Mabel – 6 Berth Mercedes Auto-Trail

Thank you for checking out ‘Mabel the Mercedes’.

Very spacious, comfortable and versatile, she is equally happy taking 2 to Turin, 4 to a Festival or 6 to the Seaside and has belts to keep everyone safe (4 x 3-point forward facing inertia seat belts and 2 x rear facing lap belts).

Mabel is no ‘spring chicken’ but being a Mercedes, has weathered well and has been very well looked after. She can pick up her heels when needed, so no need to worry about being a nuisance to other travellers on the motorway, or having to unload children or equipment once you reach Snowdonia or The Alps! We wish to keep her in her current condition. Therefore, we do not allow smoking, pets or muddy feet inside. That way, others as well as ourselves, will have the same restful and homely place to relax in for many more years to come.

Fully equipped describes her best, with most probably, everything you need, for a great break away, 'on' or 'off-grid'.

They say pictures say a thousand words but he is a quick rundown from front to back:-

Upfront, air-sprung Captain’s chairs, which coupled with power steering, automatic gearbox (manual,semi-automatic override), a powerful, yet economical turbo diesel engine, upgraded stereo with reverse camera, makes for effortless touring, be that cross-county or cross-country.

Above the seats, accessed via ladder is a double bed, with it’s own windows for ventilation, reading lights etc. I sleep here when on my own at race meetings, so that I do not have to alter the seating arrangements and we use it for the storage of bedding, whilst on the move when more bodies on board.

Next the kitchen and dining area. A table with two bench seats, comfortably seating four, which converts to another double bed if and when required. Opposite is a sink with drainer, beneath a fridge with small freezer box and above a microwave. Along-side a cooker, with oven, grill, hob and extractor above. There is ample storage and equipment which includes; utensils, pots, pans and bowls, crockery and cutlery, mugs and glasses. There are also plenty of lighting options, to ensure the right environment, be it cooking, reading or eating and there is a separate electric roof mounted heater / cooler.
Above the entrance door is the control panel for the camper’s heating and hot water systems, for checking battery condition, fresh and waste water levels etc.

Personal hygiene, if not using on-site facilities are adequately taken care of via the small en-suite. Consisting of a hand basin, wc and ‘douch’ type shower, it is cozy warm when the heating is on and has an extractor fan to ensure the camper stays fresh and dry.

Finally inside, the rear lounge area. Here, there is ‘booth’ type seating which converts easily into a very large double bed. It could sleep 2 adults and two small children that’s how large, with storage running all around the walls, incorporating the all-important drinks cabinet. There is a TV/DVD which can be swivelled for watching the News whilst prepping the evening meal. USB’s for the obligatory mobile device charging and again a choice of lighting. Turn on and dim the mood lighting, turn up the 3D surround sound and settle back with some popcorn, watching your favourte film with your beverage of choice. Sorry for the indulgence but that is how we often spend the end of our days away!

Outside, beside the electrically operated step to get into and out, there is a wind-out Fiamma F45s Awning measuring 4m x 2.5m. This, needs to be strapped down properly but gives additional space if needed and protection should the weather take a turn for the worse. Provides the perfect place for alfresco dining, with shelter from the sun.

Should you wish, we have a full Safari Room (available separately by request) to provide a fully enclosed area for eating, sleeping or entertaining.

As already mentioned Mable is ‘Off-Grid’ friendly, a solar panel, keeps the leisure battery topped up and all amenities including the heating and hot water run off Gas, 12v or 240v. The latter would be via a ‘hook-up’ at a campsite or a generator if not. We have a petrol generator (available separately and by request). This means even a hot shower is available, no matter where you are. There is even an external shower outlet, should you be the outdoor type, returning from a days surfing in Cornwall or white water rafting in North Wales etc.

If you are parking up on a site, you will no doubt ‘hook-up’ and a cable is provided with various attachments which will allow connection in most places and countries.

The water tank will need to be filled every few days depending on your usage and a hose pipe with push fit connector is provided for this. We suggest for ease, you book a pitch which is fully serviced, especially if you intend to erect the ‘Safari Room’.

Two bottles of Gas are on board, accessed externally via a hatch, opened only from inside and gas ‘used’ will be charged for. Bottles cost approximately £39 each to replace and you will need gas, if not ‘hooked-up’ to 240v, to run the fridge, oven, grill, hob and BBQ as well as the hot air heating.
(The fridge can run on 12v but suggest only when on the move or for short periods as leisure battery soon runs down when under heavy load and not being recharged by the vehicle alternator!)

Remember it is a motorhome, so you need to be gentle, things are delicate to make them light and thus not overly strong! All we ask, is that our motorhome is at all times, treated with respect and that you return her to us with all tanks empty, the toilet cassette washed out and fuel (diesel) at the same level as when you picked her up.

Some other bits and bobs for clarity:-

Any parking or speeding fines, toll or congestion charges etc. are the responsibility of the hirer and will be re-charged, post-hire should any arise.

A small cleaning fee is added to the cost of each hire, to enable quick turn arounds and a later return time. Please note though, if as is often the case, Mabel is not returned in a condition we are happy for her to go out again, we reserve the right to charge additional cleaning fees to speed up the 'getting her
ready' process. Only fair I am sure you will agree.

We can provide linen, pillows duvets etc should you require, just ask and we will provide further details. However, feel free to use your own but please use the mattress toppers on board, these will make things extra snug and comfortable!

Damage and missing inventory will be charged for as necessary, in order to return Mabel to the condition she was when driven away. However, we understand accidents can and will happen, to you as they do to us. Please tell us of ‘stuff’ we will be as fair and reasonable with you as we hope you are when using our camper.

Fear not though, on collection you will receive a full handover, so that you can make the most of your trip and avoid any potential disappointment. Therefore, please give yourselves enough time, so as not to be in a rush. Remember, it is highly recommended that all travelling adults receive handover information. Trust us it is best that way. First, one person will find it hard to remember everything. Second, it will speed up ‘setting up’ and getting to your first beverage. Third and finally, the grown-ups will learn how not to break certain things.

All vehicle information e.g. height, width and length, along with recommended tyre pressures etc are in the glovebox.

Now a word on insurance, which is included in the hire charge. It is comprehensive and covers most but not all drivers. You will need to provide information to enable insurance approval before the hire is authorised and this will be requested later in the booking process.

Are you planning to come and collect by car? If so, we do have space on our gated driveway with 24hr cctv, where you can leave it for free. However, bear in mind this is for your convenience and would be completely at your own risk.

Worried about driving Mabel, talk to us. We love road trips, perhaps we could deliver her for you. Can't promise but if you don't ask, you'll never know!

If we can help is anyway please contact us, we will be happy to assist in whatever way we can.

Looking forward to hearing from you and no matter what camper you choose, have a great time, we always do, just wish we could go exploring more often.