If you’re after a motorhome that won’t dominate your driveway or leave you sweating through narrow Cotswold villages, the 2009 Auto Sleeper Trooper deserves serious consideration. Built on the reliable VW T5 platform, this compact van conversion manages to squeeze proper motorhome living into a package that’s barely longer than a large estate car.
At just under 5 metres long, the Trooper sits in that sweet spot where you can still use it as a daily driver without feeling like you’re piloting a bus. The automatic gearbox makes it particularly appealing if you’re tired of clutch work in stop-start traffic, whilst the raised roof design gives you that crucial extra headroom without the bulk of a full coachbuilt.
You’d be forgiven for wondering how much actual living space you can get in something this compact, but Auto Sleeper’s reputation for clever design suggests they’ve made every centimetre count.
Size and Practicality of the Trooper
The Trooper’s dimensions tell an interesting story. At 4.99 metres long and 2.05 metres wide, you’re looking at something that’ll fit in most standard parking spaces, a genuine advantage if you’re planning to use this as more than just a weekend escape vehicle. The 2.17-metre height means you’ll clear most car park barriers, though you’d want to check before diving into multi-storey car parks.
With a gross weight of 2.9 tonnes and a payload of 477kg, you’ve got reasonable carrying capacity for a van this size. That payload should cover two people’s gear for extended trips, though you’d need to be mindful of weight distribution if you’re the type who packs everything including the kitchen sink (which, incidentally, this van already has).
The sliding door access is a practical touch that makes getting in and out easier in tight spaces, whilst the bike rack and tow bar suggest Auto Sleeper understood that Trooper buyers might want to bring additional transport or toys along.
Driving the Auto Sleeper Trooper
The VW T5 base provides a solid foundation that many van conversion buyers specifically seek out. These engines have earned a reputation for reliability, and the automatic gearbox removes much of the stress from driving in heavy traffic or navigating steep Lake District passes.
With cab air conditioning, electric windows, and electric mirrors, you’ve got the comfort features that make longer drives more pleasant. The CD player might seem quaint by 2024 standards, but in 2009 it represented decent in-car entertainment, and you can always add modern connectivity through auxiliary inputs.
The compact dimensions mean you’d likely find the Trooper surprisingly nimble compared to larger motorhomes. Parking becomes less of an ordeal, and you might actually enjoy driving it rather than enduring it as a necessary evil.
Living Space in the Trooper
The raised roof design is where the Trooper’s clever engineering becomes apparent. Without this feature, you’d be constantly stooping, but the additional height transforms the interior from cramped to genuinely liveable. The rear forward-facing bench seat provides proper seating during travel and converts to form your double bed when needed.
Storage under the bench gives you somewhere to stash clothes and equipment, though you’d need to be selective about what you bring. This isn’t a motorhome for those who like to pack half their house; it rewards careful planning and minimalist tendencies.
The control panel and electric socket placement suggests thoughtful design, giving you access to power and monitoring without cluttering the limited space available.
Trooper Sleeping Arrangements
The bench-to-bed conversion system is a tried-and-tested approach in van conversions. When you’re ready to sleep, the rear bench transforms into a double berth that should accommodate two adults, though taller individuals might find themselves playing a game of Tetris with their limbs.
The beauty of this system is its simplicity; no complex mechanisms to go wrong, and the conversion process should be straightforward enough to manage after a long day’s driving. You’d want to ensure you’ve got comfortable bedding, as the base might be firmer than your bed at home.
Kitchen Space in the Trooper
The kitchen setup appears well-considered for the available space. The two-ring hob gives you enough cooking capacity for simple meals, whilst the built-in fridge with small freezer means you can keep food fresh and enjoy cold drinks after a day’s exploring.
The main sink handles washing up duties, whilst the additional washing area suggests Auto Sleeper recognised that you’d need somewhere for personal washing too. This dual-sink approach is clever in such a compact space, avoiding the compromise of trying to wash dishes and brush teeth in the same bowl.
Storage around the kitchen area would be limited, so you’d need to think carefully about what cooking equipment and food supplies you bring along.
Trooper Bathroom Considerations
Here’s where the Trooper’s compact nature shows its limitations. The specifications don’t detail a separate bathroom compartment, which isn’t unusual in van conversions of this size. You’d likely be looking at a portable toilet solution and perhaps a shower tent for longer trips, or relying on campsite facilities.
This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker; many van conversion enthusiasts prefer the extra living space over a cramped bathroom cubicle. But it’s something to consider carefully if you’re planning extended wild camping or have mobility issues that make campsite facilities less appealing.
Power and Water Systems
The control panel suggests a proper 12V system for monitoring your battery levels and water supplies. You’d have electric sockets for charging devices and running small appliances, though you’d need to be mindful of power consumption without mains hookup.
The water system appears to include both fresh water storage and waste water collection, giving you several days of independence from external supplies. The exact capacities aren’t specified, but in a van this size, you’d be looking at enough for careful use rather than unlimited consumption.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Trooper’s compact nature appeals but you’d like to explore alternatives, the Auto-Sleeper Lancashire Review: Compact Van Conversion offers a different approach to van conversion living with potentially more space for longer trips.
The Auto-Sleeper Symbol Review: Efficient 2‑Berth Campervan represents another option in the Auto Sleeper range, possibly offering different layout solutions or size options depending on your priorities.
For those considering Auto Sleeper’s broader range, the Auto-Sleeper Nuevo Review: Comfortable Rear Lounge Motorhome might provide insights into how the manufacturer’s design philosophy has evolved across different models.
Final Thoughts
The 2009 Auto Sleeper Trooper appears to be a well-executed compact motorhome that prioritises practicality over luxury. If you’re a couple who values the ability to park easily, drive without stress, and still enjoy proper motorhome living, it could be an excellent choice.
The VW T5 base provides reliability and parts availability, whilst the automatic gearbox and compact dimensions make it genuinely useable as an everyday vehicle. However, you’d need to embrace the minimalist lifestyle that comes with van conversion living; this isn’t about bringing all the comforts of home, but about discovering how little you actually need.
The lack of an internal bathroom might be the deciding factor for some buyers, but for those happy to use campsite facilities or portable solutions, the Trooper offers an appealing blend of practicality and adventure-ready capability.
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