A top-selling layout combined with a Ford cab and an attractive price
Etrusco T 7.3 QCF
ISLAND bed layouts, along with twin beds over a garage, are one of the most popular floorplans of recent seasons. That’s especially true if you’re looking at the typical 7m to 7.5m size of low-profile motorhome, where lounge, bedroom, bathroom (split across the aisle) and kitchen can all be incorporated without too much compromise in any one zone. But, while the popularity of these ’vans shows no sign of waning, prices have been climbing more steeply than Sir Edmund Hillary. So, it’s good to see that Etrusco is keeping things relatively real with its latest Ford-based models, such as this T 7.3 QCF.
It’s part of a four-model ‘T’ range on the Transit chassis, all of them with a licence-friendly 3,500kg maximum gross weight and three of the range measuring 7.34m in overall length. But, in common with a number of European brands, it’s single beds that dominate – this QCF is the only one to view if you want a double bed.
While Erwin Hymer Group’s other continental entry-level brands, Carado and Sunlight, also now offer Ford-based coachbuilts, the two marques from the Capron factory focus on half-dinette lounges; this Italian-produced Etrusco goes for the more Brit-pleasing face-to-face seating arrangement. With a bit of rearranging, though, it can still offer travel seats for four.
Where the T 7.3 QCF scores, of course, is with this design’s more open-plan feel, which is aided by the table folding in half (it also lowers to make an optional third berth). However, it’s worth noting that there’s no window on the offside behind the settee and nor is the habitation door glazed, so the optional overcab sunroof is a must-have feature.
Fortunately, the interior décor is light and bright, predominantly featuring a mix of pale grey and cream. The upholstery combines faux leather and cloth, while net curtains are fitted at the lounge window and the TV is at a comfortable viewing height in the entrance area. The door itself is fitted with coat hooks.
Above the lounge, the drop-down bed is another option, so those who don’t need it can retain maximum headroom. If you want the extra berths, the bed lowers manually and is 1.95m by 1.41m, narrowing to 1.09m (manufacturer’s figures) at the foot in order to retain access through the habitation door.
The main zone for shut-eye is, of course, at the rear where a lengthways double bed with a wardrobe and bedside table on either side is entirely
