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In what follows, we’ll provide the answers to some motorhomes FAQs.

Can I drive a motorhome on an ordinary licence?

In many cases, the answer is a reassuring “yes” – but not always!

A lot depends here upon the weight of the motorhome and when you passed your test.

As there are so many options here, it’s probably more sensible to research your individual position against the government’s official website.

Are motorhomes easy to drive?

Yes. In complexity terms, there is nothing that should surprise someone who is already a competent car driver.

However, some motorhomes are large vehicles which rely on wing mirrors for rear views to an extent that is not the case with the typical car. That can mean additional skills are required when reversing, parking, taking sharp corners and so on.

Some dealers may be able to arrange short skills development sessions for you to practice prior to driving away for the first time.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club run motorhome manoeuvring courses and if you look further online, there are several other companies that do so, too.

Can I park my motorhome wherever I wish overnight?

No.

Many local authorities differentiate between people parking a vehicle for a short time and sleeping in vehicles overnight. Many may prohibit overnight parking for any vehicle, including motorhomes, in standard car parks or lay-bys etc. The same might typically apply to streets and roadsides.

Whether any such rules would be enforced is another and probably unknowable question.

Fortunately, there is an abundance of good officially approved parking sites all over the UK.

Do note that your insurance policy might also have requirements about where you can and cannot park-up overnight.

Do motorhomes have real toilets?

The answer is “yes” and very sophisticated ones – assuming you select a duly equipped motorhome of course. Do discuss your question in more detail with us if required.

How much control do I have over interior fittings?

That depends upon the models you’re looking at but typically, a lot.

Many come in a wide range of configurations covering, just as one example, how much space is allocated to berths versus your shower room or berths versus living space etc. You can select the configuration that meets your requirements.

In terms of fittings, you might be able to select the type and colour of your upholstery, your specific kitchen equipment and so on.

This is best discussed with us and by looking at some brochures etc.

Can I take my motorhome abroad?

Yes, providing you have appropriate insurance cover that permits you to do so and subject to current legislation. As rules may change in terms of travel, visas and insurance requirement implications, you may want to check on the Gov.uk site for the latest information.

Also, please note that if you’ve imported a motorhome from outside the EU (typically from North America), some of those might not be road legal in the UK without modifications and that might mean they are not road legal in some other EU countries.

You would need vehicle-specific advice in such cases.

Is it possible to borrow money to buy a motorhome?

Yes, finance deals are available just as would be the case with motorcars etc.

Of course, that is inevitably “subject to status”. You can find out more on our Motorhome finance page, or please feel free to contact us. We’d be very happy to help.

Christmas 2021 Opening Times

SERVICE AND AFTERSALES DEPARTMENT

OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL BE COMPLETELY CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR, CLOSING AT 12.00PM FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2021, RE-OPENING ON TUESDAY 4th JANUARY 2022

SALES DEPARTMENT

THURSDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2021                                     CLOSED

FRIDAY 24th DECEMBER 2021                                            CLOSED

SATURDAY 25th DECEMBER 2021                                      CLOSED

SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER 2021                                          CLOSED

MONDAY 27th DECEMBER 2021                                        CLOSED

TUESDAY 28th DECEMBER 2021                                         CLOSED

WEDNESDAY 29th DECEMBER 2021                                  OPEN – 11.00am to 3.00pm

THURSDAY 30th DECEMBER 2021                                     OPEN – 11.00am to 3.00pm

FRIDAY 31st DECEMBER 2021                                             CLOSED

SATURDAY 1st JANUARY 2022                                           CLOSED

SUNDAY 2nd JANUARY 2022                                              CLOSED

MONDAY 3rd JANUARY 2022                                             CLOSED 

TUESDAY 4th JANUARY ONWARDS – NORMAL OPENING HOURS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS

Happy Christmas to all our customers, old, new and those we’ve yet to meet.

Have a lovely Christmas and a safe and peaceful new year……………

The Derby Motorhomes Team

 

You’ve probably heard a lot about “Auto-Sleepers”. Although Auto-Sleeper is a term that might be applied to motorhomes in general, here we’re referring to the leading UK manufacturer of that name.

So, if you’ve ever considered buying an Auto-Sleepers motorhome, let’s take a closer look at what the company does and how you might go about finding finance to purchase one of their vehicles.

Coachwork and chassis

Auto-Sleepers is a company that has been building great motorhomes on top of prestigious chassis marques for well over half a century.

In that time, their motorhomes have become a byword for quality and innovation. As highly sought-after motorhomes, they’re often at the forefront of demand from both new and seasoned motorhome purchasers.

Buying

You can choose to buy your Auto-Sleepers motorhome or campervan new or used. Some dealerships specialise in this particular marque – and, as a result, have become experts in every last aspect of each single model.

As demand is high, you’ll typically find that Auto-Sleepers hold their value well when compared to some other motorhomes. When you’ve found an attractive and competitively-priced deal, though, you’ll still need to find a way of paying for it.

Even if you can lay your hands on the necessary cash, using your savings in that way might not always prove the most efficient or effective solution. As some accountants will tell you, keeping liquid capital reserves in your bank account can have its advantages.

So, if you’re looking for motorhome finance, what will you need and what are the options?

Types of finance

Motorhomes and campervans built by Auto-Sleepers are decidedly quality products. That fact alone gets you off to a positive first step with a variety of lenders. With that wide range of lenders from which to choose, you may find that their finance options fall into these broad categories:

Secured loan

  • a conventional, secured loan with an agreed repayment schedule. In this case, the motorhome will become yours legally from the moment of purchase, but the lender will typically have a legal charge over it. What that means is that they could take – relatively straightforward legal action to seize the vehicle in the hopefully unlikely event of your default and failing to maintain your loan repayments in line with the agreed schedule;
  • in some cases, a secured loan might also be provided with security being offered by other property you own such as your house – and, in that case, of course, you should remember that your home might be at risk if you fail to repay a loan secured against it;

Unsecured loan

  • as with all types of credit, obtaining an unsecured personal loan depends on the assessment made by the lender with respect to your creditworthiness – as explained in guidance published by Citizens Advice;
  • whether you are buying new or second-hand, Auto-Sleepers are not cheap, and you will have a much better chance of securing the finance you need if you have a healthy credit history;
  • but do not be deterred if you do not have a perfect credit rating – an unsecured personal loan may still be available, even if you face a slightly higher lending cost because of the greater risk taken by the finance provider;

Hire Purchase

  • this is a very well-known and long-established method of funding purchases;
  • typically, your motorhome will legally become the property of the lender and you will be entitled to use it as the “registered keeper”. Once your final repayment is made, the motorhome becomes legally yours;
  • note that the vehicle may be liable to seizure if you fail to maintain payments. You also cannot sell it without the lender’s permission, as that would be a criminal offence.

Whichever of these finance options most suits your particular circumstances and preferences, you are almost certain to find an affordable choice – and one that allows you to join the ranks of proud owners of one of Britain’s leading marques of motorhome.

The great thing about owning a motorhome is that your pastime is always assured of giving you new ideas to think about. And there’s probably nothing quite like sitting down and reflecting on the latest new gadgets that will adorn the next outings in your holiday home on wheels.

You can think about expanding your collection of gadgets at any time of the year, of course. In the autumn and winter, they’ll be thoughts to keep you going until the beginning of the new season; in the spring and summer, you’ll be keen to get your hands on the latest gadgets right now.

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we are as ready as ever to show you some of this year’s new motorhome gadgets and accessories to help make your outings that little bit more comfortable and convenient – letting you add personal touches to the already high specification of equipment that comes with every one of our vehicles.

To get you thinking, the Camping and Caravanning Club has published a list of the top ten motorhome accessories – so let’s take a closer look at some of the current offerings of some of these:

Solar power

  • the shape of the future is sustainability – and solar power is one of the finest examples of what the sun alone can do;
  • new for 2021, Campfire Magazine on the 13th of February sang the praises of a range of solar panel chargers – helping to ensure that a whole range of whatever electronic devices you take with you in your motorhome have all the juice they need;

In-car entertainment (ICE)

  • in-car entertainment is clearly rather more important in your motorhome or campervan than it is going to be in your car – whole evenings of family fun can be enjoyed gathered around the television screen in the living area of your vehicle;
  • you’ll be hard-pressed to better an integrated touch-screen media console incorporating a DAB radio, for example, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite navigation that come with some motorhomes – but there are additional TV and media packs you might also want to consider;
  • the website Towsure can suggest some of the current television and satellite systems in which you might be interested;

Reversing cameras

  • the optional Premium Pack you can choose for some Auto-Sleepers come with a colour reversing camera and rearview mounted LCD screen;
  • alternatively, you might want to go your own way and choose from a wide range of camera systems and kits supplied by third parties such as RevCam UK;
  • relatively sophisticated, twin-camera systems and those with wide-angle lenses are likely to give you the most detailed view of exactly what is behind your motorhome when making a reversing manoeuvre;

Barbecues

  • a motorhome lets you enjoy the great outdoors – and nothing is more enjoyable than cooking and eating in that great outdoors;
  • every year sees the launch of new ideas and refinements in the design of existing barbecues so feast your eyes on some of the latest products reviewed in The Scotsman newspaper on the 5th of July 2021;
  • here you’ll find a selection of smaller barbecues – all designed to be small enough for taking along in your motorhome – fuelled by wood, charcoal, or gas cylinder.

Portable, rechargeable vacuum cleaner

  • some items qualify immediately as motorhome gadgets – but are none the less useful for all that;
  • into this category might fit a portable rechargeable vacuum cleaner, that is small enough to stow unobtrusively, yet powerful enough to suck up the dirt, dust, crumbs and muck from the floor of your motorhome;
  • simply recharge the battery by making use of your electric hookup if you’re pitched at a campsite.

Whether you’ve already stored away your motorhome for the coming winter or looking forward to those first forays into a new spring and summer season, a review of all the current gadgets on offer is always likely to breathe further excitement into your pastime.

It probably goes without saying, of course, that we’ve set ourselves an impossible objective with the title of this blog.

Take any two motorhome owners – both fully committed to the satisfaction and pleasures of holidays on four wheels – and they’re almost certain to have widely different tastes, interests, and personal preferences. One might opt for what is virtually complete isolation on the most remote sites possible while the other is drawn to pitches on the edges of major towns or places where plentiful entertainment is on offer.

For all those wild differences and just to show how much we like to rise to any challenge here at Derby Motorhomes let’s compile our list of the top 10 UK motorhome holiday destinations – hoping that our selection might appeal to many of our readers, while acknowledging that it probably won’t suit everyone.

  1. Wing, Rutland

Since it’s England’s smallest county, Rutland is often overlooked as a holiday destination or somewhere for the perfect weekend break.

The imposing manor house and extensive grounds of the sumptuous Wing Hall Estate offer a tranquil rural setting for restful stays in a motorhome. It’s in the heart of some amazing Midlands countryside, surrounded by charming towns and villages, and sits on the shores of Rutland Water – which also hosts a vast water sports complex.

  1. York

The city was once one of the richest and most important in Britain under successive occupations by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and medieval English. York is a must for anyone who loves history.

The countryside around here is breathtakingly beautiful but the city itself is a wonder to behold. There are plenty of good sites in which to park up your motorhome too – the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Rowntree Park Site is close to the city centre.

  1. Hawkshead, Cumbria

No list of top UK motorhome destinations would be complete without mention of northwest England’s internationally famous Lake District.

This really is a location for nature lovers with some staggeringly beautiful scenery and some great cycling, walking and water sports – and camping and motorhome sites abound.

  1. Kilchoan, Scotland (West Highlands)

If you’ll be driving from England, of course, the Scottish Highlands are going to be a fairly long drive but you’re almost certain to have found it more than worthwhile.

There is spectacular scenery around the hills, lochs, and coast. If you want to see truly wild nature and some unique flora and fauna, this will be for you.

  1. Nottinghamshire

As we mentioned in our reference to Rutland, for some reason, the Midlands of England are often overlooked by many seeking a motorhome holiday. That’s a pity because both the East and West Midlands contain some lovely countryside and absolutely stacks of history and associated interesting things to do.

In Nottinghamshire, for example, you will find Sherwood Forest and be able to fully explore the legend of Robin Hood both amongst the trees and in the city of Nottingham itself.

  1. Lee Valley (Northeast London)

For some motorhome owners, the idea of setting off to park in London would seem absurd.

However, there are sites available just outside of the centre of town in places such as Edmonton – a gateway to the verdant Lee Valley. From there you are but a short ride into the heart of one of the major cities of the world.

We assume that London’s many attractions require no further introduction here!

  1. The Cotswolds

An area people regularly argue about in terms of where it starts and ends, the Cotswolds encompasses parts of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and arguably Somerset.

There are plenty of great sights and you can explore some of the nation’s prettiest countryside and villages. Try Tewksbury, Gloucester, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Upper/Lower Slaughter.

  1. The Isle of Wight

All too often bypassed by many motorhome owners as they pass between Portsmouth and France, this is a beautiful little island and one with some fantastic scenery.

Ferry prices are reasonable but do make sure that your motorhome insurance permits you to leave the UK mainland.

  1. Wales

The variety and diversity of the principality of Wales make it far more than a single destination – and is, instead, practically a trip abroad with its own distinctive language and culture.

Whether you are heading north or south, you will see some fantastic scenery and charming villages. Try Conway (Conwy) in the north or the Gower Peninsula in the south.

  1. Devon and Cornwall

Home to the English Riviera, some of the best weather in the UK, and a natural magnet for motorhome owners from across the whole country, the countryside of Devon and Cornwall is absolutely fantastic, as is the long coastline.

Oh yes, don’t forget those diet-busting cream teas!

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing, but some activities or facilities may change or be withdrawn, so please always check directly with the provider before booking. Please also be aware of any restrictions relating to Covid.

There’s a very good chance that you spent a tidy sum when buying your motorhome.  Just like any expensive asset, therefore, it makes sense to protect it by ensuring that it’s regularly serviced.

Professional motorhome servicing is the way to do that, and both part-exchange and private motorhome sale values may typically be increased if you can provide a full-service history for your preloved vehicle.

It’s not only a question of finance

Important as the financial considerations might be, we don’t want to labour too much the financial logic behind regular motorhome servicing. That’s because we believe there’s another far more critical imperative for regular and attentive servicing – and that is safety.

In several important respects, there is simply no comparison between a standard car and a motorhome. True, both machines need attention to matters such as engine and basic mechanical servicing and maintenance. It would be dangerous and possibly even illegal to drive any vehicle on the road that was not in a safe, roadworthy condition.

However, in the case of a motorhome, you’re not just driving it but living in it at times too.

So, you’re typically going to have electrical systems for lighting, possibly heating, and cooking. It’s also possible that you’ll be using gas for some or several of those purposes. You’re also going to have water systems aboard and possibly some waste disposal functionality.

Water, electricity, gas, heating, and waste – taken together they represent pretty much the whole package of household-type infrastructure services.

The mechanics

As with any motor vehicle, the law says that you must arrange for an MOT test on the third anniversary of your motorhome’s first registration and every year afterwards. It is illegal to circulate any vehicle that requires one without a valid MOT certificate – on penalty of a fine of up to £1,000.

But just as with the MOT certificate for any motor vehicle, it confirms the basic roadworthiness of your motorhome on the date it was tested only. It is your responsibility under the law to make sure that it remains in a roadworthy condition throughout the rest of the year – if you do not, you risk invalidating your motor insurance as well as attracting the unwanted attention of the police.

Regular servicing and maintenance by a reputable dealer, therefore, may spot any potential problems before they develop and keep you and other road users safe on the highway.

Maintenance

In our view, a thorough service isn’t something that can be done on a quick-and-cheap or DIY basis. It must be done right – leaving little or nothing to chance. So, of course, there is some cost involved. Yet avoiding that cost might prove to be dangerous. We don’t think it’s even worth contemplating.

From our extensive experience, we know just how much effort modern motorhome and campervan manufacturers go to when trying to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive and occupy when in use.

Yet all of us know that it doesn’t matter what design and engineering excellence have been applied to machines and their systems, normal wear and tear can still cause problems to arise. Maintenance is ideally all about spotting potential problems and removing that potential rather than fixing a problem once it has occurred.

That’s why a thorough professional motorhome servicing needs to examine:

  • all the electrical systems including pin plugs, cables, your road lights, earthing systems, and so on;
  • your fire safety provisions, potentially covering smoke) and carbon monoxide) detectors, fire blankets, extinguishers, appliances, and the like;
  • the water systems, including pumps, pressure devices, filters, taps, any water tanks, WC, drainage, and so on;
  • very importantly – your gas systems. As the UK’s Registered Gas Engineer advised in a posting on the 26th of May 2021, checks should cover looking for any potential gas leaks, all appliances, regulator valves, cylinders, hoses (and clips) plus flues and ventilation;
  • the bodywork – including the vehicle’s windows, doors, roof, number plates, all furniture, blinds, flooring, screens, and while you’re at it, you might also test for damp penetration; and
  • the basic mechanics of the vehicle including its undercarriage, chassis, coupling head, all tyre pressures and depth of treads, and so on.

Living in comfort – the interior

The process of keeping the interior of your motorhome spick, span, healthy, and hazard-free is known as a habitation service – and the Wandering Bird website weighs up the pros and cons of having such a habitation service done each year.

It involves a thorough servicing, inspection, repair, and maintenance of the electrical, gas, heating, and water systems in your motorhome, together with an overall service of the whole of the living and sleeping areas.

In that process, a habitation service provides an essential health and safety check and may also help to detect longer-term issues – such as mould and damp – before they spread to become especially expensive problems to resolve.

If you have a slightly older motorhome – or one that you are not using regularly – the drinking water system is likely to be especially vulnerable to the build-up of potentially harmful bacteria. Your habitation service, therefore, is likely to include flushing out the entire water system with an antibacterial solution.

In between services, you may help to keep your drinking water somewhat safer by using it regularly or at least running off some of the stored water and refilling it.

Motorhome servicing by specialists

When it comes to making sure your motorhome is in tip-top condition, you want someone you can trust. And here at Derby Motorhomes, we are big on servicing. We want to ensure your motorhome is above all safe, but that everything from the mechanics to the onboard electrics and gas is also working correctly. Winning your peace of mind is paramount.

The very nature of a motorhome makes it a specialist vehicle and second home. That calls for specialist attention, of course, and you might want to make sure that you commission a known and trusted dealer – such as ourselves – to take care of your servicing and maintenance requirements. We can do just that whether or not you bought your motorhome from us.

If you are fortunate enough to own an Auto-Sleeper, for instance, you may want the reassurance and confidence of knowing your servicing is being carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Peace of mind

Ensuring things are as they should be with all gas and electric appliances is our first port of call. Having a service is one thing, and mechanical servicing is straightforward. Or at least it should be.

We want to put your motorhome to the test and make sure that all the habitation checks are carried out professionally. Also, in a manner that will give any of our customers’ real peace of mind.

Regular servicing and maintenance – of both the mechanical and interior aspects – of your motorhome is, therefore, an important route to prolonging its working life and keeping you and its occupants safe and free from potential harm to your health.

The foremost British manufacturer of quality motorhomes Auto-Sleeper has never stood still. Every year sees the launch of completely new models in its range or the revamping and updating of existing favourites in its stable.

To own a new motorhome of this build and quality, of course, you might expect to pay a tidy sum. If you are already the proud owner of an Auto-Sleeper, though, you not only appreciate the reliability and craftsmanship that goes into every model but also have a valuable vehicle you can trade-in for a new motorhome.

Why trade-in your Auto-Sleeper?

As a current owner, you’ll already know that your Auto-Sleeper is not just a reliable and well-built motorhome, it is also made to last – you’ve probably enjoyed countless holidays and thousands of touring miles in the vehicle.

The enduring quality of your motorhome means that, in all probability, it has maintained its value well – depreciating much less, for example, than the car you are used to driving around in every day. The ability to trade in your Auto-Sleeper, therefore, puts you at least one step ahead of the game if you are looking to upgrade to a newer model.

New models of Auto-Sleeper

Trading in one model and upgrading to the next lets you enjoy the progress and development to which Auto-Sleeper are clearly committed.

Each year sees the launch of new models and refinements made to existing favourites. 2021, for example, has marked a particular milestone in the company’s illustrious history – its 60th or Diamond anniversary explains the Caravan and Motorhome Club. To celebrate that event, Auto-Sleeper launched a special, limited edition of the ever-popular Nuevo (which itself celebrates 20 years in production) and a brand new 6.6m Broadway EL model too.

Derby Motorhomes and trading in your Auto-Sleeper

We’ve suggested why you might want to upgrade to one of the newer Auto-Sleepers by trading in your current model – and a further big advantage in doing just that is the chance to avoid arranging a private sale, collecting the cash, and negotiating the purchase of a new motorhome.

Instead, you can safely entrust the entire transaction to us here at Derby Motorhomes.

As a leading, franchised dealer for Auto-Sleeper, your current motorhome, less than 10 years old, is always going to spark our interest in buying. Expertly valued to achieve the most favourable and fairest price possible, we’ll give you the cash, agree to display it on a sale or return (SOR) basis, or accept it in part exchange against a new or second-hand Auto-Sleeper.

With the last of these options, of course, a single, simple transaction could see you upgrading to a new Auto-Sleeper of your choice, at a price you can afford, and the sale of your current motorhome already done and dusted.

You can prepare for the transaction confident in the knowledge that you are dealing with an experienced dealer who knows exactly what they are talking about when arriving at the fair trade-in value for the make, model, and age of your vehicle.

You’ll no doubt want to ensure you get most competitive price by presenting it to us in all its full glory – and that means looking after any outstanding maintenance or repairs that might be required and giving your motorhome a thorough and final clean.

Summary

Are you already bitten by the bug of trading in your Auto-Sleeper to upgrade to a new or more recent model? If so, you might want to explore your options by giving us a call today on 01332 360222.

The mere mention of Mercedes-Benz is likely to conjure up images of precision engineering and auto-manufacturing of the very highest standards and quality.

The mere mention of Auto-Sleepers is likely to conjure up images of luxury, comfort, and imaginative design from Britain’s leading manufacturer of quality motorhomes.

Put Mercedes-Benz and Auto-Sleepers together, therefore, and you are certain to have a winning, world-class combination. And that is exactly what we can offer to demonstrate for you here at our indoor exhibition centre at Derby Motorhomes – Mercedes coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers.

Mercedes-Benz

The company has its origins back in the earliest days of motor vehicles.

Not only does Mercedes boast a whole stable of iconic luxury motor cars it also continues to dominate Formula 1 racing – with the hybrid technology of its engineering making Mercedes one of the finest cars on the circuit, according to Essentially Sports on the 22nd of December 2020.

Getting to know Mercedes coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers motorhomes

However, reassuring as it may be to know you have a fantastic chassis and power plant built upon such a lineage, most owners of campervans and motorhomes also like to have the same feeling for the internal fixtures and fittings. That’s why here at Derby Motorhomes, we’d like to take you on a brief descriptive tour of the Mercedes coachbuilt Auto-sleepers.

For 2021, there are six models in this range, offering a choice of four different wheelbases, from the shortest to the longest. You can find full details in our brochure of course:

  • Stanton – a compact two-berther offering everything you could possibly want or need. Full of innovative features, even the longest journey will be a breeze with its unprecedented driving comfort;
  • Bourton – this is a spacious no compromise front lounge end kitchen model, which delivers on every front. The lounge quickly converts at night to provide a choice between full-length singles or a double bed;
  • Malvern – with space enough to feature a full double traditional French bed at the rear and two further berths in the centre of the vehicle;
  • Winchcombe – just two berths on a mid-range wheelbase means that you have spacious comfort for you and your partner in this classic layout;
  • Burford – the Burford’s long wheelbase accommodates a spacious fixed bed area at the rear, where there is also an ensuite shower room and two further berths amid-ships; and
  • Burford Duo – finally, the Burford Duo offers what Auto-Sleepers boasts as “aspirational decadence for the discerning motorhome owner”. We need say no more.

Probably more so than any of the other motorhomes in the Auto-Sleepers range, the Mercedes coachbuilts exude sheer quality. From touches as apparently fleeting as the upholstery, the overall impact is stunning – in most cases based on a grey colour scheme with tasteful highlighting stripes.

Much of the trim is in wood and again, everything looks fresh, clean, and ultra-modern. Your first impression will be that everything looks spacious and comfortable and if you’re familiar with the phrase “first impressions can be deceiving” don’t worry because that’s certainly not the case here. These are extremely spacious and comfortable motorhomes.

Features

Mercedes coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers occupy a leading position in an impressive stable of motorhomes – so expect no ordinary product from this foremost of British manufacturers.

You are unlikely to be disappointed and almost certainly impressed by a range of key features that include:

  • confident driving performance from the precision engineering of a 163bhp Mercedes Euro engine as standard;
  • an upgrade pack that gives you Mercedes latest 7-speed automatic transmission;
  • all Mercedes coachbuilts feature Grade III Classification insulation standards for heating and thermal integrity;
  • they all also come equipped with an eco-friendly, energy-saving 80W Solar Panel;
  • each model has a 25-litre underfloor mounted LPG gas tank installed – offering hassle-free practicality;
  • Auto-Sleeper motorhomes are protected 24/7 with the Sargent CAT 6 Tracker – for which annual subscription fees are payable;
  • every Auto-Sleeper has gained product approval from the National Caravan Council (NCC) and complies with the latter’s rigorous UK specification standards;
  • Mercedes coachbuilts have the MBUX 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system installed, and this state of the art technology delivers intuitive touch control and access to Mercedes PRO connect services;
  • additionally, all onboard facilities can be monitored and controlled from a state of the art LCD touch screen panel combined with the Truma iNet mobile system – which also features an “Auto-Sleepers Locate” online portal that remotely manages and locates your vehicle; and
  • an optional roof-mounted air-conditioning system will control the climate inside your Mercedes coachbuilt thanks to a Trauma Aventa Comfort unit.

Summary

The Mercedes-based motorhomes are perennially popular. As stated at the outset, the reputation of the marque virtually guarantees that.

The Auto-Sleepers coachbuilding capitalises on that quality with its own brand of exclusive accommodation and accessories. There is no doubt that if you own one of these, it’ll not only offer a fabulous platform for your leisure activities but also prove to be the envy of many other owners.

Of course, our full range of pre-sales consultancy and post-sales support is available on these models. We also offer attractive finance options, including help over any credit history issues that you feel might prejudice your search for competitively priced finance.

Why not contact us as soon as possible to learn more about Mercedes coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers?

Please note that technical specifications may be liable to change and may not be reflected in this article.

Auto-Sleepers – probably the epitome of luxury in British manufactured motorhomes. Combine those standards of luxury and design with customer service here at Derby Motorhomes that is second to none – and you have a match made in heaven.

In the impressive stable of different motorhomes bearing the Auto-Sleepers marque, none stand out better or are more highly prized than the manufacturer’s Peugeot coachbuilt models.

The reputation gained by this particular string of motorhomes gets burnished year after year, thanks to the release of new models and variations on well-loved themes. So, let’s take a look at what 2021 brought in terms of Peugeot coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers.

The 2021 Peugeot coachbuilt range

Renowned for their styling, comfort, and luxury finish, the Peugeot coachbuilt range for 2021 simply confirms this fine tradition with motorhome driveability that is as close as you are likely to get to driving your own car.

What’s more, there is almost certain to be a model that suits you and your family’s particular needs – with a choice of highline and low-profile versions, and vehicles with short, medium, or long wheelbases.

There are currently seven basic models – offering either two or four berths – from which to choose:

  • Nuevo ES;
  • Nuevo EK;
  • Broadway EK TB LP;
  • Broadway EB;
  • Broadway EK;
  • Broadway FB; and
  • Broadway EL.

In addition, there are special editions available of both the Nuevo ES and Nuevo EK.

Initial impressions

Cool, crisp, and modern – with an evident flair for innovative yet proven design – that may be the best way of summing up first impressions of the Peugeot coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers.

With seven different models available, built on short, medium, and long wheelbases, there is no single overall design or layout. Both the short wheelbase Nuevos, for example, and mid-range Broadways, and the long-wheelbase Broadway FB all have their wash and shower rooms at the rear of the vehicle.

The Broadway EB, FB, and EL are the three models with a mid-vehicle galley while the remainder have the galley at the very rear.

The mid-range Broadway EL is the sole motorhome with a layout featuring its two single berths or double bed at the rear of the vehicle – the layout of the remaining models all feature either two or four berths in the middle of the motorhome.

Whatever the layout that best suits your particular needs, you are unlikely to find the available space inside the motorhome at all limited – instead, each model boasts an impression of spaciousness achieved through clever design.

Features

Auto-Sleepers make no ordinary motorhomes – their mission is focused on delivering the best and this extends to the impressive range of features that make life on the road in one of these motorhomes such a joy.

For 2021, those onboard features include:

  • an integrated touch-screen media console with DAB radio, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity
  • all onboard facilities can be monitored and controlled from a state of the art LCD touch screen panel combined with the Truma iNet mobile system – which also features an “Auto-Sleepers Locate” online portal which remotely manages and locates your vehicle;
  • all Peugeot coachbuilts feature Grade III Classification insulation standards for heating and thermal integrity;
  • each model has a 25-litre underfloor mounted LPG gas tank installed – offering hassle-free practicality;
  • all Peugeot coachbuilts also come equipped with an eco-friendly, energy-saving 80W Solar Panel;
  • Auto-Sleeper motorhomes are protected 24/7 with the Sargent CAT 6 Tracker – for which annual subscription fees are payable;
  • Top Drive Suspension – a Top Drive semi-air suspension unit on the rear axle is designed to enhance performance and increase driving comfort;
  • the Peugeot coachbuilt models come with the 165bhp Peugeot Euro Engine as standard;
  • the optional 140/160bhp Fiat Ducato with an automatic gearbox (is also available on any model in this range);
  • an optional roof-mounted air-conditioning system will control the climate inside your Peugeot coachbuilt thanks to a Trauma Aventa Comfort unit.

If that sounds impressive – you’ll want to see it to believe it!

The Peugeot coachbuilt model for you

If seeing is believing, of course, then you’ll want to make an early date to visit us here near the centre of Derby to get up close and personal with any one of these Peugeot coachbuilts in the comfort of our indoor exhibition centre.

We can’t guarantee to tell you which model is going to be best suited to your particular needs, of course, but we’ll do everything to demonstrate every last detail, feature, and benefit of owning one of these first-class motorhomes.

It’s then down to some of the decisions you’ll make as a single traveller, couple, or family – do you want as much room as possible for you and your partner in a spacious long-wheelbase version, for instance? If you have children, your requirements for bed configurations and lounge accommodation might be different again.

Where we can offer some reassurance is the knowledge that, with so many different versions from which to choose, it’s hard to believe there won’t be one for you.

Contact us now – or plan a visit – and we’ll be happy to take this discussion further.

Auto-Sleepers is probably the foremost UK manufacturer of motorhomes – including van conversions, campervans, and coachbuilt motorhomes.

While its reputation in recent years has been founded on conversions and coachbuilt models based on the Peugeot Boxer chassis, the manufacturer also offers ALKO – or AL-KO – coachbuilt models.

So, let’s begin with a little background about Peugeot and, specifically, the ALKO chassis.

Peugeot and ALKO

Peugeot is one of the biggest and oldest names in motor vehicle manufacturing.

The French manufacturer started life way back in 1810 and the days of Napoleon I, originally producing coffee mills and then, later, bicycles. Their first true internal combustion engine vehicle (as opposed to earlier steam models) dates to 1890. The manufacturer has a long – not to mention proud – history.

AL-KO has its origins in 1931 as a blacksmith in a small village in Germany. By the 1980s, it was producing vehicle chassis based on world-class technology as the company steadily acquired other manufacturing bases around the world.

In collaboration with leading European vehicle manufacturers – Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen, Volkswagen, and Mercedes – AL-KO chassis development went from strength to strength with design and technology recognised for its comfort and safety, granting improved driving dynamics and improved driving comfort.

This is the chassis on which Peugeot ALKO coachbuilt motorhomes are produced.

The Peugeot ALKO Auto-Sleepers range

You can view both models in the ALKO Auto-Sleepers range here at our indoor exhibition centre at Derby Motorhomes – where the word Corinium equals unrivalled finesse within a palatial layout and a generously full-bodied motorhome width of 2.35m to accommodate four full-sized berths:

Corinium FB

The FB has a double berth towards the rear with a full ensuite washroom facility.

It has a fully-fitted kitchen and a spacious lounge – the latter accommodating a further double bed during its night-time layout.

Corinium Duo

In this layout, the spacious forward lounge again accommodates a double bed for night-time use, a spacious and fully-equipped kitchen, leading to a rear bedroom with two single beds and a full-width ensuite bathroom.

First impressions

With both models, the initial impression inside is one of spaciousness. As usual, Auto-Sleepers have done a marvellous TARDIS-like job of making the inside appear so much larger than the outside.

The fixtures and fittings are finished to an impeccable standard. Fitted mainly in wood trim with grey upholstery, the overall effect is one of designer elegance.

As we have noted elsewhere, the Corinium – just like every Auto-Sleepers motorhome – has a comprehensively equipped kitchen. The galley space is ergonomically designed and elegant in style. It has a real home-from-home feel all around and 2021 models feature:

  • dual fuel hob with 3 gas burners and an electric hot plate plus separate oven and grill;
  • dual level microwave oven;
  • large refrigerator with freezer compartment; and
  • 12v extractor fan with down-lighters.

Features

2021 models include a wide range of attractive features – the majority of which are standard across the whole Auto-Sleepers range, but some are optional:

  • the 165bhp Peugeot Euro Engine, for instance, comes as standard;
  • but there is also an optional 140/160bhp Fiat Ducato with an automatic gearbox (available on any model in this range);
  • Top Drive Suspension – a Top Drive semi-air suspension unit on the rear axle is designed to enhance the motorhome’s performance on the road;
  • there is Grade III Classification insulation standard for heating and thermal integrity;
  • both Corinium models also come equipped with an eco-friendly, energy-saving 80W Solar Panel;
  • each model has a 25-litre underfloor mounted LPG gas tank installed – offering hassle-free practicality;
  • Auto-Sleeper motorhomes are protected 24/7 with the Sargent CAT 6 Tracker – for which annual subscription fees are payable;
  • integrated touch-screen media console with DAB radio, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity
  • all onboard facilities can be monitored and controlled from a state of the art LCD touch screen panel combined with the Truma iNet mobile system – which also features an “Auto-Sleepers Locate” online portal which remotely manages and locates your vehicle; and
  • an optional roof-mounted air-conditioning system will control the climate inside your Peugeot ALKO coachbuilt motorhome thanks to a Trauma Aventa Comfort unit.

Conclusions

Peugeot-ALKO coachbuilt Auto-Sleepers offer a real taste of comfort, spacious luxury and designer elegance combined with practicality and economy.

Of course, it’s so much easier seeing them than just reading descriptions or looking at photographs in brochures. So, why not contact us and arrange to get up close and personal for your own private viewing at our permanent exhibition halls.

We’d love to hear from you and we’re waiting to help!