When you’re hunting for a proper family motorhome that won’t require a second mortgage, the 2008 Roller Team Auto Roller 600 presents an intriguing proposition. This Italian-built six-berth sits in that sweet spot where affordability meets practicality, though like any motorhome from this era, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting into.
At 7.24 metres long, this isn’t a motorhome you’ll squeeze into every car park, but it’s not unwieldy either. The rear twin-axle Ford Transit chassis provides a solid foundation, whilst the 2.4 TDCi engine with its 6-speed manual gearbox should deliver reasonable performance for a vehicle of this size. With only 15,070 miles on this particular example, you’d be looking at a motorhome that’s barely been run in by continental standards.
The Auto Roller 600’s appeal lies in its straightforward approach to family motorhoming – six proper seats with seatbelts, sleeping for six, and enough storage to keep everyone’s gear organised. It’s not trying to be revolutionary; it’s simply attempting to do the basics well at a price that won’t terrify your bank manager.
Size and Practicality of the Auto Roller 600
Living with a 7.24-metre motorhome means accepting certain compromises in exchange for the space it provides. You’ll find yourself planning routes more carefully, avoiding narrow country lanes, and potentially paying higher ferry fares. However, the twin-axle setup should provide better stability when you’re parked up, particularly important when you’ve got children moving about inside.
The maximum weight of 3,850kg when uprated gives you reasonable payload capacity; 895kg once upgraded from the factory 540kg. For a six-berth motorhome, this upgraded payload becomes almost essential if you’re planning anything more than weekend breaks. Six people’s clothing, food, and holiday paraphernalia adds up quickly, and you’d likely find the standard payload restrictive for longer tours.
That rear storage locker with dual hatches becomes crucial with this much accommodation aboard. At 215cm x 132cm, it’s generous enough for outdoor furniture, awnings, and the inevitable collection of “just in case” items that accumulate in family motorhomes.
Driving the Auto Roller 600
Behind the wheel, the 2.4 TDCi engine produces between 109-130 horsepower depending on the specific variant, with 206 lb/ft of torque available. For a motorhome weighing nearly four tonnes when loaded, this isn’t going to set any speed records, but it should provide adequate performance for touring. The six-speed manual gearbox helps extract the most from the available power, though you’ll need to plan overtaking manoeuvres carefully.
Fuel efficiency of 24-28 mpg represents reasonable economy for a vehicle of this size and weight. On a tour of Scotland’s North Coast 500, you’d be looking at fuel costs that won’t completely devastate your holiday budget, though they’ll certainly be noticeable compared to car touring.
The cab air conditioning, cruise control, electric mirrors, and electric windows suggest this Auto Roller 600 was reasonably well-specified when new. The reversing camera becomes particularly valuable when you’re manoeuvring nearly 7.25 metres of motorhome in unfamiliar locations.
Living Space in the Auto Roller 600
The U-shaped rear lounge forms the social heart of the Auto Roller 600, providing comfortable seating for the family whilst travelling or relaxing at your destination. The table can be adjusted or removed entirely, giving flexibility in how you use the space. Storage cupboards above the lounge help keep the living area tidy, essential when six people are sharing the space.
Forward-facing and rear-facing seats with proper seatbelts mean everyone travels safely and legally. This becomes increasingly important as regulations tighten around motorhome passenger safety. The TV compartment suggests entertainment was considered, though you’d want to verify what equipment, if any, remains with the motorhome.
The wardrobe and additional cupboard storage help manage the clothing requirements of a larger group, though you’d still need to pack strategically for longer trips. Six people generate a lot of washing, and storage space, however generous, has its limits.
Auto Roller 600 Sleeping Arrangements
Sleeping six people requires creative use of space, and the Auto Roller 600 tackles this with a large dual bed above the cab accessed by steps. This overcab bed typically accommodates two adults or could work well for children who’d enjoy the adventure of sleeping “upstairs.”
The rear lounge converts to provide additional sleeping space, though the exact configuration would need verification. Converting lounges to beds each evening and back to seating each morning becomes part of the routine in motorhomes like this; manageable for short breaks but potentially tiresome on extended tours.
You’d want to consider carefully who sleeps where, particularly if travelling with teenagers who value their privacy. The reality of six people sharing sleeping space in a motorhome requires good humour and realistic expectations from everyone involved.
Cooking in the Auto Roller 600
The kitchen features sink, grill, hobs, and cupboards in what appears to be a galley-style layout. The presence of a microwave (though this conflicts with some research suggesting earlier models lacked this feature) would add convenience for quick meal preparation. The full-length fridge provides essential cold storage for a group this size.
Cooking for six people in a motorhome kitchen requires organisation and patience. You’d likely find yourself relying heavily on one-pot meals and simple preparations. The grill and hobs should handle basic cooking tasks, though you might miss a proper oven for more ambitious meal preparation.
Storage in the kitchen cupboards becomes critical when catering for six people. You’d need to plan meals carefully and shop frequently rather than attempting to stock up for extended periods.
The Auto Roller 600 Bathroom
The bathroom features a separate shower compartment, a significant advantage over combined shower/toilet arrangements. This separation allows one person to shower whilst another uses the toilet area, improving efficiency when six people need to get ready.
The marine-style shower grid, skylight, and opening window suggest reasonable attention to ventilation and drainage, crucial in any motorhome bathroom but particularly important when serving six users. The toilet and sink with cupboard above provide basic washing and storage facilities.
However, you’d need to manage expectations about bathroom time when six people are sharing these compact facilities. Morning routines require military-style coordination, and the hot water capacity would limit lengthy showers.
Auto Roller 600 Systems and Equipment
The control panel above the door provides monitoring for the motorhome’s various systems, though you’d want to verify what equipment is actually fitted. Water capacity, battery condition, and waste levels become more critical when supporting six people.
The roof rack and ladder suggest this Auto Roller 600 was set up for active use, whilst the bike rack indicates outdoor pursuits were considered. The Fiamma F45 awning provides valuable additional living space, almost essential when six people need somewhere to escape the confines of the motorhome.
The awning light and flyscreen door add practical touches for extended stays. You’d find the extra covered area invaluable for outdoor dining or simply spreading out when the weather permits.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
The Roller Team Auto Roller 695 Family Review: Updated Italian Engineering with Modern Six-Berth Family Layout offers a newer take on the six-berth family concept with potentially updated layouts and equipment. If you’re considering the Auto Roller range, comparing different models helps identify the best fit for your needs.
The Ci Carioca 5 Review: Italian Budget-Friendly 6-Berth with Flexible Sleeping and Kitchen Arrangements provides an alternative approach to family motorhoming, potentially with different sleeping arrangements or kitchen layouts that might suit your group better.
For those considering slightly smaller options, the Elddis Autoquest 175 Review: British-Built Compact 2-Berth with Award-Winning Value and Full-Width Washroom represents British build quality in a more compact package, though with reduced accommodation.
Final Thoughts
The 2008 Roller Team Auto Roller 600 represents honest family motorhoming without pretensions. It’s not the most sophisticated motorhome you’ll encounter, nor the most luxurious, but it appears to tackle the challenge of accommodating six people with straightforward practicality.
The low mileage of 15,070 suggests this particular example has been lightly used, potentially indicating careful ownership. However, you’d want thorough inspection of all systems, particularly given the motorhome’s age and the complexity of managing six-berth accommodation.
This Auto Roller 600 would suit families who understand that motorhoming with six people requires compromise, organisation, and realistic expectations. If you’re prepared for the logistics of group travel and attracted by the potential savings compared to hotel accommodation for six, it deserves serious consideration. Just ensure you’ve experienced motorhome life before committing to something this size; six people in a confined space can test even the strongest family relationships.
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