Autotrail Adventure 65
Hi there - We are in the process of buying a brand new campervan, as our current van has a fixed bed and we’ve been looking for a van conversion that has a larger lounge, with an easy bed conversion. After considerable research into various options, we concluded that the Autotrail Adventure 65 has a good layout.
We’re in negotiations with a dealership which has been very helpful. However, when inspecting the van we noticed that Autotrail have fixed a Thule Omnistor 5200 on brackets which extend away from the vehicle. This means that when using the roof awning there is a large gap through which rain would pour down the van and over the sliding door, and this would make it virtually impossible to use a Thule ‘room'.
The dealers helpfully raised this design deficit with Autotrail when the dealer’s MD met with Autotrail to discuss its products. However, Autotrail maintains that they will not deviate away from this approach, and so this problem will continue to be repeated. Such a pity as the problem could be resolved so easily. Autotrail has said directly to us that the awning is sold as a sun canopy - but this is the UK with its weather! (Autotrail is UK based)
We are bemused that a company like Autotrail are so immune to feedback from van users and a dealership. As it is, if we complete the purchase of this vehicle we will be taking much time and expense to put right the problem that Autotrail have created.
Have Adventure 65 users got any tips to resolve this issue please? Has anyone had any contact with Autotrail about this problem?
Thanks Phil and Alison
Comments
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Thanks for the reply peedee
No - Autotrail want to stick to its spec. Gap is around 120mm
Cheers
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Just looked at their web site and I can quite clearly see the problem. Is there not a rain gutter which would stop run off down the sides? If not could one be fitted as an after sale, I have seen them on sail for over the doors on caravans but I am guessing you would require a much wider one, probably the full length of the awning.
peedee
P.S. Google rain gutter for vehicles, you can buy it to any length. Have a look at >this<
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Hi we have an auto trail V-Line. It has an Omnistore fitted to it but we don't have a gap like you suggested. We did wonder if we would get water pouring down the sides if the van but happy to say we don't.
May I suggest you join the Auto-Trail Facebook group specific to your van. We found the V-Line group very helpful I know there are others out there that have the model you are interested in, maybe someone on the group could advise.
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Surely its the design concept of that particular van? Because it has a lifting roof it must prevent the fitting of the wind out awning from being fitted closer to the body of the van. Clearly from what you say they are selling that design of van as "sunshine van" where the awning is just intended as a sunshade. Somewhat optimistic in our climate I suppose! Is there a reason for wanting the lifting roof as opposed to a higher fixed roof like the V-Line mentioned by TG?
David
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Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. Frustratingly, they could fit it closer to the side which would allow a smaller gutter/gummie to be added and still not impede the pop up roof.
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PS the Adventure with a pop up gives 4 berth and 4 travel seats with a good lounge. I think all the V-lines are 2 berth
Phil
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this is the question I was going to ask, do you need 4 berths and four seats?
if so, this loading is going to push the van close to its weight limits, look at the AT weight calculator and, with No Options fitted and NO water on board the spare capacity is just 35kg, nothing.
it's likely this will NOT include bedding (surprisingly heavy), chairs, tables, levellers, bbq, the aforementioned Thule room (again blooming heavy), any bikes, walking boots, books, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery etc, etc...
with just two people on board you effectively get an extra 150kg+ allowance (each passenger is rated at 75kg) but if you're running this van with four up then I'd say it's not fit for that purpose at 3500kg...obviously chassis upgrades are available but may not suit your license.
furthermore, manufacturers have a +/- 5% leeway on ex factory weights and if 'your' van is overweight (could be by as much as 175kg) then that will errode your tiny payload even more.
is the V line SE an option? It gives around 100kg extra capacity with the same loadings.
good luck
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