Auto-Trail Tracker RB
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Description
Price from: £51,819 OTR As tested: £52,818 OTR Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Heavy chassis-cab Berths: 4 (sleeping) Three-point belted seats: 2 (inc driver)
Key Features
Model Year
2013
Product Class
Overcab Coachbuilt
Product Model Base
Fiat Ducato
Price from (£)
£51913
Length (m)
7.60
Berths
4
Belted seats
2
Main Layout
Island Bed
Full Review
This is the latest model to join what is now a Tracker line-up. The RB is the biggest Tracker yet, with its highlight feature being an end bedroom with a transverse island double bed.
It’s also the heaviest Tracker to date, hitting the scales at some 3,480kg unladen. Hence the 4,250kg maximum weight chassis from the outset.
And yes, you’ve guessed, it’s also the most expensive. Although that ‘window price’ is just under £52,000, you can instantly add another grand to that to cater for the Media Pack.
OUTSIDE
As far as I am aware, nobody else builds coachbuilt motorhomes quite like Auto-Trail.
I don’t know of any other manufacturer that lowers the whole, GRP-clad body directly onto the chassis as part of its build process (usually, it’s floor, then sides, then roof, unless it’s a monocoque design, of course).
Actually, look closer (or wait for some smart salesman to tell you), but it’s the Savannah bodyshell (from the next range up the portfolio) that’s used for this Tracker.
LOUNGE
The lounge is pretty much the same as in previous Trackers – and I’m sure most folk will like the option of the round table (tea for two) and/or the larger-free-standing table for full-on meals.
The upholstery is certainly new. It’s a genuine attempt to move away from the current brown swirls offered by other UK makers.
The Truma gas system comes with the latest Secumotion facility that means it can be used during travel (great if you want to pre-warm the living quarters for as soon as you park up).
KITCHEN
You can’t, perhaps, beat the best of Great British motorhome kitchens, and here’s one of the best.
There’s the usual full cooker, sink with integral drainer (well, half of one), that microwave, oodles of storage space, even some worktop, plus good lighting and an Omnivent overhead, too.
It’s all here bar a big, tower-style fridge/freezer (as fitted to most imported rivals).
BED
My guess is, if you’ve read this far, you don’t need convincing about the advantages of fixed beds in motorhomes, and possibly already own such a vehicle.
That means you’ve probably encountered the biggest disadvantage of the classic French bed or across-the-rear transverse double – it can mean difficulties when one person wants to get out of bed and the other doesn’t!
Bed comfort? It’s certainly very supportive, perhaps a bit on the soft side for my own liking (a topper would soon sort it), but I slept like the proverbial log in here.
And it really was so restful to be able to angle the backrest for sitting up and reading, or just watching the world go by outside.
Two more can sleep on board, too. It’s pretty straightforward to pull both settees together for a second double.
WASHROOM
There’s plenty of elbow-room in the washroom, thanks to the double doors of the shower cubicle opening inwards when the shower isn’t in use (it’s best to lock them together for travel).
There’s a new washbasin here, too. By making it deeper, capacity is some 40 per cent more than in previous Trackers.
There’s also a new domestic-style shower tower, in black.
It’s also the heaviest Tracker to date, hitting the scales at some 3,480kg unladen. Hence the 4,250kg maximum weight chassis from the outset.
And yes, you’ve guessed, it’s also the most expensive. Although that ‘window price’ is just under £52,000, you can instantly add another grand to that to cater for the Media Pack.
OUTSIDE
As far as I am aware, nobody else builds coachbuilt motorhomes quite like Auto-Trail.
I don’t know of any other manufacturer that lowers the whole, GRP-clad body directly onto the chassis as part of its build process (usually, it’s floor, then sides, then roof, unless it’s a monocoque design, of course).
Actually, look closer (or wait for some smart salesman to tell you), but it’s the Savannah bodyshell (from the next range up the portfolio) that’s used for this Tracker.
LOUNGE
The lounge is pretty much the same as in previous Trackers – and I’m sure most folk will like the option of the round table (tea for two) and/or the larger-free-standing table for full-on meals.
The upholstery is certainly new. It’s a genuine attempt to move away from the current brown swirls offered by other UK makers.
The Truma gas system comes with the latest Secumotion facility that means it can be used during travel (great if you want to pre-warm the living quarters for as soon as you park up).
KITCHEN
You can’t, perhaps, beat the best of Great British motorhome kitchens, and here’s one of the best.
There’s the usual full cooker, sink with integral drainer (well, half of one), that microwave, oodles of storage space, even some worktop, plus good lighting and an Omnivent overhead, too.
It’s all here bar a big, tower-style fridge/freezer (as fitted to most imported rivals).
BED
My guess is, if you’ve read this far, you don’t need convincing about the advantages of fixed beds in motorhomes, and possibly already own such a vehicle.
That means you’ve probably encountered the biggest disadvantage of the classic French bed or across-the-rear transverse double – it can mean difficulties when one person wants to get out of bed and the other doesn’t!
Bed comfort? It’s certainly very supportive, perhaps a bit on the soft side for my own liking (a topper would soon sort it), but I slept like the proverbial log in here.
And it really was so restful to be able to angle the backrest for sitting up and reading, or just watching the world go by outside.
Two more can sleep on board, too. It’s pretty straightforward to pull both settees together for a second double.
WASHROOM
There’s plenty of elbow-room in the washroom, thanks to the double doors of the shower cubicle opening inwards when the shower isn’t in use (it’s best to lock them together for travel).
There’s a new washbasin here, too. By making it deeper, capacity is some 40 per cent more than in previous Trackers.
There’s also a new domestic-style shower tower, in black.
Read the full version of this review in the February 2013 issue of MMM
Our Verdict
If it’s the details that count, the Auto-Trail owner’s manual (including DVD) is possibly the best I’ve ever come across.
Add in a strong dealer network and all the foundations are here for an interesting new model that offers something a bit different.
Advantages
Comprehensive specification
Rattle-free travel
The luxury of a separate bedroom
Disadvantages
Bare screwheads on the cab/living quarters interior lining
Limited shower standing height
Flimsy screen to shut off bedroom area
