Wogga Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Having had a family discussion we no longer need to cater for the grandkids, so we can downscale to a 2 berth and possibly look for an awning when they come to stay? Any owners fancy sharing their opinion about the above van or similar, pro's and cons the good and the bad? Also any owners use a full awning to complement the roll out? We are newbies so be kind :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 We downsized from an Autotrail Cheyenne to a Warwick Duo some years ago and whilst I appreciate the Warwick XL is a bit bigger and slightly different we really struggled with the reduced interior living and storage space, the put and take needed to access different things, the cramped shower, smaller kitchen and less comfortable beds. It was great on the road especially in high winds and for a long haul (Southern Spain) but for us we found it hard to adapt and after two years we reverted to an AutoSleeper Executive - not a lot bigger outside but much easier to live with inside. That said plenty of people downsize and manage OK so who am I to say what is right or wrong for anyone else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don636 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 When we bought our van in 2014 we looked at the Warwick XL alongside it's competitors and eventually went for a Vantage Neo. There were a number of reasons for this but at the top of the list was the design and feel of the van compared to the others. We really liked the simple, classy look which appealed more than the look and feel of the Warwick XL which looked a bit old fashioned and fussy to us but that is personal taste. As far as layout is concerned the Warwick XL has a larger bathroom than the Neo, with a separate shower which is attractive but in practice we don't actually use the shower much, spending most time on sites so that is not an issue. In the Neo the space saved by having a smaller bathroom allows the figment of a pantry behind the drivers seat which is very useful. The front of the van is also more spacious with room for a small table at the front providing a second seating area for snacks etc. The other main advantage of the Neo is that it has a U shaped rear lounge which provides a decent sized boot which can be accessed front the rear of the van and I think this is better than having all of your storage in parallel settees. Storage in rear lounge vans is not as good as the continental style of van with a raised fixed bed and larger garage sops the extra space under the end of a U lounge is very useful. One thing I did not like about the Autosleeper vans is that the windows are all fixed with only a little sliding section to open. I think this would be murder in hot weather. I have heard that Autosleeprs have a good reputation for build quality but, in my opinion, the quality of Vantage build is even better. Vantage have just lifted two awards in the Practical Motorhome awards for best manufacturer and dealer. If you want any more info on the Neo please feel free to pm me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowie Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Welcome Wogga, Never had any van other than our bespoke pvc, so my comments are general and restricted to the awning aspect. I’ve been looking for a well designed awning for about 4 years now! And still looking.We looked at a display of several awnings at Brownhills last year, and we were put off all of them, certainly not good value in our view. Design seems to be lacking in vans, awnings and the combination of the two. We really appreciated the extra space we achieved with our rather ancient, secondhand Techlite Pro XL, but it was a struggle to put up. Going to Portugal soon and taking it with us, planning to stay on sites for maybe a week at a time, which should make it a realistic proposition. Good luck with the downsize Regards, Snowie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ham Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 problem with most PVC van awnings is the sliding door it can catch and tear the awning canopy . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Wogga There will be plenty of comments on the free-to-join Auto-sleepers Owners Forum http://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/ about the Warwick model and (knowing how motorcaravanners like to moan ;-) ) these will undoubtedly include cons as well as pros. You haven’t said whether you are planning to buy a brand-new motorhome or secondhand. It might be worth confirming which is the case as the Warwick XL model was marketed as early as 2013 and the original specification will have evolved since then. Reviews of the 2018 Warwick and earlier versions can be read here: https://tinyurl.com/ycpgcmbl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wogga Posted February 18, 2018 Author Share Posted February 18, 2018 Thanks for the responses there is some great advice. I am glad I am not the only one struggling with an awning :-D it will only be to provide extra bed spaces when the family drop by, it isn’t a deal breaker they could bring a tent! It will look at some of the other manufacturers and the auto sleepers own forum is a good shout thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Have you seen how much storage space an awning needs! Having had a few AutoSleepers over the years I reckon that, like so many others, the build quality and durability is not what it once was. That said it is still considerably better than many others! AutoSleepers tend to be comparatively rattle and shake free and whilst our s/h Warwick came with all manner of faults once rectified it was, as was every AutoSleeper I have ever had, trouble free. Anecdotally I understand that newer AutoSleepers and their warranty are not as good as they once were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazdog6007 Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Having owned a Warwick duo for a couple of years,it was a fine camper,well finished and put together.and being both of slim proportions. o.k,as,common too all van conversions it can seem narrow passage like.And as previous bloggers say.storage for an awning,etc.can be a problem.the glass windows are athermic,absorbing heat in winter and reflecting sun in summer,a claim i took with a large dose of salt.but very good security wise.fixed gas tank was a boon.extra length on the xl though,could make all the difference.And should make a decent price come sale time. ;-) the slide and slam door was a bit of a pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowie Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 ham - 2018-02-18 1:23 PM problem with most PVC van awnings is the sliding door it can catch and tear the awning canopy .precisely Phillip, they are not “designed” very well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmold Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 We've just gone from small coach-built AS Nuevo to an AS Sussex Duo (Marquis special Warwick) which had air con in living area which counteracts the lack of opening windows. We much preferred the XL layout with separate shower and the kitchen and washroom swooping sides but the extra length meant we couldn't fit it on the drive. We love having two single beds without having to swivel seats around. Yes storage is tight but we are now more fussy as to what is actually needed and the wife now limits herself to 4 pairs of shoes instead of 14. It drives brilliantly and returns 35mpg. Been away only twice since picking it up at Christmas and can't wait to get away now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowie Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Tracker - 2018-02-18 2:37 PM Have you seen how much storage space an awning needs! It’s never been a problem Tracker, though the weight of the supporting structure of an inflatable awning puts me off. That said, I’m happy with our payload, and as we become more experienced, the more we leave at home, (deliberately of course! ) I have been following the recent discussion about water tank capacity etc , and have long wondered why so much water is needed. We do use campsites though. Regards, Snowie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel wood Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 Don636 - 2018-02-18 11:13 AM One thing I did not like about the Autosleeper vans is that the windows are all fixed with only a little sliding section to open. I think this would be murder in hot weather.. We have an Auto-Sleepers Symbol ES which has those windows. There is no problem with ventilation in hot weather: the sky light and/or heki in such vans provide plenty. However, one problem we did have after about 8 years was some water penetration through one of the "sliders". According to the auto window specialist this was due to a design fault with a rain channel in that part and it had worn out. We replaced the window with one without the opening section and don't regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 The link below discussed the glass side windows fitted to recent Auto-Sleepers panel-van conversions. http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Auto-Sleeper-PVC-condensation-experience-/47602/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keninpalamos Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 I sort of down size every summer From a largish Hymer down to a tiny AutoSleeper Montana poptop which is my summer car and camper. But that’s just me on my own. It would be hell with two in it :-D ...for the other person I mean. I’d think twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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