Chris
LIFE MEMBER
- May 5, 2010
- 21,195
- 293,023
- Funster No
- 11,412
- MH
- None
- Exp
- 10 years
Pilote - any good?
- Thread starter Simon Select
- Start date
lunarman
LIFE MEMBER
Because I part exchanged one there about 3 years ago.
Looks like I got your old van Lunarman. ?
PS no beer in the fridge....shame
lunarman
LIFE MEMBER
I had it for nearly 4 years but never felt comfortable driving it reverted to a coach built. Loved the garage and the layout was good for us. Had uprated springs fitted as the 3ltr engine caused the front to be low and I could not even put it on ramps without them fouling the body.
Still going strong is it.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
All good with the van. Parked up in Garrucha at present. Garage is a nice size and layout perfect. Interested.....what van did you trade it in for?
We have the electric front blind on ours too
Had our 700gj for almost 12 months now and have to say we are overall very pleased and everything works well, any "problems" have been mainly my fault / ignorance. We have the blinds that pull up and not across, no noise from them at all and very easy to operate.
We dealt with Dicksons of Perth who I would highly recommend.
We dealt with Dicksons of Perth who I would highly recommend.
My first new van purchase was a Pilote, great van with excellent customer service. Mind you that was 30+years ago...
How is Garrucha in Jan? Thinking of going next winter.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
The weather is great. In Mojácar tonight in old town.
B93OldProp
Free Member
- Jan 14, 2020
- 4
- 6
- Funster No
- 68,057
- MH
- Pilote G781
- Exp
- Since 2014
Current moho is a 2017 Pilote G781 Emotion, bought from new with quite a few farkles and gizmos as it was a show showoff at the NEC (180hp 2.3l, twin leisure batteries, 120w solar panel).
Great bit of kit, with no major failings - although I recognise some of the issues mentioned higher up the thread.
The front blind is a bonkers bit of engineering - the linkage from the central pinch wossname is a straight piece of coat hangar-type wire, which retracts the spring pin that holds the blind half way down (or up). It's a jam waiting to happen, and did. As it's a fairly superfluous feature, I put a self-tapper into each end, to hold the spring pin back full time and all is grand.
The table is another item that Pilote got right after this version - ours has a concealed centre section which pops up to make the table a full-on six seater. The metalwork that makes that happen adds a lot of weight, which when it was sitting on a gas-lift pedestal meant that any drinks were always in danger from the wobbling. Pilote were good enough to change the leg under warranty to a static one, which improved things a fair bit - but later year issues have a much simpler and lighter table top, which I covet (but not enough to shell out for).
The only 'proper' warranty issue was an early-life water pump failure, which was quickly sorted once we were back in the UK (yeah, outbound through Belgium wasn't an ideal place for it to go TU .. )
Bits which we really like are the full-width door, and also the slide-out larder cupboard (they take up the extra 40cm over the 741 model), the 180 horse motor which is a plus with the 4500kg chassis, and the garage which gets two full-size bikes in with the bed at full lift.
Great bit of kit, with no major failings - although I recognise some of the issues mentioned higher up the thread.
The front blind is a bonkers bit of engineering - the linkage from the central pinch wossname is a straight piece of coat hangar-type wire, which retracts the spring pin that holds the blind half way down (or up). It's a jam waiting to happen, and did. As it's a fairly superfluous feature, I put a self-tapper into each end, to hold the spring pin back full time and all is grand.
The table is another item that Pilote got right after this version - ours has a concealed centre section which pops up to make the table a full-on six seater. The metalwork that makes that happen adds a lot of weight, which when it was sitting on a gas-lift pedestal meant that any drinks were always in danger from the wobbling. Pilote were good enough to change the leg under warranty to a static one, which improved things a fair bit - but later year issues have a much simpler and lighter table top, which I covet (but not enough to shell out for).
The only 'proper' warranty issue was an early-life water pump failure, which was quickly sorted once we were back in the UK (yeah, outbound through Belgium wasn't an ideal place for it to go TU .. )
Bits which we really like are the full-width door, and also the slide-out larder cupboard (they take up the extra 40cm over the 741 model), the 180 horse motor which is a plus with the 4500kg chassis, and the garage which gets two full-size bikes in with the bed at full lift.
OP
OP
All seems pretty positive so thanks guys. It arrives this afternoon so will have to have a play with it later!
OP
OP
It’s here and it’s very pretty! Will put some photos up in a bit
OP
OP
Except the twat of a director at Dicksons who was caught kicking his dog. Dog kicker!
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
OP
OP
OP
OP
Internals will follow. The interior is well built, has lots of toys and I love the leather. More importantly its cosy for cold wet nights.
I must admit, even from the outside, its mint. Its actually a really good looking van even though it should look hideous!
I must admit, even from the outside, its mint. Its actually a really good looking van even though it should look hideous!
- Aug 18, 2014
- 25,621
- 152,256
- Funster No
- 32,898
- MH
- Transit PVC
- Exp
- 16 years since restarting
Nice van. Front always reminds me of early type Esterels.
OP
OP
Also learning about the brand and researching spec etc (I can't sell it if I know nothing about it!) I have learnt an interesting fact. Did you know that Pilote used a motorhome to complete the Paris - Dakar race, its how they came up with their company slogan - Make the World your home!
OP
OP
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
I specifically bought one of the last of the old 'face' models as the front of the newer ones as here looks like Darth Vaders helmet to me, each to their own 
Simon Howards Motorhomes
I like your attitude regarding researching the van, my mistake l admit but the dealer l bought mine from knows naff all about the brand.
Did l say that l WOULDN'T RECOMMEND CAMPBELLS OF PRESTON TO ANYONE.
I like your attitude regarding researching the van, my mistake l admit but the dealer l bought mine from knows naff all about the brand.
Did l say that l WOULDN'T RECOMMEND CAMPBELLS OF PRESTON TO ANYONE.
Looked on your website but not shown yet. Are you selling or trading?
Give the guy a chance 
DuxDeluxe
LIFE MEMBER
Why should it look hideous? Asking for a friend........
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
RowleyBirkinQC
LIFE MEMBER
From the Red Bull tv and Eurosport coverage of Dakar, Adria also have a strong presence there (sponsor KTM team?). Think there was also a large RS in the background of one of the programs.
I was wondering that too...
OP
OP
It is currently being uploaded. Will be selling it/ trying to persuade my Mrs!
OP
OP
Haha, the shape of the front end reminds me of Droopy the dog! Its a pretty van though.
WESTY66
LIFE MEMBER
- Jun 17, 2017
- 7,249
- 19,748
- Funster No
- 49,064
- MH
- Carthago Chic C-Line
- Exp
- All the gear, and no idea!
That’s a nice looking bus that is Simon, I just hope it’s a lot more than I bought mine for???
It looks more expensive?
OP
OP
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
Join us or log in to post a reply.
To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun
Join MotorhomeFun
Join us, it quick and easy!
Log in
Already a member? Log in here.