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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!

The Glorious 12th !!

The Glorious 12th !

Well, it’s finally here, the glorious 12th !

Don’t worry though, you haven’t been caught up in a lockdown time-warp and the poor Grouse are safe for a good few months yet; I’m talking about today, the 12th April 2021.

Reopening to the public

Today Boris is allowing motorhome dealers, caravan dealers, non-essential retailers everywhere, caravan sites (with a few restrictions) and pubs outdoors, to finally reopen to the public.

We are all still going to have to be a little careful for a while yet though, but for a moment, let’s just savour the freedom that today, the 12th April is going to bring us all…………………

The team at Derby couldn’t wait to get going again, we haven’t been able to invite our customers into our dealership for such a long time, it almost feels like forever!

That said, we’ve been working very hard on-line helping our service customers remotely where we can and also completing motorhome sales and customer outright purchase orders too; we’ve even had the time to revamp and update our customer waiting area inside the showroom too.

Appointments

Whilst we would appreciate our visitors making an appointment to visit, we aren’t going to insist on this but please rest assured, we are each still taking every reasonable precaution possible to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

 

Not quite normal – yet…..

Things in the showroom aren’t quite back to normal yet and visitors aren’t going to be able wander in and out of every motorhome on site – this simply isn’t safe enough just yet or practical because to keep us all safe, we will still have to sanitise each vehicle once a visitor exits it so, please, if you are visiting, respect our efforts to keep everyone as safe as possible whilst here.

We look forward to welcoming you to our dealership, soon.

 

 

 

It’s likely to be a simple financial fact of life. Statistically speaking, a motorhome is likely to be the second most expensive purchase – after your home – you’ll ever make.

Put even more simply, if you are looking to buy a motorhome, you will want to give its funding – your finance options – some especially careful thought. And that is a subject on which, here at Derby Motorhomes, we can help.

So, let’s take a look at some of the major and most common sources of motorhome finance chosen by many purchasers.

Cash

That’s the money you have to hand in your bank account, of course. You might be fortunate enough to have an instant access savings account, for instance, which can let you pay for your motorhome in a single transaction, paying by electronic transfer or money order.

In these days of relatively straitened financial circumstances, of course, savings might be few and far between – but perhaps you have been the beneficiary of a windfall through someone’s will or maybe you have just drawn down a pension lump sum.

Pros: Easy, simple, and straight forward. There are no interest costs or related charges. Neither are there going to be any credit score issues if that is an area in which you might be challenged. The vehicle becomes yours immediately after you have handed over the cash.

Cons: Depending on your overall financial circumstances, using “spare” cash to fund the purchase of a motorhome may not necessarily always be the most appropriate use of your liquid capital. Your cash is immediately gone and isn’t available for other emergency uses.

Equity release

In a sense, this is a variation on cash. It differs only in how long it takes you to release the equity and to some extent, how you do so.

Essentially, equity release involves getting hold of liquid capital you might currently have tied up in other things, then using that to purchase your motorhome.

For example, if you take out a loan based upon the equity you have in your property (equity there is defined as the difference between your property’s realistic market value and any remaining mortgage you might have on it).

Pros: once again, the funds released through such an arrangement make you effectively a cash buyer for your motorhome. Unsurprisingly, therefore, equity release can be a very cost-effective way of accessing capital

Cons: it can take a little time, involve some form-filling, and legal documents to be drafted as you try to free up your equity. Borrowing against equity is still borrowing, so you need to look closely at interest rates as per normal. It will invariably involve reference to your credit status and score. If you’re borrowing against the equity in your home, remember that your home might be at risk if you fail to keep up the repayments.

Hire Purchase (HP)

For most of us, this is a thoroughly familiar form of finance.

It works very simply. If your application is approved, the lending company will purchase the vehicle and give you permission to keep and use it as the legally recognised “registered keeper”.

After paying a deposit – typically, around 10% of the purchase price – you’ll then repay the balance over a specified period of time, but the vehicle becomes legally yours only after you have made the final repayment. During the term of the agreement, the vehicle is NOT legally yours and you must not sell it without the HP provider’s advance permission (to do so would be a criminal offence).

Pros: a thoroughly familiar form of funding. It can be more cost-effective than paying in cash, depending upon your particular overall financial circumstances. Decisions may be reached fairly quickly once your application is made.

Cons: your motorhome may be legally seized if you default on the repayments – that is, you fail to maintain the repayments in accordance with the agreed schedule. You will typically need to meet certain minimum credit risk scoring criteria.

Bank loans

Conventional bank loans have been around for a long time, of course, so the ins and outs of borrowing from your bank are probably well understood.

Pros: it’s likely to be a familiar arrangement. It is likely to be most convenient for those with an established relationship with their bank.

Cons: some banks may be reluctant to lend larger sums for what they will consider to be luxury items. Decisions can be slow and credit scoring is likely to be involved.

Summary

Although we have mentioned credit scoring above, please don’t assume that you need a perfect credit score in order to obtain finance! We are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to advise on motorhome financing options and stand ready to help you with motorhome finance even if you have a less than perfect credit history.

Why not call us for a further discussion?

Holidays – The Staycation Option or, The Future of Quality Leisure Time?

So, it’s that time of year again – you know the one, the one where we used to sit together, as a family, group of friends or couple, glass of chilled sangria in hand, holiday brochures or i-pad at the ready and try to decide where we fly off to for our annual holidays this year.

Only, this year things are going to be a little different and I don’t know about you, but for me, I certainly won’t be mask-on, boarding a bargain, budget or charter flight with 200 hundred other excited souls, potentially coughing and wheezing in all sections of the cabin whilst sharing the same recycled air and occupying the very same seat that, less than an hour previously, was vacated by goodness knows who!

Hassle?

And once landed, there’s the inevitable problem of proving you’ve had your covid vaccinations to a boarder official who doesn’t speak English and can’t believe you’re the same person shown on your passport. Then it’s, “where did my luggage go to?” and if it turns up, “why are my y-fronts hanging out of it?”, “Now lets just try to find our bus” – it can’t be that difficult, there’s fifty of them parked up, all numbered, drivers leaning against the cabs, smoking disinterestedly while you struggle with the family’s cases then tossing them to opposite side of the luggage compartment once you finally get their attention! But hey-ho, we’re here now and off we finally go – two hours after landing.

Then, after another hour and a half of what I like to call “sight-seeing” (which is in fact sitting on a cramped, baking hot coach with fifty other assorted families and couples, tired, frustrated, bursting for the toilet and praying that your name isn’t called out for this particularly grim looking destination you’ve just stopped at), you arrive at your hotel only to find the room isn’t ready yet and when it is, it looks out over the next-door building site or municipal dump!

As a side issue, these photographers must have amazing skills as the accommodation is never quite like the pictures in the brochure or on-line, which reminds me, I must try to track down one of those photographers some-day – my passport photo is really terrible!

Great Hotel!

The water is undrinkable, the beer, cocktails and house spirits worse, the bed uncomfortable, the air conditioning doesn’t work, the neighbouring room houses a family of banshee’s who never seem to sleep; the hotel food is usually lukewarm and finally, when you take a closer look, the bedding doesn’t really seem that clean after all; the mattress doesn’t bear thinking about and the room – well, it doesn’t look to have had a thorough clean in decades!

The lifts are crammed full of holiday makers from all over Europe, all happily touching every button and surface produced by mankind while breathing and coughing across everyone within close proximity and then, while desperately trying not look anyone directly in the eyes, you’re left wondering what hygiene standards the chefs, waiters, reception, pool and bar staff apply and finally, to top it all off, social distancing is itself a very distant memory once the beer and sangria kick-in.  Happy holidays everyone!

Cruising

In fact, whilst on this subject, the very last place I could reasonably consider for a well – earned vacation right now would be aboard a cruise ship for that matter – luxurious as I’m sure they are, I couldn’t possibly imagine spending all of that time in such close proximity to a couple of thousand other poor souls also with no escape and all of their associated germs to dodge for a week or more whilst most of the above likely still applies and the added bonus of potentially becoming stranded at sea if there’s an outbreak on board and ports won’t allow you to dock!

What about any local restrictions abroad – how will you know about them? Will the shops be open, can we go to the beach, will our favourite bar be open this year, what about the curfew? Are any museums, galleries or historical sites likely to be open this year?

Then there’s the worry of getting home – what if we have to quarantine for a week or more – how much are we going to have pay for all of that and finally, please, not another week locked up with the family, please………………

Such Friendly Locals………

And if non-of this is a concern, then there’s the excursions to worry about; a coach here, a taxi there, tours around the local must-see’s (face masks and social distancing accepted of course and whilst in blistering temperatures too). Snacks and drinks in lovely little tavernas and bars where owners and staff possibly think more about tips and profits this year than anything else – after all, you’re going to be a distant memory in an hour’s time, and they lost a fortune last year!

I’m sorry if this paints a pretty awful picture and forgive me for using more than a few clichés, but tell me some of this hasn’t happened to most of us at some time or another and tell me you aren’t having exactly the same misgivings – or am I just being cynical?

Is it me?

Anyway, enough of my hand-wringing doom and gloom, but I’m just saying, there must be an awful lot of other folks out there, also of a certain age and disposition thinking exactly the same as me – come on, I can’t be the only miserable git out there who’s really concerned about spending a small fortune, not really enjoying myself and potentially catching something incredibly nasty and shuffling off this mortal coil way too early (my opinion, not necessarily that of the current lady of the house).

Eureka!

So, with all of this to the fore of my reasoning, one – word springs to mind – staycation!

However, even that has some drawbacks; where to stay-cate for example, with whom and for how long and why are the prices double what they were last year? are just a few of my thoughts.

But it doesn’t have to be that difficult, not when you could buy the freedom of a motorhome and have as many holidays as you and your spouse could possibly ever desire.

If you think about it, it’s almost the perfect solution – your very own personal space, (or isolation pod as I like to think of them), closed to everyone but you and those lucky enough to be invited in, after thorough vetting that is!

Freedom

Total freedom and flexibility, the freedom to go exactly where you want to and then do exactly what you want to do and the flexibility to do this whenever you wish and for as long as you want to, too; camp sites, wild camping, pub car parks, your friends and relatives’ driveways – it’s all very simple.

If you really think about this, a campsite could also be the perfect place to enjoy freedom and isolation.

Safety and Social Distancing

You don’t have to use the site’s facilities – toilets, showers, shops, bars etc. because your very own motorhome usually comes complete with its own toilet and shower, kitchen with cooker and fridge (sometimes a freezer too), tv if you fancy that and they can even be fitted with wind-out awnings for additional sun shelter. Some can even have gas BBQ points fitted for alfresco cooking.

You supply your own food and drinks so, nothing you don’t really want passes your lips and the shopping, if you don’t take it with you, can be bought on route or delivered directly to your door if the need or desire’s still there to socially distance.

Your neighbours are usually several meters away from your pitch with their doors on the opposite side too, so social distancing, again, isn’t going to be an issue and camp sites are usually to be found close to beautiful countryside or coastal areas – some even have fishing lakes attached and most non-motor homers would be very surprised at just how good the vast majority of modern sites really are.

Size Does Matter!

So, a motorhome doesn’t have to be huge, it can be and can also have every extra know to mankind too; but then there’s it’s size to consider, it can affect where you travel – too big and English country lanes could prove a challenge; too small and either you won’t have sufficient storage space for clothes and things or, more accurately, the love of your life will but you won’t or, joking apart, too small could potentially restrict the length of time spent away from home or end badly when, after days of constantly tripping over each other, one of you suffocates the other with a pillow during the night!

Thinking clearly and carefully about your particular needs and then having a frank discussion with a good dealer before you buy would be the best advice I can offer; please don’t take size, layout or make and model advice from a friend – no matter their good intentions, what they have suites them, but it doesn’t automatically mean that it will suit you too, you have to make your own decision this time, based on your own needs and preferences and a quality dealer really does know all the negatives and positives and will be happy to advise.

Well, to some, a motorhome could be considered as “roughing it” I suppose, but when you bother to take a closer look at most of the modern models well, nothing could be further from the truth.

Luxury

Take Auto-Sleepers for example – they are the oldest UK motorhome manufacturer – 60 years this year; every-one is hand built and quality oozes from every angle. Luxurious Belgian fabrics, quality furniture, kitchens a top chef would be proud of and space abound – even in the smallest of models.

Then there’s their fabulous standard features such as large wind-out awnings, mobile wi-fi, solar panels, re-fillable gas tanks, built-in satellite navigation systems, air conditioning – cab and habitation areas too in their Mercedes range; there’s even the option of remote, self-seeking satellite TV systems if you really don’t want to miss anything.

Contemporary Style

McLouis are another surprisingly good brand, very contemporary, very Italian with lots of style and storage space, garages abound and each sleeping and travelling at least 4 people – great for families and their price point is too – squarely aimed towards the family budget.

Imagine, what could be finer than sitting under your very-own sun awning drinking wine (or gin, beer, cider or any other favourite tipple for that matter) and simply “chilling out” whilst listening to your favourite music or reading the latest novel on your kindle?

Time to Unwind

If that’s not your “thing” then how about a day exploring the local countryside or walking and cycling to places of interest; maybe visit the local beach (social distancing permitting of course) or town centre for that all-important retail therapy hit, (if the shops are open and you have a face-mask).

Then there’s galleries and museums to consider or the local country estate, farm shop or National Trust venue – really, the list of potential activities is endless as are the wonderful places one could pitch-up in the UK alone.

You never know too, the urge to go abroad could still prove too great to resist, in which case there’s always the “tunnel” for quick, easy access to France and beyond (if we’re allowed that is) or endless ferry routes for a more relaxed trip across the water.

Imagine, a lovely warm evening, sun slowly setting, the sound of the ocean in the distance, dining al-fresco with a really great burgundy, fresh-baked French bread, a lovely cheese and a simple salad, all right on your own doorstep and for as long as you feel like it……

Great Value

And don’t forget, motorhomes are welcomed throughout the UK and Europe and both the UK and Europe are awfully big places to explore and finding beautiful, isolated spots to call your own for a few days before moving on isn’t difficult and the driving? Well, that’s all part of the holiday.

Remember too, once you have a motorhome, you also have the potential for hundreds of holidays, long or short, here, there, anywhere in fact – a long weekend or simple overnighter somewhere local or just a day out in the countryside for that matter, the choice is yours and endless!

And Finally……

So, I hope I’ve planted a seed of optimism for a brighter future this summer and holiday season; and one final fact, a motorhome is nothing like a car in terms of depreciation or residual value and if I’m honest, whilst they possibly aren’t that cheap to buy initially, they should be considered more as an investment and once owned, they will retain a huge proportion of their original value and for a darned sight longer than your average family run-around or caravan and definitely longer than your two weeks package to the sun!

You’ll definitely have so very many more memories from a motorhome holiday and adventures too so, when you sit down to consider the summer holidays, why not take a longer-term view? take a closer look at the motor home option and in particular the Auto-Sleepers and McLouis motor home ranges at Derby Motorhomes, you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised.

Staycation, in your own motorhome/isolation pod – happy holidays everyone.

By Tim Lemon, Director of Derby Motorhomes