Which Romahome type?

[viking]

Hi

I've seen a few Romahomes over the past few months or so, I started liking the idea of a demountable because the base vehicle could be replaced if need be. However after realising that most vehicles were only 1000cc and some with only 3 cylinders (?) with poor MPG, I turned to the C15 Citreon diesel. I saw one of these which turned out to petrol anyhow and was to be honest a bit of a wreck bodywise (wings etc). Are there any opinions that people have that may helps me make my mind up?

regards

[yamaha]

Hi Viking - and welcome to our forum.

Although I haven't ever had an older Romahome, my advice would be to go for the best one you can afford - if you get a banger, you may be lucky with it, or it could be a packet of trouble.

Maybe worth considering a Trial Weekend in one first? I believe that Ant at Avon Motor Caravans does this scheme, as I expect other dealers do a similar one - then the cost ( about £200 ) is waived if you decide to buy it, I believe. At least that would enable you to decide if it's for you, without a major outlay, and regrets afterwards.

Mike

[Pauline]

Hi Viking and welcome!

We've owned, over the years, a C15, Duo on a Berlingo and now a Dimension

They are all different and it's hard to say what would be best for you as it depends what your plans are. As Mike says perhaps a trial or at least a good look around all of them before deciding would be a good idea.

The dealers always seem to have a good variety available so if you can I would suggest a visit to see what you think.

You shouldn't have to settle for a wreck, there are some in excellent condition at reasonable prices. Not sure about de-mountables though, I think they might be in short supply.

[Graham]

Hi Viking

Welcome to our Forum its great to have you on board.

Your question regarding Romahomes I would say it depends on your budget.
We started with an old C15 and we loved it that much that after 6 months we decided to go for a new one and part exhanged the old and got more than we had paid for it six months previously. They keep their value remarkably well. I think Mike's idea of trying one out for a weekend is good advice.

I hope you find the romahome of your dreams and come and join us at our Spring Meet, see separate thread.

Regards
Graham

[wendy]

I can't advise at all as the only Romahome that we have had is our Dimension, but welcome to the very friendly forum. Lots of owners on here to give you good advice.

[moya]

viking said:

Hi

I've seen a few Romahomes over the past few months or so, I started liking the idea of a demountable because the base vehicle could be replaced if need be. However after realising that most vehicles were only 1000cc and some with only 3 cylinders (?) with poor MPG, I turned to the C15 Citreon diesel. I saw one of these which turned out to petrol anyhow and was to be honest a bit of a wreck bodywise (wings etc). Are there any opinions that people have that may helps me make my mind up?

regards

Hi Viking and welcome. I can't really help either but Tony who joined this forum recently is I believe an expert on demountables. Here is his web site from which you can email him as well. www.actyvan.net/ Best of luck with whatever you decide upon.

[viking]

Thanx for the replies!

During the summer I was talking to a C!5 owner and he said they were known as been rust buckets! And as I had seen one that was, that turned me on to demountables, but if you consider the cost of replacing a base vehicle to repairing a C!5 with serious tin worm the cost may not be so prohibitive (any ideas?). However does an extra piece have to be added to the seat to make them in to a bed (as unlike the demountables) and can they be used as single beds it would seem tight to me,

regards

[Graham]

When we had our C15 we had 3 wooden bits that would slot into position between the two seats and then the extra cushions would make up a large double bed, we never used them as singles as you say they were a bit tight. Not sure what the configuration in a demountable would be but I would assume it would be the same.

Hope that helps

Graham

[peterholden]

I have owned both a demountable and a C15 Hytop.

The C15 needs a little TLC to keep it pristine but ours is comfortable enough and economical enough to use a s a car.

Over the somer there were a number of C15 Hytops sold on ebay that had obviously had the van part replaced. (The romahome part was pre 1990 and the van reg was X or Y). There have also been 2 Duos with new base vehicles (the sellers of these admitted to changing the vehicle.)

Seeing these advertised it must be possible to replace the van part. Has anyone tried?

[ant]

Hi Peter.
There are several companies cutting Romahome bodies off the C15. It was never intended to come off however, and in getting it off you have no choice but to damage the bodies integral structure. I have seen many of these vehicles, all have had complete resprays to cover the repaired damage that occured while the transfer was done, some even had bits of the original C15 still attached where they couldn't get them off! Most have been put onto a younger 600Kg Chassis rather than the intended 765Kg chassis and therefore are not really up to the original design wts and limits as far as loadings go. I, as a dealer will not take the swapped body vehicles in PX as the competance of the swapper is unknown and without that knowledge lives are at risk. Romahome do not condone body swapping for that reason.
My advice would be better the devil you know...............!
Ant

[peterholden]

I wasn't intending doing it. I like my little van too much (it is based on a true platform cab not a cut down van), but oh for power steering.

I just feel that people should be aware that it is being done.

I too worry about some of the tricks that people get up to with motor vehicles

[Jack]

Hi Peter, Welcome to a very friendly club. My wife & I have owned three Honda Romahomes and two C15 Romahomes, the rear section is very similar inside, depending on the year of manufacture. Currently we own a 1995 (M-Reg ), the bed has three pieces of wood which support it in its double configuration, plus a ''plank'', which fits behind the front seats to add length to the bed. It is possible to use it as two singles, but best to 'lose' the back rests to give added width to the bed.( throw 'em up into the luton,) I prefer the C15 to the Honda, anytime, at least there is a long bonnet in front of the windscreen. Jack& Pat, Cornwall