The Trend packs quite a punch for an entry-level RV. Bill Savidan reviews.
From humble beginnings, German RV manufacturer Dethleffs has grown to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in Europe, and this year, celebrates 90 years in the industry.
Their motorhome catalogue for 2021 promotes nine models and 64 layouts and bed arrangements, built on three brands of base vehicle: Fiat, Mercedes and Iveco.
Its position in Dethleffs’ hierarchy suggests the Trend I 7057 DBL (Trend) is an entry-level model, but the quality of workmanship and the scope of its appointments suggest otherwise.
Cab
In the cab are two comfortable captain seats that rotate, each with height and rake adjustment, and built-in headrests. Revised controls make seat adjustment easier than ever. Both seats have safety belts and airbag protection. Cab blinds protect against heat/cold and provide privacy. Leather covers are fitted to the steering wheel and gear-shift knob, adding a touch of class.
Entry
The habitation door has an awning light above, a pull-across insect screen and central locking. Entry is easy thanks to the coupe step and the 700mm wide door.
Lounge
The two-seater settees on each side of a central table create a convivial atmosphere, and make the lounge feel spacious – more so than the L-shaped dinette arrangement previously favoured by European manufacturers. Windows all around, particularly the panoramic windscreen, add to this feeling of light and space.
A large skylight provides ventilation and more light if needed.
The La Rocca soft furnishings – golden brown and pale grey cushions – are invitingly warm and cosy. Note that there’s a 150mm step up from the lounge to the cab, and a 200mm step up from the lounge to the bathroom. The settees convert to two belted passenger seats.
Kitchen
Tucked in between the settee and the washroom, the L-shaped kitchen is a very compact arrangement. The three-hob cooktop is set against the outside wall, with the sink basin to the left. This leaves a useful strip of bench space in front of the hobs for general use. When not in use, both the sink and the hobs can be covered to extend the benchtop, and the table is nearby if you need more work space. A clear acrylic splashguard on the end of the bench protects the settee.
Below the benchtop is a Thetford Duplex oven with a cutlery drawer above, a pot drawer below and a shelved cupboard with a door-mounted rubbish bin alongside. On the opposite wall, beside the entry, is the fridge-freezer. It’s one of Thetford’s tall, narrow models, 142L including a 15L freezer compartment, with a useful bin on the bottom shelf.
Below the fridge is another deep storage drawer. Altogether, the fridge, drawers, cupboards and bins plus the overhead locker above the bench, add up to quite a lot of kitchen storage.
Bathroom
Although it’s an unusual shape, the kerbside shower is a decent size. The foot tray has two plugholes, one each side, increasing the chances the tray will be dry when the shower finishes. And because the shower is built over
the wheel arch, there is a step in the tray, which comes in handy when washing and drying your feet.
Overhead there is a small vent and a rail for hanging clothes. A separate compartment opposite the shower houses the Thetford swivel bowl, electric flush toilet and the handbasin. The compartment door is dual purpose.
As well as closing off that compartment, it swings through 90 degrees to close off the washroom from the front of the motorhome.
A sliding door closes off the bedroom and provides total privacy for the washroom area. Water economy is always a concern for motorhomers, so the practical size and shape of the handbasin should get the tick of approval here. Set into the vanity top beside the toilet, it has a wall-mounted medicine cabinet with a sliding mirror above, and a cupboard below.
Bedroom
Dethleffs make a big effort to ensure their full range of RVs have comfortable beds. Wherever possible, they fit wooden slatted frames under memory foam mattresses. The two beds in the Trend being reviewed – the rear island bed and the dropdown bed – have this arrangement.
Another feature exclusive to A-class motorhomes like this is that the lounge is still fully functional when you lower the pull-down bed (1950x1500mm) over the cab. So if guests wish to retire to bed early, those remaining can still use the lounge.
The north/south island bed (1900x1500mm) has a shelf, wardrobe and overhead locker on each side, with a roof hatch and a window on each side. Lifting the mattress at the foot of the bed reveals a shelf for storing small items.
The bed can be raised to increase the headroom in the garage, and the overhead lockers are mounted high enough for you to sit up in bed.
Freedom camping
The setup for freedom camping is sound – two 95Ah AGM batteries paired with an 18-amp charger and two 110W solar panels. Two 9kg bottles are housed in the LPG locker. The Thule awning is a welcome bonus.
Entertainment
Video and audio included in the package are a 19-inch Avtex LED TV with a Kiwiset auto satellite dish; and an entertainment centre with a 7-inch display that includes GPS and functions as a reverse camera monitor.
Exterior
The Trend I 7057 DBL is built on a Fiat Ducato with a Maxi chassis, so it’s lower to the ground without compromising ground clearance, and has a tight turning circle for manoeuvring in confined spaces. All the bells and whistles such as ASB/EBD, ESP, ASR, hill hold, cruise control and hill descent control are included.
The Trend uses AdBlue to attain the Euro 6d emission rating. The 2.3L 140HP turbo diesel engine, with start/stop function, drives the front wheels and combines very well with the ZF 9-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with optional 16-inch alloy wheels.
To simplify servicing, a large panel below the windscreen folds down for easy access to the engine bay. Big coach style, low vibration rearview mirrors give an excellent view of things behind the motorhome. These are electrically powered, and are heated to prevent misting up.
The rear garage has access doors on both sides, is heated, well-lit, and includes a 230V outlet. The garage load capacity is 150kg and load fastening points are provided. The drop chassis extension allows extra height in the garage, and you can raise the bed if you need more. The standard body colour is white, although ‘Titansilver Metallic’ is optional at extra cost.
The construction methods eliminate hot/cold spots. Wooden inserts that are prone to absorbing moisture and rotting have been replaced with high torsional polyurethane components. GRP panels protect the roof, and the wood-free and rot-free Lifetime Smart Floor has a GRP external surface. Dethleffs RVs are covered by a six-year water ingress warranty, as long as annual inspections are made by a Dethleffs authorised agent.
Also noteworthy
Things that may not cost a lot but make quite a difference include Airplus – an overhead locker rear ventilation system that reduces condensation; soft-close cabinetry drawers, cupboards and overhead lockers; and indirect lighting that creates a restful ambiance.
Summary
A well-built, well-equipped motorhome that punches well above its rating.
Pros
-
Face-to-face settees
-
Dethleffs foam mattress over slats is a winner
-
An all-round A-class package under 7500mm long
Cons
-
Bland exterior: colourful graphics would add character
Dethleffs Trend I 7057 DBL Specifications
|
Chassis |
Fiat Ducato |
|
Engine |
2.2 Litre 140HP |
|
Gearbox |
9-speed torque converter |
|
Berths |
4 |
|
Length/width/height |
7390mm/2330mm/2940mmm |
|
Water: Fresh/hot/grey |
116L/20L/90L |
|
GVW |
3499kg |
|
Tare |
3085kg |
|
Payload |
414kg |
Price as reviewed: $225,000
For more information, visit zionmotorhomes.co.nz
Looking for your dream motorhome? See our latest listings here.
