Built on the dependable Fiat Ducato chassis with a 2.3 JTD 130bhp engine, this motorhome offers a solid foundation for your adventures. At 7.5 metres long with a generous payload of 730kg, you’ll have ample space for passengers and belongings without feeling overwhelmed by its size. With 35,000 miles on the clock, these models typically have plenty of life left while offering better value than newer alternatives.
Apache 700 Dimensions and Payload Capacity
You’ll find this motorhome measures approximately 7.5 metres in length, giving you enough space for comfortable living without becoming unwieldy on the road. With a gross weight of 4,250kg and a payload of 730kg, you can pack generously for longer trips without worrying about exceeding weight limits.
The external features enhance your touring experience with a fitted awning for outdoor relaxation, a satellite dome for entertainment options, and practical additions like a tow bar and spare wheel. The reversing camera makes manoeuvring this larger vehicle significantly easier, especially in tight campsite spaces.
What’s The Fiat Ducato Like To Drive?
When you take the wheel, you’ll notice the responsive Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD engine delivering 130bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox. This combination provides sufficient power for motorway cruising while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency for a vehicle of this size.
Your driving comfort is enhanced by cruise control for those longer stretches, while electric mirrors and windows add convenience to your journey. Both driver and passenger benefit from airbags for added safety, and the integrated sat nav helps you navigate unfamiliar routes with confidence.
Dual Lounge Layout for Families
Your day-to-day living area provides versatile options with two distinct social spaces. The front lounge features two rear-facing and two forward-facing seats (both with safety belts for travel), creating a comfortable dining and relaxation area. Meanwhile, the rear U-shaped lounge offers a more spacious setting for evening relaxation or entertaining guests.
Throughout the motorhome, you’ll appreciate the ample storage options above and below the seating areas, allowing you to keep your living space tidy and organised. The central fireplace adds both warmth and a homely atmosphere, while the conveniently positioned habitation controls give you easy management of heating, water, and electrical systems.
Six-Berth Sleeping Arrangements Explained
At night, you’ll be sleeping on comfortable beds that accommodate up to six people. The overcab area features a double bed that folds out when needed, with plenty of headroom above. The front lounge converts into another sleeping area, while the rear U-shaped lounge transforms into a generous double bed.
This flexibility means you can configure the sleeping arrangements to suit your party’s needs, whether travelling as a couple using just one bed area or accommodating family and friends across all berths.
Comprehensive Kitchen Facilities
Preparing meals gives you access to a well-equipped kitchen featuring a refrigerator, sink, oven, grill, and four-burner hob. The addition of a microwave expands your cooking options, particularly useful for quick meals or reheating.
Storage in the kitchen area is thoughtfully designed, giving you space for provisions and cooking equipment without cluttering your preparation area. The layout allows for practical meal preparation while maintaining connection with others in the living areas.
Does The Apache Have A Proper Shower?
Your onboard bathroom offers a practical split design with separate shower compartment, toilet, and sink. This arrangement provides privacy while preventing moisture from spreading throughout the bathroom space when showering.
Additional storage within the bathroom allows for toiletries and towels to be kept neatly organised, making the compact space work efficiently for daily use. The separate shower compartment is particularly valuable for family use, allowing the toilet and sink to remain accessible while someone is showering.
Apache 700 Control Systems
For off-grid adventures, you’ll have comprehensive control systems for managing heating, water, and electrical requirements. The centrally located control panel provides easy access to all essential functions, allowing you to monitor and adjust systems as needed.
The motorhome comes equipped with a TV bracket and electrical connections in both the front and rear lounges, with a drop-down TV above the cab area, ensuring entertainment options regardless of which living space you’re using.
Clever Storage Including Rear Garage
Your gear can be stored in multiple locations throughout the vehicle. Overhead lockers provide accessible storage for frequently used items, while under-seat compartments offer space for bulkier possessions. The wardrobe next to the habitation door gives you hanging space for clothes.
Perhaps most valuable is the garage space beneath the rear lounge, providing substantial storage for outdoor equipment, sports gear, or folding furniture, items that would otherwise be difficult to accommodate inside the living space.
Perfect For Growing Families
If you’re planning family holidays, this six-berth layout with four travel seats makes it ideal for parents with children or grandchildren. The two separate lounge areas allow for different activities simultaneously, perhaps adults relaxing in one area while children play games in another.
For couples who occasionally travel with guests, you’ll appreciate the spaciousness when travelling alone and the flexibility to accommodate visitors when needed. The U-shaped rear lounge provides a particularly sociable space for entertaining friends at your destination.
Weekend adventurers will find the quick set-up beneficial, with no need for complicated bed-making procedures if using the permanent overcab sleeping area. Meanwhile, longer-term travellers will value the comprehensive facilities that make extended stays comfortable.
Similar Family Motorhomes Worth Considering
- Auto-Trail Tracker: If you find the Apache 700’s 7.5-metre length challenging, you might prefer the more compact Tracker models which offer similar quality in a shorter body length, such as Auto-Trail Tracker SE: Best Compact Family Motorhome? or Auto-Trail Tracker RS: Short Family Motorhome Guide.
- Auto-Trail Chieftain: For those wanting even more space and luxury, the Chieftain range offers larger dimensions and often more premium finishes, such as Auto-Trail Chieftain SE: Large Family Motorhome Review.
- Newer Apache models (2015+): Later versions feature updated interiors and sometimes improved mechanical components, though at a significantly higher price point.
Apache 700 Value in Today’s Market
The 2011 Auto-Trail Apache 700 represents excellent value for families or groups needing a spacious, well-equipped motorhome without the premium price tag of newer models. You’ll benefit from its practical six-berth layout, comprehensive kitchen facilities, and separate shower arrangement.
The 130bhp engine provides adequate power for most journeys, though you should consider whether the 4,250kg gross weight works with your driving licence requirements. The 730kg payload offers generous capacity for your belongings, making this suitable for longer trips where you need to bring more supplies.
When viewing potential purchases, pay particular attention to the condition of the habitation area, checking for any signs of water ingress around windows or roof lights. The Fiat Ducato base vehicle is generally reliable, but service history is worth examining to ensure proper maintenance has been carried out.
For families seeking a balance of space, practicality and value, the Apache 700 remains a compelling option in the used motorhome market.
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