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quotePart of the Erwin Hymer Group, Dethleffs has earned growing respect in the UK as a manufacturer of superior quality motorhomes with more than a dash of élan.
But, premium motorhome also equals premium price. No doubt there’s some inevitable “price creep”, too, as far as all-new motorhomes are concerned.
That’s still no excuse for not giving serious consideration to this Dethleffs Trend T 7017 motorhome – especially if a low-profile coachbuilt with fixed singe beds and a full-width end washroom, with a mid-£55,000s starting price is on your wishlist. In fact, budget to spend another £5,000 or so on factory-fitted extras.
Typical for so many motorhomes – especially the higher up the ladder you go, is the choice of extra equipment available – from engines and transmissions through to some items of kit that arguably should be standard to start with.
Note, also, another typical feature for many imports: the habitation door stays on the UK offside. Inside, there’s a typical “Euro-lounge” at the front – both cab seats are on swivels, ready to join the L-shaped short settee around a solid pedestal leg table with height and fore-and-after manual adjustment. The tweed-style upholstery is rather British, though.
There’s a step down from lounge to kitchen, then a step back up again to the beds. The L-shaped kitchen is tucked along the nearside, between lounge and bedroom. There’s a three- ring hob and sink combination in stainless-steel, which leaves some permanent worktop at your right elbow, with protection from black acrylic splash panels. There’s a Duplex oven/grill, but it’s set a little low under the cutlery drawer. The main storage unit is a deep unit that has a handy waste bin on the back of its door. Across the corridor, there’s a 142-litre fridge/freezer.
Open the door to the washroom and there’s a basin set into the countertop in front of you, a swivel-bowl toilet to the left and shower cubicle on the right, with folding door access, a showerhead on a riser bar, plus hanging rail.
Beyond the toilet is a generous sized wardrobe. The other key storage here is a shelved locker for toiletries etc.
Beyond the washroom and kitchen, the longitudinal beds have top-quality closed-foam mattresses on slatted bases, with easy-access heights. There’s overhead shelving to both, plus three roof lockers along each side. The hinged bed bases with struts make for easy access to the generous storage below (there’s also exterior access thanks to hatches on both sides – the Truma Combi boiler in the nearside base is the only intrusion).
There’s a solid feel to the furniture and fittings that can be so obviously lacking in rivals. It’s not cheap – and there are plenty of options to consider – the alloy wheels, air conditioning and stereo upgrades and more on the example you see here. But, Dethleffs dealers – nine across the UK at the time of writing, with 11 outlets between them – will happily point you towards the quality, as well as a significant number of upgrades that come as standard on imported versions. Shop around, though. The example here, for instance, comes from dealer Lowdhams’ own extras pack – it includes awning, satellite system (including TV), Kenwood stereo upgrade and reversing camera. Treat it as a reminder that not all imported motorhomes are the same when it comes to specification, or indeed prices.
Verdict: Quality and comfort – at a price
Plus: Overall build quality, comfortable beds
Minus: Short on specification in standard trim
In-a-nutshell: Bedding down nicely
There’s more information on the Trend range on the Dethleffs website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Benimar Mileo 202, Hymer T 668 SL, Knaus Sky Ti 700 MEB, Laika Ecovip 401, Rapido 665F, Swift Bessacarr 574
Dethleffs Trend T 7017 factfile
| Model | Dethleffs Trend T 7017 |
| Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato |
| Dimensions | 7.41m L x 2.33m W x 2.90m H |
| Berths | 2 |
| Travel seats | 4 |
| Maximum weight | 3,499kg |
| Payload | 466kg |
| MPG estimate | 26-32 |
| RRP | From £54,990 on the road |
| Key options | Alloy wheels (£840), solar panel (£1,520),4.5m awning (£950), second leisure battery (£270), Alde heating (£2,030), underfloor heating (£540) |
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