Auto-Sleeper Windrush on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer Family motorhoming in a panel van the very latest high-top blows in from the Cotswolds

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1 LIFE S A BREEZE Auto-Sleeper Windrush on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer Family motorhoming in a panel van the very latest high-top blows in from the Cotswolds A uto-sleepers is one of the UK s most long-lived and respected producers of motorcaravans, having been around for over 50 years and with a reputation for making quality products at the higher end of the market. Van conversions have always been an AS speciality the very first Auto-Sleeper was one so when a new-and-very-different model emerges from the firm s Cotswold home it deserves immediate attention. And this one was so new that when I arrived to pick it up from the Willersey factory, it was still being tweaked by the product development department. No excuses here, but I must use the dreaded P-word, as the van was the first to be built and a prototype. Would I need to be gentle with it? There was only one way to find out, so I loaded my sleeping bag, toothbrush and kettle and headed off to the Caravan Club s site at Broadway. WHAT S IN A NAME? Windrush is the name of the new Auto-Sleeper, and it proved appropriate as during the test, the tail of Hurricane Katia was busy tweaking our weather wind-rush indeed! The name follows the current Auto-Sleepers tradition of naming its vans after Cotswold villages however, Windrush offers a layout that s anything but traditional for an Auto-Sleeper, so this one shares a name with a local river. I m no Auto- Sleepers historian, but I cannot remember another Auto-Sleeper with bunks, and that s exactly what the Windrush provides. But there s more, as bunk-equipped van conversions are rare beasts too providing family-friendly accommodation in a six-metre panel van is potentially a great idea, but tricky. It s been done before though I ve seen bunks in models from both Timberland (in the past) and more recently, WildAx. Doing it is one thing, but doing it well in what is undeniably a small space is a whole different kettle of cod. FORM AND FUNCTION First, a couple of caveats: based on the long wheelbase version of Peugeot s Boxer, the Windrush is actually based on the window van, so fenestration is single-glazed, in tinted flush glass. These windows look superb from outside, but their tint might make the interior feel rather gloomy on dull days. Also, there s always going to be a greater risk of condensation inside (compared to the more oft-found double-glazed plastic windows) when the weather s cold outside. In addition, the test vehicle was fitted with the, then current, Euro 4 compliant engine. At the time, Euro 5 Boxers were on the way, so we might expect 2012 models to be fitted with the new engine, while cab enhancements can include a new multimedia features-equipped stereo and special dash trim. Engine outputs are set to be improved too, while Euro 5 should bring better fuel economy, along with its planet-saving talents. 110 I DECEMBER

2 Live-in Test report Words & pictures by Dave Hurrell OUTS AND INS The long wheelbase Boxer s external delights are well documented, and you either like the shape or don t care for it. I m in the former camp, and even after five years, to my eye, it still appears fresh and quite cutting-edge. The test vehicle s Champagne gold colour, understated graphics and those stylish tinted windows combine to make a good-looking camper. I spent a fair bit of time talking to other campers about the van, such was its magnetic qualities. Externally, details are also important: alloy wheels look great, the awning is standard and there s a barbecue point, and a TV signal input socket (for easy connection to free-standing aerial, sat dish, or campsite piped TV). Mounted on the driver s side B-pillar is the filler that announces the presence of a gas tank 25 litres gives a capacity of around 12.5kg of LPG. Newbies might be pleased to discover that, with this system, the days of lugging cylinders are over you simply fill up at one of the many filling stations (across much of Europe) that sell autogas. The water-fill system is a love-it-or-hate-it device: Whale s Aquasource has a plug-in filler that incorporates 12V power, and accepts a connection to a (supplied) submersible pump for on-pitch top-ups. Should you be lucky enough to find yourself on a super-pitch (with its own tap) you can connect directly to the mains, thus the tank is constantly kept topped up. It s the conventional filling of the tank that detractors dislike, they feel it s too slow. Convenience verses speed? Only you can decide. A quick peer under the rear and I discovered that a spare wheel is fitted but there s more: Auto-Sleepers eye for practical detail has seen the fitting of a remote valve that allows the checking of its pressure no grovelling required. Step aboard and you re greeted by Auto- Sleepers current carpentry colour, which is a deep, matt-finished, silver-trimmed brown. Coupled with the currently-fashionable, coffee- AT A GLANCE PRICE FROM: 46,495 OTR BERTHS: 4 BASE VEHICLE: Peugeot Boxer long wheelbase window van ECONOMY: 28.8mpg 1 At Stanway house, Gloucestershire 2 Dark wood and coffee-creme colours fit the current fashion and look attractive 3 A first for Auto-Sleepers, The Windrush offers kid-friendly bunks in the rear DECEMBER 2011 I 111

3 crème fabrics (and dark brown removable carpet) all looks very pleasant and well constructed. Pleated blinds (with flyscreens) adorn all the windows, except the rears (which don t open), where there s only room for curtains. The cab has curtains too, and although they re okay, I d rather see cab blinds that do a better job of blackout and insulation. This is especially noticeable as there are no curtains in the lounge. Maybe these are on the options list, but this is no deal breaker, as it s easy to have them retro-fitted for about 450. As I said, the tinted side windows can make things a tad gloomy, but thankfully, a Midi Heki rooflight illuminates the lounge well. One advantage of the flush glazing is the presence of pop-in-and-slide openers in the lounge. Good for general ventilation, they can also be used safely while on the road. In the kitchen, the test van had the optional living area air-conditioning fitted, and this incorporates a smaller rooflight that does the job. I would expect to see a Mini Heki here in standard trim. More AS attention to detail sees a high quality fire extinguisher and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors all in place. BOXERCISE The Peugeot Boxer chassis provides excellent performance, with great handling, powerful brakes and light steering. The cab is comfy during long journeys, the external mirrors superb. Differences with other motorhomes come, therefore, in the details, while the aforementioned Euro 5 version when it arrives in 2012 will merely improve the beast. Better performance (from increased engine outputs) and improved fuel economy should be the results. Up in the cab, air-conditioning is standard, as are steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Auto-Sleepers adds rather thick swivels, so tall folks may find the cab seats a touch high. For me, at five-foot-ten, they were fine. There s little interior vision to the rear, but a fitted camera, with interior mirror-style monitor solves the problem. In use, it proved itself well, with a clear picture that gave a very good view of the latest tailgater, and when reversing. VERSATILE FRONT As a four-berth motorcaravan aimed squarely at families, the Windrush provides a total of four, fully-belted travel seats. The rears are mounted on steel frames top belt mounts secured to the vehicle s steel sides. Seat squabs are a tad unsupportive though probably a consequence of having to provide foam, the density and shape of which, has to make a comfy bed. Swivel the cab seats and a four-seater lounge is made, albeit with the cab chairs up a step (this is the case in many of the type). Because of this, Auto-Sleepers has provided several positions for the two small tables it supplies. Stored neatly on the offside (with their pedestal legs in the overcab), these can be arranged in two of three sockets: in front of each rear travel seat or in between the cab seats. They re small though with just enough room for a plate, cup and maybe a cruet, so provide dining for just two people. However, the versatility continues in here, as the rear seats flatten (something that s also part of bed construction) to make benches. Once I DECEMBER

4 Live-in Test report LAYOUT PLAN this is done, table number three emerges from its home in the overcab, to stand between the benches and provide for four at dinner time. On the offside, the bed infill cushion also provides a backrest the created sofa completely changes the character of the lounge, adding another layer of versatility. Entertainment in here is assured, as rear speakers are connected to the radio and a TV/ DVD player (optional) is mounted at a reasonable height for viewing. Sockets are supplied to feed signals from other devices (satellite dish or digi-box) mounted in the kitchen s overhead locker. The kids can be kept happy en-route too, as 12V sockets are mounted above located here to power a pair of portable DVD players that hang on the backs of the cab seats. An effective range of LEDpowered lighting completes a lounge-diner that s about as versatile as it s possible to be. IN THE KITCHEN Fully equipped best describes the Windrush galley, as a decent cooker and microwave oven are standard-fit items. There s a good slab of worktop too, and another pull-out section that emerges from below it. The stove is Thetford s neat, half-height Triplex unit, which provides three hob burners, one of which is a high-speed device that boiled my kettle in double-quick time. Below, there s an oven/grill big enough for a Sunday roast. The fridge is less impressive, as it s a basic, dare I say, cheap model that boasts a shallow interior a rather paltry capacity in a family van. The microwave is unremarkable, aside from the fact that it s mounted at a reasonably user-friendly height above the work-top. The storage menu provides a high-level locker and with two small shelves alongside, OVERALL LENGTH: 5.99m (19ft 8in) OVERALL WIDTH: 2.05m (6ft 9in) 4 Well-equipped cab models will be Euro 5 compliant 5 Two small tables are neatly stowed 6 Above the cab seats, 12V sockets are placed to power kid-calming DVD players 7 TV is part of the Premium Pack 8 Different positions are possible, with coffee-for-two, or dining-for-one possibilities 9 The offside seat is easy to convert into a sofa 10 First job for the lounge is to provide a pair of belted travel seats 11 Dinner time for two, but the big table can accommodate four people 12 A great kitchen, but the fridge is basic 12 DECEMBER 2011 I 113

5 13 The washroom features a latest-fashion sliding basin 14 Showerhead/tap arrangement worked less than well 15 Trailing shower hose was rather intrusive 16 Bunks are compact, but just okay for adults 17 That versatile lounge produces a comfortable double bed while down below, there s one decent drawer and two cupboards. The locker has no shelves and one of the cupboards is mostly filled with the electrics distribution unit. Kitchen storage space is, therefore, rather limited. Auto-Sleepers seems to realise this, as one of the (three) overhead lockers in the lounge is fitted out with racks for plates and mugs. It s easy to criticise of course, and this galley does provide a lot in a small space; many larger coachbuilt motorhomes offer less. One thing that does need immediate attention though is the worktop area. The back of the nearside rear seat abuts, and with no splash/leak guard, it would not be long before the upholstery became contaminated. A simple screen mounted here should cure the problem. DESIGNER WASHROOM? The washroom is a new design, and it s brave too incorporating one of the latest ideas in unusual fashion. Approached through a sliding tambour door, the Windrush bathing department presents a moulded sidewall above a twin-drain wet-room floor that incorporates a sliding washbasin. The generous basin slides across on a chrome rail, landing above the toilet. This also leaves a good chunk of the wet-room floor available for showering. You simply slide the basin back when the toilet is needed. There s a long mirror, toilet roll holder, towel ring and handy soap dispenser in here too. The whole is very strongly made, and a roofmounted extractor fan provides ventilation in this windowless room. However, with the basin slid back to allow use of the toilet, the space was a little confined, my left shoulder against the inside of the door, right hip against the side of the basin when standing. Sitting on the loo was better, but as it s around 400mm (4in) off the floor, it was almost too high for comfortable use. The basin shares the shower head as its tap, but with the basin slid over the swivel-bowl loo for use, it proved too high up on its bracket and deposited water more into the basin s mouldedin soap dish than in its bowl. There s enough showering space in here, but the re-positioned shower head lacks enough length to its hose, so it hangs across the room and in the way. Both storage for cosmetics and a surface to put them down when in use are lacking there is a high-level, chrome-rail-fiddled, shelf, but it slopes and could be used only for holding in cloth wash bags. I m very reluctant to be less than enthusiastic about this design, as much of it is very clever and it is very well executed. LIVE-IN TEST DATA TYPE High-top PRICE From: 46,495 OTR As tested: 50,355 BASICS Vehicle: Peugeot Boxer long wheelbase window van Berths: 4 Three-point belted seats: 4 (incl driver) Warranty: Base vehicle three years, conversion two years CONSTRUCTION All steel body with factory high roof. Caravan entrance side sliding door on UK nearside DIMENSIONS Length: 5.99m (19ft 8in) Width: 2.05m (6ft 9in) Height: 2.70m (8ft 10.5in) including standard-fit TV aerial Wheelbase: 4.03m (13ft 3in) Rear overhang: 1.01m (3ft 4in) Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg Payload: 413kg (after allowance for weight of driver, 100 per cent fuel, 90 per cent water and gas) Insulation: 25mm Interior height: 1.90m (6ft 3in) THE VEHICLE Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel producing 120bhp (Euro 5, 130bhp for 2012 models) Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox, DRIFTING OFF Almost without a doubt, it s the bunks that will make folks buy a Windrush. And these bunks are more for young people than adults, as they re quite compact (5ft 11in x 2ft 2in). However, as an almost intrepid motorhome tester, I tried sleeping here and was presently surprised. My five-foot-ten, 13-stone (he claims) bulk spent a cosy night. I was able to read my book, which was well illuminated by one of the strip-led lamps at the bunks heads. 16 I LIKED Stylish good looks Performance Versatile lounge-diner Well equipped kitchen Good amount of worktop Comfortable lounge bed I WOULD HAVE LIKED A larger, more upmarket fridge Less head-bashing bunk parts (under review by AS) A splash guard in the kitchen I DISLIKED Lack of space to use washroom comfortably 114 I DECEMBER

6 Live-in Test report front-wheel drive Fuel consumption: 28.8mpg Brakes: Discs all round with ABS and ASR Suspension: Front: independent on coil springs. Rear: rigid axle on leaf springs with air assistance Features: Remote locking, electric windows and mirrors, driver and passenger airbags, aircon, cruise control, rear view camera, radio/ CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls and rear speakers, heated rear windows, spare wheel (Note: 2012 models will be fitted with Hill Start Assist) LOUNGING AND DINING Swivelling cab seat and forward-facing rear seats provide seating for four and dining from two pedestal-mounted tables. Rear seats convert into two inward-facing benches, served by a freestanding table KITCHEN On nearside, with one overhead locker, two shelves, one drawer and one shelved cupboard below. Extractor hood above cooker, substantial slab of work-surface to right of sink, additional pull-out surface below Sink: Stainless steel with hinged glass lid, removable plastic drainer, clip-on chromed draining rack, chromed swivelling mixer tap Cooker: Thetford Triplex half-height stove with hinged glass lid, three-burner hob, oven/grill, all with ignition. Daewoo 700W microwave oven with auto-cook feature Fridge: Thetford three-way, manual energy selection. Capacity 81 litres WASHROOM Sliding tambour door, twin-drain wet-room floor, Thetford C200 swivel-bowl toilet, high-level shelf, toilet-roll holder, towel ring, soap dispenser, extractor fan above. Washbasin slides above toilet for use and when showering, slid back when using toilet. Shower mixer/head doubles as basin tap, moves to second rail mount when showering BEDS Lounge transverse double Length: 1.88m (6ft 2in) Width: 1.47m (4ft 10in) Rear bunks Length: 1.80m (5ft 11in) Width: 660mm (2ft 2in) Headroom: 600mm (1ft 11.5in) STORAGE Lounge: open locker over cab, three overhead lockers, two high-level cubbies, space under both rear seats (includes wine storage locker). Rear area: locker at foot of each bunk, cubby at each bunk head, two slim wardrobes, low-level locker at rear, accessed through rear doors LIFE SUPPORT Fresh water: Underslung, 69 litres (15.2 gallons) Waste water: Underslung, 40 litres (8.8 gallons) Water and space heater: Truma combi boiler with blown-air, gas-mains operation Leisure battery: 100 amp hr Gas: Bulk tank, 25 litres (approx 12.5kg) Lighting: Lounge: Blue LED pin-lights to cab/ living area step, adjustable Multi-LED lamp, AUTO-SLEEPER WINDRUSH circular LED ceiling lamp, three LED reading lamps. Kitchen: circular LED ceiling lamp, oval LED task lamp, two halogen downlighters in cooker hood. Washroom: Oval LED lamp. Bunks: adjustable multi- LED lamp at each foot. External: multi-led awning lamp, blue LED pin-lights set into cassette step Sockets: 230V: 6 (two in lounge, two in kitchen, one at head of each bunk). 12V: 6 (three in lounge, one in kitchen locker, one at head of each bunk) Control panel: Mounted above side sliding door, charger/distribution unit in low-level kitchen cupboard. Push-buttons control 12V power, water pump, lights, TV supply, leisure/vehicle battery select, tank heaters (if fitted). Display uses bar graphs to show tank levels, battery voltages, solar panel output, current flow. Alarm and clock feature, mains hook-up connected indicator, smart charger system auto-charges leisure and vehicle batteries at need Blinds/curtains: Concertina blinds/ flyscreens to lounge and kitchen windows, lined curtains to cab and rear windows Badged as EN1646 NCC compliant: No (production examples should be) OPTIONAL EXTRAS Fitted to test vehicle: Premium Pack alloy wheels, cab air-con, front fog lights, cruise control, Al-Ko Airtop suspension, awning, microwave, HAL-Locate tracking device ( 2,500), living area air-con ( 1,000), metallic paint ( 360) Other options available: None Each also gets a cubby and a 12V and mains socket that are conveniently located to power little darlings electronic entertainment gizmos. Each bunk also has a locker at its foot somewhere for kids personal items perhaps? Frames are constructed strongly in metal, but proved rather overcomplicated: protruding curtain rails and the metalwork in general, proved to be a bit of a bonce-basher. A simpler set-up with some padding in key areas would improve things and I think this is the type of thing that might happen on production examples Auto-Sleepers having indicated that changes will be made. With the kids tucked up, what about mum and dad? The parents or grandparents get to sleep in a transverse double bed in the lounge. The seats flatten and the cushion that forms the aforementioned sofa backrest now plays its primary role, filling the gap between and completing the bed. All is supported by strong metal frames, and the result is a flat, comfy double the adjacent kitchen unit serves as a nice night table. Clothes for two can be folded onto each cab seat and reading lamps also serve, two on the offside, one on the nearside. I might add a downlighter here (the side door aperture precludes the fitting of a potentially headbashing dangling reading lamp) for the second person sleeping head to the nearside. But I m being picky, this bedroom works very well indeed DECEMBER 2011 I 115

7 VEHICLE SUPPLIED BY Auto-Sleepers, Orchard Works, Willersey, Nr Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7QS Tel: Web: WE STAYED AT Broadway Caravan Club Site, Station Rd, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7DH Tel: Web: 18 Ah yes, a wine and beer cellar 19 The control panel is sophisticated, the heating top-notch LOCKERS AND LIFE SUPPORT Payload is adequate, and axle overloading is unlikely, as stowage provision takes the form of lots of smaller spaces throughout the interior. The overcab locker is, like in all Sevelbuilt panel vans, slim and mainly taken up by the table legs and the free-stander. Even so, there s space on one side probably enough for a couple of summer-weight sleeping bags and a couple of distant cubbies, suitable for kit that s only needed once in a while. Two more cubbies above, and in, the side door should provide well for books and maps. There s space under both rear seats (tricky to get at through their tops) and the essential bottle store built into the nearside one another opposite. Above, three overhead lockers share space for crocks and general items. Aft, and beyond the washroom, two very slim wardrobes stand one above the other. Forget taking anything made of taffeta (my ball gown, for instance, would not fit in!). The lower of the two is compromised by an intruding wheelarch. To the rear, where opening the rear doors gives access to a low-level locker think tools, hose, hook-up lead wedges and wellies in here. Also located here is the Truma combi heater, accessed through another hatch. Of course, the bunks provide space for bulky, lightweight stuff bedding and bagged clothes the most likely to live here when four people are on board. The aforementioned Truma runs on both gas and mains, a concern being that the only warm air outlets for the living area are located aft, below the bottom bunk. All worked fine on a couple of chilly nights however, there might be a lack of heat in the cab when things get really cold. I was also concerned to see quite a bit of exposed freshwater pipe underneath (tanks are underslung), and this will freeze far faster than the tanks contents, disabling the system more quickly during winter camping. I hope production versions will route more pipework inside and/or insulate same. Controls centre around a Sargent management panel that is very clever indeed. Aside from the usual controls, the panel gives information on current consumption, solar panel output and battery levels, using an easyto-read bar-graph display. A smart-charge feature monitors leisure and vehicle battery levels, automatically charging each at need. Aside from the previously mentioned sockets, there s the essential laptop- powering mains outlet in the lounge, and a couple more in the kitchen. Lighting is almost all LED, with only the cooker hood lamps spoiling the energy-saver s party. However, LED replacements should be available, and cost only about seven quid each. WINNING WINDRUSH A brave move on Auto-Sleepers part, the creation of the Windrush targets a niche market. Several British converters have produced, and then dropped, bunk-based motorhomes over recent years, and few of them have been van conversions. It s probably the ability to work well as a two berth that might make the Windrush successful occasional trips with kids possible when desired. It could also be a good van for a whole family to share, thus reducing costs and achieving great value. Nicely executed, with a versatile lounge, good kitchen and high levels of equipment, I enjoyed my time living aboard. Only the washroom failed to impress I applaud the braveness of the design but, for me, needed more space. As always, try before you buy. 116 I DECEMBER