Retailers Marquis and converters Auto-Sleepers were both members of the Italian SEA Group when these motorcaravans were launched; today both are part of the European Trigano empire. Marquis had for many years offered ‘dealer specials’ (standard production models with enhanced specification), but the Mercedes County range was something quite different, specifically built for Marquis and only available from their branches.
Baby of the County range was the 5.94m (19’ 6”) Devon, a low-profile motorhome with a forward lounge ahead of an offside rear-corner washroom and rear kitchen. The only sleeping option was in a transverse double bed converted from the lounge settees. Standard engine was a 109bhp turbodiesel, with upgrades available.
Next was a brace of 6.45m (21’ 2”) over-cab coachbuilts. Surrey arrived with a forward lounge, Suffolk featured a rear U-shaped lounge. Motive power was provided by a 129bhp engine.Both could sleep four, but only had two travel seats.
Final launch model was the 7.29m (23’ 11”) over-cab Berkshire. Basically, it was a stretched Suffolk, in which the extra internal space facilitated longer settees in the lounge, adding the option of sleeping in two easy-access longitudinal single beds to the default ‘all-over’ double bed.
Both Surrey and Berkshire have an MTPLM of 3880kg, thus drivers will require group C1 on their licence. As you’d expect from one of the best motorhome manufacturers, all models arrived with driver-assist systems fitted as standard, plus an extra-cost Anniversary Pack (celebrating Marquis’s 35th birthday) added an automatic gearbox, alloy wheels, cruise control and cab air conditioning.
For 2010, all variants were fitted with a 163bhp engine to Euro 5 emissions standard. The range expanded with the arrival of Northants, Hampshire and Gloucester. Over-cab Northants, 6.45m (21’ 2”), was basically an extended Devon, and once again the extra length was used in extending the settees in the lounge and offering the option of single beds.
Hampshire and Gloucester were the same length as the Berkshire. Hampshire boasted a rear lounge, only this time with a chest of drawers centrally placed along the back wall.
Gloucester’s USP was a permanent nearside rear-corner double bed, with a washroom alongside. Although both were low-profiles, a Luton overcab including an additional transverse double bed was a cost option.
The next major changes were for the 2013 model year. New exterior panels and mouldings, plus the interior received a major make-over with different furniture, fabrics, and significant specification upgrades.
No doubt encouraged by the County range’s strong sales, Auto-Sleepers decided to offer a parallel range of Mercs to all their retailers, and also some new layouts.
The ‘interlopers’ were named after settlements near the factory – the equivalent Marquis County models are noted below. For a while, both ranges were offered, but almost inevitably, the County variants were quietly shelved.
Stanton/Devon and Bourton/Northants were established forward- lounge models. Newbies 7.29m (23’ 11”) Winchcombe/Worcester also featured a forward lounge, but crucially added a much bigger kitchen, plus a full-width rear comfort station/ changing area.
The final forward-lounge additions to the line-up stretched the tape to 7.88m (25’ 10”) and were monikered Burford/ Wiltshire. Their USP was a permanent low-level double bed against the nearside wall, immediately ahead of the full-width comfort station and changing area at the far rear.
Those with the suffix ‘Duo’ swapped the double bed for two easy-access longitudinal single beds. Bedrooms in all models were divided from the main salon. Euro 6 engines followed, and most of these motorhome layouts are still in production.
What to look out for
If you’re considering a used Auto Sleeper, there are some things to keep an eye out for when viewing. Generally, Sprinters are very reliable workhorses, which is why so many parcel delivery companies use them. That said, they are not perfect and infrequent use can cause problems with the EGR and DPF systems. Typical symptoms include reluctant starting and uneven idling. Make sure that all engine warning lights extinguish after start-up. A full service history based on time intervals, not mileage, is advised. Finally, check the motorhome tyres, likely to be too old rather than worn.
Conversion
This should be fault-free, but still check operation of all blinds/flyscreens and fitted white goods. A recent report showing internal moisture levels needs to be studied carefully. This should have been part of the yearly habitation check. In addition, remember to check the interior around windows and in storage areas for any staining and/or a musty smell. Finally – and sometimes overlooked – check that there are enough travel seats for all, as some four-berth models only have two travel seats.
Our pick
As is often the case when choosing the best used motorhomes, the variety of lengths and layouts make it hard to pick a clear winner. A used Auto-Sleeper is a good options, especially since the Burford Duo’s layout is still very popular. Stanton/ Devon and Bourton/Northants are the only options for those without Group C1 on their driving licence. Personal favourite is the Winchcombe.
What to pay
Occasional early models from £35,000; most £40,000+. Motorhome & Caravan Depot, in Ashfield, has a 2012 Bourton automatic (26,650 miles) for £39,999. Equivalent new today: £110,930. Motor- lands (Lancs) has an automatic 2013 Burford Duo (20,500 miles) for £44,495. Equivalent new today: £119,200.
Or you could try…
Older A-S coachbuilt on Sprinter & VW LT: Medallion. 2008-present: Nuevo/Broadway/Corinium on Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato. For those on the hunt for a present day Mercedes-Sprinter based ‘van from the manufacturer, the Auto-Sleeper M-Star could be worth a look: the luxurious two-berth campervan is also based on a Mercedes Sprinter and offers a chic interior, ultra-modern tech and plenty of storage.
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