Tag: Auto-Sleepers

The term “auto-sleeper” (or auto sleepers) is sometimes used to mean motorhomes in general or at times, specifically campervans. They are also, however, a renowned English manufacturer of campervan motorhomes that we at Derby Motorhomes are proud to sell.

Here, we’ll interpret auto-sleeper as a generic term referring to any kind of motorhome or campervan and offer some thoughts and suggestions about buying one.

Our approach is along the line of “top motorhome buying tips” – and we’ll take the liberty of assuming that you are completely new to all questions related to motorhomes or auto-sleepers.

Some first principles

Here are the basics, as we see them:

The most suitable auto-sleeper for you and your travels

  • think carefully about what you expect to get out of the experience when using your vehicle on holiday;
  • so, ease and convenience plus low running costs might immediately spring to mind and that might steer you towards a smaller and more compact campervan;
  • but then ask yourself what happens if your friends, children or children want to come with you one long weekend – all of a sudden that campervan might seem to be the small side of “compact”;
  • from most angles, we’ll remain pretty much in the dark on this score since the answers to the questions are about your dreams, ambitions and how they will affect the choice of the most suitable vehicle for you;
  • our blog – Picking the right motorhome for you – provides more tips and considerations;

Review your finances – carefully

  • no list of tips and suggestions about buying a motorhome would be complete, of course, without a word on the hot topic of money;
  • after your house, your motorhome is likely to be the single biggest expenditure you’ll undertake in your lifetime;
  • once again, there’s little specific we can say here other than for you to be certain you’re taking into consideration the running and maintenance costs of your auto-sleeper, as well as its purchase price;
  • incidentally, don’t assume that paying cash is necessarily the most suitable option either – at Derby Motorhomes, we can introduce you to motorhome finance companies that offer all the options you might want to consider, from loans, to hire purchase, and even personal contract purchase (PCP);
  • you can find out more on our blog: Motorhome financing options;

Consider your own driving experience and comfort zone

  • almost anyone can learn to drive even the largest motorhomes safely and your standard driving licence – the one you use to drive your car – is typically sufficient;
  • for chapter and verse on your eligibility for driving any particular motorhome, though, you might want to consult the advice on the relevant government website;
  • that’s not to say that everyone wants to drive the biggest possible auto-sleeper – instead, be sure that you select a size of vehicle that you and if relevant, your partner, would both be happy driving;

Think about your expeditions

  • choosing a small campervan might be ideal for a couple or people with a young child or two, irrespective of the journey distance;
  • as we grow older, though, many of us prefer a little more space and comfort – one or two nights in a restricted space might be fine but not if we’re going to be living there for perhaps two weeks at a time;
  • so, if you have lots of long-distance explorations planned around Europe and the UK, you might want to incline towards vehicles that are slightly larger, better equipped, and more comfortable;

Take advice on new versus used

  • you may be surprised to discover that, unlike most cars, motorhomes often tend to hold their value very well – so, don’t expect vast reductions on say a two-year-old model against a new one – but we’ll be happy to help you think through any issues about that;
  • of course, if you’re buying second-hand from a private individual, do please make sure that you’re qualified to assess the vehicle and adopt all good security practices to protect your financial interests.

When all’s said and done, you’ll discover that there are some really beautiful motorhomes and campervans out there. Given the amount you’re likely to be spending, it only makes sense to spend time researching the main makes and models – their upsides and any downsides – before you set your heart on any particular one.

Once again, of course, we’d be only too happy to offer some general awareness-raising advice in that area if you wish. Why not contact us to find out more?

Further reading: Motorhome buying tips

If you are looking to buy a motorhome, you might well be overwhelmed by the sheer choice of makes and models.

But there is one manufacturer you certainly don’t want to pass by – and that is the renowned Auto-Sleepers brand. Some of the following frequently asked questions might help to explain why.

Why buy an Auto-Sleepers motorhome?

The British manufacturer has established an enviable reputation as one of the finest builders of van conversion and coachbuilt motorhomes.

That reputation is not without good cause since it has been confirmed by motorhome owners themselves. In the Owner Satisfaction Awards granted by readers of Practical Motorhome – and announced on the 21st of January 2022 – Auto-Sleepers stole the gold medal for Best Motorhome Manufacturer.

Co-organisers of the 2022 awards, the Camping and Caravanning Club, confirmed that coachbuilt motorhomes – on which Auto-Sleepers have consistently built their reputation – remain the most popular kind of vehicle, accounting for 55.7% of all new motorhomes purchased.

New for 2022 was Auto-Sleepers Ford Air Camper – which immediately walked away with the year’s Motorhome & Campervan Design Award from the Caravan and Motorhome Club for campervans under 5m in length.

The company has over 60 years’ experience not only in the manufacture of coachbuilt motorhomes but also van conversions and campervans. Whatever style you choose, you can be assured of an innovative and imaginative focus on every aspect of their design and interiors that take full advantage of every inch of space.

What powers an Auto-Sleeper?

Auto-Sleepers typically come with a choice of powertrains:

Peugeot

  • fitted to both its van conversions and coachbuilt models, many Auto-Sleepers are powered by Peugeot’s proven 160bhp turbodiesel Euro 6 engine; or
  • if you prefer the option of an automatic transmission, you have the choice of the 130bhp/150bhp Fiat Ducato Comfort-Matic engine;

Mercedes

  • Mercedes coachbuilt models are fitted with the German brand’s 163bhp Next Generation Euro 6.2 turbodiesel 163bhp engine; and
  • with the option of that powertrain’s 7-speed fully automatic gearbox; and

Ford Air Camper

  • 0-litre Ford EcoBlue (170 PS) engine;
  • 6-speed manual gearbox – or optional automatic transmission.

How extensive is the Auto-Sleeper range?

Not only is there an extensive range of Auto-Sleepers from which to choose but new models and updated versions of current favourites are launched each year.

Presently, for example, there are eight different Peugeot campervans, seven Peugeot coachbuilts, two Peugeot AL-KO coachbuilts, five coachbuilt, Mercedes-powered motorhomes, and the newly launched Ford Air Camper.

Which Auto-Sleeper is for me?

Your choice of motorhome, of course, is a highly personal one and depends on how you intend to use it, the number of passengers you may need to accommodate (and the number of berths for them to sleep in), and the interior space and layout you are likely to need.

You might want a motorhome that you – and a partner perhaps – are likely to use mainly for touring and for exploring the highways and byways of new and unfamiliar places. In the way of many adventures, these may lead you along narrow, winding lanes one minute and through the congestion of busy city streets the next. That is when you are likely to want a smaller, more manoeuvrable motorhome.

If you want a luxurious second home on wheels that you are likely to use as your more permanent base on holidays and short breaks, then a larger motorhome might be the order of the day.

Where can I buy an Auto-Sleeper?

There are main dealers who specialise in this make of motorhome and have the experience and expertise to guide you through the decision-making process – and may also offer the competitively-priced finance packages you may need.

Choose one of these leading dealers with extensive showrooms and exhibition halls to allow you to get up close and personal with the models that suit your tastes and preferences.