Simon Huddart on 10 years’ experience with a luxury German motorhome and why they’ll be keeping it for a while longer
Bonus, pension lump sum, inheritance; I’d guess that one of those three gives the funds for most dream motorhomes. For me, it was the latter that allowed upgrade from a Swift Kon-Tiki 669 to the Frankia A-class.
Lore has it that you hit on your ideal motorhome at the third attempt. We were lucky and managed to get ours at the second.
Back in 2014, the Frankia Platin won an MMM award (best luxury motorhome above £100k).
We chose the 7900 over the longer 8400 model because we wanted a queen-sized double (and the 8400 had an odd sink arrangement) and there are advantages of being under 8m (if only just).
One of the main reasons for the upgrade (as well as the simple pleasure of it being possible) was the desire to use it annually for a five-week skiing trip. I had stayed at Le Champ du Moulin campsite near Les Deux Alpes in the Kon-Tiki, but rear-wheel drive and underfloor heating proved too tempting.
Frankia is a rather more bespoke manufacturer than the likes of Hymer. One advantage of this was a choice of leather colour for the seats and choice of curtain design. We went for a dark grey shade, which we much prefer over the ubiquitous white.
So, after nearly 10 years and 75,000 miles, let’s see how Mr Trucky has fared.
HEY, GOOD LOOKIN’
The Frankia A-class looks to be made as one, whereas the Swift had the appearance of a large caravan perched onto a low-loader. However, I suspect in a frontal collision, you would prefer to have proven commercial metal rather than plastic. The rather rearward seating in an A-class (other than the likes of Morelo) has not proved a problem.
The Mercedes 3-litre V6 is a dream and has more than enough power for the maximum 5.5 tonnes. The seven-speed auto is excellent and far preferable to the Swift’s Fiat Comfort-Matic robotised manual.
I was surprised to smell the clutch in the Fiat once reversing uphill. The Merc will hold speed on inclines that would have the Fiat dropping out of cruise control. Diesel consumption is about the same for both.
One advantage of the Fiat was its road holding. With the tag axle, it can be almost sporty in the way it will hold corners. The Mercedes Sprinter, on the other hand, is famously softly sprung and can wallow like a hippo on bends, and have an alarming rocking on uneven surfaces.
The solution? Rear semi-air suspension and stiffer shocks at the front. Th
