Verdict
Still fancy a Dethleffs? Prepare to battle through its website, huge brochure and technical sheets – but we think it’ll be worth it in the end. This is one of many gems of quality and style to be found in the rather bewildering portfolio of models and spec levels provided by this highly regarded German manufacturer.
Dethleffs is part of the mighty Erwin Hymer Group, and this coachbuilt simply exudes quality and style.
Pros
Attractive ceiling panelling
Opening sunroof in the overcab
Cons
Oven set too low
Wheel arch intrusion in the shower
Thoughts of “Not another low-profile coachbuilt import with a rear island bed!” soon turned to “Well, actually…” when we saw this.
If you think Dethleffs’ Pulse T7051 DBM GT is a bit of a mouthful, I wouldn’t disagree. Rather, I’m siding with editor Sarah, who saw the Pulse line-up of four coachbuilts and six A-classes at launch, describing them as “stunning”.
This is a very extensive portfolio from the marque, but let’s cut to the quick with this model, badged GT for Gran Turismo – signifying a £3000 package of styling features, inside and out.
My viewing took place at Dethleffs’ longest-serving UK dealer, Lowdhams.
The low-profile bodywork gives off 'premium' signals - flush-fitting habitation windows, and opening sunroof in the cab
Living
Facing the entrance is the lounge. Continental in styling, with L-shaped sofa and small inward-facing side seats. The fixed pedestal-leg table has height and fore and aft adjustment.
Overhead, there’s useful open shelving around the overcab, and nifty ceiling panelling in grey to offset the main white colour; while the lounge lockers are double-hinged and have a two-tone finish.
Kitchen
Moving back, it’s the kitchen next, with the main unit on the nearside. The angled worktop means extra space is offered (especially for the locker below, where you’ll find a shelf, and a bin on the back of the door), with the circular sink inset and a triangular three-ring hob to its left, all protected by splash panelling.
Under the hob, there’s a generous cutlery drawer (soft-closing), beneath which is a Thetford Duplex oven/grill combination.
Across the galley, the Dometic fridge-freezer (190 litres) is at a good height, with a locker above that could house a microwave.
Again, the extra details – the shelf on the left and open shelving – make the difference. But are the two mains sockets beyond the sink set a little too low?
Washroom
Beyond the kitchen, you step up to the tambour-doored shower cubicle on your right and toilet room to the left. The former is plastic-lined and has a wooden duckboard. There’s a riser bar for the showerhead, plus two LED downlighters and a short hanging rail.
The toilet is a Thetford swivel-bowl, but again, it’s the fittings alongside that impress. The sink is inset, above which a triple locker includes adjustable shelving. Further storage under the basin includes a toilet roll dispenser. But there’s no window.
This arrangement allows you to create a full-width washroom courtesy of the toilet room door and two sliding panels.
Beds
The bed is manually height adjustable, and – thanks to the shaped wardrobes – wider than most.
Set into the furniture each side are handy cubbyholes, with twin USB output on the offside and a mains socket nearside.
The third sleeping berth, from the lounge seating, is nominal.
Technical Specifications
| Payload | 460 kg |
| MTPLM | 3500 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.41 m |
| Width | 2.33 m |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc |
