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Rather like the look of the smaller motorhomes.  Can anybody tell me the makes out there for the more sensibly sized motorhomes.  Keep seeing these cute little things called Bambi's which look really good fun... and the romahomes are another one only they don't look as cute as the Bambi... Never been inside one I add.

I am fussy, would not have to feel like a car when I was inside it... not fond of the idea of swivelling car seat around because would feel like a car..... which is not a restful environment for me for a holiday.  Do not like big motorhomes either.

Am wondering if some knowledgable types could advise.  Thanks

Hello tentpegjenny

We love our little 'Romagnome' we bought it this summer and have had loads of trips in it.

We previously had a slightly larger Duetto.  Some people would not like such a small van but it is perfect for us. It has a fridge, sink, hob, grill and toilet (porta potti) Loads of space above the cab and under seats.  Table and seats fit in roof and we find the beds easier to set up than the duetto and comfortable.  The advantage with this van is that you can park it in a space that is the same as a car so it is easy to use as a runabout when away. It has 2ltr engine with turbo diesel so drives like a car. 

If the weather is fine then we are sitting outside most of the time and if we need to sit indoors it is perfectly Ok. All right some campers have showers but we never used the one in the other van as there are usually facilities available.  We also only use the loo in the middle of the night if necessary.

some vans look cute but you really do have to weigh up the pros and cons of each and decide exactly what you want as it it a huge expense. You should go and look at some of them and test drive and sit in them and see the beds set up.

Good luck and hope you get what you want.

I do worry about my 'carbon footprint' and I do think that a smaller more economical unit would cause me less guilt ....Plus being more practical for when you tackle rural areas and would not block 15 car spaces in a car park.   Anyway at the moment it is pipe dreams for when I retire and the kids are out of my hair.....

Would quite like one to use with the Dandy because it would sort of be then the ultimate solution for anything.... it is a pipe dream.....

bambi's will pretty much be at the end of their life now IMHO, (I know there are lots still on the road and people who have them really love them) but if you are worried about your carbon footprint, older vehicles tend to be more polluting because the engines are old and not as efficient as new ones, and they didn't have catalitic convertors fitted.

i would agree with the comments re awnings, we had one with our first micro camper (bedford rascal) but now we've got a larger van conversion it is so easy to just park up, hook up and your ready.

i wouldn't be put off by swivel seats as a lot of vehicles do use them, some to form part of the bed, others just for dining, it isn't really like sitting in a car.

some of the romahome models may suit you, but if you compare their size with say a panel van (peugot boxer, ford transit) sized vehicle, while they look smaller and may be a bit lower, overall, width and length will be about the same.

Best thing is to look at loads, drive them, look at different layouts, especially bed and seating configurations and see what takes your fancy.

jules

Love teh Vauxhall Blondie... looks great. Yes take your point Jules about modern engines but suppose that is what would like a modern one like the vauxhill or bambi...

Think homes though are a personal thing... don't like conversions where can see a steering wheel because would not want to be reminded I am sleeping in a car -that's why do not like swivell seats. Nor do I want to have anything with too many windows because otherwise I would feel very overlooked by the world outside. 

Also if you use the seats as a bed they may not be very comfortable for either activity. Anyway not seriously looking just pipe dreaming.

Quote: Originally posted by tentpegjenny on 09/9/2006

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Rather like the look of the smaller motorhomes.  Can anybody tell me the makes out there for the more sensibly sized motorhomes.  Keep seeing these cute little things called Bambi's which look really good fun... and the romahomes are another one only they don't look as cute as the Bambi... Never been inside one I add.

I am fussy, would not have to feel like a car when I was inside it... not fond of the idea of swivelling car seat around because would feel like a car..... which is not a restful environment for me for a holiday.  Do not like big motorhomes either.

Am wondering if some knowledgable types could advise.  Thanks

 

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Hello TPJ I can assure you that the Bedford Bambi is a real fun vehicle, it is nothing like a car to drive. I have one and belong to the Bambi owners club northern region, in which there are quite a number of female owner drivers. I think you would be surprised of the layout inside and the amount of storage space available.Incidentally the club secretary who has just retired lives in Gloucestershire GL6 0SJ so maybe their van is one you have seen. If you are ever in the Chippenham Wilts area, go and see Tim at TJ Thornbury Auto Services, Unit 5 ,Broadfield Farm, Great somerford, Nr Chippenham, Wilts. Tel 01249 721350 (Day) 01666 823872 (Eves). You will find out there all you wish to know, and a chance to inspect layout etc. He is the specialist.

                                 Regards bildot 

Lunnie

 I totally agree with you, we get just as much in our Romahome as we did in our Duetto.  We still have enough seating for two of us and we never used the shower in the other one as we always used the site facilities and also you can always wash in the van as there is a sink and a kettle for hot water if needs be>

A 13.5 tog duvet (that is Big) , sheet and two pillows,  table, two chairs, all my clothes, washing up bowl and OH's pills (he rattles) all fit in the overcab storage.

the fridge takes all the food and beer and cupboards take crocks and cutlery.  Under seat takes all the rest and there is still room. We have never managed to fill it yet even with 8 throw away BBQs. Who says size matters!

We even met a lady in one in the New Forest this year who says she spends 4 months in France every year in hers and the Summer in england with her disabled mother.

I was gonna suggest the Mazda Bongo too.  Go to www.bongofury.co.uk for more info.

Ali

Hi Lunnie when will Romagnome meet Freda 2 I wonder??

Do you join in the smallmotorhome website?