Romahome Duo Interiors

[baldybantam]

We are presently in the process of deciding on a Romahome Duo to replace our Autosleeper Trooper. We like the idea of the Pullman version as it means the passageway would be clear to walk about in if you wished. Has anyone an experience they can share of this version with us.

Also, the brochures do show the toilet option instead of the cupboard under the sink. We have never seen properly what space etc. we would lose by replacing this cupboard. If the porta potti is not in the "cupboard" it would have to be stored under the seats, one way or another, that space is lost.

Last question for this time - some high top motorcaravans have storage cupboards at either side of the van, is there storage like this on the Duo Outlook. Again, photographs in the brochures cut off at this point.

Our nearest dealer is about 120 miles away in Perthshire, we would be prepared to go and have a look but they have no Romahomes of any type in stock, hence reason for my questions. They have quoted us a price for them to order one for us and given us a price for our Trooper unseen - although we did buy it from them.

Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.

[peterholden]

We have an Outlook Exclusive (We had a C!% Hytop before). In the cupboard with the portapotti there is storage space between the top of the portapotti and the bottom of the sink. There is a hi-level cupboard above the stove and one above the sink, but one of the best storage facilities are the pelmets above the windows. The portapotti under the sink is to us a geat improvement to what we had before where the portapotti that was stored in an underseat locker, we kept between the seats. We really like the pullman seats and have used it to carry passengers (both these seats have seatbelts), however we find the table a littel on the big side. We do not take the back cushions that live on top of the long seat, but we are in the process of buying another padded cab support. (this is the board that extends the bed into the cab). If you want anymore information please ask.

[baldybantam]

You wrote - but we are in the process of buying another padded cab support. (this is the board that extends the bed into the cab).

And the purpose of this would be?? My husband is 6 foot, would the bed need extended for him. Also, if the bed is extended, do you still close the curtains which are shown behind the bed.

Sorry if I am asking silly questions.

Thanks - owner of moulting bantams, hence name.

[Pauline]

baldybantam said:

Sorry if I am asking silly questions.

Thanks - owner of moulting bantams, hence name.

Don't worry they are not silly questions, it's best to get as much info as you can before making a decision.

The vans come with one bed extension, I assume Peter is buying another to go with it to make the bed even longer.

I'll be interested to see his answer and to know how the extra extension will fit.

Moulting Bantams? - and there was me thinking you were a balding boxer!

[peterholden]

Sorry. I didnt make myself clear.

The extra bed extension is not to make the bed even longer, I am 6ft and the bed is long enough for me.
The extension is to replace the back cushions on the drivers side which we find a pain. It means that we dont have cold fbreglass to lean against.
We do not use the cab curtains, we have an external silver screen for the cab.

[Barbara and Graham]

We have a Duo Outlook and live near your neck of the woods (Angus). Perhaps we could arrange to meet up so that you could see how our van works.

People's priorities are bound to be different but we decided against the Pullman version - seats uncomfortable and bed too fiddly to make up. The one big, obvious advantage is that you can carry two more passengers in belted seats.

We also chose not to have the fitted toilet option. We bought a small Porta Potti which fits neatly in the underseat locker on the passenger side (may be a problem in the Pullman). We lift it into the 'kitchen area at night (the only time we use it). We weren't interested in the shower which only comes with the fitted toilet version.

The cupboard under the sink swallows up 5 plastic storage boxes for food, pans etc. Plates, cups and so on go on the shallow shelf and there's a pull out tray for cutlery and bits and pieces. All accessible whenever you need them throughout the day.

We weren't keen on the tip up sink which comes with the fitted toilet version. The one in the showroom model was already chipped and, perhaps, more importantly, you're warned against letting boiling water and hot pans come into contact with the GRP. Stainless steel seemed a much better idea!

We now also have a silver Screen so no longer close the curtains. This improves insulation, reduces condensation and makes the cab more useful for storage while keeping your privacy.

The table is heavy but a good size, stable and can be used outside. It can be moved easily to let you get into and out of the seats and when it's stored you have as much room up the middle as in the Pullman.

One option we didn't find out about during our research was factory fitted luggage restraining straps. These may be useful - perhaps other folk in the forum can comment.

If your husband is 6 ft tall he may bang or even cut his head on things like the smoke alarm and roof light until he learns to duck!

If you'd like to see an Outlook in the flesh, please PM us.

Good luck!

[peterholden]

We bought ours specifically for the pullman dinette and the toilet. having owned and used a C15 Hytop we found that the freestanding table was too heavy and impractical. The pullman works but having said that we have made a smaller table and use a piece of plywood at night to support the middle cushion. we do not have a problem with chaning the dinette into a bed - it takes about 30 seconds. We have used the rear seats to carry passengers and in fact my inlaws like to come picnicking with us. As for the toilet, our C15 had a dedicated space in a locker but we found that impractical and kept it between the seats. It is difficult to use between the fridge and the cupboard at the back. The new one in the cupboard is easy to use, and bigger, more of a normal height and doesn't need emptying as often. We have dispensed with the romahome curtain and are experimenting with other ideas. The diesel water and space heater is amking more sense as we get used to it and the giant Heki rooflight is areal bonus. WE would not have ordered a romahome with all these extras becaus eI am tight but Richard Baldwin's of Halifax had this one in with everything fitted at a sensible price. I am impatient and hate waiting.
What may be a drawback but may be a blessing is that ours is one of the last 1.9 diesels. We also run a Berlingo multispace with the same engine that we have ownwd for the last 7 years, it has been super reliable, taking usd to France many times and pulling a caravan. perhaps not as economical as the 1.6 but I have always done my own maintainence and repairs and the 1.9s are really easy to look after.