Motorhome enquiry

Absolutely go for the auto option as long as it’s not the old Fiat Comformatic! 

Alde heating doesn’t seem to be common in motorhomes these days but bear in mind you are heating a much smaller space so ducted hot air is more than adequate. We had two coachbuilts and have now downsized to a PVC (collecting later this month). My (strictly personal) view is that a fixed bed is not compatible with motorhomes unless you are buying one of those giant coaches that pop bands use!

Generally there is a major difference between UK and continental motorhomes. UK weather is variable so internal living space is maximised along the lines of a caravan. Continental vans have smaller accommodation with a “garage” to house all the outside furniture you need to enjoy the sunshine.

I have found that Alde heating tends to be used in the better designed and manufactured units.  It is normally found in continental vehicles that have double floors - a major advantage in my opinion - and those equipped for use in tough winter conditions abroad. One big advantage I have found is the engine heat exchanger which ensures you efficiently have hot water and full heating whilst you travel and when you arrive.  Also, generally speaking the Alde boilers are extremely efficient on gas.

Changed to a Motorhome 20 months ago thought about it for a long time,after 40 years of caravaning it’s worked for me and my wife,it’s bigger than m/homes I first started looking at 7.41 meters long.A bus pass a garage and two folding electric bikes and a bit of planning helps Truma heating and being Italian well insulated,on board water tank and heated waste helps. it is a warm place to be.we don’t need to take our car .This may not suit everyone but for us it’s just fine ,when you arrive the whole cab and inside is warm .

We enjoyed the Alde system but not sure we really maximised its potential, it’s very good for colder climes. Liked the engine heat exchanger meaning we arrived on site toasty warm in the habitation area. We have also had the Eberspächer heating which was very quick but a tad loud. Must say that for our usual experiences here in the UK the Truma system seems absolutely fine. In summer our AC unit is good on those few days of extreme heat but again a bit of an extravagance here in the UK. It does have a heating mode too which we have used but again it’s a bit noisy.

Very apt photo TW-the place behind the VW is called The Little House.

There’s no such thing as ‘little’ along there 😀

I've been tentatively keeping my eye out for a suitable automatic but they are, if not scarce then few on the second hand market for the type of PVC that would interest us. I'm in no rush but you are restricting your choice by going automatic.

We’ve had 2 auto MHs with the Fiat 9 speed TC auto boxes. They were good but I believe Stelantis have now dropped that box in favour of one of their own. We also had a Sprinter based MH with a TC box and our current is also a Merc TC box. Wouldn’t entertain anything else really.

We wouldn’t buy van or car without auto gear box.