Our first Motorhome

[buntyb]

Hi there, I have been lurking in the shadows in here browsing but I’m now a new member here, Hi to everyone. After months of internet hunting and research on licence allowances, weights and lengths we are now very seriously considering buying an Auto-trail Tribute 736, hopefully the 6 belted version. Limited choice when me and my other half lay out or options. Separate shower is no1. Less than 7.4 meters, Near side habitation door, twin lounges, no more than 3yrs old for no more than 45k....the list goes on but it’s pretty much brought us to the Auto-Trail 736 with the Bailey Alliance as a possible fall back, not a separate shower in it but but probably the easiest looking `wetroom` to shower in on a daily basis.

Some of the wet room layouts look like they might lead to water problems later down the line with what looks like little or no protection from the water hitting the walls which don’t appear to be water proof in the way that a single piece shower enclosure does, or leave you stepping through a wet shower area first to make use of the loo.

I’m just looking for any feed back on the Auto-Trail or the Bailey. I realise that there will be horror stories about each and every Motorhome out there but I’m looking forward to gathering more info if possible. It’s a lot of money so it probably pays to get as much research as possible . Thank You

 

[peterc10]

Some questions. What licence do you have, does it include the C1 category? What is the maximum weight and payload of the Autotrail? Why 6 seat belts? How many will be using it? Where will you be mainly using it, UK or Europe?

 

[David and Sally]

 

[buntyb]

Full uk licence since 1994, big family, anywhere from 2-6 people, days out, uk and Europe tours

 

[peterc10]

Full uk licence since 1994, big family, anywhere from 2-6 people, days out, uk and Europe tours

In that case you probably have a C1 licence so can drive over 3.5t. But the important answers you have not given. What is it unladen weight in its present state and what is its Maximum weight? The different between the two will be the practical payload you have. Given that you may have 6 people on board with all their stuff for holidays you will need a lot of payload. Anything between 500kg to 750kg depending on what you take.

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[BRASH]

Hello!

 

[wigster]

 

[buntyb]

Thanks peterc10. We would adapt our carry on luggage to suit whichever Motorhome we were to purchase, that part of it doesn’t concern us so much. Having spent a lot of time caravaning we understand how important the loading and weights are with regards to the vehicle, When there is a financial limit and a particular layout then you very much focus on these things. If it’s a 250kg limit then so be it

And thank you for all the waves. Much appreciated

 

[Diabalo]

I think the point being made is 6 people will eat into your payload limit along with all the kit they bring with them.

 

[peterc10]

Thanks peterc10. We would adapt our carry on luggage to suit whichever Motorhome we were to purchase, that part of it doesn’t concern us so much. Having spent a lot of time caravaning we understand how important the loading and weights are with regards to the vehicle, When there is a financial limit and a particular layout then you very much focus on these things. If it’s a 250kg limit then so be it

And thank you for all the waves. Much appreciated

You will find that 250kg is way to low to be practical. 6 adults alone weigh nearly 400kg and that assumes that they are all 10 stone naked lightweights. Kids are lighter but they want toys and bikes. And all the essentials like gas bottles, BBQs, bikes, cloths, boots, food, beer, wine, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, TV, outside chairs and table, levelling ramps, etc etc etc all add up.

This is not like caravanning. The payload has to cover everything and everybody. There is no tow car to put the people and heavy stuff in.

I think you really need to consider good payload as being a "must have" if you want to stay safe and legal. Who are you going to make walk when the VOSA/police/whoever put you on a weighbridge? And can they walk that far if you are in France? You have asked for advice, and that is mine.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Lenny HB]

The Tribute at 3500kg doesn't even have enough payload for two people and at the optional 3650 still very tight for two no way could you drive it legally with 4 let alone 6 people.
You have to take into account any factory/dealer & self fitted extras which can easily add up to 100 to 200 kg which comes off the payload.

You need to be looking at vans with a payload of getting on for 1500kg if you intend to carry 6 people.

 

[Blue Knight]

I’m just looking for any feed back on the Auto-Trail

How about a modified shed from B&Q. The build quality will be better and it's not likley to leak as much

Take a look at this 400BHP beauty - it could be yours for a fraction of the price:

Only joking ;-)

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Andrew
And the advantage of your suggestion is that you KNOW you are buying a shed before you part with your money, not finding out later

 

[maz]

How about a modified shed from B&Q. The build quality will be better and it's not likley to leak as much

Take a look at this 400BHP beauty - it could be yours for a fraction of the price:

View attachment 320457

Only joking ;-)

Two years ago we parked next to that in a car park near Banbury.

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[Jaws]

Realistically , with 6 people planned to travel, you have got to be looking at a tag..
There are advantages ... cheaper road tax and room to breath !
We have a 2007 Autotrail Chieftain and ave been very pleased with it.. Cost £39k but the same one today will proly be around £33k

 

[Blue Knight]

My serious head on for a second.

The screenshot below depicts the AT Tribute 736 payload figures with 4 smallish people; the Tribute and Lux pack added (which are usually sold as standard these days) and a solar panel.

These figures do not account for the extra people, water, extra belongings, food and gear, larger gas and hab batteries, EU weight variation, engine upgrades or auto box, bike racks and bikes, scooters, tow bars, satnav or any variation in hab weight that results from the Autotrail +/-3% variation in build allowance.

If we add 50kg for the weight variation of the van, 20kg for the added seats and belt frames, 250kg for extra people and gear and a tank of water @ c.120kg then the payload becomes -420kg when registered at 3.5T.

If you desperately want an Autotrail then how about opting for the 6-berth, 6-belt Autotrail 700 Apache on the heavy chassis but, even that will struggle with six bodies onboard.

The Apache will cost more than the 736 but Autotrail prices are rapidly falling at dealers so in theory you should be able to pick up a stock vehicle for c£53,000

Best of luck,

Andrew

 

[Allanm]

Not taking into account payload is probably one of the worst mistakes you can make when buying a motorhome.
It will seriously cut down your ability to use the van and get enjoyment from it.

Plus, almost every trip you take could mean a visit to the weighbridge first to ensure you are legal

There are heavy fines to be had if you get caught overweight.

 

[Allanm]

...................................Given that you may have 6 people on board with all their stuff for holidays you will need a lot of payload. Anything between 500kg to 750kg depending on what you take.

We have a payload of about 750 kg, which I consider just about adequate for the 2 of us on extended trips.

Food and clothing can get quite heavy......

 

[buntyb]

To be more precise, the overnight trips will be either 3 adults max, or two adults and up to two grandkids but for most of the time, just two adults. The day trips could involve up to 6 of both adult and kids, hence not overly worried about payload. Our concerns are more about build quality and also Mr is preferring the separate shower cubicle over the wet room type, which is limiting our options. Would be good to hear what others prefer.

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[Lenny HB]

We have a payload of about 750 kg, which I consider just about adequate for the 2 of us on extended trips.

I've always said 700kg for two people is about right, our current van has over 1350kg.

Our concerns are more about build quality

Need to be looking at German vans then.

 

[chaser]

To be more precise, the overnight trips will be either 3 adults max, or two adults and up to two grandkids but for most of the time, just two adults. The day trips could involve up to 6 of both adult and kids, hence not overly worried about payload. Our concerns are more about build quality and also Mr is preferring the separate shower cubicle over the wet room type, which is limiting our options. Would be good to hear what others prefer.

I'm afraid you are going to be disappointed one way or another, have a good look around before parting with money.

 

[Tea break]

Hi and welcome
In my opinion the auto trail is a very good vehicle and so does my son he has owned a tag axle for a few years and it is more than adequate for him and his family they go away on a regular basis across to France. My own van is a imala 615 and I’m very pleased with the build quality far better than our previous van.
As many on here have said do be aware of payload it is soon used up.

 

[StephDeLux]

You say you're not overly concerned about payload, well th ebest advice to give you is that you should be, as others have already stated.

Believe me when I say you clearly have not thought this through.

Make a thorough list of what you know you will put in your motorhome with the weight of each item, allow for at least 20 kgs of luggage per person like when you take the plane weight all humans that will be boarding and make the sum of all the listed weights. You will get an optimistic estimate of the weight you'll be carrying.

I did that and came to the conclusion I will get a C1 license. And we only plan to travel at 2 people, never more, in a less than 7 meters van without awning, without SAT, without TV, without bikes, without solar panels. Still will be over 3500 kilos.

You are seriously underestimating the problem.

 

[aria]

We have an Apache 700, 2016.
Build quality has been fine. Biggest problem I had was a flexing shower tray and they eventually approved a new tray and proper supports after first trying to just brace it from underneath.
A couple of smaller problems but all sorted under warranty by an NCC approved workshop, I haven't gone near the dealer since they made a mess of the first attempt at a leaking tap.

You reckon you'll be ok with payload, and maybe you will, but if you're travelling with up to 6 you'll be able to bring very little with you.

We started with 4,250kg and on the first trip out found I was over on the back axle and just 80kg shy of the overall weight. That's with 2 adults, 3 kids and a big dog. Have since uprated the weight.
We do travel with full water etc as that suits our touring style, but even on day-trips you will want enough water to be able to use the toilet, wash up etc.

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[WynandJean]

Hello and welcome from West Midlands. ?

Wyn

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Dont get too excited peeps, 5 free posts have now expired so it will possibly go a bit quiet, especially as the answers are not what the OP wanted

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Geistguy]

For that age and budget I would be looking at a German or French make with tag axle. Either a private sale or going a little older should be within budget.

By the way - a big welcome.

 

[TeamBandS]

Welcome to FUN. A MH can be a great way to get away for days out, weekend breaks and holidays BUT the wrong choice now will not only spoil it but could cost you a small fortune. You asked for advice and from all the above comments you really need to take payload into account. Telling the kids they can not take a bike or a blow up boat is not fun, just weigh some of the personal "essentials" like a make up bag, a few pairs of shoes, electronic stuff, bedding and pillows and 4 rain coats and you will see how quickly the payload disappears. A MH will appear to have loads of space but think about all the must haves and it quickly disappears.

My personal best tip is to hire a MH for a few days, fill it up, weight it and try it out before you part with your cash. You just might find that you change some of your priorities. I did this and found that a boot rose right up my list. Think where you will store 4/6 chairs and a table for a start.......

Dont want to be all negative, just dont want your first MH to be an expensive disappointment.

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