Dethleffs Alpa A 6820-2 motorhome

Unusual overcab motorhome with a rear lounge

The Alpa is Dethleffs’ most unconventional motorhome range. In a sea of low-profile models, it’s an overcab coachbuilt (although A-class Alpas are offered, too). And in a market dominated, especially at the top end, by fixed single beds, here is a rear lounge.

Designed for couples

It is, however, a motorhome designed for couples intent on long-term, all-season travel with plenty of space, comfort, storage and payload – even though the A 6820-2 is actually the smallest Alpa derivative.

That ‘-2’ suffix on the model name indicates that this Dethleffs has a double floor – a deep basement that’s heated and provides additional storage, as well as housing the 140-litre fresh and 137-litre waste water tanks in a frost-protected environment. And despite the layout here eschewing a permanent rear bedroom, there’s a full-sized garage, too, with twin 1.05m by 0.95m access doors. You can even specify a third door – a top-hinged hatch in the back wall – for even easier loading.

Rear lounge, separate cab

So, this is not a rear lounge motorhome in the British style. It is a lofty vehicle measuring 3.27m high, thanks to that deep double floor and the large luton. In fact, the overcab is also the main bedroom but, again, not in the conventional way. Fold-away steps provide easy access to a pair of lengthways single beds (2.05m and 1.95m long and each 80cm wide). SleepWell seven-zone mattresses are mounted on ergonomic wooden frames here. Not only that, but you can completely close off the cab area below with a lockable sliding wooden door – better for security when wild camping and better for winterisation with the cab segregated. Additional electric heating for the luton area is optional.

The cab itself is, of course, from Fiat but upgraded as standard to the top-spec 180hp motor and eight-speed automatic transmission, in addition to the 4.8-tonne Al-Ko chassis which ensures a generous payload. Climate control, rear air suspension, reinforced springs, alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel are standard, while a towbar is optional (maximum towing capacity is 1,750kg).

Wood-free bodywork

The Alpa’s bodywork uses Dethleffs’ Lifetime Plus wood-free, rotproof construction with a hailproof GRP roof and GRP underside. There’s a wide entrance door, while the Alde ‘wet’ central heating and AirPlus ventilation around the top cupboards guarantee a comfortable environment inside the Alpa, almost irrespective of what’s happening outside!
There are very few options to consider when purchasing an Alpa but you might be tempted by the convenience of the hydraulic lifting jacks with automatic levelling, even if they are pricey at £7,360. The more style conscious might want the GT Package (£1,770) which adds some exterior details and a panoramic overcab skylight, or go the whole hog with the GT Package Silver (£2,400), which also features Titanium Silver Metallic bodywork. Inside, there are two standard cloth upholsteries or real leather (from £3,100).

Rear lounge is the star feature

Whichever of the four material options you select, the rear lounge is a star feature of the Alpa with its generous U-shape and central fixed table. With triple-aspect glazing, you can enjoy superb views of your surroundings while looking out above other campers. Or you can use the net Roman blinds for extra privacy.

Washroom and kitchen

The Alpa’s kitchen features supersized drawers for maximum storage and they lock automatically when you start the engine. Opposite is the large two-door fridge/freezer. Although this smallest Alpa model is a relatively modest 7.30m long, it doesn’t miss out in the ablutions department, either. It has a shower on the offside and a toilet compartment on the nearside, with a door closing off this zone to create a large and private en suite. A ceramic loo and SOG ventilation are optional or you can go for the macerator toilet option with separate black tank for greater independence from emptying facilities.

A rear lounge motorhome designed for all-year use and long-term travel, thanks to its heavy chassis and double floor.