Full review
THE layout sported by the Mohawk was previously part of the lower-priced, and now discontinued, Cheyenne range (in the 696 model).
The floorplan is an appropriate mix for this tour – a typically-British lounge with twin inward-facing settees, plus an L-shaped kitchen, along with a completely continental rear end, with its transverse bed, and split toilet cubicle and shower room.
The Mohawk doesn’t have the most stable, or nippy, ride, and it would definitely benefit from the larger Frontier models’ Al-Ko chassis as it is prone to buffeting in strong winds, but the driving experience was perfectly acceptable while travelling at 70mph on Europe’s smooth motorways.
Both sides of the motorhome sport mid-height locker doors leading to the under-bed storage area.
I hesitate to call it a ‘garage’ as you’ll probably have to remove your bicycle’s front wheel to fit it inside. It’s a cavernous area, however, fitted with restraining rings, an interior light and fabric pockets suitable for smaller items such as toilet chemical.
The height of this garage replaces the old low-level version offered within the Cheyenne range, but you can order a higher bed to make this a true bicycle garage.
This standard height seemed a good compromise between easy bed access and the large storage area below – especially as there is excellent internal access too via the floor-level twin doors below the transverse bed. Through the latter you can easily reach items from those fabric pockets, which proved very useful.
The first day was long as I searched for photo locations, did a bit of sightseeing in Gouda and Delft, and struggled to find a campsite that was open in early April, so by the time I arrived it was dark, and raining.
Not having tested an Auto-Trail for a long time I struggled to find the mains hook-up point, which turned out to be in the offside skirt-locker beside the motorhome’s leisure battery.
But even once located it’s not the most accessible of places to insert the lead, even though it is weatherproof.
Then I couldn’t find out how to open the gas locker door. I employed a friendly German who was willing to help a wet damsel in distress, but neither of us had any luck. It was eventually discovered inside, behind the passenger’s seat, marked as a bonnet opening lever. Of course, if you owned the vehicle you’d know all this – just make sure the dealer gives you a proper hand-over!
Inside I was perfectly au-fait with all the facilities, including the built-in cab blinds that give instant privacy and insulation at night. The cab seats swivel easily to face those twin settees, between which is the optional monitor that flips down from the cab’s roof-lining.
Dining in style
Once the front seats are swivelled you can put an island-leg table in front of the passenger’s seat.
This was very useful as, without having to get the large free-standing table out, I had somewhere to site various bottles of Belgian beer and a variety of regional chocolates which I enjoyed with the nice German gentleman.
It was the least I could do as, thanks to the rain, he had got a soaking in the name of kindness! The table’s island leg isn’t mounted completely straight, though, so as I twisted it the top became uneven, which meant constant adjustment depending on where the table was positioned.
Our evening was illuminated by the four swivelling spotlights at each corner of the lounge, and we sat comfortably on the shapely seats, which have a scalloped top edge and a comfortable knee roll.
We both liked the décor too, which is neutral but modern. The fawn and cream-coloured upholstery is brightened by swirly patterns, and the matching fawn curtains and cream carpet complement the look.
The surrounding overhead lockers, which consist of four cupboards above the lounge and another four within the front luton, are duo-toned with chromed handles, and the silver-coloured roller shuttered door covering the microwave cupboard matches the silver-fronted Thetford fridge.
Bedroom
My guest having left, I retired for the night and realised this was the sort of bedroom I wouldn’t want to leave in the morning.
Above the padded headboard are reading lights, which were most welcome as there is plenty of headroom to sit up in bed and read.
The mattress consists of two single mattresses pushed together and there are even rear speakers linked to the cab’s stereo system.
Above is a Heki rooflight, making this an airy place to relax during the day too (a matching Heki is above the lounge, as well as a two-way fan above the kitchen). A shelf sits above the opening window on the offside, beside which are plugs for a flatscreen TV.
And there’s more storage on the rear wall courtesy of the duo of high-level lockers either side of a central shelving unit.
Although this is a two-berth motorhome, due to the lack of rear travel seats, it is possible to sleep four inside as the front settees turn into a large double bed. This lower bed is a good size and is relatively flat – which is great considering it’s only an occasional bed for on-site visitors.
Washroom
After my late-night drenching I needed a shower the next morning, and this is when I really began to enjoy Frontier living.
The shower cubicle is on the opposite side of the aisle from the toilet compartment, but the latter’s heavy wooden door opens and attaches to the wall beside the shower creating a large, completely enclosed dressing room.
The shower has watertight folding Perspex doors, with a height-adjustable head, soap tray, opening roof vent and high-level hanging rail. After my shower, I hung my wet coat here to dry after it had spent the night in the footwell.
On the motorhome’s nearside is the toilet compartment with its swivel cassette loo, two storage cupboards, chromed toilet roll holder, coat hooks on the door, and towel rail, as well as an opening window and the obligatory washbasin.
The wardrobe is not found within the ‘changing room’, however – it’s just outside, above the heater.
The kitchen was better equipped that most European-built motorhomes I could name.
None of the Auto-Trail’s locker doors have positive locking, although the hinges are weighted.
If you were packing for long-term travelling you’d need to fill every spare inch of cupboard-space, and this simply isn’t possible without fitting some secure locks before you go – a job that should be done by the manufacturer.
My other moans concerning the kitchen are minor – although the Thetford fridge not being an AES (automatic energy selection) model was a little annoying.
Also irritating was the glass splashback behind the sink which squeaked as I walked around.
Another gripe concerned the electricity points, which seem far too near to the sink for safety. There’s a notice saying ‘Please ensure that the worktop flaps are covering the sink before any electrical appliance is used’, but with the sockets being just two inches from the tap it would be all too easy to inadvertently splash them.
I don’t want to end on this test on a negative note as, generally, I got on very well with the Mohawk, and despite its small foibles it’s ideal for a couple who want to enjoy a touch of luxury while travelling.
There are a few absent bits and bobs that could make this Mohawk the ultimate grand-tourer, such as an AES fridge, flyscreen door, and extractor fan, but that amazingly comfortable bed, spacious shower cubicle, and sumptuous lounge, together with the well-equipped kitchen, create a package that is very appealing.
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Take a look at the Autotrail brochure online by clicking on the cover or here
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Large and luxurious family motorhome has a a great fixed rear bed and an inviting and sociable lounge and dining area.