Thought I would make a start in this section
I find that generally the Auto-Trail motorhomes are well built. We are on our fourth auto-trail starting with the cheyenne 634L then 635 but didn't like the bed make up on this model. Our 3rd was a 2004 Cheyenne 660SE which we had for nearly four years and found on the whole that was very reliable.
Collected our current Cheyenne 660SE in November so haven't been able to give this a proper test as yet. So far the build appears up to their good standard.
New features compared to our old one includes flip down TV monitor which seems quite good. One thing to watch out for: if any work on the mh involves eg dismantling battery charger then make sure the service centre re-programs the radio.
We had our charging unit replaced and on the way home the radio wouldn't work. On turning off engine radio worked but SRC button wouldn't work. This is needed to switch to EXT-IN so that you get sound when watching TV.
This was sorted by the dealer and I was told radio had to be re-programmed. As it was all set up on collection I didn't know about this. Still don't know why the radio didn't work with engine on! But have checked afterwards and seems ok now. I don't always find the handbooks/manuals very clear when trying to sort these kind of things out.
Back to the motorhome: other changes:
Bigger fridge which is nice but don't know yet how much gas it will use.
Rear window has gone which is nice when reading in bed.
Two wardrobes and a cupboard with shelves which is useful.
Leisure battery compartment now under offside sideskirts: This I do not like as more exposed to the elements and in frost/freezing conditions not so good.
No spare wheel but a puncture kit. This leaves good storage at the rear but the rear skirt is flimsy and no proper lock for securing equipment stored there.
The nearside locker door has gone. Underseat access ok from inside but less room inder the seat than before.
Gas locker now on nearside but only takes Calor 13kg x 1 and 6kg x1 (Propane) or equivalent in butane.
New kitchen surface which I like, same for round table and large table.
I also like the new LED lighting but have yet to try the 12v side of things properly like when we are touring in France and using 12v only.
The fixed bed seems more comfortable.
A NEW habitation door: ? better than previous new door 2006/7 However we have had issues with this already when door wouldn't lock with central locking fob or manually. Luckily we were overnighting at the dealers and it was rectified next day but felt very insecure that night. Couldn't seem to lock it manually either from inside. seems ok now.
What I would like is a way to additionally secure the door from inside. When using the fob or buttons in the cab to lock door I have no way of physically checking door is locked other than making sure the silver levers are pushed right in. On the old door once the lever was in the up position I new it was locked and I could wedge a piece of wood that fitted in nicely between lever and plastic surround so it prevented latch being opened from outside.
I have probably missed a few things but they are the ones that spring to mind.
Have used the new MH for over 2 weeks in Nov and a few days this Dec and have found it very good apart from from minor issues. Will know more after our long trip to France in 2008.
I find that generally the Auto-Trail motorhomes are well built. We are on our fourth auto-trail starting with the cheyenne 634L then 635 but didn't like the bed make up on this model. Our 3rd was a 2004 Cheyenne 660SE which we had for nearly four years and found on the whole that was very reliable.
Collected our current Cheyenne 660SE in November so haven't been able to give this a proper test as yet. So far the build appears up to their good standard.
New features compared to our old one includes flip down TV monitor which seems quite good. One thing to watch out for: if any work on the mh involves eg dismantling battery charger then make sure the service centre re-programs the radio.
We had our charging unit replaced and on the way home the radio wouldn't work. On turning off engine radio worked but SRC button wouldn't work. This is needed to switch to EXT-IN so that you get sound when watching TV.
This was sorted by the dealer and I was told radio had to be re-programmed. As it was all set up on collection I didn't know about this. Still don't know why the radio didn't work with engine on! But have checked afterwards and seems ok now. I don't always find the handbooks/manuals very clear when trying to sort these kind of things out.
Back to the motorhome: other changes:
Bigger fridge which is nice but don't know yet how much gas it will use.
Rear window has gone which is nice when reading in bed.
Two wardrobes and a cupboard with shelves which is useful.
Leisure battery compartment now under offside sideskirts: This I do not like as more exposed to the elements and in frost/freezing conditions not so good.
No spare wheel but a puncture kit. This leaves good storage at the rear but the rear skirt is flimsy and no proper lock for securing equipment stored there.
The nearside locker door has gone. Underseat access ok from inside but less room inder the seat than before.
Gas locker now on nearside but only takes Calor 13kg x 1 and 6kg x1 (Propane) or equivalent in butane.
New kitchen surface which I like, same for round table and large table.
I also like the new LED lighting but have yet to try the 12v side of things properly like when we are touring in France and using 12v only.
The fixed bed seems more comfortable.
A NEW habitation door: ? better than previous new door 2006/7 However we have had issues with this already when door wouldn't lock with central locking fob or manually. Luckily we were overnighting at the dealers and it was rectified next day but felt very insecure that night. Couldn't seem to lock it manually either from inside. seems ok now.
What I would like is a way to additionally secure the door from inside. When using the fob or buttons in the cab to lock door I have no way of physically checking door is locked other than making sure the silver levers are pushed right in. On the old door once the lever was in the up position I new it was locked and I could wedge a piece of wood that fitted in nicely between lever and plastic surround so it prevented latch being opened from outside.
I have probably missed a few things but they are the ones that spring to mind.
Have used the new MH for over 2 weeks in Nov and a few days this Dec and have found it very good apart from from minor issues. Will know more after our long trip to France in 2008.
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