Deutschland’s Dethleffs deservedly enjoys an enthusiastic following in the UK. ‘Here’ they are best known for their overcab and A-class motorhomes, although they began by making trailer caravans… 93 years ago!
Arist Dethleffs built his first caravan to enable his family to accompany him on business trips and satisfy his life philosophy of ‘Not without my family’.
That guiding principle still applies today; it was followed by the designers of the six-berth Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL, a ‘van which could be an attractive prospect if you’re thinking of buying a used motorhome.
Equally important were that the overcab leviathan should have not only a large garage, but one with serious load-lugging capability, plus the ability to tow heavy trailers. The Iveco Daily, with its well-engineered six-ton ladder-rack chassis, twin rear-wheel drive and bomb-proof engines, was a natural choice for the underpinnings.
The Daily has been in production for over 46 years, making our use of the term ‘well-proven’ unnecessary, although entirely appropriate.
Globetrotter XXL was unveiled for the 2004 model year. It was an aluminium-clad overcab coachbuilt built up to a high specification, not down to a price. It stretched the tape to 8.46m (27’ 9”).
If a great spec is an important requirement for you when choosing the best secondhand motorhome, the Globetrotter XXL came with a comprehensive inventory. This included Alde domestic-style radiator central heating with a heated towel rail, generous water storage, plus space for two 11kg LPG cylinders.
XXL is an unusual Luton coachbuilt because the original cab roof is not cut away. This facilitates a huge ‘always available’ Luton double bed and the ability to isolate the cab via a solid ‘partition’ sliding door.
The forward lounge in the XXL consists of a (UK) nearside double Pullman dinette, opposite which is an inward-facing settee.
The aisle-gap between the rearward-facing dinette seat and the settee can be bridged with the supplied infill base and cushions, to create an L-shaped six-seat ‘corner’ settee.
Centrally located and behind the lounge-diner is the kitchen. It is ahead of a full-width washroom/changing area housing a separate walk-in shower compartment.
Finally, the far rear is home to a high-level transverse double bed above a capacious full-width garage, always useful to have when kitting out a motorhome.
First purchasers had a choice of at least two wood finishes to the cabinetwork, options for door and drawer-front infill panels, and a selection of 11 soft furnishing fabrics.
2006 brought the inclusion as standard (previously a cost-option) of ‘coach-driver style’ hydraulically sprung captain’s cab pews, complete with (almost) infinite adjustment possibilities, including squab length, position and pressure of lumbar support and vertical pitch dampening – ideal for getting comfortable when driving the motorhome.
In addition, two new models were introduced, plus the original vehicle gained both length and the A-9800 model identifier.
At the same length – but offering twin longitudinal single beds at the far rear – was the A-9000. The full-width washroom was a fatality of the extra length required in the bedroom.
It became a linear one on the offside, and the wardrobe migrated to the nearside, between the kitchen and the bedroom.
The shorter A-8000 had a similar permanent high-level transverse double bed to the A-9800, but with the washroom and wardrobe in the same locations as the A-9000.
An automated manual gearbox offering a two-pedal drive was available from 2008. Named ‘Agile’, it was anything but!
Later, after urgent software updates, it was cured of its tendency to lose drive to the wheels, but was never as well-received as the Fiat ComfortMatic.
Dethleffs introduced the upgraded Series 2 examples in 2010. Included was the option of twin inward-facing settees in the lounge.
What to look out for in a Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL
Base vehicle
It is not unusual for Iveco Daily delivery vans to have covered well over a quarter of a million miles on the original engine.
Thus, most powering motorhomes are likely to have been under-used rather than over-used, and therefore it is important that oil changes have been undertaken at the correct time intervals, not on mileage covered.
Agile automated transmission is, in my opinion, still suffering reputationally from being launched without sufficient real-world testing.
That said, owners report that after the recall software upgrades, it has been fine, especially when (automatic) upward gear shifts are anticipated and the right foot is lifted slightly to smooth the change.
If considering buying one with automated transmission, take it for a meaningful test drive and make up your own mind. Note that if you’re wondering what motorhome driving licence will be needed, a Group C1 licence is required.
Conversion
XXL is very well put together, but those previously owned by or leased to motorsport teams may have had a hard life, so negotiate accordingly.
As always, look for evidence of a recent full habitation service and safety inspection, plus check carefully for any indications of water ingress, especially around windows, roof-to-wall seams, and in the vicinity of retrofitted accessories.
Budget for replacing the LPG regulator, connecting hose, fire extinguishers and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Those bought in mainland Europe will need the 230V sockets replacing with UK three-pins.
Our pick
The most popular layout offered for sale pre-owned is the A-9800, although the 9000 is our absolute favourite. Buy on condition, rather than age.
How much should I pay for a Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL
They are a niche market product and were relatively expensive when new.
Owners tend to hang on to RHD examples until they are eight to 10 years old, thus they are only recently starting to appear on the UK used market. Motorhome Depot recently offered a 2016 RHD example for £84,999… just sold!
LHD examples can be found easily on French, Belgian and Dutch websites. On these, low mileage 2004/5 ones are advertised from £30,000 (private sales).
New RRP in the UK is £260,000 (RHD, full UK spec to Premier Class, automatic transmission).
Alternatives to consider
Luton overcab Iveco-based coachbuilts: RS Endeavour, Swift Kon-Tiki Dynamic, Autocruise Colt. Globetrotter XXL A-class coachbuilts.
Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL essentials
- Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL on Iveco Daily chassis-cab
- Built 2004–2014 in Isny, Germany
- Overcab coachbuilt
- Overall length: 8.46m/27’ 9” (A-8000) to 8.92m/29’ 3.25” (A-9000/9800-2)
What we like about the Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL
- Rugged bomb-proof underpinnings
- Ability to isolate cab
- Huge garage with high weight limit
- Six sleeping berths
- Twin RWD is perfect for hauling heavy trailers
What we dislike about the Dethleffs Globetrotter XXL
- No models available with permanent island double bed
Make sure you’re aware of the relevant motorhome weights you need to know too – it’s an important part of staying safe and legal on the road.
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