If you’re after a motorhome that won’t have you reversing three times into every car park space whilst still offering proper sleeping arrangements, the Auto-Sleeper Stanway might just tick your boxes. This 2016 model represents Auto-Sleeper’s approach to compact luxury, giving you a genuine double bed without requiring an HGV licence to drive it.
At just under 6 metres long, the Stanway sits in that sweet spot where you can still nip into most supermarket car parks without breaking into a cold sweat. Yet Auto-Sleeper has managed to squeeze in everything you’d expect from a proper touring motorhome, including a full bathroom and a kitchen that won’t have you living on pot noodles for a fortnight.The gold exterior finish on this particular model certainly makes a statement, you’ll either love it or find yourself explaining to fellow campers that yes, it did come like that from the factory.
Stanway Size and Practicality
The Auto-Sleeper Stanway measures 5.99m in length, 2.26m wide, and stands 2.64m tall, dimensions that place it firmly in the compact motorhome category without feeling cramped inside. You’d likely find parking straightforward in most UK towns, though you’ll still need to think twice about those medieval village centres in the Cotswolds.
With a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of 3,500kg and a payload of 562kg, you’ll have reasonable scope for loading up with holiday essentials. That payload should cover two people’s clothing, food, and the inevitable collection of tourist tat you’ll accumulate, though you’d need to be mindful if you’re the type who packs three pairs of walking boots “just in case.”
The height of 2.64m means you’ll clear most car park barriers, though you’d want to double-check those 2.5m restrictions that seem to crop up in seaside towns with increasing frequency.
Behind the Wheel of the Auto-Sleeper Stanway
The Stanway runs on Peugeot’s 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 150bhp, paired with a six-speed gearbox. This combination should provide adequate performance for motorhome touring, though you’d hardly call it sprightly when fully loaded and facing a steep Pennine pass.
The Peugeot Boxer base provides a familiar driving experience if you’ve driven commercial vehicles before. You’ll find cruise control fitted, which proves invaluable on long motorway stretches to your chosen destination. The cab air conditioning means you won’t arrive looking like you’ve been wrestling with a particularly stubborn tent in a heatwave.
Electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience, while the Bluetooth phone preparation means you can take calls legally without fumbling for your mobile whilst navigating a busy A-road. The reversing camera would prove particularly useful given the Stanway’s rear overhang – you’d appreciate the extra visibility when backing into those tight campsite pitches.
Living in the Auto-Sleeper Stanway
The Stanway’s interior layout centres around the rear lounge area, where forward and rear-facing bench seats convert into a double bed measuring 1.94m x 1.34m. This arrangement gives you proper seating for four people during the day (useful if you’re travelling with friends or family) or simply want space to spread out with a good book and a cup of tea.
The conversion from seating to sleeping appears straightforward, though you’d need to clear away any belongings from the seating area each evening. The bed size should accommodate most couples comfortably, though taller individuals might find their feet approaching the end of the mattress.
LED lighting throughout the interior provides bright, energy-efficient illumination, with a blue LED strip by the cab adding a modern touch. The lighting system would prove particularly important during those shorter winter days when you’re spending more time inside the motorhome.
The Stanway Kitchen Layout
Auto-Sleeper has fitted a corner kitchen arrangement that maximises the available space whilst providing proper cooking capabilities. You’ll find a Thetford Triplex cooker with oven, grill, and hobs, enough cooking power to prepare proper meals rather than relying on the microwave for everything.
The kitchen includes a filter coffee machine, which coffee enthusiasts would appreciate during those early morning starts when you’re trying to beat the traffic to popular destinations. A slide-out worktop extension provides additional preparation space when needed, though you’d need to plan your cooking activities around the available room.
Storage appears adequate for a motorhome of this size, with cupboards providing space for crockery, food, and cooking equipment. The 90-litre SES fridge offers reasonable capacity for fresh food, though you’d need to shop more frequently than you might at home.
Auto-Sleeper Stanway Bathroom
The Stanway includes a full bathroom with shower, Thetford cassette toilet, and a foldable washbasin, a proper wet room arrangement that many compact motorhomes struggle to accommodate. Having a dedicated shower means you won’t be queuing for campsite blocks or attempting to wash in a bowl, which becomes particularly valuable during off-season touring when site amenities might be closed.
The foldable washbasin represents a clever space-saving solution, allowing the bathroom to feel less cramped when you’re not actively using the sink. The cassette toilet system provides the convenience of an onboard loo without the complexity of a fixed tank system.
You’d find the bathroom adequate for quick showers and essential ablutions, though it’s clearly designed for efficiency rather than luxury. The full-length cupboard with mirror provides storage for toiletries and towels whilst giving you somewhere to check your appearance before venturing out.
Stanway Power and Water Systems
The Auto-Sleeper Stanway comes equipped with a solar panel, which would help maintain your leisure battery during sunny spells without needing to run the engine or find electric hook-up. This proves particularly valuable if you prefer quieter sites or enjoy a bit of wild camping where permitted.
The LPG tank system provides gas for cooking, heating, and hot water, with the fixed tank arrangement meaning you won’t be lugging Calor Gas bottles around campsites. You’d find LPG refilling stations at many motorway services and larger petrol stations, making it convenient to top up during longer tours.
The electrical system appears well-specified for a motorhome of this size, though you’d still need to be mindful of power consumption if you’re planning extended periods without hook-up. The combination of solar charging and careful battery management should provide reasonable independence for weekend breaks.
Auto-Sleeper Stanway on the Road
The Al-Ko Air-Top suspension system should provide a more comfortable ride than standard leaf springs, particularly when the motorhome is lightly loaded. You’d likely notice the difference on longer journeys, especially over the sort of road surfaces that seem increasingly common on UK routes.
The Thule roll-out awning extends your living space when pitched up, creating a sheltered area for outdoor dining or simply sitting outside with a drink. You’d find this particularly valuable during changeable British weather when you want fresh air without getting soaked.
Alloy wheels not only look smarter than steel alternatives but also reduce unsprung weight, potentially improving handling and fuel economy. They’re also easier to keep clean, which matters when you’re touring through muddy farm tracks to reach those hidden gem campsites.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Stanway’s layout appeals but you’re considering alternatives, the Auto Sleeper Nuevo – UK’s Most Popular Entry Level Model offers a different approach to compact motorhome living with its own unique interior arrangement.
For those wanting more space, the Auto Sleeper Broadway FB Premium French Bed Motorhome provides additional length and potentially more storage, though you’d sacrifice some of the Stanway’s manoeuvrability.
The Auto Sleeper Winchcombe Review – Mercedes Based Excellence represents another option in Auto-Sleeper’s range, offering different layout priorities that might better suit your specific touring needs.
Final Thoughts
The Auto-Sleeper Stanway strikes a reasonable balance between size and functionality, offering proper motorhome amenities in a package that won’t dominate every car park you enter. The rear lounge arrangement with convertible double bed provides flexible living space, whilst the full kitchen and bathroom mean you’re not constantly dependent on campsite amenities.
This 2016 model would suit couples who want the freedom of a compact motorhome without sacrificing essential comforts. The gold exterior finish might not appeal to everyone, but the practical layout and well-thought-out interior should serve touring enthusiasts well.
You’d need to accept the compromises that come with compact motorhome living – limited storage compared to larger models, and the daily bed conversion routine. However, if you value manoeuvrability and ease of driving over maximum living space, the Stanway represents Auto-Sleeper’s competent approach to smaller motorhome design.
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