Auto-Trail Apache

CARRY ON TREKKING

Words and photos by John Page

There is a sturdy look about Auto-Trail Motorhomes, unique to the brand and instantly recognisable.  This Apache 725 in particular is also unique in that it is probably the only Overcab Motorhome that doesn’t have a bulge above the cab to contain its upstairs bed. All of which achieves a smooth passage through the airflow and makes it good to look at as well. It’s around thirty years ago that two sons of Lincolnshire put together the wherewithal to construct Motorhomes with a different slant based principally on Mercedes chassis cabs. The three-pointed star was to give cachet, the all-vehicle graphics were more exciting than the opposition and sumptuous fabrics did the rest. Auto-Trail was on the way.Today, Auto-Trail is a large forward looking manufacturing company with an enthusiastic management producing Campers and Coachbuilt Motorhomes in various categories and sizes that cover the market well. For 2010 the plans are more exciting than ever, technically, visually and from the value for money aspect. At 7.39m our machine is a medium length, Fiat chassis based four-berth vehicle all complete on the road at £48,462. Unusual and imaginative is the bunkhouse layout for children of any age and the sleeping option of a double bed upstairs or down for two adults.  Just for a change we were city bound towards York and the ideally placed Rowntree Caravan Club site close to the banks of the river Ouse. And should my boss give me a little time off we might explore some of the interesting medieval architecture for which the city is famous.
Construction

Bunkhouse is an apt Americanism to denote a layout where the two-tiered bunks are ranged along the rear nearside almost opposite the galley and close to the washroom. It’s a fun idea for children of whatever age where they will be happy to climb in and sleep when they decide to. We had no children on board but as seasoned grandparents we would claim some experience of what is needed for a M/H layout to promote a degree of family harmony or something close to it. Apache 725 promises well. Currently some of the subjects under research include weight reduction without sacrificing strength, materials to lower noise levels on the road, alternative heating systems and stronger yet lighter tables. Interesting that in spite of Fiat’s repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel policy, Auto-Trail choose to continue to supply one in an easily accessible compartment within the rear panel. They were one of the first manufacturers to adopt total LED lighting and the variations of lighting effect throughout the Apache are ideal. Structural standards are good with wall thickness of 40mm and the floor at 45mm. For the interior there is a robust look and feel to the furniture units of seat bases, roof and other storage compartments. Exterior access flaps for gas cylinders, spare wheel, the toilet cassette and general stowage fit immaculately and unlock with either the single key or a spigot. Our only build criticism concerned the aforementioned heavy freestanding table used for meals or as part of double bed make-up that demands manhandling. Regular customer tours of the construction facility at the Immingham HQ are an indication of pride in the product and willingness to explain the nitty-gritty of what is necessary to build an Auto-Trail Motorhome.
ON THE ROAD

January you might remember was notable for cold and mostly clear weather – ideal in fact to see parts of Yorkshire in a primeval mood from the warm comfort of the Air-conditioned cab of the Apache. It is also air con that cleared the windscreen of condensation first thing in the morning. But what you really want to know is, how is it to drive at any time? OK, first I make myself really comfortable by setting the height of the seat, the backrest angle and the distance from the wheel. Get the height of the wheel just so and swivel the mirrors for the best views behind. Not forgetting to fasten our seat belts it’s time to go. 24’3” isn’t that long but it is bigger than a Citroen C3. And it doesn’t matter how many Motorhomes I’ve driven, the size still demands respect, especially in the crosswind we had on the first day when it was remarkably stable and comparatively quiet. All credit to AT for creating this smooth Overcab design where the body line flows smoothly back from the nicely curved front. Another key factor contributing to the ride quality is undoubtedly the long wheelbase chassis that reduces the pitching moment. For power there is 130bhp of turbo diesel at its best through the six-speed manual gearbox: sufficient to take care of almost anything you might try on the roads of Europe and should you have the misfortune to break down somewhere help will be at hand from Fiat and the emergency line listed by Auto-Trail with your documents. The radio was very good for entertainment and the reception of traffic conditions. With regard to the rear view camera I am close to trusting it but have yet to pension off the fail-safe of my wife’s hand signals and hearty STOP.
IN RESIDENCE

As you would expect of a family Motorhome the floor plan puts a priority on lounge space supported by a decent galley and ample washroom. Fine so what of the bed Matrimonale? Mum and Dad have a choice: sleep upstairs or re-arrange the lounge (more later). Daytime however is when the front half of Apache becomes the space to sprawl, where chow is served, TV is goggled out or things get serious with Scrabble, Rummikub or whatever. For us all was snug on some decidedly cold January evenings when the reliable Truma convector fire was able to warm through thoroughly at a 40% setting. It was also left on overnight set low. Four would sit with space to spare at mealtimes after lugging the table out from the wardrobe. A touch parsimonious were the skimped half width curtains although the cassette windows with the pleated blinds always worked smoothly. Considerable thought had obviously gone into planning the lighting scheme, admirably arranged on one level with dimming and or concealed lighting at higher level. All this plus porch lighting linked to the entrance door, bulkhead lights for the bunks and washroom lighting at ceiling or floor level. All of it LED with minimal heat and low power consumption. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector on the ceiling just behind the cab was sensible but the fire extinguisher on the floor immediately behind the cab passenger seat would perhaps be more accessible in an emergency if its securing bracket were at chest height near the main entrance door.
BEDTIME

Super bunks, for size, comfort, lighting and ventilation. The idea works for all ages where the younger ones can read privately, listen to the grown up chatter and succumb to sleep eventually. Some parents will make the climb up to the generous double bed over the cab leaving the lounge in situ ready for breakfast. The alternative is something of a pig’s breakfast although progressively easier with practice. Cushion bases slide out from either side, one support is discarded and the heavy table is manhandled into place before various cushions are slotted in. Laugh about it and you’re fine and I’ll admit you couldn’t have a more comfortable double bed. From wherever one sleeps, the washroom is accessible.
GALLEY

Auto-Trail have got it sorted: in an ‘L’ shaped galley the cooker is central with good workspace on either side, while the sink drainer also has its own space. Furthermore, all that is immediately necessary for preparing food such as cutlery, utensils and the actual grub is nicely within comfortable reach. The storage capacity for the food and machinery is about as good as it gets and we put all of it to the test including the brilliant oven and the four-burner gas/electric hob. Thoughtful features were the two section laminate top for the generous size sink, the choice of lighting, the powerful two-way extractor fan and the imaginative shelving of the Thetford 150-litre fridge/freezer. Not forgetting the intelligent and potentially safe placing of the two mains sockets.
WASHROOM

A neat touch here was a strip light below the washroom door as a guiding light during the night time hours when drowsy campers are inclined to blunder. Of ample dimension with separate shower cubicle this washroom is well served for locker space below the sink and alongside the eye level mirror. That mirror though was too high to be seen for anyone below average height although we understand that this will be addressed on later models. A generous size basin was fine with just enough space for tooth mugs and soap etc. Doors to the shower stayed securely in place during transit and our only criticism was the lack of some sort of shower duckboard on the shiny surface of the cubicle floor. 100-litres of fresh water served us well over four days on site with probably around 20-litres untouched as we left.
STORAGE

From the floor to ceiling generous wardrobe unit to the deep roof lockers and outdoor compartments the 725 has more than ample space in which a family could stow all their personal and sports gear without any sense of cramming it in and that’s before even looking into the cab or thinking about under the cushions. Duvets or sleeping bags can stay above the cab or in the bunks and I commend spare wheel stowage that does not mean crawling under the chassis.
SUMMARY

Four full days in company with an Apache in mostly below zero degrees centigrade was fine to get to grips with what has to be one of the best family oriented Motorhomes. The construction is undeniably rugged, it was quiet en route and warm and comfortable stationary. Fundamentally it all worked as the design team had intended and we had little to criticise. AT tell us that the table structure is under review. The competition comes mostly from Germany and France but were you to make the comparison with similarly priced and equipped vehicles from that quarter I’ve no doubt Apache 725 would shine.