If you’re after a motorhome that doesn’t require an HGV licence but still offers proper grown-up comfort, the Auto Sleeper Kingham deserves serious consideration. This isn’t your typical cramped conversion; it’s a thoughtfully designed layout that prioritises sleeping comfort without sacrificing everyday practicality.
At just under 6.4 metres, you’d still fit in most standard parking spaces, yet Auto Sleeper has managed to squeeze in a proper French corner bed alongside all the essentials. It’s the sort of motorhome that might appeal to couples who’ve graduated from tent camping but aren’t ready to commit to something the size of a small house.
The Kingham sits on a 3.5-tonne Peugeot Boxer chassis with the upgraded 150bhp 2.2 HDI engine, which should provide adequate motorway performance without leaving you holding up traffic on steep hills.
Size and Practicality of the Kingham
The Auto Sleeper Kingham’s dimensions tell an interesting story. At 2.26 metres wide and 2.64 metres high, you’re looking at a motorhome that won’t cause anxiety attacks in narrow Cotswold villages or multi-storey car parks. The sub-6.4-metre length means you could realistically use this as an everyday vehicle if you’re brave enough, though your neighbours might have opinions about that.
These measurements put the Kingham firmly in the compact-but-liveable category. You’ll find it manageable on single-track roads, crucial if you’re planning to explore places like the Scottish Highlands or Welsh valleys where the scenery is spectacular but the roads weren’t designed with motorhomes in mind.
Driving the Auto Sleeper Kingham
The Peugeot Boxer base with its upgraded 150bhp engine and six-speed gearbox should make the Kingham a reasonably pleasant drive. That power upgrade over the standard engine is worth having. You’ll appreciate those extra horses when joining motorways or tackling hills with a full load.
The premium pack adds cab air conditioning and air ride suspension, both of which transform the driving experience. Air suspension particularly makes sense on a motorhome; it helps level the vehicle when parked and should provide a more comfortable ride than standard leaf springs. The swivelling front seats mean you can integrate the cab into your living space once you’ve arrived.
Living in the Kingham
Step inside the Auto Sleeper Kingham and you’ll find a layout that makes sensible use of every centimetre. The French corner bed dominates the rear, which might seem like it’s hogging space, but it’s actually a clever solution. Unlike a transverse bed that blocks access to one side, the corner arrangement leaves a proper walkway.
The living area centres around those swivelling cab seats, creating a sociable space when you’re stationary. You’ll find storage above where the table tucks away, a neat solution that keeps the area uncluttered. The LED lighting throughout should create a pleasant evening atmosphere without draining your battery.
Kingham Sleeping Arrangements
The French corner bed is the Kingham’s star feature, and rightly so. If you’ve ever tried sleeping on a narrow motorhome bed or struggled with the gymnastics required for a high-level bed, you’ll appreciate this arrangement. The corner position means you can get in and out from either side, and there’s proper storage both above and below.
Auto Sleeper mentions a “quality thick mattress,” which suggests they understand that a good night’s sleep can make or break a motorhome holiday. The storage above and below the bed should accommodate clothes and personal items without requiring Tetris-level packing skills.
The Kingham’s Kitchen Layout
The kitchen in the Auto Sleeper Kingham covers the essentials without trying to replicate your home setup. You’ll find a three-burner hob with oven and grill, plus a microwave for quick meals. The fridge placement in the kitchen area makes practical sense – no wandering around the motorhome with your morning milk.
Three pop-up 240v sockets provide mains power when you’re hooked up, though you’ll want to be selective about what you plug in simultaneously. The kitchen layout should allow one person to prepare meals comfortably, though two might find it cosy.
Shower and Toilet in the Kingham
The Auto Sleeper Kingham includes a fixed sink in the bathroom, which suggests a proper wet room arrangement rather than a fold-away compromise. LED lighting around the mirror should provide decent illumination for morning routines, and there’s wardrobe space for hanging clothes.
The bathroom size will inevitably be compact in a motorhome this length, but having everything fixed in place means no daily setup and pack-away routines. You’ll find this arrangement more civilised than cassette toilets or external shower connections.
Kingham Power and Water Systems
The solar panel on the Kingham’s roof should help maintain your battery charge during sunny weather, extending your off-grid capabilities. Combined with the LED lighting throughout, you might manage several days without hookup if you’re careful with power consumption.
The three 240v sockets suggest Auto Sleeper expects you’ll use campsites with electrical hookups regularly. The pop-up design keeps them out of the way when not needed, maintaining the clean interior lines.
Auto Sleeper Kingham External Features
Outside, the Kingham comes well-equipped for UK touring. The Thule Omnister awning provides shelter from our unpredictable weather, while the reversing camera should make parking less stressful. Black windows all around offer privacy and reduce heat buildup on sunny days.
The electric step eliminates the awkward clamber into the motorhome, particularly appreciated after a long day’s walking. Roof rails provide mounting points for additional equipment like bikes or kayaks, extending the Kingham’s adventure potential.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
The Auto Sleeper Nuevo Compact British Coachbuilt Review offers a different layout approach if the Kingham’s corner bed doesn’t suit your needs, while the Auto Sleeper Symbol Van Conversion Classic Review provides an alternative take on compact motorhome living.
For those wanting similar build quality but different internal arrangements, the Auto Sleeper Stanway L-Shaped Kitchen Review might offer the layout variation you’re seeking.
Final Thoughts
The Auto Sleeper Kingham appears to strike a sensible balance between size and comfort. The French corner bed arrangement addresses one of the biggest complaints about compact motorhomes (uncomfortable sleeping) while the sub-6.4-metre length keeps it manageable for everyday use.
This would suit couples who want proper motorhome comfort without the commitment of a larger vehicle. The premium pack options like air suspension and cab air conditioning suggest Auto Sleeper understands that comfort matters, even in a compact package. However, the lack of specific year information means you’d need to verify exact specifications and current availability before making any purchasing decisions.
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