Author: Tim Lemon

Hello to all our old customers and a warm welcome to all you new ones. I am Tim Lemon sales director here at Derby motorhomes in the centre of Derby in the UK. We specialise in selling brand new and second home Auto Sleeper motorhomes and campervans. For a personal appointment please contact me on +44 (0) 1322 360222 option one. Kind regards Tim.

Whether you are looking or a campervan or the luxury of a fully fitted and furnished motorhome, Auto-Sleeper has long been a peerless marque. Its factory in the Cotswolds has been turning out motorhomes that are the envy of existing and prospective owners alike.

The company’s reputation has gone from strength to strength through successive releases of improvements to its existing range and the launch of new models. So, what’s to look out for in the 2020 Auto-Sleepers range?

Campervans

Fairford Plus

One of the hottest additions to the 2020 Auto-Sleeper range comes in the shape of the Fairford Plus.

The Fairford itself was launched a few years back in 2016 and the “Plus” in the New Year’s model is thanks to the development of a new Fairford that is now based on the extra-long wheel-base Peugeot Boxer van.

That additional length makes it one of the few campervans that manage to squeeze in comfortable sleeping for four people, including two in the double transverse bed at the rear of the motorhome. In the lounge area to the front of the van, a dining table drops down to convert the benches either side into another double bed.

Peugeot coachbuilts

Also built on the extra-length Boxer van is an ever-popular Broadway FB.

The clever, coachbuilt design allows not only for a fixed double bed at the rear but also a separate shower and washroom to the side, a fully equipped kitchen in the middle of the motorhome and a spacious lounge area at the front.

All in all, it remains amazing just how much has been fitted into this handsomely proportioned coachbuilt Peugeot.

AL-KO Peugeot coachbuilts

The lighter weight of the AL-KO coachbuilt motorhome allows a still higher degree of finish for the same level of performance and manoeuvrability.

With the choice of two Corinium models, the FB version delivers an extremely spacious lounge area and well-equipped kitchen. The real delight – and impressive for a motorhome of these overall dimensions – is the enclosed bedroom to the rear with its own ensuite shower and bathroom.

Mercedes coachbuilt

Maintaining its position in the height of luxury and comfort is Auto-Sleeper’s range of Mercedes-powered coachbuilt motorhomes.

And top of that range, the superlative Burford Duo offers two fixed single beds in a spacious room at the back, where there is also a fully equipped shower and bathroom.

2020’s new look

Exterior detailing across the whole range of Auto-Sleepers makes it crystal clear that these are the latest models for 2020.

Inside, you have limewash furniture as standard, the choice of five different fabric options, chrome fixtures and fittings and LED lighting.

In their latest incarnation, all Auto-Sleepers now also come with Whale heating and hot water systems, Sargent EC700 electrical systems, Dometic microwave ovens, in-built Wi-Fi routers, Cat 6 Trackers – which are said to provide the highest levels of security for any vehicles – and further security chipping and window etching with your CRiS registration and membership (the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme established by the National Caravan Council in 1992).

Although the best of the season for outings may be coming to an end, motorhome news never sleeps – there is always something to whet the appetite for next Spring’s adventures.

Here are some of the key events and news we’ve gathered:

Motorhome and Caravan Show

If there’s one event in the year you simply cannot afford to miss, it’s the Motorhome and Caravan Show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from the 15th until the 20th of October.

It’s the place to go for an early preview of new motorhome launches for 2020 and, of course, for any advice you may need on buying your first motorhome or upgrading to your next one.

As the website Out and About Live also points out, you can even get help here in planning your next motorhome holiday – in this country or abroad.

Cannot make it?

If you cannot make it to the Motorhome and Caravan Show, there are two Caravan and Motorhome Shows at opposite ends of the country just around the corner in the New Year.

The first is held from the 16th to the 19th of January at Manchester’s EventCity, where you can view all the latest models, motorhome accessories and enjoy the day out test-driving your model of choice or even letting children as young as 3 to 10 get behind the wheel of a towing vehicle.

Just a week later, another Caravan and Motorhome Show opens from the 24th until the 26th of January at Westpoint Exeter.

Owner Satisfaction Survey 2020

It’s become one of the most important yardsticks for manufacturers and dealers – and a measure likely to feature prominently in any buyer’s decision – so Practical Motorhome’s Owner Satisfaction Survey has rightly earned its place in the market for sellers and buyers alike.

Visit Practical Motorhome’s website and complete the 10-minute survey to let the rest of the world know just how happy – or otherwise – you’ve been with the motorhome you own.

Pick a reputable dealer

It really does pay to pick a reputable and well-established dealer if you’re in the business of buying a new motorhome.

On the 8th of September 2019, the BBC relayed the misfortune of a young woman who had paid over £10,000 for a motorhome which simply failed to materialise when the company All Classics UK Ltd went into liquidation.

The Leicester-based company specialised in restoring campervans in South Africa and shipping them to hopeful buyers in different parts of the world. When it went bankrupt, it left owing many thousands of pounds to its customers.

Motorhome road tax increased by 705%

From 1st September 2019, the tax payable on first registration of a new motorhome with a WLTP Euro 6D/2 engine was increased from £265 up to £2,135. Due to legislative changes, WLTP Euro 6D/2 engines are no longer subject to a commercial vehicle tax band – Private/Light Goods (PLG/PHG) – when they are first registered.

Instead, they are, for the purposes of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), now taxed as a car. This reclassification means the registration tax for a new motorhome with a WLTP Euro 6D/2 engine has increased from £265 (PLG rate) up to £2,135 – a 705% increase – plus there is significant higher ongoing yearly tax costs for a further five years.

The UK motorhome industry is asking for an urgent minor amendment to the Finance Bill to reclassify motorhomes as commercial vehicles for VED. You can join the campaign and have your say here: http://fairmotorhometax.org/

Have you been enjoying your summer out and about in your motorhome? Weather-wise it’s had its ups and downs – depending on where you happen to have been, of course.

In all the excitement of outings in your motorhome, you might have fallen behind with some of the upcoming motorhome news and events. To refresh your mind and curiosity, here are some details of a new motorhome site opening and forthcoming shows …

A new site for your motorhome in Sherwood Forest

  • called Sherwood Pines, the extensive site covers some 20 acres and will offer around 150 pitches for motorhomes, caravans, other leisure vehicles, and tents on all-weather, fully serviced plots, with electric hook-ups;
  • it is intended to keep the site open throughout the year;

The South West Motorhome Show

  • time to get your skates on if you are planning to visit the major motorhome show for this year at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, from the 6th to the 8th of September;

The Motorhome Show Season Finale, Lincoln

  • the historic city of Lincoln is host to the Motorhome Show Season Finale, for one of your last chances to view the pick of 2019’s models, pick up some great bargains on motorhomes and accessories, or simply exchange tales with your fellow motorhome owners;
  • the event is held from the 20th to the 22nd of September and is expected to draw around 5,500 visitors a day;

South Coast Caravan and Motorhome Show, New Forest

  • incorporated into the New Forest Show from the 27th to the 29th of September, the South Coast Caravan and Motorhome Show lets you view some of the latest makes and models of motorhome while giving you the chance to meet and grill their manufacturers and dealers;

Malvern Caravan Show, Malvern

  • held from the 4th to the 6th of October, the Malvern Caravan Show is a must not only for owners and would-be owners of motorhomes but for anyone interested in holidays outdoors – not to mention the urge to enjoy a whole weekend of fun and entertainment;
  • the show is held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern;

The Motorhome and Caravan Show, NEC, Birmingham

  • the jewel in the crown of motorhome shows in this as in any year is likely to be the Motorhome and Caravan Show held at the spacious National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, from the 15th to the 20th of October;

Caravan and Motorhome Show, Manchester

  • with more than 200 exhibitors and a full range of the new year’s motorhome models to view up close and personal, the event is sure to attract its usual huge crowds.

So, enjoy the Indian summer that invariably wrings out the last golden days of outings in your motorhome this year while visiting the many shows and events heralding all that next year might bring.

Bank holiday weekend opening hours

Saturday 25th May 2019 normal  10.00am to 4.00pm

Sunday 26th May 2019 normal 10.00am to 4.00pm

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2019 10.00am to 4.00pm for sales – service and aftersales closed.

If this is the year you’re looking to buy your first motorhome or upgrade to a new one, you might be looking for the best that money can buy – and the best is almost certain to come from the 2019 Auto-Sleepers range.

Don’t take our word for it, or listen to the natural sales hype of the manufacturers, just turn instead to the opinion of thousands of Camping and Caravanning Club members and readers of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines who voted Auto-Sleepers outright favourites in the Tent, Caravan and Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards.

Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus 2019

Auto-Sleeper clearly listen to what their existing and potential customers have to say about what they want in a motorhome.

It has all come together in this year’s launch of the Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus.

The Symbol Plus is based on an ever-popular sub-6metre van chassis – prized for its manoeuvrability in urban congestion or narrow country lanes – but manages to enclose a surprisingly spacious and well laid out interior.

According to What Motorhome, it combines the best of both worlds from two previous incarnations – a medium length (5.41m) van conversion that still offers the option of both double or single beds, a fully-equipped L-shaped galley, and spacious lounge.

Auto-Sleeper Corinium Duo motorhome

If you are looking for a larger Peugeot-based motorhome, a further addition to the 2019 Auto-Sleepers range is the Corinium Duo.

This has 4 full berths, with its two single beds in a separate bedroom at the rear, where there is a full-width, en suite bathroom too.

Powered by a 160bhp Peugeot Euro VI turbo-diesel engine, the Corinium Duo is equipped to the highest of standards with air-conditioning for the cab, integrated GPS, cruise control, and touch-screen radio, USB ports, mains sockets, and external BBQ.

Auto-Sleeper Broadway EB motorhome

In the medium wheelbase range once again is the Broadway EB, which combines practical manoeuvrability with clever interior layout to create 2 full berths and seating for up to 8 people (with the cab seats swivelled round).

The separate washroom is at the back of the vehicle and the galley in the middle.

Auto-Sleeper Bourton motorhome

The 2019 Auto-Sleepers range continues its choice of Peugeot (and Fiat Ducato) and Mercedes powertrains.

If you are after the engineering excellence and reliability of the 163bhp Mercedes models, this year’s re-working of the popular Bourton might be your choice of motorhome.

It, too, is a well-appointed, yet manoeuvrable 2-berth (converting between a double bed or two singles), a large sky view window that winds up from the lounge, with kitchen and bathroom to the rear. Out and About Live describes its level of luxury as “quintessential”.

Auto-Sleeper Sprinter Chassis

If your heart is set on the luxury of a coach built, Mercedes-based motorhome, you’ll welcome the introduction of the new Sprinter 2019 Auto-Sleeper range – with five different models to choose from.

Each comes with an exceptional specification and a superlative driving experience that offers more economical, more flexible, more advanced, and even safer performance than previous models in this range.

2019 is now on the horizon and it’s time to start thinking about those New Year expeditions!

As you may know, here at Derby Motorhomes we are devotees of Auto-Sleepers’ vehicles and for that reason, we thought we’d give you a preview of what is coming up in terms of the 2019 Auto-Sleepers – specifically the incredible Symbol Plus.

The Symbol Plus

The Symbol is one of the most familiar and longest-running of Auto-Sleepers van conversions.

It has always been immensely popular and its design goes back to an earlier generation of the Peugeot Boxer. It’s a fact that it’s the only van conversion of this range based upon the medium wheelbase window-van.

Now, the ever-popular Stanway is undoubtedly longer at 5.99 metres and has a pretty luxurious ‘L’ shaped kitchen. However, its diner-lounge can’t convert into single beds and it’s not perhaps quite as flexible for lazy lounging as is the case with the Symbol.

Having two immensely popular vehicles is great but wouldn’t it be a good idea if you could combine the best of both together into one model?

Well, no prizes for guessing that is what Auto-Sleepers has done with the new Symbol Plus. Essentially, you can consider this to be a Symbol at the front end and a Stanway at the rear – but all combined onto a long wheelbase Boxer.

It’s a triumph, as you will see if you contact us for further information!

Auto-Sleepers commitment

There are also the now almost taken-for-granted quality configurations available on Auto-Sleepers’ vehicles including things such as (variations by model):

  • Grade III insulated;
  • 25-litre underfloor-mounted LPG gas tank;
  • 160bhp Peugeot Euro VI engines;
  • flush-fitting, stylish and insulating athermically-treated privacy glass;
  • Al-Ko Air Top & twin leaf rear suspension;
  • Optional Fiat Ducato 150bhp engine;
  • Comfort-Matic engine available.

Why we love Auto-Sleepers’ vehicles

When speaking about the Symbol Plus above, we are obviously talking about design innovation and revolutionary thinking. Those characteristics have always existed in the Auto-Sleepers range but there are many other factors that explain why we think so highly of them.

It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about this subject without mentioning build quality.

Auto-Sleepers vehicles simply do not skimp on quality fixtures, finishing and materials. It’s difficult to illustrate this other than by inviting you to try some of their fixtures and fittings within the accommodation unit. Your sense of touch will tell you in an instant that the builders here wanted to get everything absolutely right.

That almost inevitably leads into the subject of robustness.

If you read motorhome reviews, you’ll occasionally see that some motorhomes don’t always get rated very highly in terms of things going wrong with internal equipment or bits falling off etc. Those sorts of things simply don’t happen on Auto-Sleepers vehicles and that’s another reason why we are confident when putting them forward to our customers for consideration.

Finally, it’s important to conclude with the recognition of the stylish design that has gone into their interiors. An individual customer can obviously configure this to some extent to their own requirements but the choices available are all almost boutique-like in their quality.

Why not contact us and come and see these incredible vehicles for yourself?

Service Department

Closing 1.00pm Friday 21st December 2018

Reopening Wednesday 2nd January 2019 – normal business hours

Sales Department

Closed Sunday 23rd    

Closed Monday 24th

Closed Tuesday25th

Closed Wednesday 26th

Closed Thursday 27th

Open Friday 28th 11.00am to 3.00pm

Open Saturday 29th 11.00am to 3.00pm

Open Sunday 30th 11.00am to 3.00pm

Closed Monday 31st

Closed Tuesday 1st

Open as normal Wednesday 2nd January 2019

Derby Motorhomes will be at the Lincoln Show this weekend, exhibiting a great selection of new and used Auto Sleepers.

We will be on our usual stand, number 52 and have some particularly enticing offers this year; Over £8000 off a brand-new, unregistered ex display Corinium RB for example or over £2000 off our brand-new, display model Symbol and Warwick Duo too!

As we stock the entire Auto-Sleepers Mercedes range too, we also have some exciting offers available on our ex showroom display Burford, Burford Duo and Winchcombe, so you really do need to visit us at Lincoln and talk to us about a deal on a new Auto-Sleeper.

We also have some fantastic discounts on our used Auto-Sleepers with a massive £2000 discount on one of our Broadway EL duos’ and another huge £2000 saving on our Mercedes-based Hampshire!

This really is the time to get a great deal from the county’s leading, solus Auto-Sleeper main dealer. Ask our show team about special offers available when you order a new, 2019 Auto-Sleeper from us at this year’s show – you know it makes sense and if you can avoid the rush for stock at the NEC which happens every October, order now, save on the stress and get yourself a great deal.

All of us enjoy taking a few home comforts with us when we are out and about with our motorhome.

True, “roughing it” a little is often part of the fun when in the countryside but a few motorhome accessories can make life just that bit more comfortable.

Here are some general ideas as to things you might consider taking with you. They’re not in any particular priority sequence, as that is largely a matter of personal preference.

A WIFI booster

Many of us want to stay in touch when we are on the road. Our various portable technological devices usually play a key part in that.

While many sites today offer WIFI services, it’s a fact of life that if your pitch is some distance away from the main router then your internet service may be patchy or at worst unavailable. Cue much frustration!

That’s why one of the most popular motorhome accessories is a WIFI signal booster.

There are various forms available using different technologies but the costs are usually relatively modest.

An E-book reader

If you love reading through lots of books when you are on your holiday, then you’ve probably experienced the downside of needing lots of space to store them and of course, there is the weight issue too.

An E-book reader removes all that because you can take virtually an entire library with you and hold it in one hand. Not everybody instinctively warms to these devices in advance but it’s worth giving them a try because once you get used to them, they’ll revolutionise your view of how to take reading materials with you.

Portable satellite TV

Once upon a time you almost needed a PhD in astrophysics and a team from NASA to set up your own satellite TV system on or around a motorhome.

Those days are now long-gone and the systems are small, highly intelligent and above all, easy to use.

Unless you pay for a very high-tech one that will tune itself in to the satellite of your choice, you still may need to spend a little time aligning it every time you use it. That though is much easier than it used to be and this is now a really viable option if you’d like to watch your favourite programmes.

Remember, if you’ve left somebody behind at home who is watching your normal television, once you start using your television in the motorhome you will need a second TV licence.

Battery operated lanterns

Many motorhome owners sensibly take torches with them but those are hardly conducive to creating a pleasant evening glow as you sit out watching it get dark around you.

On the other hand, battery operated lanterns can provide a great ambience on those warm evenings outside your vehicle.

Most providers of motorhome accessories will offer a wide choice.

Awnings

These can be extremely useful motorhome accessories because they can significantly increase your living space.

There is a vast range to choose from though it’s worth checking to make sure that any motorhome insurance you have covers them against a range of mishaps.

External collapsible furniture

There’s little point in sitting inside your motorhome if the weather outside is beautiful!

The days when external collapsible furniture consisted of two rickety deckchairs you’d inherited from your grandparents are (or should be) history. Most motorhome accessories providers now offer a range of ultra-modern external furniture that isn’t only practical but stylish as well.

It’s worth checking out.

Getting the most out of the Motorhome Show

Some motorhome shows are what might be described as manageable size.

You can stroll around fairly easily and take everything in over an hour or so.

However, the giant shows, such as that at the NEC Birmingham, are in a different league. It’s very easy to walk in and be overwhelmed by the scale of what’s going on.

That’s why we at Derby Motorhomes have put together a few basic thoughts on how you can get the most out of the Motorhome Show.

Research and plan ahead

The big shows typically have a website set up a long time in advance and plenty of information is usually available there.

You are really looking for things such as floor plans and a list of exhibitors plus what they have to show. Once you have that to hand, you can start to look for those things that are of particular interest to you and make a note of exactly what you must see during your visit.

Consider the amount of time you have available

Many of us are prone to being overly-optimistic about just how much ground we can cover at these shows and over what period of time. Don’t forget that the Motorhome Show environment may be busy and individual exhibitors may have queues of people waiting to see them and their offerings.

If you have say, 10 exhibitors you feel you really must see, then finishing the day only having seen three or four, all in the bottom half all of your list might be disappointing.

So, be realistic with how much time it is going to take to get around and concentrate on your top priorities. Only move on to things lower down your list once you have dealt with your priority “must see” needs.

Avoid getting side-tracked

Exhibitors are, of course, experts in catching the attention of passers-by.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you suddenly diverting from your plan but don’t keep doing so if it puts at risk your primary objectives in attending the Motorhome Show.

Take water and snacks

The catering at major exhibitions can be perfectly acceptable but it can also be placed under intense pressure by crowds. On the whole, people might also find it to be moderately expensive.

It’s a good idea to put some food and drink in your bag/rucksack. It will save you time and money.

Use your camera or phone camera

Many of us have experienced the frustration of returning home, only to find that we are struggling to remember whether an item was a certain colour or not. More seriously, at the end of a tiring day, it’s also perfectly possible to struggle to remember which company was offering what service or product!

In these days of digital technology, taking plenty of snaps by way of aide-memoir is easy and zero cost. It can be invaluable when you return home but do remember to ask exhibitors’ permission (where practical) before photographing them or the items they are showing.

Get an early night beforehand

Almost everybody agrees that visiting a major exhibition of this nature can be tiring.

If you had a very late night the night before and were up at the crack of dawn to get there early, by lunch you are likely to be at best jaded or at worst, wiped-out.

At the risk of sounding like a parent, it’s always a good idea to get an early night before setting off for a major motorhome show!