Rollerteam T-Line T785 - is it a good Motorhome

[Gadgets78]

We’re currently looking for our first motorhome, we’re a family 4 with two dogs so need a bit of space.

We’ve found a 2018 plate Rollerteam T-Line T785. It has two fixed beds and also has an electric pull down bed.

Is this a decent van for a first time Motorhomer? Is there any known issues with this van?

In relation to the electric pull down, are these reliable, what do you do if they break down and your away?

Sorry for all the questions, I’m new to motorhoming and this is an important decision for us.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Hi welcome, glad your joining us. That motorhome as like any van under 3500kg is going to be really difficult payload wise with a family of 4 + dogs. It only gives you a total of 434 KG. So, that's wife, kids dogs, all your gear, food, pots pans, clothes, ET AL, in 434kg. For a family + pets you will ideally need to be looking at 4000kg +. Do you have a C1 licence, which is required to drive a van of a bigger size. Others will be along with similar advise shortly. Ask questions on here, and answers will come along.
Mike.

 

[joner8888]

Hi welcome, glad your joining us. That motorhome as like any van under 3500kg is going to be really difficult payload wise with a family of 4 + dogs. It only gives you a total of 434 KG. So, that's wife, kids dogs, all your gear, food, pots pans, clothes, ET AL, in 434kg. For a family + pets you will ideally need to be looking at 4000kg +. Do you have a C1 licence, which is required to drive a van of a bigger size. Others will be along with similar advise shortly. Ask questions on here, and answers will come along.
Mike.

Or, if you took your test before 2017 which means you should already have the c1, check the rear of your licence.

 

[Phill D]

Or, if you took your test before 2017 which means you should already have the c1, check the rear of your licence.

dont think you got that date correct its pre 1997 as far as i am aware

 

[suavecarve]

We have had a couple of brand new roller teams. The 690 and 685.
Value for money is good Imv
The electric drop down bed seems to work easily and I m fairly certain there is and wife says there is a handle in our bag but we don't know where to put it.
We have updated both of ours immediately as there is not enough weight allowance for 2 people never mind your family and dogs. Think of all the extras that have been added (awning solar panel gas batteries) before you ask how much your wife weighs.
This will pretty much be your story with any van for 4 and dogs marked up as 3500 kgs.
The equipment that comes with a roller team has not really let us down (apart from a fridge issue and lack of baffle)

I bought a second one so they must be worth it cos I am very very careful with money !

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[Gadgets78]

Thanks Folks. Thats a good point you raise about that particular van and it weight limits. Something for me to think about.

I am, unfortunately old enough to have Grandfather rights so no issues there.

 

[Figaro]

 

[joner8888]

dont think you got that date correct its pre 1997 as far as i am aware

Missread the site,not 2017......1997

dont think you got that date correct its pre 1997 as far as i am aware

 

[suavecarve]

Thanks Folks. Thats a good point you raise about that particular van and it weight limits. Something for me to think about.

I am, unfortunately old enough to have Grandfather rights so no issues there.

Van weight engineering is your friend for updating.
If it's the ford engine it will go to 4100 (probably) and the vehicle excise license drops and you make money out of it within 2 years.

 

[suavecarve]

Missread the site,not 2017......1997

Phew, daughters were nearly trying to borrow our van !

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[Gadgets78]

Sorry, probably a stupid question but how does it go up to 4100 when all the adverts and dealer state its 3500.

I’ve seen other threads about upgrading but not seen how this is done.

 

[suavecarve]

Sorry, probably a stupid question but how does it go up to 4100 when all the adverts and dealer state its 3500.

I’ve seen other threads about upgrading but not seen how this is done.

Long story cut short.
When the vehicle is made it is capable of carrying 4100 kg of load.
In order for the dealer to sell it to the most people it is registered at 3500 kgs so people without the licence can buy it and drive it ..... Unsuspectingly not realising they cant use it with 3 passengers food clothing etc in there.
Updating for that vehicle (if the same chassis as mine which I suspect it is) you need someone who can certify that it is capable of carrying what you want. In this case it is a paper exercise and I (and others) would recommend speaking to Dee at van weight engineering. SV tech are also available but will cost you more for the same service.
Dee then gives you a certificate and plate you send certificate to DVLA with logbook and you get a new logbook. DVLA give you a refund within a couple of weeks for the excess VEL you have paid

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Some work may?? be required on other 3500kg vans for an upgrade, such as tyres and suspension upgrades to rear axle, normally airbags, but these make for a better van ride and handling wise.
Another +1 for VWE [ Van Weight Engineering here as well.
Mike.

 

[FIDGET]

Hi Gadget 78 and welcome
I have a 785 2018 , very pleased with it
Only issue I have had with it is the cooker / hob the screws holding it in place worked loose due to vibration , done under warrantee , only other small prob is a couple lights under the cupboards have dodgy switches they turn on then won't turn off , they they turn off and a little later they come back on.
Bought it new in 2018 , now looking to either downsize or sell it as may give up motorhoming .As now it's only me as my wife passed away recently
Enjoy yours if you choose it.
Terry

 

[Phill D]

Sorry, probably a stupid question but how does it go up to 4100 when all the adverts and dealer state its 3500.

I’ve seen other threads about upgrading but not seen how this is done.

Have a look under the bonnet at the weight plates, there will be 2 a FIAT one and a roller team one.

The fiat one will tell you the max weights per axle and the total max weight without modifications.
And is a simple paper exercise.
You can update over these figures with modifications to suspension and probably tyre / wheel load increases.
At a guess
If it has 15” wheels it is likely that it will go to 3850kgs.

Edit: just realised it may be on a Ford chassis
Still look for the manufacturer plate.

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[Edendeb]

We have a Rollerteam 690, bought as our first van 8 years ago, we wouldn’t change it at all. We haven’t had any issues. We still have the same hab battery and that is only being changed because we are upgrading to lithium.