What sets the 2005 Tribute apart is its thoughtful use of space. You’re not getting a palace on wheels, but you are getting a genuinely practical touring companion that two people could live with comfortably for extended periods.
Size and Practicality of the Trigano Tribute
At 5.6 metres long and 2.19 metres wide, the Tribute sits firmly in the compact motorhome category. You’d find parking in most standard spaces manageable, though you’ll still need to think twice about that multi-storey in Bath. The 2.65-metre height means most car parks are accessible, but you’d want to check those pesky 2.4-metre barriers that seem to lurk everywhere these days.
Inside, you’re working with 1.95 metres of headroom, perfectly adequate for most people, though anyone over six feet might find themselves developing a permanent stoop. The interior width gives you enough space to move around without constantly bumping elbows, but this isn’t a motorhome for those who need acres of living space.
The 712kg payload is respectable for a ‘van this size, giving you reasonable scope for personal belongings, food, and water without constantly worrying about weight limits. You’d need to be sensible about what you pack, but two people touring for a fortnight shouldn’t find themselves making difficult choices about essentials.
Driving the 2005 Tribute
Behind the wheel, the Tribute’s 2.3-litre JTD engine provides adequate rather than exciting performance. With 110 bhp and 235 Nm of torque, you’d find motorway cruising comfortable enough, though overtaking might require some forward planning. The five-speed manual gearbox gives you proper control over the engine, which you’d appreciate on those steep Welsh passes.
Fuel economy of 28-32 mpg is competitive for a motorhome of this era and size. You’d likely see the higher end of that range on steady A-road touring, dropping towards 28 mpg if you’re tackling lots of hills or doing frequent stop-start touring around busy areas.
The cab feels typically European, functional rather than luxurious. You get electric mirrors and windows, which saves the daily faff of manual adjustments. The driving position should suit most people, though the seats might not offer the long-distance comfort of more expensive alternatives.
Living Space in the Trigano Tribute
Step inside the Tribute and you’re greeted by a U-shaped lounge that makes clever use of the available space. The swivelling captain’s chairs from the cab integrate into the seating area, giving you four proper seats around the removable table. This arrangement works well for evening meals or rainy day card games.
Storage is thoughtfully distributed throughout the interior. You’d find overhead lockers above the cab area, plus under-seat storage that’s actually accessible without major furniture rearrangement. The rear bench seat lifts to reveal a surprisingly generous storage area; perfect for bulky items like bedding or outdoor gear.
The interior feels light and airy thanks to decent window placement, though you might find it a bit basic compared to more modern motorhomes. The colour scheme is inoffensive beige and brown – very much of its era, but not unpleasantly dated.
Tribute Sleeping Arrangements
The Tribute’s bed configuration is one of its stronger points. The rear U-shaped lounge converts into a proper double bed, and unlike some compact motorhomes, you’re not dealing with awkward cushion arrangements or uncomfortable gaps. The conversion process is straightforward enough for daily use, though you’d probably want to establish a routine for who does what.
Bed dimensions are adequate for two people who don’t mind sleeping close together. You’re not getting hotel-sized luxury, but most couples would find the sleeping arrangements perfectly acceptable for touring holidays. The removable table stores neatly under the bench when converted to bed mode.
If you’re touring with children occasionally, the cab area could potentially accommodate a small person, though this isn’t really designed as a family motorhome. The Tribute works best as a couples’ tourer where the bed conversion happens nightly.
Kitchen Space in the Tribute
The kitchen runs along one side of the interior and packs impressive functionality into a compact space. You get a four-burner SMEV hob with grill; more cooking power than many larger motorhomes provide. The 77-litre Dometic three-way fridge offers decent storage for a week’s touring, with a small freezer compartment for essentials.
The stainless steel sink is a practical size, though you’d need to be organised about washing up to avoid clutter building up. Worktop space is limited, as you’d expect in a compact motorhome, but there’s enough for basic food preparation if you’re sensible about clearing as you go.
Storage around the kitchen includes overhead lockers and some drawer space, though you’d need to pack thoughtfully rather than simply throwing everything in. The kitchen works well for couples who enjoy cooking but don’t need restaurant-standard preparation areas.
Bathroom in the Tribute
The bathroom occupies the rear corner and manages to squeeze in all the essentials without feeling claustrophobic. You get a Thetford C-200 cassette toilet, corner sink, and foldaway shower, everything you need for comfortable touring.
The shower arrangement is typical of compact motorhomes, functional rather than luxurious. You’d find it perfectly adequate for daily use, though anyone used to power showers might find the experience a bit gentle. The foldaway design means you can use the space for other purposes when not showering.
Water heating comes from a Truma Ultrastore 10-litre system, which provides enough hot water for basic washing and showering, though you’d need to be mindful of usage if both occupants want hot showers in quick succession.
Tribute Water and Power Systems
The Tribute carries 80 litres of fresh water and 70 litres of waste water; reasonable capacities for a motorhome this size. You’d get several days of normal use between fill-ups, making it suitable for sites without full hook-ups or occasional wild camping where permitted.
The Sargent EC325 control panel above the cab gives you monitoring of water levels, battery condition, and other essential systems. It’s a straightforward system that tells you what you need to know without unnecessary complexity.
Gas storage and electrical systems are adequate for the motorhome’s size and intended use. You’d find the setup perfectly suitable for typical UK touring, though extended off-grid camping might require careful resource management.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Tribute has caught your interest, you might also want to look at the Trigano Tribute 550 Review: Compact Ducato with Clever Storage, which offers a similar layout philosophy in a slightly different package.
The Auto-Trail Tribute F62 Review: Versatile Transit-Based Motorhome provides an interesting alternative with Auto Trail’s take on compact motorhoming, potentially offering different build quality and specification levels.
For those wanting more space, the Auto-Trail Tribute T 680 Review: Bigger Family-Friendly Tribute extends the concept into a larger format, though you’d sacrifice some of the manoeuvrability that makes the standard Tribute appealing.
Final Thoughts
The 2005 Trigano Tribute represents honest, unpretentious motorhoming for couples who prioritise practicality over luxury. You’re getting a genuinely useable touring companion that won’t intimidate nervous drivers or dominate your storage space at home.
This isn’t a motorhome for those who want cutting-edge features or spacious living areas. What you get instead is a well-thought-out compact tourer that does the basics well. The bed arrangement works properly, the kitchen has genuine cooking capability, and the bathroom provides everything you actually need.
At nearly two decades old, any Tribute you find will need careful inspection for signs of wear, particularly around seals, electrics, and the habitation area. But if you find a well-maintained example, you’d have a capable touring companion that could provide years of reliable service without breaking the bank.
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