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 Topic: american vs celtic rambler
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26/11/2014 at 2:05pm
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Joined: 26/11/2014 Standard Member
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We have a 2014 Celtic Rambler (with lots of mods, inc washing machine, inverters, external wifi/4G etc., many of which are not easy to spec with many van brands). We live in it full time and travel between North of Scotland & South of Spain, and will go further afield later.
Never towed before but have found driving it, parking it and getting on pitches or aires no big problem. We tow using a Navara V6, which is effortless, even up mountains with hairpins etc., and to date have averaged a genuine 22+ mpg when towing. No problem in wet fields up 20 deg slopes, so I don't know why people worry about wet fields.
Yes is it heavy - fully loaded at 4.2 tons, but if you live in one you appreciate the 1.1 ton payload! Single slideout gives plenty of room, plus we have a massive Thule 5m x 2.75m awning and residence room - very solid. More slideouts don't add much that I care about, assuming you can open them all on a typical pitch, and have awnings up... Also it is extremely well built and appointed inside and out. Nothing like flimsy plywood or whatever is hidden on these vans!
I note that a lot of US rigs sit high off the ground, which is not saying that they are taller, but they often have very little underslung storage on the sides. The Rambler has masses of locker storage. I carry everything I need to be as self-sufficient as possible in a home, including my guitar+valve amp, 3 laptop PCs, wife's massive clothes collection, tools, ladder, winter gear, walking gear, large tent, small tent, beach equipment, BBq, 2 outside tables & 4 chairs etc.... Check where you'd actually stow all this stuff on some of the US vans - they may have huge living spaces, but that's not storage!
Also check things like insulation/winterization for cold weather. In common with many US vans we have aircon, under-floor heating and hidden radiators with fans, fridge freezer, microwave, full oven/hob/grill etc., except it all looks modern clean and sharp.
US v UK choices depend on taste, pocket and expected usage. I found that the US vans were good value, but arguably flimsy in many regards, and I hate that look of living in 1973 beige chintz. The Rambler is like a chic, upmarket European studio apartment - but if you don't full time, that may not matter.
I cannot believe that 100% of imported US vehicles are totally compliant with UK and Euro regs - the Rambler IS, and I know of at least one other established brand/importer that is. You can see Ramblers being made in Wales, get mods done and get spares and things fixed too!
I'm currently on Costa Del Sol - there are 4 Ramblers on this site, all being pulled by V6 Navaras. I have not seen a single US 5th wheel rig anywhere in my travels so far, which is odd given they are much more affordable. We are constantly having to show the van to German and Dutch folk who love the germanic quality and modernity of the thing.
Easy to say buy an expensive Rambler, but bear in mind we don't also have a house!
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