, which protects against unpleasant consequences, e.g. hail, and additionally improves the tightness and stability of the building.