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Autotrail Apache or Scout anyone got one?

14K views 104 replies 12 participants last post by  barryd 
#1 ·
I am particularly looking for someone who has a 2007 model or newer that has one or has had one. Im also interested in the earlier models as well 2004-6 but if possible I may go for a later one.

What I would really like is to find someone who has put a scooter and rack on one. Both seem to have good payload especially on the later models but I cannot get my head around the size of the overhang on the Apache which is on the Ducato chassis. The Scout is Alko with a much shorter overhang. The 2007 Scout claims 750kg payload and with the shorter overhang should easily accommodate a scooter and rack. The Apache 700se whilst having a good payload I worry about the long overhang and the difference it will make in the overall weight on the rear axle once you do the sums and I suspect it will effect handling much more than the Alko Chassis Scout. The handling on our Kontiki 640 with Alko chassis is not effected at all by the scooter. I want to make sure any new van I get is as good.

I am also keen to hear from anyone about all aspects of these vans. It wouldnt have been my first choice of manufacturer but its the layout we want and a decent payload.
 
#3 ·
Barry, I'm a member of the Facebook Autotrail Owners Group and have copied your queries there.

Whilst it's a closed group they are happy for those thinking about an AT to join if you're interested.

Terry
 
#7 ·
Yes I quite like the look of those Bessies but I think the payload was not that great from memory. About the same as a Kontiki 645 (about 480-520kg from memory).

I discounted the Swift Lifestyle either because it sounds crap or isnt on the Alko Chassis. Cant remember. PRobably payload again

These were the four that caught my eye this morning. Two Apaches and two Scouts

All flipping miles away of course. The one at £27k sounds too cheap so its probably got something up with it and I think one of them has roof aircon which is bad news as it weighs a ton and totally useless for us.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222256329023?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142139474604?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162216880102?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291900130503?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 
#11 · (Edited)
Aircon is a two man job to fit or remove Barry, but would have a resale value, the remaining hole will be either a 400x400 or 550x550 so a standard Fiamma rooflight will fit the hole.

You need two people not because of the weight but because you can't rest it on the part which goes through the roof.

I'd keep in mind too the juddergate models too, and if poss get one with the separate freezer, more room for beer and cheese.
 
#10 ·
Barry,

So far one FB member has stated he has a rack fitted to a Cheyenne 660 unit with air suspension, although he seems happy that he's within his overall weight limit.

However, interestingly he has been queried regarding his statement by another member who states that no AT on a fiat chassis can run with a scooter as the rear axle will always be over. Unfortunately he has no info re the capabilities of the ALKO chassis.

Terry
 
#12 ·
Thanks Terry. Is it possible to provide a link to that post? If its possible for me to join then it would save you having to relay content. He may be right which is another reason I though the Alko Chassis Scout at 750kg would be the better option. I am pretty sure when I initially started looking that Armitage who fit the racks had fitted to both Apache's and Scouts. That is no indication of whether they were within the limits or not of course. I am convinced Alko is the only way to go.
 
#16 ·
Don't like it...... Don't read it SIMPLES :p
 
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#19 ·
autotrail owners group
 
#20 ·
Flakey Internet on boat Barry can't capture link on mobile just pick the Autotrail owners GROUP, not club.

Terry
 
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#23 ·
Yes, Barry, that's the button to click, although I don't know if it works if you are not a standard FB member.

It'll be interesting to hear what you think of the site, once joined.

.
 
#24 ·
When I joined I was contacted by admin who asked what my interest was as they try to keep the group AT relevant. Although previous AT owners are welcome to stay and impart their knowledge.

As a group I have found it helpful, getting and giving advice, but like most groups you get one or two planks :-D

Terry
 
#26 ·
This one Cabby http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autocruis...unge-2-8-Diesel-2005-Motorhome-/182302494168?

Thats a bit of a curve ball. I cannot find anything much about them. Found this thread. http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Autocruise-Sarasota/23983/ seems they were only made for a year 2005-2006 before being taken over by Swift. Get this though, they had air suspension and a 4150kg gross weight. I cant find any spec sheets but found this about the similar Autocruise Starblazer with the same 4150kg gross weight and its payload according to this document is 990kg! http://www.gocaravanning.com/motorhome-specifications/model/autocruise-starblazer-g_947.html

It has blooming diesel heating though. Not sure I would be happy with that.

Anyone know anything about them? I have contacted the seller.

Thanks for finding that one.
 
#28 ·
Are they not expensive to run though considering Diesel is double the price of LPG? They are noisy if your parked next to one!

The seller has not had it weighed, doesnt know how much payload it has but it looks like the upgrade to air suspension was an option when it was built. He sent me a dodgy scan of the certificate. See below. The weight advantage is all on the back axle where it needs to be. I just need to know what the unladen weight is. He says its on Peugeot Chassis though when I Asked if it was Alko.


http://s10.postimg.org/ylexlfwmx/screenshot_178.jpg
 
#31 · (Edited)
Much appreciated guys. Yes it is the other end of the country so thanks for the offer Phil. Ill try an find out more info first but its like banging your head against a brick wall. Owners and even dealers dont know bugger all about payloads and chassis etc. Mrs D already doesnt like it as the kitchen is right next to the rear lounge. The photos in the ad are terrible and really dont give a good idea of layout. Any van I consider is going to have to be taken to a weigh bridge first and both axles weighed and measurements taken from about 40cm beyond the rear panel to the centre of the rear wheel.

Will see what I can find out tomorrow.
 
#32 ·
A couple of things about that Sarasota. do you need the added weight of a dinette, when you can eat in the rear lounge, small fridge, & it has one of those weird swing shower rooms, how long before you broke it :( :( also that big arse will move the tow bar etc further back by at least 100mm.

Pluses:- 2.8 hdi is a good strong engine though, fair sets off when asked, BIG plus is the construction, the luton and front roof is all one piece, ditto the back and roof, so you only have one joint to worry about up top, Seitz concertina blinds, it's the later cab which apart form where the window switches are is much better, possibly actually built for drivers who are encumbered with two arms, but couldn't see.

Noticed it says "Suntor" on the front.
 
#34 ·
Really useful information Kev thanks very much. Yes we need a front Dinette as well as a rear lounge. Its a must have for both work and as a bed. Never like the idea of sharing a bed (least not for sleeping) that you have to crawl over the other to get out and certainly not in hot countries. When you say big arse are you referring to it having a long overhang? Not good if it has but it doesnt look that long in the pic. Unfortunately the pics are not great. What I cannot figure out is why the kitchen is right at the back (Well midships) right next to the rear lounge. That means your telly will be on the flaming draining board! Whats up front on that side? Again the pictures are not clear.

Its a pity as I bet it has the same payload as the Stargazer or whatever it was called but I think its going to have to be discounted.

That Sarasota looks horrible (IMHO). It looks more dated than your Kon-Tiki
Yeah it does a bit. Not blown away by the looks really.
 
#38 ·
Do you mean a carbuncle on the AT rather than the Autocruise Kev.or have I missed something. Well now we know a little bit more of what Barry wants, I still think another Kon tiki would be his best bet, as he will know in advance when and what will he will brake.>:)>:):grin2::grin2:

cabby
 
#39 ·
Look at bumper level Phil, there is a moulding.
 
#40 ·
Actually Kev, statistics show that those who don't share a bed have more rumpy than those that do. Just sayin :D don't tell mrs D though.

Must be all the ones I've been looking at then which I suppose have been Bessie's, swift kontiki / esprit and autofail :D

They are all generally left hand side going forward lounge, wardrobe, door, fridge, sink, cooker and right hand side lounge, bathroom dinette. I think it's the classic Brit design. People might say you need to compromise or get a different layout but I don't want to. Might have to live with it for ten years.

The Bessie 6 berth on the Alko is the nearest match (795?) or the AT scout. The Bessie payload was less than 500kg though I think. I am just going to have to start weighing some as all my posts on all forums and several attempts have failed to find someone with a rack and bike that have done the sums. Maybe a Bessie or newer Konleaky could be uprated from 4000 to 4250kg with the increase on the back I don't know. Certainly aramatige have fitted racks to these models, I asked them but whether they were legal or not is anyone's guess.

I just seen to get to this stage everytime and get frustrated and give up. It doesn't help that any of the ones I am interested in are 300 miles away.
 
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