North Lincolnshire manufacturer Auto-Trail has been making motorhomes since 1982. The Sevel-based Scout was first produced around 35 years ago and has been in continuous production ever since.
I’ve previously looked at the 1995-2006 Auto-Trail Scouts, but this time, our featured generations began with the introduction of the (then) all-new Ducato X/250 in 2007. Delaware launched a year later as the first Auto-Trail with a permanent island double bed.
Both were members of the flagship Frontier range. Their overall length of 7.74m (25’ 4.75”) placed them in the middle of the range sizewise.
Standard motive power was the 2.3-litre 130bhp Multijet turbodiesel mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. A 3.0-litre 160bhp (Iveco) engine was a cost option, as was ComfortMatic (automated) transmission.
Scout has a forward seating area immediately behind the driver’s pew. The motorhome’s default layout featured a double Pullman dinette, though an L-shaped seating area was also available. Both had two travel seats as standard; four were available at extra-cost on Pullman derivatives. Opposite the seating area is the linear kitchen.
Scout’s washroom (with walk-in shower cubicle) is centrally located on the offside, opposite the wardrobe.
A palatial triple-aspect U-shaped lounge is at the far rear. This converts into two easy-access longitudinal single beds or a huge ‘all-over’ double.
Delaware also has a forward seating area, though this one consists of two inward-facing settees of different lengths, which combine to make up a transverse (tapering) double bed.
There are no rear travel seats fitted as standard, though two as an offside half-dinette were available as an option for the first purchaser.
If you’re a fan of island bed motorhomes, the range also delivers. A permanent island double bed at the far rear is accompanied by the toilet/basin and shower, in separate compartments. These can be made en-suite to the bedroom. An L-shaped kitchen is opposite the entrance door.
First purchasers were given a choice of overcab mouldings. Hi-Line has an additional fold-away transverse double bed; Lo-Line has less of a hump and replaces the bed with lockers.
Super Lo-Line (2011 onwards) has the shallowest strike angle and features an opening panoramic skylight.
Auto-Trail was the first to offer a dedicated storage compartment for easy retrieval of the spare wheel, and for many years included a gas fire as well as the blown-air motorhome heating.
Cabinetwork features aircraft-style curved high-level locker doors with contrasting finger panels, plus tough scratch-resistant worktops/dumping surfaces. An extra-cost SE pack added cab air-con, a recessed wind-out canopy awning, fold-away television, rear-view camera and an upgraded cab entertainment head-unit.
For a while, a Platinum Pack was available for those desiring a metallic finish to the cab coachwork. More recently, a range of different cab colours has been offered.
Pannier skirt lockers, flush-fit windows and all-LED lighting were added in 2010. A year later both Scout and Delaware grew to 7.90m (25’ 11”) and by 2012 all engines were to Euro 5 emissions standard.
The big change took place for the 2015 model year, with the launch of the X/290. A new ‘face’ and many mechanical upgrades were part of the makeover. Further growth spurts meant that our duo measured 8.05m (26’ 5”) in 2017 and 8.07m (26’ 5.75”) in 2020. The increase in length enabled the launch of the Delaware S, which replaced the default island double bed at the rear with two longitudinal singles. ‘HB’ (higher rear double bed) joined the family in 2019.
Take a look at what I thought of another pre-owned purchase from the manufacturer, the Auto-Trail Grande Frontier – a pre-owned option which makes a great aspirational vehicle.
What to look out for in the Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware
As ever, if you’re buying a used motorhome, there are numerous checks to carry out.
Base vehicle
Generally, very reliable, but look for a full service history and long-dated MoT test certificate. The clutch slave cylinder is inside the gearbox and a changing pedal ‘bite’ point indicates imminent failure. Check the age of the motorhome tyres and for evidence of a recent cambelt change on 2.2/2.3-litre engines. 3.0-litre engines are chain driven, so no worries there!
ComfortMatic gearboxes are not as silky-smooth as the latest torque-converter automatics, but shouldn’t jerk on changing gears.
Cab paintwork can peel on bonnets of early models of this generation. This is an adhesion problem and isn’t usually a result of corrosion.
Conversion
Insist on a recent habitation service and safety check. Budget for replacing the fire extinguisher and smoke alarm. As with any coachbuilt, check carefully for signs of water ingress. Note that not all Delaware models have rear travel seats and that a C1 driving licence entitlement is required for both models of this generation.
My pick
Personally, and because it provides the greatest flexibility regarding seating and berths… Scout. Fans of permanent bed(s) should opt for the Delaware.
Whichever you choose, always buy on condition, rather than age.
The 3.0-litre Iveco 160bhp engine is my favourite out of the many used to power my own motorhomes over the decades.
How much should I pay for a used Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware?
Early examples available from £22,000 private, £30,000 trade. Mint first-generation Scouts (1990-1994) with full MoT are available for around £8000.
Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware essentials
- Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware on Fiat Ducato X/250 and X/290 jBuilt 2007– present in Europarc, North Lincolnshire, UK
- Low profile and Luton overcab coachbuilts
- Overall length: 7.74m/25’ 4.75” (2007) to 8.07m/26’ 5.75” (2020 onwards)
What we like about the Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware
- ‘Frontier’ range high spec
- Choice of overcab and forward seating
- Surefooted
- Generous payloads
What we dislike about the Auto-Trail Scout and Delaware
- Nothing!
Alternatives to consider
Scout and Delaware were also built on Mercedes Sprinter for a while, although these are much rarer than Fiat Ducato-based examples. Auto-Trail Dakota is of similar size but with a rear corner European-style permanent bed. Auto-Trail Cheyenne range.
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