auto-sleeper gatcombe - VW T4 Autosleeper Info Site

A LATIN FOR LESS LIRA
1 ."
=
_
L
,
»
' # #
# AUTO-SLEEPER GATCOMBE » ELDDIS AUTOKING 300S # LETTERS
• CI CARIOCA10 • LONG-TERM TEST RIO BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
SIDMOUTH # FRANCE f CANARY ISLANDS # POLAND % SITES
• llO00T8^PROJ€a>^DiV] FITTING A FAN-TASTIC FAN • NICE 'OUSE!
BEST-SELLING MOTORCARAVAN MAGAZINE FOR 34 YEARS
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
AUTO-SLEEPER GATCOMBE
on swb 2.4D Volkswagen Transporter
if you think the new Auto-Sleeper Gatcombe bears more than a
passing resemblance to the Clubman, you're right But there's
a lot more to it than that. Nick Harding's convinced it is a better
proposition than its stablemate - a superb vehicle in its own right
Don't expect a totally unbiased report here. A u t o - S l e e p e r s may never
nave let me - or indeed, any other M M M journalist - test any of their
Clubman models, but I've always rated it as one of the best motorhomes
ever made - as a two berth. S o , I made damn sure I'd be the first to get
my hands on the G a t c o m b e . This report may appear a while after the
vehicle launch (see M M M Nov '99) but, believe me, I was the first to be
let loose with the 'van.
Congratulations Volkswagen. Y o u ' v e finally seen the light and offered
an upgraded Transporter c h a s s i s . Upping the maximum gross vehicle
weight for the c h a s s i s c a b from 2785kg to 3300kg paves the way, in
theory at least, for a number of interesting larger motorhome designs.
And guess w h o ' s leading the way? Auto-Sleepers, whose previous only
other T r a n s p o r t e r - b a s e d coachbuilt offering w a s the aforementioned
Clubman, now give us the G a t c o m b e and Sherbourne (report to follow
later in the year).
The latter is obviously the eye-catcher, but it's around £2000 more
expensive. G a t c o m b e fits into the middle of what is now a range, and I
reckon it will prove itself as the bestseller of all three. But, as I told you,
I'm biased.
M0T0RCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY
Gatcombe versus Clubman
They always play things tight to their chest at Auto-Sleepers, but surely
the G a t c o m b e is the C l u b m a n ' s ultimate s u c c e s s o r , despite their
insistences to the contrary.
The two sit side by side for now, hence comparisons are inevitable.
The new model is s o m e four inches longer, but in standard form shares
exactly the same floor plan, albeit equipment levels in the G a t c o m b e see
lots of upgrades. A n d there's a different seating option, as tested here.
Normally, the layout comprises that favourite for two-berth motorhomes
- twin settees aft of the c a b ; end kitchen; offside corner w a s h r o o m ;
wardrobe aft of the offside settee; fridge and c u p b o a r d unit aft of the
nearside settee. In this alternative version of the G a t c o m b e (a £289 extra
at the time of manufacture) the offside settee also converts to a forwardfacing single seat complete with head restraint and three-point seat belt.
Admittedly, early buyers of the G a t c o m b e were opting for the
standard twin settee arrangement. But then, the first people to see it
were Auto-Sleeper owners, and the majority of these 'early birds' were
looking for an upgrade to their current C l u b m a n .
I couldn't resist asking A u t o - S l e e p e r s about the possibility of t w o
JUNE 2000 121
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
AUTO-SLEEPER GATCOMBE
Over the top? Neat GRP work puts wind-deflecting sections ahead of any rooflights,
including the large Heki unit over the lounge.
Viewed from the rear, the waste tank is across the back of the Gatcombe, leaving the
spare wheel in an area which is not easy of access.
Rear corner steadies are standard. That rear bumper not only looks good but it This portable step is relatively bulky and heavy,
This simple plastic insert means the
but at present it's the only way Auto-Sleepers
caravan door doesn't fold back across thecould save a few embarrassing scuffs and scratches to the main bodywork.
fridge vents.
have of improving access at the caravan door.
forward-facing seats (ironically, as used in the original Bedford-based
Clubman) but apparently not without major structural changes.
Tried and tested (and that's before M M M got it)
I used the Gatcombe for a week. That was after this newcomer to the
Auto-Sleeper GRP coachbuilt ranks had undergone some of the most
thorough pre-production testing a motorhome has ever faced. I can
hardly claim to have matched the demands put on it by Auto-Sleepers'
own intensive analyses, as witnessed by MMM's Jon Lloyd (see the
December 1999 issue), but certainly our use was more typical of what a
normal Gatcombe can expect.
Steve Riley, now Auto-Sleepers' Managing Director, was involved in
similar testing when the company was developing the Trophy high top
conversion, and carries a back injury to this day as a result of sitting in
the vehicle while it tackled all sorts of road surfaces. "It means I still can't
ride a horse," he told me.
But, in my test week I managed the following: two nights' camping;
two 100-mile-plus trips including motorways and A-roads; a couple
of town centre shopping trips; four local nursery runs; and a few other
small excursions. Our overall miles per gallon for this lot came to around
29mpg. Typical use? You tell me. It's certainly typical of how we use our
motorhomes.
Take into account also the 'in-'van' time taken to compile test notes,
take photos etc, and you can see why MMM tests are so exhaustive.
Auto-Sleepers - the innovators
Quite wrongly, in my opinion, Auto-Sleepers are tarnished with a
reputation for being behind the times, and sticking rigidly to older
designs. The truth is, this company is at the forefront of any changes
in legislation regarding the building of motorhomes. Their conservatism
lies in their adherence to tried and trusted products and materials rather than leaping aboard any new bandwagon that comes along. Also,
if other manufacturers are involved in as stringent a pre-production
testing programme as Auto-Sleepers then they keep mysteriously quiet
about it.
122
JUNE 2000
I'll give you further examples. Not so long ago, a lot of manufacturers
were touting the benefits of interior-sprung seating, as opposed tc
traditional foam. It became the thing to have, but it wasn't withou:
problems - cushions had a tendency to 'bottom out' with regular use;
worse, the springs often seemed to collapse altogether. Customs'
demand led to Auto-Sleepers putting interior-sprung seating in some o
their more expensive coachbuilts, but they suffered the same problem;
as everyone else (although they were a bit more willing than others tc
replace the offending items).
So, what do we get in the Gatcombe? Good old tried and trustee
reflex foam. The cushions, too, are free of the rolls and curves whicr
always look good in the showrooms but play havoc when it comes tc
making a comfortably flat bed.
There are a couple of other neat ideas on the Gatcombe which wil
surely translate to other Auto-Sleepers. A simple plastic strap is suppliec
to keep the caravan door from opening out fully and coming across the
fridge vents; in hotter weather, without the strap, the fully open d o c
could impede the fridge's performance. I wasn't able to put to the
test the efficacy of this item, but I bet it does make a difference in realh,
hot climes.
More importantly, and just as innovative, is the ease of access tc
the underseat storage. The settee squab is on a proper hinge, it simph.
lifts up and you've got access to the whole of the storage area. Simple
but it's the best I've ever come across. The way the seat squabs simph,
pull out when it comes to bed-making is equally easy.
That Heki rooflight overhead doesn't just let in lots of lovely light anc
(when opened) fresh air. It also has been known to be the source o
rattles. Auto-Sleepers' solution was to take the rooflight apart and fit a
different spring to the integral roller blind. It seems to have been 100 pecent successful.
The all-GRP caravan bodyshell should also be mentioned under this
innovation heading. Why? Because nobody else has yet come close tc
producing such a unit on a medium-sized or larger coachbuilt. On the
Gatcombe, it looks even better than Clubman, thanks mainly to a
integrated rear bumper panel.
;
;
r
If,
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTK
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
LIVE-IN T E S T R E P O R T
The forward-facing single seat option allows for a
three-point seat belt for an extra passenger. The seat
squab may be too deep for some.
Watching figures
•_st A u t o - S l e e p e r s t o b e b a n g u p - t o - d a t e w i t h t h e l a t e s t t e r m i n o l o g y
-:arding weights. M T P L M and M R O are two terms w h i c h are only
fca-ting
to c r e e p into t h e m o t o r c a r a v a n n i n g v o c a b u l a r y . T h e y s t a n d
: - M a x i m u m T e c h n i c a l P e r m i s s i b l e L a d e n M a s s a n d M a s s in R u n n i n g
I'der - or what were gross vehicle weight and ex-works weight
I=oectively.
T a k i n g t h e M R O f r o m t h e M T P L M g i v e s y o u t h e p a y l o a d c a p a c i t y . It's
m p r e s s i v e n e a r - 8 0 0 k g in t h i s i n s t a n c e , w h i c h o p e n s u p p o s s i b i l i t i e s
oikes, top b o x e s etc.
What's it made of?
'.as a b o u t t o s t e p i n s i d e , b u t w h a t ' s t h i s ? A s e c o n d , p o r t a b l e s t e p in
a c d i t i o n t o t h e i n s e t s t e p in t h e c a r a v a n d o o r w a y . A g a i n , t h i s is s u p p l i e d
he k e e p u p w i t h l a t e s t r e g u l a t i o n s . B u t , i t ' s a h e f t y unit a n d l o o k s t o m e
ay m u c h l i k e a n a f t e r t h o u g h t . It's g r e y , w h i l e t h e c a r a v a n s t e p - w e l l i s
\ a c k . I h a d t o a s k A u t o - S l e e p e r s w h e r e it s h o u l d b e s t o r e d w h e n n o t
- u s e ; t h e y s a i d the u n d e r s e a t l o c k e r , but I u s e d the w a s h r o o m floor.
V . ' h e r e v e r I p u t it, it j u s t s e e m e d t o g e t in t h e w a y . U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t h e r e
i r o e a r s to b e no w a y a n electric s t e p (surely the ideal solution) c a n b e
= ; d e d b e l o w the c a r a v a n d o o r b e c a u s e of the b o d y curvature.
G o i n s i d e t h e G a t c o m b e , h o w e v e r , a n d t h e initial a p p e a r a n c e i s
s o m e w h a t u n - A u t o - S l e e p e r . G o n e is t h e t r a d i t i o n a l h a l l m a r k w o o d w o r k ,
' s o l a c e d b y Italian f u r n i t u r e w i t h a r a t h e r n a t t y c h e v r o n - p a t t e r n e d v e n e e r
the l o c k e r d o o r s a n d p a n e l s . T h e r e ' s a l s o an attractive c u r v e t o the
ocker units. T h e s t u r d i n e s s that m a r k s out an A u t o - S l e e p e r c o n v e r s i o n
-emains, a l t h o u g h I n o t i c e d a slight flexing of the s e a t b a s e s i d e s u n d e r
-and pressure.
T h e r e ' s e v e n a c h o i c e o f u p h o l s t e r y , a l t h o u g h I f i n d t h e r e d a bit t o o
o-ight e v e n in t h e d a y , let a l o n e t o w a k e u p t o . T h e s t a n d a r d u p h o l s t e r y ,
tailed D r e s d e n , isa p o l y e s t e r / v i s c o s e / c o t t o n mix. Curtains a n d carpet
are in a b l u e w h i c h I f o u n d n o t entirely c o m p l e m e n t a r y t o t h e s e a t
o o v e r s (it s e e m e d m o r e g r e e n t o m y e y e s t h a n t h e p h o t o g r a p h s h a v e
- e p r o d u c e d ) , but that's purely p e r s o n a l .
v i e w t o g e t t h e d e f i n i t i v e v e r d i c t , s u f f i c e t o s a y I'd p r o b a b l y b e l o o k i n g
t o a d d s o m e t h i n g t o try a n d d a m p e n d o w n t h e c o n s i d e r a b l e w a l l o w i n g
I felt u s i n g t h i s G a t c o m b e s e m i - l a d e n . I c a l l it m o r e f l e x i b l e , m y p a r t n e r
r e f e r r e d t o it a s ' b o u n c y b o u n c y ' .
It s h o u l d a l s o b e b o r n e in m i n d t h e c o n s i d e r a b l e t e s t i n g u n d e r g o n e
b y t h i s e x a m p l e , w a y in e x t r e m e o f w h a t t y p i c a l o w n e r s w o u l d d o t o t h e i r
pride a n d joy.
V W f a n s will b e w e l l a w a r e of the e r g o n o m i c s u p r e m a c y of t h e
Transporter c a b . Like other manufacturers, A u t o - S l e e p e r s have been
unable t o resist the temptation t o a d d s o m e m o c k w o o d veneer trim.
Y o u ' l l h a v e n o t e d a l s o the n e w s t e e r i n g w h e e l (paving the w a y for the
c u r r e n t l y o p t i o n a l a i r b a g t o b e s t a n d a r d in f u t u r e ? ) . It's g o t a b e t t e r f e e l ,
b e c a u s e it's s m a l l e r t h a n o n earlier m o d e l s .
Y o u sit l o w e r in a T r a n s p o r t e r t h a n i n a F i a t D u c a t o / P e u g e o t B o x e r ,
a n d t h e f l o o r - m o u n t e d g e a r l e v e r is m o r e i n t r u s i v e t h a n t h e r i v a l s '
d a s h b o a r d affair.
T h e G a t c o m b e h a n d l e s w e l l , a n d t h e r e ' s little w i n d n o i s e w h e n d r i v i n g
(in b o t h c a s e s s u r e l y t h e c u r v e d b o d y w o r k p l a y s a p a r t ) . T h a t f i v e cylinder engine has a characteristic muted burble w h e n accelerating.
At s t e a d y s p e e d s it's a b o u t the q u i e t e s t m o t o r h o m e c h a s s i s y o u ' l l get.
J u s t a s i m p o r t a n t a s all t h i s is t h e w a y A u t o - S l e e p e r s h a v e d e s i g n e d
the G a t c o m b e s o that fittings s u c h a s the fresh w a t e r tank, g a s l o c k e r etc
are low d o w n a n d b e t w e e n the axles: the best p o s s i b l e position for
handling.
T h e r e ' s a c u r i o u s draught through the driver's interior d o o r h a n d l e
in c e r t a i n c o n d i t i o n s , s o m e t h i n g I've n o t i c e d o n all s u c h b a s e v e h i c l e s .
O h , a n d h e r e ' s a n o t h e r little g e m o t h e r s o - c a l l e d r o a d t e s t r e p o r t s
p r o b a b l y w o n ' t b e a b l e t o tell y o u . A l o w s u n b e h i n d y o u a s y o u d r i v e
s o m e t i m e s g l i s t e n s a s It c a t c h e s t h e s i n k f a u c e t : t h e e f f e c t is u n n e r v i n g l y
a k i n t o s o m e o n e f l a s h i n g t h e i r h e a d l i g h t s in y o u r r e a r - v i e w m i r r o r .
O n a m o r e o b j e c t i v e n o t e , the s h o r t pile c a r p e t m a n a g e d t o attract
a lot o f dirt d u r i n g o u r u s e , a n d I'm n o t a l t o g e t h e r c o n v i n c e d a b o u t i t s
a b i l i t y t o s t a n d u p t o a lot o f f o o t f a l l . T h e f l o o r , h o w e v e r , i s a d i f f e r e n t
m a t t e r a l t o g e t h e r . Its d o u b l e s k i n a n d h e a v y - d u t y i n s u l a t i o n d o g i v e it
a g e n u i n e l y w a r m f e e l i n g w h e n y o u t o u c h it b a r e f o o t f i r s t t h i n g i n t h e
norning.
Gatcombe flyer - or a power struggle?
D o n ' t g e t m e w r o n g , V W s s t r a i g h t d i e s e l i s a s u p e r e n g i n e . It a l w a y s
•'eels l i k e i t ' s h o l d i n g b a c k a n d t h e r e a r e r e s e r v o i r s o f u n p l u m b e d p o w e r .
S o , w h i l e a r o u n d 6 0 m p h w a s g e n e r a l l y a c o m f o r t a b l e c r u i s e , it w a s
o c c a s i o n a l l y b e a t e n d o w n by hills, a n d getting to that 6 0 m a r k w a s a t a d
l a b o r i o u s . In all h o n e s t y , p e r f o r m a n c e - w i s e it d o e s n ' t q u i t e a d d u p f o r
t h e G a t c o m b e , w h i c h is w h y I've a b e t w i t h t h e A u t o - S l e e p e r s ' d i r e c t o r s
that y o u , the c u s t o m e r s , will b e s p e c i f y i n g y o u r G a t c o m b e s with the
o p t i o n a l t u r b o - d i e s e l p o w e r p l a n t a n d t o hell w i t h t h e a d d i t i o n a l c o s t .
If I w a s b e i n g r e a l l y u n k i n d I'd s a y V o l k s w a g e n h a v e u p r a t e d t h e
c h a s s i s b u t n o t t h e s u s p e n s i o n . I'd l o v e t o h e a r a n e x - C l u b m a n o w n e r ' s
fAMfA
M0T0RCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY
JUNE 2000 123
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
AUTO-SLEEPER GATCOMBE
An alternative is to set up a dinette, shown here with the larger of the tables. Scatter Looking rearwards from the cab. Funny how the camera can play tricks upholstery appears more green than this in real life.
cushions are being used as backrest support.
Lounging around
A u t o - S l e e p e r s continue to improve upon the inward-facing settee/
forward-facing single seat concept you can find in a whole host of their
other coachbuilt and high top models. Obviously, the benefit of twin
settees is the extra underseat storage. If you want to take an additional
passenger (complete with the safety of a fixed head restraint and inertia
reel seat belt) go for the option featured here, but check the seat squab
isn't too long for your passenger.
I even created a dinette, using the bed flap on the rear of the driver's
seat and s o m e of the c u s h i o n s . G a t c o m b e c o m e s with two island leg
tables - one large, one small - which c a n also be p l a c e d together to
make the most of mealtimes. The smaller top c a n be used with the
forward-facing seat/dinette; if you want to use the larger you'll need to
remove the backrest cushion running along the side wall here. Storing
the table legs in the wardrobe, especially at the back as here, is not the
best of ideas. With a full set of clothes on board, they can be tricky to
a c c e s s . Surely better if they could clip s o m e w h e r e in the area behind
the c a b seats.
Gatcombe in the park
W e used The Caravan C l u b ' s superbly s p o t l e s s M o r e t o n - i n - M a r s h ,
Gloucestershire, site. It was fairly busy for the time of year a n d , despite
being on the main A44 road, was peaceful at night.
That gave us time to appreciate the ease of use which is a strong
point of the G a t c o m b e . T h a n k s to simple to operate, large c a t c h e s in
e a c h seat b a s e , the bed was easy to construct as well as return to
seating. There's a c h o i c e of a transverse double or twin lengthways
single beds. The double is easier to make, simply needing the nearside
settee base to slide a c r o s s and cushions to fill the g a p s , and it means
no re-adjusting of the cab seats.
For the singles, both c a b seats do c o m e into play. First they need to
be pushed to their furthest forward position and the backrests adjusted
to fully upright. This just leaves s p a c e for the false b a c k s to each seat to
fold down flat. A couple of cushions apiece see both singles sorted.
Whichever way you s l e e p , there's a reading lamp c l o s e to hand,
while general lighting is provided by fluorescent units, one of which is
mains-only.
The cab curtains were fairly easy to draw, and other windows (except
the caravan door) benefited from both blinds and lined curtains.
124
J U N E 2000
Thorough c o s i n e s s is ensured by the Carver heater with blov.-air facility. Production m o d e l s will have the powerful 5500 moce
which operates from both gas and mains electricity; this d e m o n s t r a : : '
had the gas-only 4000, w h o s e output proved more than adequate
P r e - p r o d u c t i o n testing in C a r v e r ' s C o l d C h a m b e r confirms th s
Nevertheless, I felt an additional blown-air vent further forward in the
lounge would be of benefit.
Kitchen sink (non-) drama
In my league table of sinks, I still prefer those of the stainless stee
variety, especially s o m e of the modern brushed metal finishes
Enamelled units, as here, c o m e in s e c o n d best (they look better t_
can chip), with polycarbonate affairs a poor third - these simply pick L :
scratches and aren't of a durable quality (ask the editor).
I do like the Spinflo cooker. U s e during the test w a s admittec
minimal, but it remained rattle-free. It takes up a degree of s p a c e , :
sure, but we always like to do most of our own cooking on tour, and h a . ;
always found a decent oven a real bonus.
Of course, the main criticism of this type of end kitchen layout •
always going to be the lack of work surface. That's despite the f o l d r :
worktop for the sink/drainer and the surface nearby just the other sice
of the door. Kitchen storage, however, is pretty g o o d . There's a d e c e "
variety of lockers and a cutlery tray. The drinks locker is nearby, but the
glasses in here seemed a bit small.
Crockery is supplied as standard (this is an A u t o - S l e e p e r , after a
but, production m o d e l s will get mugs instead of the usual c u p s a r :
saucers. Customer feedback d e m a n d e d it, I'm told. They're right.
A m I allowed a personal criticism? I mean criticism in its true;
meaning. Right, I reckon something more creative can be done w i l l
the caravan door. The interior lower panel should be easy to a d a p t : :
incorporate a waste bin facility.
;
Big steps with storage
My biggest criticism of the C l u b m a n (although I stress I was never IUCK
enough to test one fully) was the poor storage. G a t c o m b e has mace
huge efforts to address this. Over the c a b , there are still three lockers
but the central one is a decently big size now. Extra bed cushions sto
in here, but I'm sure owners will either leave these at home or f i r :
suitable alternative lockers (the base of the wardrobe?).
Mf.*,
M0T0RCARAVAN M0T0RH0ME MONT-.
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
yansverse double, more ridge-free
~ f -lattress is truly supportive.
Irian II looks here and {thanks to reflex foam)
The end kitchen suffers from the usual downfall of such locations - precious little
work surface. The double-hinged cover for the sink and drainer can be a help.
Main locker in the kitchen unit is shelved and includes
a cutlery tray.
I single beds using extra cushions at the foot end.
}RP caravan door is simply the best in
re business. But is the lack of a waste
• attachment an opportunity missed?
Cracked it! After what seems like years of trying with doors, drawers,
removable sections, wire baskets etc, Auto-Sleepers have come up with
this hinged seat section for access to the under-settee storage area.
Surely every
-otorhome should
have one.
An exterior locker
is a boon for
stowing the mains
lead and corner
steadies handle and there's room
for dirty footwear
too.
i ?.*»,,"
Drinks locker is over the fridge, with another good sized
locker over that.
MOTORCARAVAN M0T0RH0ME MONTHLY
Decent sized lockers over the cab (this is the main one in
the centre) go a long way towards addressing storage
criticisms voiced by owners of Clubman.
The offside seat base houses the water heater, water
pump and auxiliary battery - all sensibly
'get-at-able'.
And hurrah, there's an exterior access locker suitable for the mains
hook-up lead as well as wet shoes, wellies etc. A complement to this
would be somewhere inside the 'van to put wet clothing (even a couple
of coat hooks would be a start), but I'm afraid there's nothing to report
here.
That sinking feeling
Auto-Sleepers washroom designers, I sentence you to a week's use of
the Gatcombe, in which you will shave and shower every day. The
washroom is, I guess, designed for small emergencies only rather than
everyday use. In that respect, its compact dimensions can be excused.
But I remain unhappy about fold-down washbasins. Indeed, the unit
fitted here typifies everything I dislike about the genre - it takes barely a
JUNE 2000
125
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
AUTO-SLEEPER GATCOMBE
Wardrobe is a decent size, but the table legs at the back Half-length mirror and towel rail opposite the toilet
can be irksome to retrieve when there's a full
demonstrate that some thought has gone into the
complement of clothes in here.
washroom.
puddle of water, it's far too flimsy, and it flexes alarmingly. True, it can be
removed easily, so there's no excuse for blockages.
There are plenty of pluses, though. The shower has a trigger action
and separate temperature controls, so water wastage is minimal. The
curtain isn't too clingy. There's a small towel rail. And thank goodness
Auto-Sleepers don't completely fill the wall opposite the toilet with a
mirror - such fittings may do wonders for creating illusions of space,
but having a full frontal view of yourself on the throne does nothing for
your self-esteem.
This fold-down sink is easy to remove, so it should be
easy to clean away debris where it drains away. Apart
from that, its shallowness and the way it flexes make /':
only partially useful at best.
Competition? What competition?
Nobody else comes close to producing anything like this - a complete
GRP caravan body married to a Volkswagen Transporter chassis.
Gatcombe is longer than the Clubman, but comparisons between the
two are inevitable.
Of the other official Volkswagen converters in the UK, only Compass
now produce a coachbuilt - but the Calypso is a far more conventional
looking design all round, and certainly doesn't boast an all-GRP caravan
body which is surely one of the Gatcombe's key cards.
Comparison with the Clubman is therefore inescapable, and I've
deliberately drawn your attention to aspects where the two differ. AutoSleepers insist both models have a place in their line-up, but I'm afraid
I can see the Clubman - as I say, a super, probably classic, vehicle in its
own right - counting the rest of its life in months rather than years. Oh OK
then, I'll give it another season - re-badged as the Clubman Classic or
something similar.
Gotta get a Gatcombe?
So, there's two of you, you want to invest - and I mean invest - in a
motorhome that's excellent to drive, superbly made in line with - and
often ahead of - all the latest legislation, and you're not necessarily
concerned about an extensive list of standard equipment. But, you want
genuine motorhome facilities, and compact overall dimensions. You
want it to look good, and to continue looking good throughout your term
of ownership. (Surprisingly, Auto-Sleepers offer just a one-year warranty
when most of their rivals offer three or more. That said, the biggest single
coachbuilt problem, that of water ingress, shouldn't be an issue with
the all-GRP shell.) Perhaps more importantly, you want the kind of
motorhome a dealer will positively bite your hand off to take in partexchange when (if?) it comes to your next buy. Consider the case for
Gatcombe closed.
126
JUNE 2000
On site - making the most of Moreton-in-Marsh's facilities.
We liked:
Comfortable to drive (and the
turbo-diesel would have been
even better!)
Highest quality bodywork
Modern interior, especially the
woodwork
Waste water tank directly below
facilities
Exterior access locker
* Somewhere to hang wet coats
* Single key operation for all
caravan fittings
We would have liked:
* Auto-Sleepers are considering
the above in view of our
post-test comments
* Blown-air to the forward lounge
area
MMM.
We disliked:
* Inaccessible spare wheel
* Additional step for caravan
door
* Pathetic washroom sink
MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTH.
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
LIVE-IN TEST REPORT
e sent a copy of Nick's test report to Auto-Sleepers for their
r-ormation. Charles Trevelyan commented as follows:
ever, we found Nick's review of the Gatcombe to be most
ceptive, detailed and searching and I commend him - and indeed
jr magazine - for its thoroughness.
Understandably, he has raised certain matters to which I would wish
'espond. By my so doing, I hope your readers will appreciate that
• s note all such comments and where possible endeavour to improve,
• a: further, the design of our models.
On the demonstrator, the torsion bar spring that is fitted to the Heki
of ventilator is an improved item, modified by Seitz. All current Heki
•^tilators are thus fitted.
A comment was made regarding the slight flexing of the seat base
: zes under hand pressure. We will shortly be increasing the timber
zkness which will overcome this.
The draught that was reported through the driver's interior door
-indie is a point that we have addressed to Volkswagen. Whilst we
fa mot give a positive response, I would ask your readers to be assured
at Volkswagen take all such matters seriously, and I am sure they will
; their best to find a solution to this problem.
The proposed relocation of the table legs is most sensible. Rather
—an reposition in the area behind the cab seats, we have moved them
: oser to the wardrobe door for better accessibility.
' The proposal that an additional blown-air vent be fitted further
zward in the lounge area also seems sensible. Interestingly, we have
azeived no previous comments from Gatcombe owners regarding this,
z^t through our design department we shall investigate the fitting of
'ditional trunking to the forward part of the living area.
It was noted that the glasses in the cocktail cabinet were a little small.
Zjrrently we are investigating providing larger glasses, both in the
Zatcombe and in other coachbuilt models.
door panel, there is always the danger of an approved
emergency
escape route being partially blocked. Furthermore, the cupboard doors
under the sink, particularly the outer door, would be in danger of
opening onto the waste bin, instead of fully. Again, this idea is currently
being investigated by our design department.
• We now fit, as standard, two coat hooks in all our showers. Our
demonstrator has been modified
accordingly.
• Single key operation to all caravan fittings is indeed very desirable this is yet another point being considered by our design department.
• Nick thought the spare wheel inaccessible. It is fitted on the standard
Volkswagen brackets forward of the waste tank. In the design of the
Gatcombe, it was found best to position the waste tank at the rear of
the vehicle (to make it accessible for emptying and, more importantly,
through being adjacent to the sink and shower it allows the pipework
to be relatively short giving the best possible drainage). However, we
very much take note of this relevant comment, and always try to make
the spare wheel as accessible as possible.
• On the Gatcombe, and indeed the Clubman, there is insufficient
room behind the footwell to fit a pull-out rear step to the caravan door
- the silencer occupies this space. In order to conform with the
appropriate legislation we are obliged to supply a free-standing step.
However, we will attempt to source one that is more user-friendly
particularly one that is lighter in weight and can be more easily stored.
• The point regarding the washroom sink is noted. We have recently
re-designed the drop-down hand basin to be much more user friendly.
It now holds a greater volume of water and the tap recess is improved,
making the whole unit much more pleasant in which to wash. This
improvement will shortly be incorporated into all our models that
feature drop-down hand basins.
We liked the idea of the lower section of the caravan door being used
-ore effectively. Whilst, of course, a waste bin can be hooked onto the
LMAA MOTORCARAVAN M0T0RH0ME MONTHLY
JUNE 2000 127
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans
AUTO-SLEEPER G A T C O M B i
LIVE-IN T E S T R E P O R
SPECIFICATION
The vehicle
Base vehicle & engine type: Volkswagen Transporter short wheelbase
chassis cab. 5-cylinder, in-line, 2.4-litre normally-aspirated diesel
engine. Engine mounted transversely.
Output: 55kW (75bhp) @ 3700 rpm
Max torque: 160Nm (118 lb ft) @ 1900-2900 rpm
A c h i e v e d 3 0 - 5 0 m p h a c c e l e r a t i o n time: 10 sees average (3rd gear)
C o m p r e s s i o n ratio: 22.5:1
Gearbox & drive: 5-speed all-synchromesh gearbox driving the front
wheels. Floor-mounted gear lever.
B r a k e s : Dual-circuit, diagonally split hydraulic system with asbestosfree linings. Front discs, rear drums, with brake pressure regulator.
Steering: Power-assisted maintenance-free rack and pinion with
universal collapsible struts. 3.5 turns lock to lock.
S u s p e n s i o n : Front - independent transverse arms with torsion bars and
hydraulic telescopic dampers. Rear - semi-trailing diagonal arms with
coil springs, hydraulic telescopic dampers.
Tyres fitted: Kleber CT200 195 70 R15C
Spare wheel position: Underfloor, forward of waste water tank.
Fuel tank capacity/type of fuel: 80 litres (17.6 gallons) diesel
Fuel c o n s u m p t i o n during test: 9.74 litres/100km (29mpg)
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, engine coolant
temperature, fuel level, clock.
Warning lamps: Ignition/low charge, low oil pressure, low fuel level,
handbrake on/brake failure/low brake fluid, main beam, rear fog light,
direction indicators.
W i n d s c r e e n wiper controls: Stalk on right side of steering wheel.
Intermittent plus 2-speed wipe. Pull stalk towards steering wheel for
electric screen wash.
Immobiliser/alarm: Immobiliser operated by ignition key. Alarm not
fitted.
Warranty: One year/unlimited mileage from VW.
Other features: Multi-vent heating/demisting/ventilation system with
4-speed fan and choice of fresh or recirculated air; analogue clock;
cigar lighter and ashtray; dipping rear-view mirror; large door bins;
lockable glove box; 'walnut-style' fascia and door inserts; Sony stereo
radio/cassette; fixed cab carpet; twin grab handles at passenger's door,
single at driver's.
The caravan
Body type & c o n s t r u c t i o n : A l l - G R P (glass reinforced plastic) caravan
shell. Bonded floor - comprising exterior grade ply outer and soft wood
and polyfoam core, bonded with polyurethane adhesive.
Insulation: Walls and roof glass fibre wool 50mm (2in); floor 40mm
(1'Ain).
C o n v e r s i o n N C C a p p r o v e d : Badged as compliant with EN 1646.
Warranty: One year from Auto-Sleepers.
Number of keys: Four (cab, petrol cap and ignition; caravan door; water
filler cap; toilet hatch, exterior locker, gas locker).
W i n d o w s & d o o r s : One-piece burst-proof caravan door with curtain
and double-glazed window. Para Press double-glazed windows.
Additional ventilation: Heki rooflight over lounge. Normal sized
rooflights over kitchen and washroom.
B l i n d s / c u r t a i n s : Cassette blinds/insect screens to side windows. Roller
blind and flyscreen to kitchen window. Lined curtains with matching
press stud tie-backs to all windows (except kitchen) and cab.
230V A C s y s t e m : Mains hook-up, R C B with three M C B s . C E C charger/
transformer. Two switched single 13amp sockets. Mains supply to water
heater and fridge.
12V D C s y s t e m : Leisure battery housed in rear offside seat base. Six
switches for lighting, water pump, fridge/cooker/Fanmaster/water
heater, 12V socket, and two spares. 12V management system with
single gauge for battery condition and fresh water level. Waste tank full
indicator light. Single 12V socket.
C a p a c i t y of c a r a v a n battery: 80 amp hr.
Lighting: 12V - four 16W tungsten bulb reading lights; four twin-tube
fluorescent strip lights. 230V - single twin-tube fluorescent strip light.
Low-level courtesy light in caravan doorway. C a b courtesy light.
C o o k i n g facilities: Spinflo Caprice four-burner hob, grill and
thermostatically-controlled oven with lower pan storage. Spark ignition
to all areas.
Extractor f a n / c o o k e r h o o d : None fitted.
Refrigerator: 70-litre Electrolux RM4233 3-way fridge with electronic
ignition and 5-litre frozen food compartment. Fridge supplied with
external winter covers. Clip-on door stay for improved fridge
performance/air flow to exterior vents in warm weather.
Sink & drainer: Beige-coloured enamel sink and drainer, 'polished
brass' faucet and plastic hot and cold easy-grip taps.
Water s y s t e m : Shurflo pressurised water system pumps hot and cold
water to kitchen and toilet/shower compartment.
Hot water: Carver Cascade Rapide 230V/gas water heater, capacity
11 litres. Supplied with heater bypass.
Fresh water tank: 69-litre (15.2 gallons) underfloor tank.
Fresh water level gauge: On control panel.
W a s t e water tank: 67-litre (14.8 gallons) underfloor tank.
W a s t e water level gauge: Visible warning on control panel.
S p a c e heating: Carver 4000 Fanmaster (3.25 kW output gas) with
Fanmaster (1 kW & 2 kW settings). Blown-air ducting with outlets in
128 JUNE 2000
offside seat base, washroom and heater unit base. Note: Carver 5500A
fitted to production models.
G a s locker: Nearside compartment with exterior access. Space for twe
6kg/7kg propane/butane cylinders.
S h o w e r compartment: Washroom in rear offside corner incorporates
Thetford Cassette electric flush toilet and fold-down, removable sink.
Hand-held shower with trigger operation. Vanity unit with mirrored
sliding doors. Mirror with small open shelf and towel rail.
Seating: Forward lounge. Nearside settee converts to one single bed;
nearside forward-facing seat/inward-facing settee converts to single
bed.
Table(s)/storage: Two pedestal-leg tables, dedicated storage slots
adjacent to nearside seating. Legs store in wardrobe.
Berths: Two. Choice of twin singles or double bed. Overcab bed
optional.
Rear restraints: Three-point inertia reel belt for forward-facing seat.
Wardrobe: Offside forward of washroom, features single door.
Flooring: Fitted carpet throughout.
Additional features: Fire extinguisher, fold-down false backs to both
cab seats, additional step for caravan door, rear corner steadies, two
scatter cushions, internal wiring for TV aerial and booster.
Dimensions
(" denotes figure supplied by base vehicle manufacturer or converter)
Overall length: *5.53m (18ft 2in)
Overall width (exel mirrors): '2.17m (7ft 2in)
Overall width (incl mirrors): *2.42m (7ft 11 in)
Overall height: -2.73m (8ft 11 'Ain)
Length of w h e e l b a s e : 2.92m (9ft 7in)
Length of rear overhang: 1.62m (5ft 4in) = 55.5 per cent of wheelbase
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 13.7m (44ft 11 in) estimated
Driver's max leg length: 540mm (21 in)
S t e p - u p height to c a r a v a n : 250mm (1 Oin) to portable step, then
230mm (9in) inset step, then 180mm (7in)
Door aperture: 1800mm x 510mm (5ft 11 in x 1ft 8in)
Interior length from d a s h : 4.07m (13ft 4in)
Interior length behind c a b : 3.07m (10ft 1 in)
Interior width at waist level: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
Interior height: 1.85-1.95m (6ft 1 in—6ft 4in)
Work surface height: 870mm (34in)
Table d i m e n s i o n s : 750mm x 480mm x height 680mm (29'Ain x 19in x
height 27in); 180mm x 430mm x height 680mm (19in x 17in x 27in)
Bed dimensions:
(1) Double
mattress length: 1800mm (5ft 11 in)
mattress width: 1330mm (4ft 4in)
mattress depth: 130mm (5in)
(or) Offside single
mattress length: 1850mm (6ft'Ain)
mattress width: 710mm (2ft 4in)
mattress depth: 130mm (5in)
(and) Nearside single
mattress length: 1870mm (6ft VAin)
mattress width: 680mm (2ft 2in)
mattress depth: 130mm (5in)
Dimensions of s h o w e r compartment: Main area - 550-630mm x
940mm x height 1840mm (1ft 11 Vain-Zft 1 in x 3ft 1 in x height 6ft Vain);
shower - 550-630mm x 550mm x height 1850mm (1 ft 11 V in-2ft 1 in x
1ft 9'Ain x height 6ft 1 in)
Wardrobe: 530mm hanging width x 500mm max depth x 1080mm
height from rail (1ft 9in x 1ft 8in x 3ft 6'Airrt
G a s locker: W 530mm x D 350mm x H 580mm (21 in x 13 /<in x 23in)
G a s locker d o o r aperture: W 400mm x H 560mm (157«in x 22in)
M a x authorised weight: '3300kg
Unladen m a s s : "2503kg
L o a d capacity: '797kg
2
3
Price
(all prices include VAT)
Standard model with 2.4D engine: £33 865.26 ex works (production
model)
A s t e s t e d : £34 154.31 (see options below)
On the road c h a r g e s : £545 for number plates and delivery to dealer,
plus Road Fund Licence, registration fee and other dealer charges.
Optional extras
(starred items fitted to test vehicle)
B a s e vehicle options: 2.5-litre (110bhp) petrol engine and long nose
Caravelle style front (£951.75); 2.5-litre (88bhp) TDi engine and long
nose Caravelle style front (£1612.10); 2.5-litre (102bhp) TDi engine and
long nose Caravelle style front (£2056.25); 2.5-litre (1 lObhp) petrol
engine and long nose Caravelle style front with automatic transmission
(£2561.50); 2.5-litre (102bhp) TDi engine and long nose Caravelle style
front with automatic transmission (£3666.00).
C a r a v a n options: Extractor fan in lieu of rear roof vent (£227.95);
overcab bed (replaces lockers) (£115.74); forward-facing offside rear
seat (converts to inward-facing settee) with three-point inertia reel seat
belt* (£289.05); cab seat armrests (£123.38); Status TV aerial (£180).
Auto-Sleeper
Gatcombe kindly supplied for evaluation by the
converters:
Auto-Sleepers Ltd, Orchard Works, Willersey,
B r o a d w a y , W o r c e s t e r s h i r e W R 1 2 7 Q F . T e l e p h o n e 01386 8 5 3 3 3 8 .
E&OE
,V. .V. M0T0RCARAVAN M0TORHOME M0NT-.
www.vwT4camper.info - a useful website for owners and enthusiasts of VW T4 Campervans