Devon or Eton Automatic ??

Hi Folks, We have come to the conclusion that we must find an "auto" version of our Nuevo Classic 2009. 

Looking at the Eton , it appears that it only has one swivel seat.? does that mean no single beds??

We don`t think our budget will stretch to the Stanton on Merc chassis, so it looks like its Devon only. 

Any comments gentlemen gratefully received. Not looking an easy change to me.

David

PS. When did the Devon run from to? 

Well the Devon is the Merc version of the Nuevo, it is and has been supplied in Auto form and there are bound to be some reasonable deals out there.  Think its still made,have a look on AS website
Has been around on same chassis for a few years. The Mercs are OK.

The Eaton wasn't produced for very long,  all on a Mk7 Transit which is a superb vehicle compared with Sevil based offerings
I can't remember seeing one with an Automatic Box,but that doesn't mean there isn't any, just they will be harder to find.

Single beds very rare on Eton, were only made to special order.
Think that there were a few Etons on the auto Durashift Ford about 2006, nice setup but few dealers know how to repair the auto box, its a manual box with oil/hydraulic changing mechanism!! Had a Duetto auto and it went well! Also heating is blown air not the Fanmaster which is a pity, we thought the Eaton had a rather spartan interior compared to the Clubman/Gatcombes.
frederic

Perhaps a VW Sandhurst with a Tiptronic box might suit??
frederic

If as Frederic suggest the Sandhurst is an option for you I can confirm the autobox on the T5 is fabulous. The Sandhurst however also had the inferior (IMO) diesel heating rather than fan master which is such a shame as it's a good buy second hand, compared to when new.
Regards
John

Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions.  We did want to keep it under 6M if poss so Sandhurst out but as Eton is only double bed, it seems its Devon only. 

Anyone want to sell their Devon?? ( Not many about it would seem, might have to wait a while.)........If you hear of one..............................

Thanks ,David

nevergiveup wrote:Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions.  We did want to keep it under 6M if poss so Sandhurst out but as Eton is only double bed, it seems its Devon only. 

Anyone want to sell their Devon?? ( Not many about it would seem, might have to wait a while.)........If you hear of one..............................

Thanks ,David

I am pretty sure that there is an AS Devon at the Autosleeper dealer Marquis based in Poole, Dorset, looked in nice nick but not sure how far you want to travel. the guy to speak to if you are interested is called Chris, and mention my name !! good luck, Robin

Thanks for that info Robin! I rang Marquis earlier today and they told me it was sold. They do not hang around long!!

We are trying now for another one but determining first if it has the 3500KG rating. They came as 3200KG  as standard , but could be upgraded to order. 

Thanks for your interest, David

Hi David,
I believe the Autosleeper Stanton is the same vehicle under a different name, worth having a look. 2 berth Mercedes Auto under 6m.
Cheers Peter C

Hi Peter, We have just found a Devon thank you. We had to go as far as Lancashire to find it, but it is a good one it seems, with many extras. I have no doubt that when we have collected it in a couple of weeks time, there will be lots of questions for you, as we find our way round it.
     The first thing we did notice was the absence of a solar panel, we thought that was a standard fitment on the Devon(in 2011 at least)

Regards David

Hi David
Mine does not have a Solar Panel but if you use mains hookup on site you don't need it. I store at home so that I can keep Batteries charged during winter. The onboard charger only charges the leisure battery. I connect an external charger occasionally to keep vehicle battery in trim. We are in it now in Tewkesbury, Gloustershire.
Regards Peter C

Give our regards to Tewksbury, many moons since we were last there.........

I feel more secure with a solar panel, we use the new forest quite a lot and the freedom of ( at least in summer) knowing when you get up in the morning, the sun is doing its job, and putting back what you took out the previous evening gives me a buzz.   I will have to see what space there is on the roof as the original owner fitted a Caro Satellite auto dish.

Enjoy your break, Regards David 

Hi David,
Just called at Marquis Tewkesbury and salesman told me Devon is no longer made for Marquis only Autosleeper Stanton. good Luck with you find. Cheers Peter C

Thats what we had realised, could not justify a new ( or even near new!) Stanton , so Devon it is. The dealership are getting SVTech to up plate it to 3500Kgs, as it seems with the extras already added there is little load margin left. I can never quite get my head round AS reasons for making a great compact van, but with 200KG load margin!?

Perhaps Peter Brown can enlighten us? ( you usually do Peter  )

For the past I don't know - sorry but plenty bought them with just over 300kg available. Currently there is a drive to keep vans to 3500kg so that drivers over 70 don't have to go for a medical to keep the relevant licence. A lot of work has and is going into weight reduction but the bigger vans like the Broadway FB have little payload available when plated at 3500.

Peter