Autosleeper Kemerton XL

[OldWomble]

Hi all
We are considering one of these, 2016 model, but have two slight reservations about it. 1, the water tank is outside so does it freeze up? This is important to us as we like to go ‘up the alps’ in winter, and 2, there is not much storage for outside kit ie chairs, table, barbie etc. Any thoughts or experiences from owners will be gratefully accepted!

All the best, Old Womble.

 

[Figaro]

Can`t help you but I`m interested in the replies as I like the Kingham ....... maybe in a couple of years for me.

 

[sylvester1954]

Can`t help you but I`m interested in the replies as I like the Kingham ....... maybe in a couple of years for me.

Big thumbs up for the Kingham with loads of storage etc. I don't know much about the Kemerton but l guess it comes with the same fold and storage table. We've discarded that one and bought a lighter table that we use inside and out.
Sleeping is great with the French bed and l'm 6ft and both my partner and I sleep happily.
We've now covered 64000 miles in 4 years, fingers crossed this Kingham will continue as well as she does.

 

[Neil S]

Hi all
We are considering one of these, 2016 model, but have two slight reservations about it. 1, the water tank is outside so does it freeze up? This is important to us as we like to go ‘up the alps’ in winter, and 2, there is not much storage for outside kit ie chairs, table, barbie etc. Any thoughts or experiences from owners will be gratefully accepted!

All the best, Old Womble.

Some of the Autosleeper PVC range have a tank heaters fitted worth checking if there is a tank heater button on the main control panel , if it doesn't Autosleeper will retrofit one for you for around £350
My sister has a 2016 Warwick Duo and this is the price she was quoted so I would think the price would be much the same

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Dont want to be a fly in the ointment but.....Really nice friend of ours has just traded his back in! He has had a number of faults with it and decided enough was enough. It was a 2016 plated in Blue. The window panels on the side of the van just would not stop leaking in? It went back and forth on 3 separate occasions to get it sorted. Eventually after getting it done , he thought he could then travel and enjoy it. Wrong! he then had issues with the water getting in to some of the electrics under the bonnet. It spent more time in the garage than being used. Traded it in and bought a IH630rl

Kev

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[Kingham]

Can`t help you but I`m interested in the replies as I like the Kingham ....... maybe in a couple of years for me.

I second sylvester1954 My 2017 Kingham has had a few minor niggles, but has been pretty much what I expected it to be. It gets used all year and has provided me with a year round base for sea kayaking and winter mountaineering.
It has the winter pack fitted, which includes fresh and waste water tank heaters. These are fine on EHU, but I’ve not tried them off grid, so I’m not sure if they work off 12v.

For the OP, my outside chairs travel behind the driver and passenger seats, otherwise there’s loads of storage.

 

[Wh05apk]

Our first van was a kemerton XL, and was a dream to drive, fortunately we managed to reject it after 6 weeks.

We had paintwork issues requiring a full respray, but realised although it had showroom appeal it was very poor practically, even in summer there were cold spots, outdoor stuff could really only go under the settee. Although Its a great looking van with the standard minibus windows, we found ventilation whilst raining was very poor, unable to open windows, and the roof lights didn't have enough overlap.
On another point although the TV point is in front of the kitchen above the settee, there isn't really anywhere to put the TV, as the wallboards are not strong enough.
We felt the van was designed by designers rather than anyone who had actually used a van.

 

[CazPaul]

Surely not the right choice of van if you like going to the Alps in winter

Insulation? Water freezing, cold spots?

The van just isn't designed for Alps in winter.

 

[dipsie]

We nearly bought one but after going on a c & c club rally in the summer of 2017 we had a particularly hot week, we had a coach build at the time but we were going to change to a camper van in the not too distant future so we spent time chatting to van conversion owners about various aspects of their vans.
It soon became obvious that the three Auto Sleeper models there the owners were complaining about the lack of opening windows and excess heat. Due to midges and flies it was not convenient to keep the back doors and side door open enough. Plus one of the owner was in the middle of a major dispute regarding the build quality of their van.
After a bit more research we bought a new Autotrail V Line 610. The build was excellent, it was the first motor home of some twelve before that we have not had to have any warrantee work carried out.
However, that one we did approximately 4500 miles in during in six months but I kept wishing we had bought the longer 635. A trip over to our dealer to discuss a trade in finished with an order for the new 635.
We had to wait six months for our new one and a week to swop the tow bar, Oyster sat system, and we are now approaching 7000 miles with only one warrantee problem. One of the bathroom cabinet doors mirrors came unstuck and fell onto the shower floor causing a very small crack. Repair was arranged and as it meant a resealing job I had a look under the van and worked out that there was room to fit in a second drain. I asked if the repairer could do this ( Apple Caravan Servicing, Wellington ) and a quote of £50 was acceptable. As we use the shower a lot this inconvenience was worth it.
I have also fitted tank heaters and fully insulated the tanks and associated pipe work, 2 115 amp batteries.
We used the van through all through last winter, including being snowed in on a couple of occasions with no problems.
We made a good choice and won’t be changing for some time.

BernieT

 

[OldWomble]

Thanks everyone. Has anyone got anything positive to say about them? ?

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[CazPaul]

Thanks everyone. Has anyone got anything positive to say about them? ?

No, not for the Alps in winter.

 

[Caggsie1]

Continental for Alps.

 

[Blue Knight]

Thanks everyone. Has anyone got anything positive to say about them? ?

Yep, I have - I like the external colours and the decals.

We looked at the Autosleeper PVC range but in the end we just couldn't see how we could use it for off grid trips. There were just too many storage and accomodation compromises for us including such things as the small LPG tank and the 69-litre fresh tank.

Our current van only has an 80-litre fresh tank but we have a huge garage that accommodates for a reserve tank plus anything else we want to stuff in there.

 

[OldWomble]

So what did you go for Andrew?

 

[Blue Knight]

So what did you go for Andrew?

In the end we changed our nearly new Pilote C-Class for a new Globecar Summit 640 PVC (H-Line factory) but I chose the following optional extras to make it a bit special and unique to me.

1. Wonky windows.
2. Spongy entrance floor.
3. Warped cupboard doors.
4. Leaky shower tray.
5. Leaky external door locker.
6. Delaminating shower trim.

I'm really happy with the optional extras I chose and wouldn't change them for the world ......

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[Grianan]

N

In the end we changed our nearly new Pilote C-Class for a new Globecar Summit 640 PVC (H-Line factory) but I chose the following optional extras to make it a bit special and unique to me.

1. Wonky windows.
2. Spongy entrance floor.
3. Warped cupboard doors.
4. Leaky shower tray.
5. Leaky external door locker.
6. Delaminating shower trim.

I'm really happy with the optional extras I chose and wouldn't change them for the world ......

Now come on, Andrew play fair ... you know you’re not unique ?. You’ve already told us that SMC have a model in with your special memory foam cushioned flooring ...

 

[RogerThat]

there is not much storage for outside kit ie chairs, table, barbie etc. Any thoughts or experiences from owners will be gratefully accepted!

I'm able to get all this outdoor gear in to a regular Thule roof box.

Might be an option for you

 

[OldWomble]

That could work, thanks. However, my biggest concern now is the small water tank. 69 ltrs seems very little in a van with a very useable shower. I have figured a way of increasing it but I think that could affect the warranty. In every other respect it seems ideal, good size, big comfy lounge, good bathroom and auto. It’s got a lot in its favour

 

[Blue Knight]

That could work, thanks. However, my biggest concern now is the small water tank. 69 ltrs seems very little in a van with a very useable shower. I have figured a way of increasing it but I think that could affect the warranty. In every other respect it seems ideal, good size, big comfy lounge, good bathroom and auto. It’s got a lot in its favour

I really do like the Autosleeper 'blinged-up' look but in my book these vans are designed to be on sites where they can be supported by good water supplies and steady EHU to operate the microwave.

The internal floor plan of the Kemertin is identical to a pully caravan and for that reason (IMO) it's a lesson on how to waste space in a PVC.

I just can't believe how much usable space I have in my Globecar compared to the poor layout of the Autospleeper.

I would give it some serious thought before parting with your cash.

Good luck,

Andrew

 

[Brains]

I'd be looking German models.
Most of them come with full Alpine Winterisation as standard.

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[OldWomble]

Problem is finding one that does not have fixed beds. We want extra lounging space at the front. I do agree that they are generally better built although our last Hymer AClass contradicted that!

 

[Blue Knight]

Problem is finding one that does not have fixed beds. We want extra lounging space at the front. I do agree that they are generally better built although our last Hymer AClass contradicted that!

(Regarding the bed coniguration): In that case I don't think you have any choice other than to go with a UK van type. The Alps may be a good test for the van but I think you'll need to be continously supported by EHU and campsites to get the results you want.

 

[OldWomble]

Well it’s only one trip a year so I guess we will give it a try. It does seem a reasonable van and ideal for us for most of the year. Thanks all ?

 

[Blue Knight]

Well it’s only one trip a year so I guess we will give it a try. It does seem a reasonable van and ideal for us for most of the year. Thanks all ?

Go for it

There's no perfect van out there so I'm sure with a few tweaks and adjustments you'll get the required result.

Our current van (just like the others) isn't 100% perfect but it's surprising just how quickly we adapted to make it work for us.

Enjoy your new van

 

[OldWomble]

Thanks ?

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