Have Ford acknowledged a wet timing belt is a bad idea and redesigned the engine yet? If not its not one to own out of warranty and whatever Ford say for cambelt changes halve it. Ensure it is a proper strip down to ensure a clean out of the oil pump screen filter.
Great review Peter, this wouldn't tempt me out of a 6m CV40 and I've read a lot about cambelt issues on Transits so wouldn't want one as a base vehicle. Cheers K.
Auto trail are to be applauded for producing a Continental layout motorhome, the 690T. I would've preferred you had featured that model because I know of no other British motorhome manufacturer that is? The German layout on the continent is all the rage. Having said that there are some good features, the interior finish looks the part especially the grey fleck colour. The washroom leaves a lot to be desired with that dreadful shower curtain how old hat is that? The continental motorhomes with a swing wall shower/washroom are far superior in my humble opinion. I would not describe it as compact either, admittedly the narrow width is good but at almost 7m it is quite long & parking would be prohibitive. I appreciate that motorhome manufacturers had severe logistical problems with obtaining the Ducato platforms but there is a lot of bad press with regards to the new Ford 2.0 eco blue engine. I presume Ford have addressed the issues or are in the process of sorting them out via the warranty? The diesel injectors and the early deterioration of the wet timing belt to name two. Overall the Excel looks the part and will hopefully stand the test of time? Thank you for the review Peter and I hope I wasn't too critical.
It's a plus point including a lithium battery but then only going for a 70Ah. If this is supposed to appeal to the type of person that would normally choose a camper van I've no doubt they'd prefer Lithium but the minimum size would be 100Ah, 70 Ah seems bizarre. Of course it compares well to a 95Ah or 100Ah lead acid, but poorly against the campervan crew. In my opinion at least.
I would have liked to have seen the German style layout (690T?)in more detail, very few U.K. builders doing that style of layout. That half dinette still looks back breaking (nice plump contoured seats on many European vehicles now) and that shower isn’t exactly a modern design. Seems a shame that these get so close but fail on things that make a big difference in daily use. That third bed I guess would be for occasional grandchild use, if you really need three berths look elsewhere.
Have Ford acknowledged a wet timing belt is a bad idea and redesigned the engine yet? If not its not one to own out of warranty and whatever Ford say for cambelt changes halve it. Ensure it is a proper strip down to ensure a clean out of the oil pump screen filter.
Absolutely rig🎉ht. Ford used to recommend belt changes at 40,000 miles. Mine snapped at 41,690. Nearly £5000 to replace the engine. Catastrophic.
Thanks for the review Mary. 😉
Mary????
@@MotorhomeCampervan Referring to your Mary Poppins skit @06:10
🤣@@_bav
Great review Peter, this wouldn't tempt me out of a 6m CV40 and I've read a lot about cambelt issues on Transits so wouldn't want one as a base vehicle. Cheers K.
Not for tall folk then pity, i got interested until the bed length info at 12:56. Im 6'4"
Auto trail are to be applauded for producing a Continental layout motorhome, the 690T. I would've preferred you had featured that model because I know of no other British motorhome manufacturer that is? The German layout on the continent is all the rage. Having said that there are some good features, the interior finish looks the part especially the grey fleck colour. The washroom leaves a lot to be desired with that dreadful shower curtain how old hat is that? The continental motorhomes with a swing wall shower/washroom are far superior in my humble opinion. I would not describe it as compact either, admittedly the narrow width is good but at almost 7m it is quite long & parking would be prohibitive. I appreciate that motorhome manufacturers had severe logistical problems with obtaining the Ducato platforms but there is a lot of bad press with regards to the new Ford 2.0 eco blue engine. I presume Ford have addressed the issues or are in the process of sorting them out via the warranty? The diesel injectors and the early deterioration of the wet timing belt to name two. Overall the Excel looks the part and will hopefully stand the test of time? Thank you for the review Peter and I hope I wasn't too critical.
Take a look at the new Bailey Alora, too
It's a plus point including a lithium battery but then only going for a 70Ah. If this is supposed to appeal to the type of person that would normally choose a camper van I've no doubt they'd prefer Lithium but the minimum size would be 100Ah, 70 Ah seems bizarre. Of course it compares well to a 95Ah or 100Ah lead acid, but poorly against the campervan crew. In my opinion at least.
I would have liked to have seen the German style layout (690T?)in more detail, very few U.K. builders doing that style of layout.
That half dinette still looks back breaking (nice plump contoured seats on many European vehicles now) and that shower isn’t exactly a modern design. Seems a shame that these get so close but fail on things that make a big difference in daily use.
That third bed I guess would be for occasional grandchild use, if you really need three berths look elsewhere.
Have you watched our review of the whole range? - ua-cam.com/video/KUOt4LoHO3U/v-deo.html
You might want to see the Bailey Alora, too
@@MotorhomeCampervan I did watch the earlier video. I’ll have a look at the Alora too. We are at the show on Sunday so will have a good look around.
Ok but very disappointed with the washroom, no separate shower. Not for me.
Nice motorhome!! How about the campervans? They’re much more adaptable, shorter to park as an everyday vehicle and nice to drive!!
I'm a campervan owner but coachbuilt motorhomes do offer more space (flat sides) and usually better insulation.
It’s well designed!! At least you can have the type of bed that you need rather than something too big!! The king size is useful if you’re married!!
It’s a bit big for me to start with!! I’m a total beginner at motor caravanning and need something as small and simple as possible.
Maybe a campervan, then. We've reviewed loads on our Channel with playlists to help you find the ones you're interested in
build quality seems pretty bad. A strip is coming out already. Look at 5:25....Don't even want to finish the whole video................
It's always worth watching the whole thing, to see the good and not so good. Remember, this was the very first example, so effectively a prototype.
Not what I call a compact motorhome!! This is a very big bus to park in a small town like Hoddesdon!!
Compact in width, and shorter than the typical low-profile (at 7.5m) but there are smaller options, too, and a 6.2m model in the range