Autotrail faults list. Forums

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Just back from 1st year habitation check. Gas regulator replaced, working ok now, Marquis said a common fault.

I now have a fully functional, nothing broken motorhome!! (fingers crossed!). Lets see how long it stays that way.

Kevin

DTPCHEMICALS

I ALSO HAVE A LIST OF FAULTS FOR CHEYENNE 632 WHICH WE PURCHASED AS A 4500 MILE USED 2006 MODEL.
THE EXTRACTER ROOFLIGHT IS VERY STIFF TO OPERATE.(WILL USE UNTIL IT BREAKS AND HAVE IT REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY BEFORE IT EXPIRES, OR TAKE IT TO BITS IN SUMMER TO SEE WHAT REQUIRES GREASING)
I ACCIDENTLY FOUND THE IMMERSION SWITCH WHILEST UNLOADING THE LOCKER UNDER THE FIXED BED.THE FRIDGE AND HEATER MAINS SWITCHES ARE ALSO INCONVENIENTLY PLACED.THE HABITATION DOOR HANDLE IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES AND THE FRESH WATER LOCKING CAP WOULD NOT LOCK.(SPRAY PLENTY OF SILICONE INTO THE LOCK AND RIM AND LEAVE FOR A FEW MINUTES)
I ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE GAS LOCKER DOOR AND THE INNOVETIVE TIE WRAP SECURING SYSTEM.(REMOVE THE HINGE PINS TO GAIN ACCESS IF NEEDED)
THE WASTE WATER LEVEL READS EMPTY OR FULL WHEN TANK IS EMPTY
BY USING SHORT CABLE RUNS A MANUFACTURER CAN SAVE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS A YEAR BUT POTENTIALLY LOSE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF POUNDS IN REPEAT CUSTOMERS.
WE SPEND ALOT OF MONEY ON OUR HOBBY AND WONDER IF THE PEOPLE WHO DESIGN AND BUILD THESE MOTORHOMES ACTUALLY USE ONE THEMSELVES. OR ARE EVEN READING THIS FORUM AND WHATEVER HAPPENED TO QUALITY CONTROL.
LETS REMEBER THAT A WARRENTY IMPLIES THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO GO WRONG AND THAT A DEALER PICKS UP THE FLACK FROM THE CUSTOMERS.I HAD TO TRAVEL 90 MILES TO BROWNHILLS AT CANNOCK FOR MY UNIT WHERE I GOT BETTER SERVICE THAN NEWARK WHICH IS ONLY 30 MILES AWAY.MAYBE NEXT TIME I WILL BUY GERMAN. THATS WHAT I DID WITH CARAVANS, BUT STILL HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DEALER NOT THE MANUFACTURER.
KEEP SMILING AND DON`T THROW THE DIY KIT AWAY

DAVE P

amelia

I won't bore you with all the problems I have had with my Autotrail Dakota bought new in April 2002. But what it has taught me is to keep the vehicle and not buy another now I have finally got them all fixed. I was thinking of buying a Rapido this year [ I doubt I would ever buy another Autotrail] but thought why the hell put myself through that again?
Having said that I hear from everyone that Rapidos are vastly superior in quality to Autotrail.
Keep your vehicle longer - don't replace- and watch quality control improve when the dealers and manufactures are desparate for business.

sallytrafic · Southern Rally Co-ordinator

Its all very well saying take the vehicle bacak nd leave it there or take legal action against the supplier but when I asked who has succesfully done this the only reply came from disgusted and that was to say that he is still waiting after 3 years for his day in court.

Regards Frank

TinaGlenn

Hi Dave P,

I have relocated our immersion switch to the side of the bed from underneath for ease of use and access as Tina was worried about possible leakage/condensation from tank and she wouldn't use the immersion until switch moved for safety and her peace of mind!!!!
The gas locker door was sticking as the tie wraps were obstructing the cables, I have put 2 cable ties either side of the central cable to keep it centraslised and locks working very efficiently now.

The underbed locker door mechanism has been reinforced with a metal plate as the moulding was too low for the lock to fully engage. I have also taken the habitation door to bits to straighten a bar from the inside locking button, for a while the only way to lock the door was to open the window and lean out and use the key!

Only thing left to do is figure out how to remove the dash board to see if the radio is wired to an aerial as lousy reception everywhere.

Glenn

davebl

I had my Auto trail as a used motorhome.

The only issues Ive had similar and as follows.

The water filler cap needs WD40 to get it to be relaiable and lock. My guess is these are generic to many motorhomes.

The gas lockerdoor lock needs to be keps lubricated and also the wire link to the catch. Watch out for buld up of mud on it from traveling.

The cutlery draw now has a carth fitted to stop it opening whilst driving.

The rear vehicle light fittings screw mounting needed re fitting by me to avoid detaching them selves.

Apart from my own breakages etc Ive not had what I call any major problem. I had purchased spares from autotrail who were very helpfull.

I hope your issues get sorted soon.

ken

As a matter of interest, I wonder how many people are not happy with their foreign motorhome as opposed to British ones. It does seem that foreign vans have a better build quality.

ken

emgee

Heritage

My cab radio was and still is useless at reception. I am told the radio has a trailing aerial wire and this is not as good as an external aerial.

So, Brownhills Swindon fitted an external aerial but reception is still as bad as before.

I am now living until Feb 06 in Spain with my Autotrail Cheyanne 660. Elite managed to replace the faulty gas regulator before I left. They supposedly fixed the difficult to open habitation door. The problem is not with the door itself but the opening mechanism and it is still very difficult at times to open. Upon my return from Spain at least three blinds will have to be replaced due to a mould like infestation, Autotrail has now authorised this work to be carried out.

The journey down to Spain over 3 days was uneventful and the Fiat ran like a dream. However on the Autotrail side I do have more problems that will have to be rectified when I get home.

So to update the problems list.

N/S External front corner moulding has significant cracking on the surface.
Corner mouldings held on by silicone in the bathroom are coming adrift.
Warped corner moulding adjacent to the sink will need replacing.
Front N/S Locker internal trim has come adrift due to poor workmanship when the alarm was installed (see my alarm comments below)..
Cuttlery draw is coming off the runners when opened.

My advice to anyone considering having a dealer fitted alarm is think twice. From my experience the standard of workmanship carried out by Brownhills Newark in connection with the alarm installation is very poor and has caused damage to my vehicle. I will be taking this up with Brownhills when I return from Spain. If you wish to fit an alarm then I would suggest using an independant installer and check with them that the installation will in no way damage or disturb any part of the vehicle. As I have stated before I believe the manufacturers should install the alarm system during conversion and the cost should be less than a dealer fit system and it would certainly be a neater job.

Finally I agree if you get your vehicle repaired to your satisfaction then keep it because as sure as anything the next vehicle you get will put you through it all again.
Roy