On Test TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK TOURING IN TRANSIT. TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK on 2.4-litre Ford Transit

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1 MMM On Test TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK TOURING IN TRANSIT TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK on 2.4-litre Ford Transit Words & pictures by Rachel Stothert Our Deputy Editor roams the west country in a brand-new German low profi le AT A GLANCE PRICE FROM: 46,495OTR BERTHS: 2/3 BASE VEHICLE: Ford Transit chassis cab LAYOUT: Swivel cab seats, L-shaped Euro lounge, offside L- shaped kitchen, nearside washroom, twin fixed single beds at rear ECONOMY: 24.5mpg 116 I NOVEMBER

2 T EC is one of the many brands that form the mighty Hymer Group. In spite of this, the company remains resolutely independent, with its own identity and individualism. TEC gained a new UK importer just over a year ago in the shape of Northamptonshire-based TECH Leisure. It was less than twelve months later we got our hands on one of the first UK exclusive (2009) models to hit our shores. But what exactly does the term UK exclusive mean? Essentially, and though the layout tested exists in Germany, the design has been flipped to provide the habitation (caravan) door on the nearside for the UK market. In the rest of the range (apart from the other UK only model, the FreeTEC 588), the vans come in right-hand drive form, but the habitation door is found on our offside. The benefit of UK handing of the layout means you can safely use the caravan door to step out on the kerb, rather than into the path of oncoming traffic. There are few Continental vans that offer this talent (most have their caravan door on our offside) and although you ll not notice it when on site or loading up on your driveway, you most certainly will if you regularly park on street. AF-FORD-ABLE This FreeTEC is based on Ford s twin-rearwheel drive Transit. Ford has been making serious inroads into the European motorhome market in the last couple of years, offering the chassis and power train for an increasing selection of great value vans. The value-for-money aspect is going to become even more important for many European motorhomes over the coming months, as poor Euro/Sterling exchange rates will be forcing prices to rise. The estimate is between five and ten per cent minimum, meaning that mid-priced motorhomes from 2008 will start to look cheap in comparison to the 2009 equivalent. As European models built on Ford were always competitively priced, I don t envisage this situation changing, though they will almost certainly rise in price, in line with the rest of the motorhome market. 1 TRANSIT S TRACKS The Transit really suits the FreeTEC, with chunky headlights and a boxy bonnet matching the German origins of this van. With the Ford as a base vehicle, it is not just about the looks though, it s also about practicality. Ford service centres have always had a good reputation, and parts supply has always been efficient to cope with Transit needs. One thing the Transit does offer that others do not is a choice of front, rear, or even four-wheel drive - increasing its versatility as a base vehicle. This rear-wheel drive version felt solid on the road even at higher speeds on the motorway, Thanks, in part, to those twin rear wheels. There were less than 400 miles on the clock when I picked the van up from TEC Leisure s base at Slapton near Towcester, so the engine was still loosening up. By the time I got to Cornish Farm Touring Park (near Taunton in Somerset) the gears and engine had come along quite nicely. It has to be said that the six-speed gearbox is excellent once you get into second - pulling away can leave you somewhat embarrassed, as first gear can be a touch temperamental. The external mirrors are great, and are in two parts for good overall view. The driving position was slightly uncomfortable for me, even with the seat s height adjustments at the lowest level. Thanks 2 Live-in Test report 1 The Transit felt solid on the road and the cab is well equipped 2 View forward from the bedroom shows centre kitchen and washroom with lounge beyond to the fitted swivel mechanism, the extra height meant my knees were pressed firmly against the console most of the time. So much so that I actually had to slide the seat back to move round into the living area of the van. Of course, I m only 5ft 4in tall, so taller people may very well not have the same problem. The cab, however, is well designed. The dash-mounted gearlever proved well positioned and the handbrake, though mounted quite low on the right, was easy to reach. Normally found in the centre, the lever has been repositioned to allow the driver s seat to swivel. Storage pockets abound everywhere for every type of drinks container and everything you could need. There are no door pockets, but there are two recesses for drinks to the right of the cab, three compartments integrated into the top of the dash and a useful flip-over table with holes for coffee cups to sit secure. Goodies fitted here include a steering wheel with integral cruise control buttons and audio controls (that wouldn t look out of place in a car). Moving back into the living area, you discover a slight step up, but it s not that severe and we discovered shaped booster cushions that you place on both the swivelled cab seats to bring them to the same height as the rest of the lounge seats. This made them comfortable for both dining and lounging. TWO TONE TEC The interior is typically Teutonic; neutral, with mid tones for the wood that match well with the mix of leather and fabric-covered seats. The light colours work well with the design. The layout precludes the use of large rooflights apart from in the lounge, so light tones play an important part in making the interior less oppressive. Cream leather trims a rugged brown fabric - to me - the perfect balance when using leather in a motorhome. The leather looks luxurious, but the main part of the seat is covered in fabric for comfort. Full leather seats in a motorhome don t seem to make sense, as they can be sticky in a humid summer and colder in winter. The two-tone theme continues into the furniture, but subtly. Roof lockers in the kitchen are faced with cream Plexiglas doors and this is complemented by a cream panel across the rear bed s shelf. LAYING IT OUT Layout is one of the most important choices to make when deciding onyour ideal van. This particular motorhome has high-set single beds at the rear above a garage and a central NOVEMBER 2008 I 117

3 On Test TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK 3 4 washroom with kitchen opposite. The front lounge has an L-shaped sofa, side bench seat and those two swivelling cab seats. The washroom and kitchen effectively separate the lounge/diner from the beds creating two distinct areas. However, this also has the effect of creating a slightly cosy feel in the two areas, which is why the light interior decor is so important. LIVE IT, LOVE IT We were extremely lucky with the weather while down in Somerset, so the lounge was mainly only used in the evenings. Relaxing here, we discovered there was space for two to sprawl, with plenty of seats to choose from. The fixed table proved a little difficult to manoeuvre around at times, although the top slides in both directions. The table also lowers (with lots of applied pressure) to help make up the occasional third berth, a bed that has little chance of ever being used. This is mainly a two berth, the second bed probably being occupied - once in a while - by a grandchild. The L-shaped lounge, however, can convert into a travel seat for two extra passengers with three-point seatbelts in attendance. All you have to do is take away a filler cushion and swivel part of the side seat away to leave room for the wall-side passenger s legs. I d have preferred the seats to be a little more shaped for supportive lounging, as realistically, the lounge is only rarely going to be used as a bed, so greater support in the seats is not as abhorrent as it might normally be. Kitchens can be where it gets tricky in medium-sized models with single fixed beds, as the beds take up a lot of lengthways space. Because of this (in terms of both storage and working space), they can be disappointing. The galley is often an area of compromise. However, this cooking space does well on both vital counts. Why is this? Well, it s mainly because there s no bulky wardrobe nearby, taking up valuable space. There s an L-shaped working area, with decent-sized circular sink, three-burner hob and a compact oven/grill. In addition, there s room for a large AES (automatic energy selection) fridge, which here has a swish mirror-effect door. There s plenty of counter top space, but as it s in the corner, it s not really the ideal place for a chopping board unless either the sink or hob s glass lids are down. There is plenty of space to keep ingredients to put in the pan, however. I placed my chopping board on top of the sink to do my salsa verde sauce while the pasta cooked. Underneath the sink you ll find a large pullout cupboard door that locks closed with the turn of a knob, and is similar to many 6 central locking drawer systems seen in other German motorhomes. However, neither this style of catch, nor its strength, is really suitable to lock this door and so it rattled on the road. (We ve been assured that this particular aspect will change on future models. Ed.) Behind the door there s a deep drawer, almost at floor level, with a small tray for odds and ends. This area is also perfect for bottles and larger items that it is normally difficult to find a place for. It also has another drawer container within for further storage I NOVEMBER

4 Live-in Test report Next to this - and under the hob - is the cutlery drawer - locked with a similar mechanism to the larger cupboard. This has space for your normal cutlery set as well as some utensils. The oven/grill is below, with a locker for pans under this. A smart-looking extractor fan, with integrated lights, is fixed underneath of the upper lockers. As previously mentioned, the cream locker doors are a great contrast to the rest of the wood. Each (with two shelves) was set a little high for me to reach into them, but I am on the short side. I guess I should really carry around one of those 5 neat little folding steps. The fridge deserves a mention as it s got that super-stylish mirror-style door and needs only two buttons to control it. Open the door and a blue light illuminates the interior, which contains a removable freezer compartment for ultimate versatility. The unit automatically selects the best available energy source: 12V, gas, or mains. WASH KIT Washrooms are, also more often than not, a compromise in medium-sized vans with fixed beds. However, this one manages well, with a whole host of neat touches. It contains a (semi-separate) shower cubicle, some small cupboards, a decent basin and the new Dometic cassette toilet. To combat the limited space, the toilet sits on a mechanism that allows it to slide out a little, thus moving the seat away from the plinth the basin sits on. Sliding it back, frees more floor space. The basin follows latest trends - made in thick plastic it s a bowl-style unit standing on the counter top. An equally stylish swan-neck tap stands alongside. Big mirrors back the sink and adjoining wall, ensuring that you always get a decent view. There are also towel (or clothes) hooks, but they are a little too close together to be much use for bulkier items. The shower isn t totally separate and the all-in-one moulded floor contains a shower tray recess. A plastic semi-circular door separates the shower area from the rest of the room. Storage is plentiful, but a little tight. Most of the cupboards are not very deep, but capable of storing all your toiletries - scattered across a range of compact lockers. LAYOUT PLAN OVERALL LENGTH: 7.39m (24ft 3in) OVERALL WIDTH: 2.32m (7ft 7.25in) 3 Half leather upholstery adds a classy feel, but is still practical to use 4 The L-shaped Euro lounge includes a side bench and two-person travel seat 5 Stylish washroom has bowl-style washbasin and incorporates a separate ate shower 6 The kitchen offers lots of kit in a relatively small space 7 The kitchen extractor hood is framed by classy cream doors 8 Big shiny fridge has a clever removable freezer compartment NOVEMBER 2008 I 119

5 On Test TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK 9 10 BEDDING DOWN The main reason to buy this van is found in the rear bedroom where the single beds will be desired by owners. The steps leading up between the two are easy to navigate and deep enough to get changed on. However, the high floor in here means that getting changed in the bedroom - with the curtain pulled across for privacy - can involve a few bumped heads. Both the beds are decent sizes, with one ever so slightly longer than the other. A problem appears when sitting up in bed, as a shelf and lockers across the rear don t make a comfortable backrest. To combat this, the beds have a portion of their frames that rise (on a ratchet system). They solve the shelf problem, but you end up resting your head against the locker doors instead. Rope lighting behind a plastic panel makes for a great ambience, while movable spotlights, can be turned out of the track that holds them in place and moved to a new position. Also, there s a night-light that illuminates the steps so you can easily make your way to the toilet in the small hours. During the day, plenty of light comes in through the windows and (small) rooflight, allowing you to recline and read here should you wish. There is also a TV point (with aerial and mains socket) for relaxed and bedtime viewing. There are lockers all around, some with doors, some just cubbyholes. Lift up the beds and you find more storage. With a simple, but I NOVEMBER

6 Live-in Test report I LIKED Ford Transit cab ergonomics Extra seat cushions for cab Part leather upholstery Comfy, versatile beds Fully featured washroom Stylish, versatile fridge Wardrobe location under bed Clever control panel I WOULD HAVE LIKED Mains sockets in the lounge More storage space in the washroom I DISLIKED Shelf at head of twin beds Fiddly central locking on lower kitchen cupboards sturdy wooden strut support, the bed bases and mattress stay up easily. On one side there is a rail attached to the underside of the bed, offering up the facility of a wardrobe, should you need it. A door opens to provide access to this area without lifting the bed. There is a drawer opposite for more storage. You can also make the beds into a large double, which can still be easily accessed. The infill cushions required to do this can be stored in the garage or under the beds. The lounge bed is only really useful as a single for a visiting grandchild. You simply twist lever on the table and push it down to its lowest level. You can then use an infill cushion or even the bench seat cushions to make up the bed. There is also the option of a child s bunk, fitted over the cab. TEC STASH IT There is storage under both inward-facing seats in the lounge, while the fresh water tank sits under the forward-facing pew. The storage in the overcab is handy, with two hatches on side compartments. There is also a deep shelf running all the way around. Although it s not safe to store anything here while on the road, once on site all your books, CDs and games can live here. You also find a rather handy cupboard next to the washroom door, on the outside of the room s wall. It s proper cupboard with plenty of (narrow) plenty of shelves. The garage is the final part of this vans storage story. With plenty of storage on offer within, there is a big door on either side for easy access. The electric hook-up cable connects in here and runs through a hole in the floor. Here is also found the gas locker and access to the two leisure batteries. There is also a vent, allowing the blown-air system to heat the garage. 9 Single beds are comfy, but shelf and lockers at their heads get in the way 10 A big double bed can be made 11 The big garage has two doors and keeps the hook-up point safe 12 Big steps make bed access a doodle 13 Underbed storage includes a wardrobe 14 A handy cupboard stands next to the washroom BEHIND THE SCENES The control panel is actually quite clever. It s digital display is controlled by a single dial that is turned and pressed, allowing you to run through the various menus for fresh and waste water, leisure and vehicle battery levels, clock settings and alarm controls. It also allows you to switch gas bottles using the Duomatic system. Wonderful! You ll not have to venture outside (in the rain or the middle of the night) because the gas has run out. Lights abound, with two track-style spotlights in the lounge and the further two in the bedroom. This is handy, because the lights can be moved onto any track for more or less light where necessary: you could have four in the lounge, one in the bedroom or any combination that takes your fancy. There are two spotlights in the cab rooflight surround and a further four in the rooflight directly above the lounge. There are also three spotlights inside the caravan door. All the ceiling spotlights and the night light in the bedroom step can be controlled from the single switch by the door. You fill the fresh water tank using a normal external filler, while draining it involves lifting up a seat base, removing the tank s large internal cap, reaching into the base of the tank and pulling out a plug. The waste tank is emptied with a long NOVEMBER 2008 I 121

7 On Test TEC FreeTEC 718Ti UK hose that swings out from underneath the van. Heating comes courtesy of a Truma 6 Combi boiler unit that provides blown warm air and hot water using both mains and gas power. Blinds can be found throughout, apart from the cab, where a curtain uses press studs to fix around the area. This efficiently blocked out light and proved much easier to use than cab blinds. TO SUM UP The FreeTEC 718Ti is a larger motorhome that doesn t feel big on the road. MMM s Base Vehicle of the Year - the TEC s Ford Transit chassis adds another dimension, and a desirable one, given the Fiat Ducato s current well-documented transmission problems. The interior is spacious with neat touches to make life easier. The reasonto-buy single beds are versatile and comfortable as long as you don t like to spend too much time propped up reading etc. The addition of a garage is a useful feature that will also play a part in the buying decision. Both washroom and kitchen offer all the musthave facilities in spite of restricted room created by the space-hungry lengthways single beds. UK handing of the conversion is the icing on this high quality German motorhome cake and demonstrates TEC s commitment to the British market - something that s laudable in these uncertain times. VEHICLE SUPPLIED BY Tech Leisure, Slapton Hill Farm, Slapton, Towcester, Northants NN12 8QD (tel: ; web site: WE STAYED AT Cornish Farm Touring Park, Shoreditch, Taunton TA3 7BS (tel: ; web site: LIVE-IN TEST DATA TYPE Low profile coachbuilt PRICE From: 46,495 OTR As tested: 52,785 OTR BASICS Vehicle: Ford Transit chassis cab Berths: 2/3 Three-point belted seats: 4 (incl.driver) Warranty: 5 years base vehicle, conversion and water ingress CONSTRUCTION Alloy clad sandwich construction, GRP skirts, overcab, rear panel mouldings. Caravan entrance on UK nearside DIMENSIONS Length: 7.39m (24ft 3in) Width: 2.32m (7ft 7.25in) Height: 2.93m (9ft 7.25in) Wheelbase: 3.50m (11ft 6in) Rear overhang: 2.5m (8ft 2.25in) Maximum authorised weight: 3500kg (3850kg upgrade optional) Payload: 360kg (710kg with upgrade) INSIDE STORY Swivel cab seats - L-shaped Euro lounge, offside L-shaped kitchen, nearside washroom, twin fixed single beds at rear Insulation: n/a Interior height: 1.98m (6ft 6in) THE VEHICLE Engine: 2.4-litre turbo-diesel producing 103kW 3500rpm Transmission: Six-speed gearbox, twin rear-wheel drive Fuel consumption: 24.5mpg Brakes: Servo-assisted discs with ABS all round Suspension: Front: Independent with coil springs. Rear: Rigid axle with leaf springs Features: Remote central locking, electric windows & mirrors, cab air-con, driver and pass. airbags, radio/cd player with steering wheelmounted controls, cruise control, trip computer, height-adjustable seats, removable carpet, 12V socket, dash-top storage & flip-over table LOUNGING AND DINING Swivel cab seats with booster cushions, L-shaped sofa and side bench seat offers lounging for up to five people. Fixed dining table (with removable extension) slides two ways to provide dining for up to five KITCHEN Centrally located with one large locker, a drawer below and two lockers above. Small amount of work surface between sink and hob. Cooker hood with built-in lights Sink: Round stainless steel unit with folding chrome mixer tap, glass lid 122 I NOVEMBER

8 Live-in Test report Cooker: Hob with three gas burners, separate grill and oven, all with electronic ignition Fridge: Dometic 8-Series, three-way with automatic energy selection (AES) and removable freezer compartment. Capacity 190 litres WASHROOM Dometic CT-3000 swivel bowl cassette toilet, round plastic washbasin set on top of small cupboard unit, mirror and chrome racks above, four towel hooks, two tooth mugs. Semi-separate shower cubicle with rigid semi-circular sliding door, mixer tap, riser rail, showerhead, and small shelf BEDS Offside fixed single Length: 2m (6ft 6.75in) Width: 0.8m (2ft 7.5in) Headroom: 0.84m (2ft 9in) Nearside fixed single Length: 1.94m (6ft 4.25in) Width: 0.8m (2ft 7.5in) Headroom: 0.84m (2ft 9in) Lounge single Length: 1.9m (6ft 2.75in) Width: 1m-1.2m (3ft 3.25in-3ft 11in) STORAGE Lounge: Overcab shelves and recesses, three high-level lockers, space under lounge seating Bedroom: Five high-level lockers and four cubby holes, shelf along head of beds, wardrobe and drawer storage under beds Garage: Large locker with adjustable tie-down points, access from interior, two large external access doors LIFE SUPPORT Fresh water: Inboard. Capacity 105 litres (23.1 gallons) Waste water: Underslung. 90 litres (19.8 gallons) Water heater: Truma Combi boiler, gas-mains operation Space heater: Truma Combi with blown-air, gas-mains operation Leisure battery: 90 amp hr Gas: Capacity 2 x11kg cylinders Lighting: Lounge: Two adjustable, removable rail-mounted spots, six overhead spotlights, three downlighters inside caravan door. Kitchen: Two spots in extractor fan housing. Washroom: Two downlighters above washbasin. Bedroom: two adjustable, removable, railmounted spots, ambient lighting behind panel on shelf and night light below step. Garage: Two lights near each access door. Outside: Awning light Sockets: 230V: 4 (in kitchen, on washroom wall, in TV cabinet, in bedroom), 12V: 3 (in kitchen, bedroom, TV cabinet) Control panel: Located above caravan door. LCD display indicates leisure and vehicle battery levels and current drain, water and waste tank levels, controls gas bottle changeover system. TEC FREETEC 718TI UK Blinds/curtains: Pull-down blinds and flyscreens to all caravan windows, net panels to lounge and bedroom windows, fabric cover with press-studs to cover cab windows, blinds and flyscreens to all rooflights Badged as NCC EN1646 compliant: No OPTIONAL EXTRAS Fitted to test vehicle Base: Cab air-conditioning, passenger airbag, electric mirrors, cruise control, central locking, colour-coded front bumper, cab carpet, comfort driver and passenger seats. Engine upgrade to 140bhp ( 1500), Ford Radio/CD player ( 495), chassis upgrade to 3850kg ( 150) Conversion: Removable carpet, gas/ electric space and water heating, 90 amp hr leisure battery, awning light, door flyscreen, insulated waste water tank, roof rails, Softec mattresses, cab sunroof, rear corner steadies, 190-litre fridge, rear panel cladding. Alde heating upgrade ( 1595), Alde upgrade with underfloor heating ( 2195), In-cab child s bunk ( 375) Above options (apart from those priced separately) are part of the Premium Package ( 4295) E&OE NOVEMBER 2008 I 123