When you’re looking for a family-friendly motorhome that balances comfort with practicality, the Roller Team Auto-Roller 695 Family deserves your attention. Built on the reliable Ford Transit chassis, this four-berth motorhome offers a thoughtful layout that works well for couples or small families.
Auto-Roller 695 Size and 3.5-Tonne Benefits
At just under 7 metres in length, the Auto-Roller 695 strikes a good balance between internal space and external manoeuvrability. You’ll find it easier to navigate than larger motorhomes, particularly in towns or when accessing smaller campsites.
The 3.5-tonne gross weight is a significant advantage if you’re concerned about licence restrictions. With a payload of 660kg, you’ll have reasonable capacity for passengers, luggage, and supplies (though you’ll still need to pack thoughtfully for longer trips).
Key Specifications:
- 3.5 tonne chassis (standard car licence compatible)
- 660kg payload capacity
- 100L fresh water tank
- 90L waste water tank
Ford Transit Performance and Features
You’ll be driving the Ford Transit 2.2TDCI with 125bhp, which provides adequate power for most touring situations. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers good flexibility whether you’re cruising on motorways or tackling country roads.
The cab comes well-equipped with features that make longer journeys more comfortable. You’ll benefit from:
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Cruise control for relaxed motorway driving
- Air conditioning to keep you comfortable in warmer weather
- Radio CD player for entertainment on the move
The addition of a reversing camera makes parking significantly easier, especially given the vehicle’s length and limited rear visibility.
Front Lounge with Convertible Bed
The front lounge area provides a sociable space with a single bench seat and two forward-facing seats with seatbelts. This arrangement gives you flexibility for both travelling and relaxing.
When evening comes, this area converts into a double bed, providing the second sleeping area for your family or guests. Storage lockers above the cab and small pockets provide places for your essentials, though space is somewhat limited compared to larger models. The control panel is conveniently located by the habitation door, giving you easy access to monitor and control the motorhome’s systems.
Why The Island Bed Makes All The Difference
You’ll find the fixed island bed at the rear to be a real highlight of this motorhome. The permanent sleeping arrangement means no daily conversion, and the island configuration allows easier access from both sides.
Storage is well-considered around the bed area, with cupboards above and substantial storage space underneath. The bed lifts on gas struts to reveal a generous storage area that’s also accessible from outside, perfect for bulkier items. There’s also a mirror and additional cupboard storage at the rear, making this area feel like a proper bedroom rather than just a sleeping space.
Central Kitchen Layout and Storage
The kitchen is centrally positioned and offers a practical cooking space with:
- Combined oven and grill
- Sink with mixer tap
- 100-litre fridge (compact but adequate for short trips)
- Storage cupboards above
While not the largest kitchen you’ll find in a motorhome, it provides the essentials for preparing meals on tour. The work surface is somewhat limited, so you’ll need to be organised when cooking more elaborate meals.
Separate Shower Bathroom Design
The bathroom is located in the middle of the vehicle and includes all the essentials:
- Toilet
- Sink
- Separate shower
The shower space is somewhat cramped, which is a common compromise in motorhomes of this size. However, having a separate shower rather than a wet room is a definite advantage for family use.
Solar Power and Water Systems
You’ll benefit from a solar panel on the roof, which helps maintain battery charge when you’re away from hook-up. This is particularly valuable for wild camping or stays at sites with limited facilities. The control panel allows you to monitor water levels, battery status, and other essential systems. With 100 litres of fresh water and 90 litres of waste water capacity, you can enjoy reasonable autonomy between fill-ups and emptying.
Smart Storage Throughout The 695
Storage has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the Auto-Roller 695:
- Under-bed storage with external access
- Overhead lockers in the lounge and bedroom areas
- Wardrobe and cupboard space in the bedroom
- Kitchen cupboards for food and equipment
The exterior features include a Thule Omnistore awning, providing sheltered outdoor space, and a bike rack on the rear for transporting cycles.
Is The Auto-Roller 695 Right For Your Family?
The Auto-Roller 695 Family is particularly well-suited to:
- Couples who want the luxury of a fixed bed but occasionally travel with guests
- Small families with one or two children
- Those who want to tour without needing an additional licence
- People who prefer shorter-term trips (the 100L fridge and modest water tanks suggest this isn’t designed for extended off-grid living)
The additional security features on the habitation door provide peace of mind when staying at various locations.
Similar Island Bed Alternatives
If you’re looking at the Auto-Roller 695 Family, you might also want to consider:
Roller Team Auto-Roller 707: Large Family Motorhome Review – offers more berths (6-7) but exceeds 7 metres in length.
Roller Team Auto-Roller 746: Innovative Hi-Line Motorhome Review – features a hi-line design with drop-down bed and larger garage.
Pilote Pacific 696D – similar layout but typically at a higher price point.
Final Thoughts On This Ford-Based Family Tourer
The Roller Team Auto-Roller 695 Family offers a practical compromise between space and manoeuvrability. You’ll appreciate the fixed island bed, which provides proper bedroom comfort without the size penalties of larger motorhomes. For couples who occasionally travel with family or friends, or small families looking for a manageable motorhome, the 695 represents good value. The Ford Transit base vehicle provides reliable performance, while the 3.5-tonne weight limit keeps it accessible to most drivers.
The combination of solar panel, reversing camera, and Thule awning adds practical value to your touring experience. While the bathroom and kitchen spaces reflect the inevitable compromises of a mid-sized motorhome, they provide all the essentials for comfortable touring holidays.
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