Tribute is Auto-Trail's entry-level motorhome brand, offering accessible pricing on well-equipped coachbuilt motorhomes and van conversions. Backed by Auto-Trail's decades of manufacturing experience and Trigano Group resources, Tribute provides a genuine quality product at a price point that opens motorhoming to first-time buyers.

The range spans multiple formats:

Coachbuilt low-profile models — aerodynamic designs on Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato chassis, ranging from 5.99m to 7.34m. Models include the T-615, T-620, T-625, T-715 and the six-berth T-726 and T-736.

Van conversions — the T-670, T-680 (two-berth) and T-669 (four-berth), starting from around £40,800.

Adventure compact models — featuring large elevating rooftops that sleep an additional two people, combining the driveability of a van with coachbuilt accommodation.

The 2020 season saw a significant transformation with the coachbuilt range moving to the new Ford EcoBlue Transit chassis with 130bhp engine as standard.

Tribute is a motorhome brand within the Auto-Trail family, itself part of the Trigano Group. Auto-Trail was established by Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes in 1982 in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, with the first coachbuilt Auto-Trail Cheyenne on a Peugeot 504 chassis.

Auto-Trail was bought by A.B.I Caravans, though it remained at its Grimsby factory. When ABI went out of business in 1998, Auto-Trail was sold to the Italian CI Group, owned by the larger Trigano Group, in 1999.

The Tribute brand was introduced in 2015 as an entry-level range aimed at buyers looking for their first new motorhome. Initially manufactured in Italy, production moved to Auto-Trail's main premises in Grimsby in 2017 when Tribute was integrated into the main Auto-Trail line-up.

Tribute now operates as a distinct brand within Auto-Trail, manufactured at Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby. The range has grown from its entry-level origins to offer both coachbuilt motorhomes and van conversions across Ford and Fiat platforms.

Entry-level value proposition — Tribute excels at offering well-equipped new motorhomes at prices that undercut most competitors, making motorhoming accessible to first-time buyers and those on tighter budgets.

Auto-Trail build quality at lower prices — manufactured on the same Grimsby production lines as Auto-Trail's premium ranges, Tribute benefits from the same construction methods, tooling and quality control.

Trigano Group backing — as part of Europe's largest recreational vehicle group, Tribute benefits from massive purchasing power, extensive dealer network and long-term parts support.

Range breadth at the entry level — from compact van conversions to six-berth family coachbuilts, Tribute covers an unusually wide range of requirements for a budget brand.

If you want a new motorhome on a budget — Tribute offers the most accessible route into new motorhome ownership from a major British manufacturer.

If you want Auto-Trail quality without the premium price — same factory, same construction methods, but at entry-level pricing.

If you want a family motorhome — the six-berth T-726 and T-736 offer genuine family accommodation at competitive prices.

If dealer network matters — the Trigano/Auto-Trail dealer network provides extensive UK coverage for sales and service support.

Entry-level specification — budget pricing means some interior materials and fittings are simpler than premium Auto-Trail ranges. Furniture and soft furnishings reflect the price point.

Brand perception — as a budget sub-brand of Auto-Trail, Tribute may carry less cachet and potentially lower resale values than the main Auto-Trail range.

Base vehicle variation — the range has moved between Fiat Ducato and Ford Transit platforms across model years. Check which platform your specific vehicle uses.

Limited model history — the brand only dates from 2015, meaning less long-term ownership data compared to established ranges.

Italian vs UK production — early Tributes (2015-2016) were manufactured in Italy before production moved to Grimsby. Build quality may vary between eras.

Identify production location — early Tributes were built in Italy, later models in Grimsby. The manufacturing location may affect build characteristics.

Check the base vehicle — on Ford Transit: check EcoBlue engine service history, clutch, gearbox. On Fiat Ducato: cam belt, clutch, injector history.

Conduct thorough damp check — check all walls, windows, doors and rooflights with a calibrated meter.

Inspect interior for wear — entry-level fittings may show wear faster. Check hinges, worktops, upholstery and soft furnishings.

Test all habitation systems — heating, water, fridge, electrical circuits through a complete cycle.

Tribute provides manufacturer warranty through Auto-Trail and the Trigano Group dealer network, with the base vehicle covered by Ford or Fiat's own warranty. For used purchases, verify both conversion and base vehicle warranty status.

An independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended for used Tribute purchases, providing additional protection beyond manufacturer coverage.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing essential peace of mind on an entry-level motorhome.

When buying a used Tribute, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.