Buying Advice on an Auto-trail 634

[South59]

Hi everyone,

We are just moving from our caravan to a motor home and I am in the process of looking at this model after much research. We are experienced towers and in general know as much as you need about weights, payload, damp, layouts etc but of course there are a few differences when it comes to motor homes. I just wondered if anyone could give advice or had any experience of this van, In particular about van values and areas of damp in this model to look out for. The two questions are straight forward

1. 2015, dealer 634, 6000, miles, 3650kg , fully serviced both body and engine every year, sounds very clean , one owner. Window price £45995. After reading Jims ebook it asks you to know the real value of the van before you start but looking around the price varies at dealerships by about 2-£3000. Anybody have any experience about what can realistically be the offered to complete the sale?

2. In this particular model I will bring my own damp meter, any advice on where to check/look in this model would be of a great help.

Love the forum and the site, now a fully paid up member

Thanks

 

[Northernraider]

Agree totally. Rear lounges lose the best seats in the van and the best view.

They are also not that great for carrying passengers without an intercom ...and don't even want to think of a rear impact collision

 

[Northernraider]

Of course he was right to complain its the trivial items that people make such a fuss about that we were talking about.
Was that in small areas or the whole panels

At 58 grand nothing is trivial in my opinion

 

[Young at Heart]

Hi there and welcome to the forum

I've just been around a few dealers this weekend and you can get a brand new 2018 Autotrail Apache 634 for about £52,000 because there are so many unsold vans in the UK.

That said, the Apache 634 is possibly the worst van in production today for payload - it is unusable IMO and should not be produced in its current chassis format.

You could register it at 3,850kg if you have the C1 driving license but even then you will struggle to take it away legally for a weekend with two people and a small amount of kit.

Again, a big welcome to the forum

All the best,

Andrew

Been reaching this subject and amazed at the info you gave. The payload is so small I don’t understand why a supplier would even put it on the market? Are they irresponsible? This is the same company who I received really indifferent customer service from on their chat line.

 

[Blue Knight]

Been reaching this subject and amazed at the info you gave. The payload is so small I don’t understand why a supplier would even put it on the market? Are they irresponsible? This is the same company who I received really indifferent customer service from on their chat line.

The whole motorhome industry in the UK is an unregulated mess IMO - I think the majority would agree too.

I find some manufacturers are irresponsible in terms of safeguarding their customers while some customers are irresponsible for buying the stuff in the first place.

The Ultimate choice rests with the consumer and if people keep buying a product then the manufacturer will keep producing it - and so the circle of irresponsibility continues.

All the best,

Andrew

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[robnchris]

Rear lounges are so last decade. ..front lounges are where it's at and still no beds to make up : p View attachment 247134

Obviously one size doesn't fit all, when we arrive at our destination we want to get out of the cab after sitting in those seats for however many miles.
Some coach built cabs suffer from serious drafts so not a nice place to be in the colder months, one thing about A class that also doesn't work for us is you lose the big lounge area when you want to drop down the bed, so at bedtime do the children get the big comfy island bed whilst you stay up?

As individual parts A class motorhomes are fine but when you put them all together you can't beat a 'U' shaped lounge for comfort.

 

[Northernraider]

Obviously one size doesn't fit all, when we arrive at our destination we want to get out of the cab after sitting in those seats for however many miles.
Some coach built cabs suffer from serious drafts so not a nice place to be in the colder months, one thing about A class that also doesn't work for us is you lose the big lounge area when you want to drop down the bed, so at bedtime do the children get the big comfy island bed whilst you stay up?

As individual parts A class motorhomes are fine but when you put them all together you can't beat a 'U' shaped lounge for comfort.

Yes I agree one size doesn't fit all.

My lounge with exception of the cab seats is fully functional when the overhead bed is down.

It also has a rear transverse bed with a close off door that if I had kids they would go in there and still leaves the rest of the van fully functional.

I've had a van in the past with a u shale lounge at the rear ....the only two comfy seating positions was in the far back corners the rest was sat practically bolt upright. I have one corner like that in my van on the L shaped sofa

I find the cab seats to be the most comfortable out of them all ...my only gripe in my van is if you want to put your feet up the rear sofas are about 6 inches higher than the cab seats so eventually it hurts the back of your knees.

I don't think the perfect van has been created yet lol

 

[Young at Heart]

Yes I agree one size doesn't fit all.

My lounge with exception of the cab seats is fully functional when the overhead bed is down.

It also has a rear transverse bed with a close off door that if I had kids they would go in there and still leaves the rest of the van fully functional.

I've had a van in the past with a u shale lounge at the rear ....the only two comfy seating positions was in the far back corners the rest was sat practically bolt upright. I have one corner like that in my van on the L shaped sofa

I find the cab seats to be the most comfortable out of them all ...my only gripe in my van is if you want to put your feet up the rear sofas are about 6 inches higher than the cab seats so eventually it hurts the back of your knees.

I don't think the perfect van has been created yet lol

How about ones with an L shaped rear lounge and a table for the TV in the opposite corner. Seen a few but quite expensive - but look even more comfortable than the U shaped lounge?

 

[Teuchter]

Yes I agree one size doesn't fit all.

My lounge with exception of the cab seats is fully functional when the overhead bed is down.

It also has a rear transverse bed with a close off door that if I had kids they would go in there and still leaves the rest of the van fully functional.

I've had a van in the past with a u shale lounge at the rear ....the only two comfy seating positions was in the far back corners the rest was sat practically bolt upright. I have one corner like that in my van on the L shaped sofa

I find the cab seats to be the most comfortable out of them all ...my only gripe in my van is if you want to put your feet up the rear sofas are about 6 inches higher than the cab seats so eventually it hurts the back of your knees.

I don't think the perfect van has been created yet lol

Having visited your MoHo I think your layout is fantastic - possibly the best I have ever come across - also ideal for a family!!

 

[gus-lopez]

Wow Hundreds where?

I think it is somewhere around m4/m3. Been past a few times over the last few months but am normally on autopilot.
Going up to Brighton later in the week so will see if I come across the place agdin.

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[Steadycam]

When we got our first van we had been caravaners and thought we wanted a U shape lounge like a caravan, but found it’s not the same and changed it. May be even hire one to try first.

As ex tuggers with 22 years experience and pretty in depth researchers we felt we had got the type and layout down, but a MOis a different animal and you use it differently and form needs to follow funcion. So after a year of prep we HIRED the van of our choice . After the 3 days we had fine tuned our thoughts, and that was that this layout was not for us - and we could only get that by being in the van. So if your new to the world of MO hiring goes a long long way to clarifying what you need. Just Saying

 

[Young at Heart]

As ex tuggers with 22 years experience and pretty in depth researchers we felt we had got the type and layout down, but a MOis a different animal and you use it differently and form needs to follow funcion. So after a year of prep we HIRED the van of our choice . After the 3 days we had fine tuned our thoughts, and that was that this layout was not for us - and we could only get that by being in the van. So if your new to the world of MO hiring goes a long long way to clarifying what you need. Just Saying

Sounds very sensible! But with all the different layouts hiring could go on for quite a while!! Ha ha.... I plan to visit to Birmingham Motor Show and fire up the imagination!!

 

[Jezzapux]

Personally I try to avoid dealers, you will be paying a premium price and many people I've spoken to have found it difficult/impossible to get any money out of them under warranties. My view was the £3000 or so saved by buying privately will sort out a lot of problems but ensure that the vendor is aware what a dealer will pay for the van. If they are, splitting the difference will be a good deal for both. Of course this assumes that you are able to give the vehicle a thorough looking over and are able to spot the honest vendor!

Be aware that there is a huge difference between motorhomers who were recent caravanners and and those who have been MH-ers for years.
There is also a huge difference between MH-ers and how they use them.
We tour around a lot, park in towns, stay in Aires and live off grid, eat in mostly. Others still working for a living are time limited and require different services.

You pays yer money (lots) and you takes your choice.

We have spent years (in total) living in a MH and have come down to a van conversion, leaks unlikely, bigger 3litre six speed engine and electronic gearbox for effortless and so far trouble free, ecconomical and quicker travel. We also have a permanent bed fitted higher up so lots of storage under. Any free space above your head when sitting up in bed is wasted. At our age and size a comfortable proper bed is an essential. Yes I miss the extra 200mm or so vehicle width when parked up but not on Devon and Cornwall lanes. It's also handy to be able to fit in a supermarket or other carpark in width at least It's all a compromise and no two owners will agree. It is nice to be able to go to a MH show and come away not having seen one which we really really want. I have modded the van to suit us, traction battery (although I would go for Li-ion today) battery to battery charger, solar panel, bigger inverter controlled compressor fridge fitted higher up.

The other mantra to keep repeating is all MHs are too small compared with home, getting a bigger one just adds costs restricts where you can go and increases frustration and a desire to sell the thing- dissatisfaction comes expensive. Remember too that MHs are designed to sell not to use so you will probably get one that will make you ask: Why have they put that there? or even why have they fitted that? Humans are mostly like jackdaws and visual, sometimes attracted to shiny things and attraction can lead to sales.

My advice is sit down together and avoiding prejudice list how you intend to use it, the pros and cons of vehicle size and equipment fitted and perhaps borrow or hire one or even buy an older cheaper one to see.

A pet hate of mine is bathrooms, why would I want a separate shower cubicle, how do I pick up the soap if I drop it, it makes a sentry box seem palacial. I want but can't find a wet-room in a van with a decent drain so water will run away if I am a degree or two out of level. Were I younger I would buy the van and either get it converted or do it myself or a bit of each.

 

[ABZSteve]

The auto box (ComfortMatic) adds 15kg*. Not insignificant when the payload seems a bit marginal.

(*According to my Rapido options list)

0kg on Autotrail weight calculator.

 

[The Wino]

Personally I try to avoid dealers, you will be paying a premium price and many people I've spoken to have found it difficult/impossible to get any money out of them under warranties. My view was the £3000 or so saved by buying privately will sort out a lot of problems but ensure that the vendor is aware what a dealer will pay for the van. If they are, splitting the difference will be a good deal for both. Of course this assumes that you are able to give the vehicle a thorough looking over and are able to spot the honest vendor!

Be aware that there is a huge difference between motorhomers who were recent caravanners and and those who have been MH-ers for years.
There is also a huge difference between MH-ers and how they use them.
We tour around a lot, park in towns, stay in Aires and live off grid, eat in mostly. Others still working for a living are time limited and require different services.

You pays yer money (lots) and you takes your choice.

We have spent years (in total) living in a MH and have come down to a van conversion, leaks unlikely, bigger 3litre six speed engine and electronic gearbox for effortless and so far trouble free, ecconomical and quicker travel. We also have a permanent bed fitted higher up so lots of storage under. Any free space above your head when sitting up in bed is wasted. At our age and size a comfortable proper bed is an essential. Yes I miss the extra 200mm or so vehicle width when parked up but not on Devon and Cornwall lanes. It's also handy to be able to fit in a supermarket or other carpark in width at least It's all a compromise and no two owners will agree. It is nice to be able to go to a MH show and come away not having seen one which we really really want. I have modded the van to suit us, traction battery (although I would go for Li-ion today) battery to battery charger, solar panel, bigger inverter controlled compressor fridge fitted higher up.

The other mantra to keep repeating is all MHs are too small compared with home, getting a bigger one just adds costs restricts where you can go and increases frustration and a desire to sell the thing- dissatisfaction comes expensive. Remember too that MHs are designed to sell not to use so you will probably get one that will make you ask: Why have they put that there? or even why have they fitted that? Humans are mostly like jackdaws and visual, sometimes attracted to shiny things and attraction can lead to sales.

My advice is sit down together and avoiding prejudice list how you intend to use it, the pros and cons of vehicle size and equipment fitted and perhaps borrow or hire one or even buy an older cheaper one to see.

A pet hate of mine is bathrooms, why would I want a separate shower cubicle, how do I pick up the soap if I drop it, it makes a sentry box seem palacial. I want but can't find a wet-room in a van with a decent drain so water will run away if I am a degree or two out of level. Were I younger I would buy the van and either get it converted or do it myself or a bit of each.

We are all different why would I want a toilet floor that gets wet when I have a shower when I can have a separate one and a domestic size shower cubicle but we all have good and bad in our m/h . Our compromise is the drop down bed covers the lounge when down (chausson flash 10)

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[stevewagner]

Nothing wrong with foreign at least they screw them together rather than Prit Stick and Hope.

Had a tour around the Euromobil factory in Germany last year and they don't screw them together apart from the bolts for the seat belt strap which went through to the chassis, everything else was stuck using sealant.

 

[Reallyretired]

Our drop down bed at the front only covers the front seats, the others remain usable.There are only the two of us so the front bed is only used to store spare bedding and towels anyway.
I have had MHs with a wet room and found them unusable because of having to dry the floor before anyone can use the loo. Separate shower cubicle an essential as far as I am concerned.
We all have different needs.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Had a tour around the Euromobil factory in Germany last year and they don't screw them together apart from the bolts for the seat belt strap which went through to the chassis, everything else was stuck using sealant.

Another ‘foreign is better’ urban myth then.....

 

[Blue Knight]

0kg on Autotrail weight calculator.

This month's MMM has an article (p177 refers) which has the following:

Upgrade from 130 to 150BHP - add 12kg.

Upgrade to Comformatic - add 17kg.

 

[ABZSteve]

This month's MMM has an article (p177 refers) which has the following:

Upgrade from 130 to 150BHP - add 12kg.

Upgrade to Comformatic - add 17kg.

Oh well, makes it even worse for AT weight calcs then. Don't know what they would change in these two forms to have such an increase especially from 130 - 150BHP, that puzzles me. Not a mechanic, so no idea

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[Blue Knight]

Oh well, makes it even worse for AT weight calcs then. Don't know what they would change in these two forms to have such an increase especially from 130 - 150BHP, that puzzles me. Not a mechanic, so no idea

My Pilote brochure adds 10kg for a 150bhp upgrade so I'm missing out on 2kg too

 

[138go]

The only way you know how much it weighs is with a weigh bridge.

 

[peterc10]

Another ‘foreign is better’ urban myth then.....

Not necessarily Ouy 2015 Hymer utilises lots of screws throughout.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

The only way you know how much it weighs is with a weigh bridge.

Absolutely, my recent purchase was in stock, i insisted on a weigh bridge cert before we carried on ANY conversation about buying, irrespective of the brochue or any opinions

 

[paulpickard]

We have had our autotrail Cheyenne (2203) for 4 years and love it, now looking to upgrade.
We like the 634 with rear lounge but getting worried with many comments on here, our other option is Apache 700 but again seems to be some bad press.
Is water ingress a real problem with Autotrail, we've not experienced any issues with ours but again seen many comments on various forums.

I was hoping to get a towbar fitted to the new 'home' to carry a small scooter/motorbike, is this possible on any of these 2 models ??

We were hoping to make a decision this week but now not so sure !!

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[Cheshirecat57]

Are you looking to tow a trailer for the scooter or suspend on a tow-ball mount?

 

[paulpickard]

Was hoping to get a towbar mount carrier rather than trailer, but looking at posts on here not sure if that will be possible.
I need to do my homework on maximum payloads, weights, rear axle weight etc. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Blue Knight]

Was hoping to get a towbar mount carrier rather than trailer, but looking at posts on here not sure if that will be possible.
I need to do my homework on maximum payloads, weights, rear axle weight etc. Any advice gratefully received.

Paul, the Apache 634 is a no-go if you want a towbar mounted scooter. The scooter (115kg), towbar and mount (50-65kg) and then the fulcrum effect (50kg) would take up the entire payload while overloading the rear axle at the same time.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Paul, the Apache 634 is a no-go if you want a towbar mounted scooter. The scooter (115kg), towbar and mount (50-65kg) and then the fulcrum effect (50kg) would take up the entire payload while overloading the rear axle at the same time.

You beat me to it

 

[paulpickard]

Thanks for reply, do you know if it is possible on apache 700 ?

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[Blue Knight]

Thanks for reply, do you know if it is possible on apache 700 ?

@tonka is probably the best man to answer that one Paul