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Motorhome Classification
We have classified the motorhomes into the following categories. Hopefully this will explain the system used, which may be different to other websites, but will help you to find the type of motorhome you are looking for easily. - A-Class
- Built on just the base chassis, the motorhome manufacturer fabricates the whole body, including the cab area, providing an integrated feel and a spacious cab area. Typical manufacturers include Hymer, Burstner, Pilote.
- C-Class (or Coachbuilt)
- The most popular motorhome type, it's built on a chassis with a standard cab, with a coachbuilt body wider than the cab and and overcab area built over the top of the cab. Generally the area above the cab is a sleeping area. Typical manufacturers include Auto-sleepers, Autocruise, CI, Swift.....
- Low Profile C-Class (LP C-Class)
- Again built on a chassis with a standard cab, but with a lower profile overcab area. A sleeker looking vehicle, generally with better fuel economy, and usually a 2 berth, the small area above the cab being used for storage..
- American RV
- American RV's (Recreational Vehicles) can be further divided into A-Class, B-Class and C-Class, but we have only a single category, as the majority of American RV's in the UK are A-Class construction. Generally American RV's are larger, both in size and engine capacity, than their European equivalents. Although Winnebago is the name most people think of, in the UK you are just a likely to see a Fleetwood, Damon, Georgie Boy or R-Vision motorhome.
- Hightop
- A standard van conversion, which has had a taller roof added to provide standing room inside the van. Manufacturers include Auto-Sleepers, Timberland, Tribute...
- Elevating Roof
- A standard van conversion which has a roof that can be raised to provide more headroom while stationary. There a number of different roof styles, manufacturers include Auto-Sleepers and Bilbo's Design.
- Van conversions
- Converted vans, without hightop or elevating roof. the classic VW campervan, but a popular option, with a number of small custom conversion companies active in the UK, converting new or used vans.
- Demountable
- A relatively rare type of motorhome, including both American 5th Wheel motorhomes, and pickup based European motorhomes.
Autosleeper trooper motohome reviews
The Autosleeper Trooper Basics
The Atosleeper Trooper is a well-made and practical motorhome based on the reliable and highly respected Volkswagen Caravelle. Well-appointed and spacious especially if the extendable roof is elevated.
First Impressions of the Autosleeper Trooper
The Autosleeper Trooper is the base model in Autosleeper’s Volkswagen based range. Despite this, it is well equipped and practical for general use and for touring. The Autosleeper Trooper is available with a considerable number of different engine options ( two diesels and one petrol) with the standard power plant being Volkswagen’s 2.5-litre Tdi diesel with a power-output of 88bhp. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard and there is the option of a four-speed automatic transmission. The independent front suspension in the Autosleeper Trooper, complete with anti-roll bar sees that the vehicle handles well and the 80-litre fuel tank will ensure that you’ll be able to tour for miles without having to stop to fill up. That’s great for touring the continent.
Practicalities of the Trooper motorhome
You’ll find that the Autosleeper Trooper has no shortage of cupboards and stowage space. There is storage for one 4.5kg and one 2,75kg gas cylinder. The fresh water tank holds 77-litres and the waste water tank 74. The electrical control panel usefully displays a water level indicator, master switches for the water pump and the 12v lighting. There are individual trip switches in the Autosleeper Trooper for each appliance. A second battery comes complete with a 12v split charge relay. Access to top-up your water supply is easy and everything is designed for simple operation. The solid sided elevating roof on the Autosleeper Trooper can incorporate an optional bed.
Living Conditions in the Autosleeper Trooper
The Autosleeper Trooper is fully carpeted throughout and there’s certainly no lack of illumination for reading at night. The well planned fluorescent lighting sees to that. The seating and beds in the Autosleeper Trooper are comfortable and you’ll have no problem obtaining a restful night’s sleep. The colour co-ordinated fabrics are attractive and easy on the eye. Conveniently, a dual access wardrobe is fitted, too. Although this is the base model in Autoszleeper’s Volkswagen based range, it lacks for very little. So, it doesn’t have a shower, but that really is the only major omission.
Cooking, Sleeping & Washing
The Autosleeper Trooper comes equipped with a two-burner hob and grill complete with a heat resistant laminated grill. The (gas) fridge is reasonably generous in size swallowing 60-litres of food. The Autosleeper Trooper is tilt tolerant, powered by 12v/230v and has electronic ignition. Cassette blinds and flyscreens are supplied for the windows and there is enough crockery for four people, packed into a dedicated storage unit.
Chinaware is stowed safely and conveniently underneath the sink in the Autosleeper Trooper and the swivelling cab seat for the passenger helps to provide another dinette. The dinette in the rear of the vehicle easily converts into a double bed, an amazing piece of design work on the part of the team at Autosleeper. An Eberspacher thermostatically controlled blown air heating system operating from the Autosleeper Trooper's own fuel supply is available in the Lux Pack, which also includes a mains charging unit for the secondary battery and a roof bed with access ladder and safety net.
Danbury Motorhomes
The Active is a medium-sized short wheelbase campervan based on the award winning Volkswagen T5 and has the option of several different engines and a manual or automatic gearbox. The Active is available with either an electrically operated, super-flat elevating roof or a high-top roof. There is a roof-mounted extra bed as an option giving four berths in total. The Active is made in two models, either two single beds or a double. The rear nearside kitchen unit has a glass-lidded sink, a covered hob and grill, a cutlery drawer, a fridge freezer and several food storage cupboards. An electric flush cassette toilet is hidden in the offside rear when not in use. There is a large array of cupboards and a large wardrobe with plenty of full-height hanging space. The Active is equally at home in your local high street carrying out the weekly shop or at weekends exploring the countryside far and wide..
The Surf is a medium-sized short wheelbase campervan with the option of a super flat electrically operated elevating roof or high-top roof. The Surf is available based on the award winning Volkswagen T5 and has options of several different engines and a manual or automatic gearbox. The Surf has a traditional layout comprising a rear-mounted forward-facing three-quarter width seat, with two three-point rear seatbelts, which easily converts into a large double bed. Fitted furniture runs along the off-side of the vehicle complete with a covered hob and grill and a glass-lidded sink, lots of storage cupboards, a large wardrobe and a huge storage area under the rear seat. The Surf is available with a roof-mounted extra bed as an option giving four berths in total. It is equally at home in your local high street carrying out the weekly shop or at weekends exploring the countryside far and wide.
The Royale is a medium-sized long wheelbase campervan based on the Volkswagen T5 with the options of several different engines and a manual or automatic gearbox. The Royale comes with either a super-flat electrically operated elevating roof or a factory-fitted high top roof. The Royale is available with a roof-mounted extra bed as an option giving four berths in total. The Royale is made in two models, either two single beds or a double . There is a split galley in the middle of the vehicle with a glass lidded sink, a hob, grill, oven and fridge freezer. The Royale also benefits from a spacious private rear bathroom complete with an electric flush cassette toilet, mirrored vanity unit and washbasin (with optional shower). Storage is plentiful with lots of overhead cupboards (high top), a rear wardrobe and storage under the rear seats. The Royale is equally at home in your local high street carrying out the weekly shop or exploring exciting new-found places.
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APPENDIX A MOTOR CARAVAN FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES
MODEL |
BASE VEHICLE
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ACTUAL M'VAN AVERAGE
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TESTED BY
(SEE KEY) |
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Autocruise CH Starspirit (Low profile coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 320 Al-Ko 2.5 D
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26.9
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1 1997
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Autocruise Pioneer Renoir (Low profile coachbuilt)
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Peugeot 2.2 HDi
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25.2
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1 2005
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Autocruise Pulse (elevating roof)
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Citroen Dispatch/Fiat Scudo 2.0 common rail 16v TD
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32.4
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1 2009
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Autohomes Explorer (coachbuilt)
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VW Transporter 2.4D
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28
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1 1994
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Autosleepers Avalon (high top)
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Talbot Express 2.5 turbo diesel
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27.2
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2 1992
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Autosleepers Exec (coachbuilt)
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Talbot Express 2.5 diesel
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30
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3 1992
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Autosleeper Montana (high top)
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Mercedes Vito 113 2.0 16v petrol/cat
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24.8
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1 1997
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Autosleepers Trident (high top)
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VW Transporter 1968 petrol
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27/30
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2 1992
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Autosleeper Nuevo (low profile coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer SWB 2.0 HDI
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27.4
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1 2002
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Autosleeper Luxor EB (A-class)
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Peugeot Boxer 350L 2.8 Hdi 127bhp
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20.9
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1 2003
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Autosleeper Amethyst (coachbuilt)
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Ford Transit 2.4 high-pressure direct injection turbodiesel
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25.4
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1 2005
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Autosleeper Nuevo II EK (low profile coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDi 130bhp
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26.2
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1 2009
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Autotrail Apache (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.5 TD
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28.3
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1 1998
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Autotrail Scout (coachbuilt)
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Mercedes Sprinter 2.9 TD Auto
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20
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1 2000
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Autotrail Mohican (coachbuilt)
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Mercedes Sprinter 316 2.7Cdi Sprintshift 6 Auto
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18.9
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1 2001
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Autotrail Tracker (coachbuilt)
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Fiat Scudo Al-Ko 1.9 TD
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26.2
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1 2000
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Autotrail Excel 600S (compact coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato 2.2 Multijet 16v TD
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23.7
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1 2009
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Benimar Aereo Anthus (Low profile coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato Maxi 2.9 Tdi
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22.2
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1 2001
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Benimar Aereo 6000CD-L (Low profile coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato Maxi 2.8 JTD
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23.9
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1 2002
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Bilbo Weekender (elevating roof)
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VW Transporter 1.9 TD
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31
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1 1995
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Bilbo Weekender (fixed roof)
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VW Transporter 2.4 D automatic
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24
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2 1994
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Bilbo Nektar 2 SWB (elevating roof)
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VW Transporter 2.5 Tdi 88bhp
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28
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1 2000
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Bilbo Nexa (elevating roof)
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VW T5 1.9 Tdi
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34.2
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1 2004
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Bilbo Lezan (high top)
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VW Transporter T5 2.5 TDi PD
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30
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1 2007
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Bilbo Nexa SWB (elevating roof)
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VW Transporter T5 Kombi 2.5 TD 174bhp
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33.3
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1 2009
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Ci Cusona 500 (coachbuilt)
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Ford Transit 2.2 DOHC Euro 4 TD
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21.9
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1 2009
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Coachmen RV Company Concord 275DS (coachbuilt)
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Ford E450 Super Duty V10 6.8 petrol
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11.6
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1 2007
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Compass Cruiser 750 (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.5 TD
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22.85
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1 2001
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Compass Avantgarde 180 (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDi 100bhp
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21.7
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1 2007
|
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Concorde Compact (high top)
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Fiat Ducato 2.3 common- rail turbo diesel
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33.0
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1 2004
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Danbury Dynamic (micro-van)
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Fiat Doblo 1.2 petrol MPI
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40.3
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1 2006
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Design Developments Tirol (Car derived)
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Fiat Scudo 1.9TD
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36.4
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1 1999
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Design Developments La Parisienne (Car derived)
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Citroen Berlingo 2.0 Hdi 90bhp
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48.7 (official combined figure)
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1 2003
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Dethleffs Globevan 1 (coachbuilt_
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Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi
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33
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1 2007
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Devon Discovery (high top)
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Ford Transit 2.5D
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33
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1 1996
|
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Devon Acapulco (high top)
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Toyota Hi-Ace 2.4D
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29.5
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1 2000
|
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Devon Sapphire (fixed roof)
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Mercedes Sprinter 2.1 common-rail TD
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25.3
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1 2008
|
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Elddis Autoquest Elite 350D (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.5D
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24
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1 1995
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Elddis Autostratus rg (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.8 Hdi common-rail turbodiesel
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23.5
|
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Granduca base 56N (coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato 1.9 TD
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25
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1 1995
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Herald Aragon II (coachbuilt)
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Ford Transit 2.5 D automatic
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22
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1 1994
|
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Holdsworth Ranger (coachbuilt)
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Renault Trafic 2.0 D
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25
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2 1993
|
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Horizons Unlimited Cavarno (high top)
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Ford Transit 2.2 common-rail turbo diesel
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28.9
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1 2006
|
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Hymermobil 554 (A Class)
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Fiat Ducato 2455 turbo diesel
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25.4
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2 1992
|
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Hymercamp Swing 544 (coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato 14 2.8 common-rail turbo diesel
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20.3
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1 2002
|
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IH Motor Campers Oregon (high top)
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Fiat Ducato 2.8 TD
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26
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1 2005
|
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Island Plastics Suntrekker (demountable)
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Toyota Hilux
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21
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4 1993
|
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Johns Cross Conversions Hijetta (elevating roof)
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APPENDIX A MOTOR CARAVAN FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES
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Marquis Mirage 5000SE (A-Class)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi
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23.5
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1 2004
|
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Marquis County Suffolk (coachbuilt)
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Mercedes Sprinter 2.1 common-rail diesel 129bhp
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21
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1 2008
|
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McLouis Tandy 650 (coachbuilt)
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Fiat 3.0 160 Multijet Power Euro IV 157bhp
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25
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1 2008
|
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Mobilvetta Kimu 101 (Over-cab)
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3.0 common-rail turbodiesel
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22.1
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1 2006
|
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Murvi Morello (high top)
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Fiat Ducato 2.5 TD
|
28
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1 1996
|
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Nu Venture Un Rio (compact coachbuilt)
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Citroen Dispatch 2.0 common-rail 16v TD
|
29.4
|
1 2008
|
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Pilote Galaxy 86 XL (A class)
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Talbot Express 2.5 TD
|
26
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4 1995
|
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Pilote Galaxy (A class)
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Peugeot Boxer 320 2.5 TD
|
23.2
|
1 1997
|
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Pilote Galaxy (A class)
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Fiat Ducato 2.8Tdi
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30.9
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1 1999
|
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Pilote CityVan CV60H (compact A class)
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Fiat Camping Car 2.3 common-rail 16V turbodiesel
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25.8
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1 2008
|
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Reimo Amalfi (elevating roof)
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Renault Trafic 1.9 common-rail diesel
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36.0
|
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Robel Delmun 620HD (coachbuilt)
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VW 2.0 0 104PS turbodiesel
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251
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1 2005
|
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Romahome Duo Micro-van
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Citroen Berlingo 1.9D
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38.6
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1 1999
|
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Romahome Duo Outlook (micro-van)
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Citroen Berlingo Hdi common-rail diesel
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38.4
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1 2002
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Swift Mondial (high top)
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Peugeot Boxer 2.5D
|
27
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1 1996
|
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Swift Royale 540 (coachbuilt)
|
Talbot Express 2.5 TD
|
29
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1 1993
|
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Swift Sundance (coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato 1.9 TD
|
23.9
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1 1997
|
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Swift Ace Genova (coachbuilt)
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Fiat Ducato 2.0 JTD common-rail turbo diesel
|
25.3
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1 2005
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Swift Kon-Tiki 645 (coachbuilt)
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Fiat 2.3 Mutijet 130 bhp
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19.9
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1 2007
|
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Timberland Freedom II (high top)
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Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD common-rail
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Vivanti V4S (coachbuilt)
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Peugeot 2.0 Hdi 85bhp
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23.2
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1 2003
|
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Volkswagen California (elevating roof)
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VW 2.5 TDI PD
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27.7
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1 2006
|
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Wheelhome Daneste (elevating roof)
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Nissan Vanette 2.0 diesel
|
37
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4 1992
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Wingamm Oasi 610 (coachbuilt)
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Fiat 2.3 Mutijet 130 bhp
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24.5
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1 2007
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Daihatsu Hijet 993 cc petrol
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J C L Columbus Micro-van
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Daihatsu HiJet 1300cc
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28-34
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1 1999
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J C L Kangoo Roo Micro-van
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Renault Kangoo 1.9D
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51
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1 1998
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La Strada Regent (high top)
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Mercedes Sprinter 316 2.7Cdi
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26
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1 2000
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Laika Ecovip h680 (A Class)
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Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD common-rail diesel
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22.7
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1 2005
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Machzone Ecu (coachbuilt)
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Renault Trafic 2.0 petrol
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Fixed Roof
most restrictive of motor caravans, the roof height is that of the standard panel van does not permit standing headroom. Mostly a two berth at most, additional space can be created by using an awning on the side or rear. Facilities and insulation are usually minimal with the exception of a few conversions aimed at the away from home businessman, rather than the average caravanner, which can be incredibly luxurious and expensive. Their raison d’être is low overall height, allowing most of them to enter multi-storey car parks and domestic garages. Naturally they are also the cheapest type of conversion but many people add a fixed or elevating roof to them.
Elevating Roof
designed to be under 6’6"(1.98 metres) - the height of a normal height barrier, the same as the fixed roof in terms of layout, but with the benefit of 'standing' headroom once the vehicle is stationary and the roof raised. On the road, the vehicle, like the fixed roof, can get under some height barriers that can pose problems for taller motor caravans, although check your measurements as the roof section does add a few inches to the basic van height. Some elevating roof models offer extra sleeping accommodation in the roof section, canvas bunks and mainly suitable for children or lightweight/small adults. Some roof 'bellows' are flexible plastic, some are insulated board or metal. Plastic is prone to condensation
High Top
consists of a permanently raised roof in place of the base vehicle's original roof (usually extending over the cab and usually plastic, though sometimes the van maker's optional steel high roof is used (e.g. Auto-Sleeper Duetto on the latest Ford Transit) giving adequate standing headroom generally between 6'6" and 6'9"(1.98 and 2.06 metres). Some high tops have fitted shower rooms, while in others the rear portion can be sectioned off to provide a toilet/shower room. More insulation may be provided in the roof section although body insulation remains fairly basic, sometimes with plastic double-glazed windows in the van body.
Micro-motor caravans and car-derived van conversions
smaller motor caravans for those who perhaps need a dual purpose vehicle for day to day motoring and weekend retreats. Space is limited but can always be augmented with an awning. Small engines may give greater fuel economy, though at the expense of performance in some. Fixed or elevating roof models are available, together with small coachbuilts, on the Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo and Fiat Scudo base vans. Car derived van conversions include the Peugeot Expert (806), Fiat Scudo (Ulysse) and Citroen Dispatch (Synergie). Both the Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Fiat Doblo and Renault Kangoo base vans have no saloon car equivalent (though the Kangoo is closely related to the Renault Clio) but are nonetheless very pleasant and car-like to drive. The diesel engine options offer remarkable economy.
Coachbuilts
Over-cab or low profile
A complete body section is built on to a chassis and cab, generally utilising the bonded construction favoured by trailer caravan manufacturers, which gives strength and rigidity and also offers a higher level of insulation than straightforward van conversions. Alternatively, glass fibre reinforced plastic can be used for the complete shell or for roofs and end panels to allow rounded shapes. With more space inside the interior, coachbuilts can offer the type of facilities associated with a trailer caravan, including a permanent washroom/toilet compartment, and from two to six berth sleeping accommodation. Over-cab coachbuilts, sometimes referred to as Lutons, generally provide an extra double berth in the over-cab area, but the low-profile style, which has only storage cupboards above the roof cab, is becoming increasingly popular here with couples, as handling and fuel consumption are slightly better. A continental low-profile coachbuilt is sometimes seen with an elevating roof
A-Class
Practically custom-built from the chassis up, these American-style homes on wheels are definitely for the year-round, long distance motor caravanner. Costing around £40,000 upwards (new), any amount of equipment can be included for a truly luxurious home from home. Main benefits: the wider cab normally accommodates a drop-down roof bed which can be left made up ready for use, and the cab seats usually swivel to form part of the lounge area when on site. Space utilisation is, therefore, better. A new trend is the compact A-Class, with an identical footprint to a large panel van conversion, but much more internal space and flexibility. For example: Pilote City Van.
Dismountable
Consisting of a coachbuilt body which fits on to the back of a pick-up truck, these motor caravans offer considerable flexibility. The body may be left on site in much the same way as a trailer caravan thus retaining the pitch and freeing the pick-up for day to day motoring, although it is probably not that quick a job to mount and dismount the living section. Space is often limited, although the family can travel in the caravan section, but the advantages of this system often outweigh the lack of living space for those who have to make do with just one family vehicle. Several pick-up trucks are available with a 'crew cab' which offers additional passenger seating, but this may be at the expense of pick-up bed - and therefore caravan - body lenght.
A motor caravan is either adapted from a series-production panel van or car (conversion), or is designed and built on a commercial vehicle chassis, with or without a production driving cab (coachbuilt). The accommodation section is predominately fixed or can be dismountable. Thus there are many different types of motor caravan on the market, so the choice can be bewildering. New European Standards are in existence for health and safety in the design and manufacture of habitation areas, as well as for electrical systems, payloads and ventilation. The main categories of motor caravan can be described as:-
Conversions
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