AutoTrails and Damp

[Mark and Mindy]

We've been looking hard to work out which motorhome is going to work best for us and high on our shortlist are the Tribute 620 or Imala 620, however a lot of people talk about the damp and water ingress issues on AutoTrails.

Are they really that bad? Should we steer totally clear of them? If they are this bad, then are there other makes of motorhomes which have this much of a problem?

 

[Minxy]

That said, our Imala 620 was a very poor handling van when loaded and I had numerous occasions when the rear end would dangerously sway.

The funny thing about this scenerio is that I'm supposed to be an advanced car driver and motorcyclist so it appears that the 620 beat me hands down.

You shouldn't have been driving it round corners like a motorbike ... they're not meant to tilt sideways!

Seriously though, it could simply have been that the suspension wasn't set up correctly - we had a Rimor Sailer 645TC with a big rear overhang with a garage and found that putting on air-assisted suspention made a heck of a difference to the sway etc and was a pleasure to drive afterwards.

If we ever went back to a coachbuilt MH it would be the second thing we'd fit, after the Gaslow of course!

 

[Blue Knight]

Seriously though, it could simply have been that the suspension wasn't set up correctly

It's interesting you say that Mel as we had so many problems with the conversion-part of the van that I think any suspension related issues would have just finished me off from the whole MoHo scene.

 

[Peter and Julie]

Damp was my main worry! We looked at several AT Comanches with varying degrees of damp. Luckily the one we now have is as dry as a bone (fingers crossed) Previous owners had all HAB checks done and spared no expense on upkeep. Layout was the deciding factor, that and no water ingress. 2011 model.

 

[Dorset Diver]

Had a 2009 AT 740 SE and needed welly boots inside after moderate rain. Frankly it was so bad it rotted in places and water occasionally dripped on our heads when we were on the move. AT + Awful Trouble .

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[Cheshirecat57]

I don't understand this . The only difference between the 620 and 615 is the dinette right? I had 30 months of hassle free driving even when fully loaded including a full water tank. That is why I don't undertsand, not because I want an argument

Looking forward to my Brand new AT620 in 4 weeks (or should I be concerned now?)
There do seem to be loads of 615/620s around though

 

[Jasz]

Keep looking forward to it, most of them are fine

 

[Minxy]

Looking forward to my Brand new AT620 in 4 weeks (or should I be concerned now?)
There do seem to be loads of 615/620s around though

Get yourself a damp meter and check it regularly, not saying that you'll find any issues but if you do they will be able to be dealt with before real problems develop.

 

[Blue Knight]

........... and water occasionally dripped on our heads when we were on the move. AT + Awful Trouble .

Roger,

Autotrail now supply an umbrella in the hab door . This can be used to help prevent any similiar dripping problems which you mentioned in your thread.

Cheers,

Andrew

 

[ABZSteve]

Looking forward to my Brand new AT620 in 4 weeks (or should I be concerned now?)
There do seem to be loads of 615/620s around though

I had also read the "horror" stories before purchasing our Imala 615 new in 2015. However, the layout and size was perfect for us at the time so I wasn't overly concerned. The mains reason for that, was the warranty; granted it would be a pain the @rse but I could have it fixed if required. I had a few issues with the build quality but no damp and these were fixed easily with the AT warranty covering the cost. I am now waiting for my next AT, should be on the production line now and due to us on the 17th of March; am I concerned, no, can't wait to get out and about again. I hope you enjoy your AT620

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[Mark and Mindy]

The reason why I asked the question originally was because of the horror stories about damp that I'd seen on other threads, I've found that people tend to say when things are bad but necessarily when things are good so I was hoping to have people posting who had no problems... which I did!

Since then our brains are taking us down an entirely different route, but we still have our week booked in a 620 at the end of June and really looking forward to it! At the very least it will confirm what we think we don't want because unless we try first how can we really say what does and doesn't work!

 

[ABZSteve]

The reason why I asked the question originally was because of the horror stories about damp that I'd seen on other threads, I've found that people tend to say when things are bad but necessarily when things are good so I was hoping to have people posting who had no problems... which I did!

Since then our brains are taking us down an entirely different route, but we still have our week booked in a 620 at the end of June and really looking forward to it! At the very least it will confirm what we think we don't want because unless we try first how can we really say what does and doesn't work!

Maybe ask @orson, he may be able to help yes, good idea to try we did and didn't really like the layout we had so could rule out that style. However, we purchased almost identical layout but with two bench seats rather than the dinette; that worked for us over three years but we decided to change to a large rear lounge. Happy hunting and Happy (auto) Trails

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I had also read the "horror" stories before purchasing our Imala 615 new in 2015. However, the layout and size was perfect for us at the time so I wasn't overly concerned. The mains reason for that, was the warranty; granted it would be a pain the @rse but I could have it fixed if required. I had a few issues with the build quality but no damp and these were fixed easily with the AT warranty covering the cost. I am now waiting for my next AT, should be on the production line now and due to us on the 17th of March; am I concerned, no, can't wait to get out and about again. I hope you enjoy your AT620

Pray tell what have you ordered to replace??

 

[ABZSteve]

Pray tell what have you ordered to replace??

PM sent

 

[robnchris]

We are now on our third Autotrail and even though we believe the build quality and fittings have suffered drastically all three have never had a damp issue.

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[Bikermad]

We've been looking hard to work out which motorhome is going to work best for us and high on our shortlist are the Tribute 620 or Imala 620, however a lot of people talk about the damp and water ingress issues on AutoTrails.

Are they really that bad? Should we steer totally clear of them? If they are this bad, then are there other makes of motorhomes which have this much of a problem?

We have a 2005 AutoTrail and its bone dry. I have checked it with a damp meter and it still dry (2020) despite being stored outside. I would recommend. The fact the roof is a full fibreglass moulded roof makes it strong. The only place leaks could happen is around roof lights and other outlets. These can easily be re-sealed with SikaFlex if you do ever have a problem. Happy hunting.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I believe there is a huge difference between a 2005 Autotrail and a 2015-on Autotrail in build quality and leakability

 

[PhilandMena]

My Autotrail Excel 670 B new from 2011 is also damp free, always stored outside and has been subject to some horrendous weather both here and in Europe. The odd motorhome fails, regardless of who built it. Even new ones now and then fail. Bad news travels like wildfire in the motorhome fraternity and people sometimes over react by attaching a label to a certain brand which is unfounded. I bit like saying all Muslims are terrorists because of the behaviour of a few bad un's. My advice to you would be to make sure a damp test has been done by a NCC approved tester to provide you with the confidence and reassurance you are seeking before you part with your dosh.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I agree all brands have some issues

Not many have there own Unhappy Owners forum though, but as rightly pointed out, if you check it AND its a strong reliable dealer then fine

My issue with the 620 was lack of storage ....we were naive when we bought ours as a 1st MoHo

 

[BusyBuilder]

If you have any doubts about build quality before you buy one, you won't rest happy with it, you continuously think will it leak ?

Why put yourself through that ?

I'm on my second Hymer, neither have been perfect, as that motorhome has not been built yet, but taking out one worry (damp ingress) is one less worry. And believe me there is always something breaking, or going wrong, be it gas, fridge, water, toilet or electrics to name a few.

Buy what you like and suits you best, and live with it, you can always change it.

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[PhilandMena]

I agree all brands have some issues

Not many have there own Unhappy Owners forum though, but as rightly pointed out, if you check it AND its a strong reliable dealer then fine

My issue with the 620 was lack of storage ....we were naive when we bought ours as a 1st MoHo

Storage is key. When we purchased our Excel 670B it was rated at 3.3T so we upgraded to 3.5T which was just a paperwork exercise. The storage we have inside the motorhome is unbelievable and all out of sight too. I think we were lucky in our choice as storage was not the main consideration when we purchased it and it ticks all of our boxes, even after 9 years. It's a pity they no longer make them as they would be perfect for a couple who need adequate space with good storage.

 

[Btg]

On my 2nd new autotrail this one less than yr old just had hab done it’s riddled whole side damp top and bottom gutted don’t no what to do

 

[Lenny HB]

On my 2nd new autotrail this one less than yr old just had hab done it’s riddled whole side damp top and bottom gutted don’t no what to do

Make sure it is repaired properly under warranty it may need to go back to the factory, then change for a van less prone to damp.

 

[Eddiex]

Make sure it is repaired properly under warranty it may need to go back to the factory, then change for a van less prone to damp.

Any suggestions for a make and model that is less prone to damp? (serious question from a newbie looking for a MH at the moment)

 

[Lenny HB]

Any suggestions for a make and model that is less prone to damp? (serious question from a newbie looking for a MH at the moment)

German manufacturered preferably with no timber in the wall construction with both external & internal walls that are both aluminum.
Vans that meet that spec are Carthago, N&B, Concorde, Morelo and the latest model Hymers from about 2016

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[Eddiex]

German manufacturered preferably with no timber in the wall construction with both external & internal walls that are both aluminum.
Vans that meet that spec are Carthago, N&B, Concorde, Morelo and the latest model Hymers from about 2016

Thanks! Sadly that won't work for me as I suspect they will be out of my budget - I will have a search though and maybe sell a few things!

 

[Speve]

Thanks! Sadly that won't work for me as I suspect they will be out of my budget - I will have a search though and maybe sell a few things!

There are some nice used Hymers for sale have a look on classifieds on the forum and FB has a Hymer Motorhomes group

 

[Jonno1103]

Looking forward to my Brand new AT620 in 4 weeks (or should I be concerned now?)
There do seem to be loads of 615/620s around though

Brand new? If someone is selling you a brand new Tribute or Imala 620 then they're being very naughty as they stopped building them at the end of the 2018 model year.

The reason why I asked the question originally was because of the horror stories about damp that I'd seen on other threads, I've found that people tend to say when things are bad but necessarily when things are good so I was hoping to have people posting who had no problems... which I did!

Since then our brains are taking us down an entirely different route, but we still have our week booked in a 620 at the end of June and really looking forward to it! At the very least it will confirm what we think we don't want because unless we try first how can we really say what does and doesn't work!

They have the same percentage of issues as every other brand. Per volume sold they actually have less. You read about them more as they sell more motorhomes in the U.K. than any other manufacturer... and as an interesting fact, when the Tribute was built overseas it had a sterling reputation. The day they put an Auto Trail sticker on them before they began building them in Grimsby, the reputation diminished.

I have a bookshelf of files full of pages and pages of motorhome issues and recalls stretching the length and breadth of Europe.

I know people who won't buy an AT panel van but are happy to drive around in their Chausson even though it's built on the same production line in Grimsby.

Yes, they had rear garage door ingress issues but at the time so did every other coachbuilder who sourced their door seals from the same manufacturer and that list is long and distinguished. The fault was the seal not the build.

I love the comment on how much sealant is used... they all use the same volume as they're all glued together, the ones that aren't - I won't mention names - are the ones that have the real issues including their caravans... and the only factory I've not visited is Hymer's Etrusco plant in Tuscany.

They are the motorhome company everyone loves to hate. Not even the three mainstream magazines showcase their new models. Their favouritism is stark and one of the reasons why I left the industry. If you relied on the publications you'd never know that the Apache's have been phased out and that the Tracker range has expanded and now has a total re engineered body and habitation, all ultra low line and dropdown beds.

Mind you, you could also argue that they don't go looking for the exposure as they don't have to.

Take a look at AT dealers in the U.K. today, there are very few new models on the forecourts and on order as they've sold them all even the ones the factory hasn't built yet. They're expanding again as they struggled even with pre Covid demand. Now it's just daft.

Anyway enough of that malarky...

In terms of design the only difference with the Tribute & Imala 620 compared to the 615's and the Tracker EKS is that the offside bench seat is replaced with a dinette and two travel seats. They all have the same driving characteristics which is down to Fiat not the coachbuilder.

If the travel seats are a major reason for looking at them I'd more than consider up plating to 3650kg, you won't have realistic payload for four.

The standard factory released Tribute 620 has a 600kg payload that reduces to 568kg with an awning fitted , call it 565kg.

The standard factory released Imala 620 has a 505kg payload and again a dealer fit awning takes around 32kg from that so call it 470kg for ease.

As a Tribute the 620 at 2900kg is the lightest in the stable compared to the 615 (2910kg) & 625 (2920kg).

As an Imala the 620 is the heaviest of the three at 2995kg. The 615 & 625 being 2970kg.

As the one you're looking at is preloved, get your head in the rear wheel arches as heavy road debris can crack the plastic arches (you'll be surprised what some people will drive over).

They were phased out 3 years ago as the habitation set up was the least popular with prospective owners preferring the the two bench seats.

We're onto our third Auto Trail and have never had an issue with any of them.

Oh and contrary to belief there's no wood in them and there hasn't been for well over 5 years.

 

[Btg]

It’s ok for you Lenny hb I bought this for my wife because I’m unable to drive any more as I’m now disabled I can no longer work so I used my last penny to get this motorhome for our last one not got penny less pot like you might have thought we could at least have a few good holidays in it now we are at shit street got a motorhome we can’t use cos it stinks of rot n mould n only done 600 miles since new it all locked down when I received it in March last year

 

[Blue Knight]

Brand new? If someone is selling you a brand new Tribute or Imala 620 then they're being very naughty as they stopped building them at the end of the 2018 model year.

The post is 40-months old

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[Jonno1103]

The post is 40-months old

Wish it was, it's a bit over 12 months, 2 years after they finished making them.

Ah I see gotchya!