Considering buying a micro motorhome

[scampernutt]

Hi everyone

I'm new to the whole idea of motorhome camping but following a recent illness I've emerged with a desire to get out and about more! I'm considering the Renault Kangoo Roo and wonder if anyone else on here has one and can comment on them.

I'm also wondering if they get very hot in summer and very cold in the spring. Can you heat them? And can you get awnings to fit them?

I'm sure I'll have loads of other questions but that will do for a start!

[lunnie]

Welcome, but sorry no knowledge of the Roo, only the c15 Romahome, but I am sure someone here will be able to help you.

[karenw]

I have a Kangoo Roo and absolutely love it.

I have an awning for mine although I've never used it because I don't use camp sites. As for temperature - there is no heating and no insulation but I've been very snug in temperatures of -4 deg overnight. What helps is to use a foam camper mat tucked between the windows and curtains to provide a layer of insulation.

In the summer the Roo is probably no hotter than any other vehicle. The rear windows open and the roof elevates. It also incorporates a ventilation panel which allows a pleasant breeze to flow through overnight.

There aren't many Kangoo Roos on the road (very few were made and JC Leisure aren't making any more - I was told it's because they now have to be 'crash tested' and it's simply not worth the bother...) so mine always attracts attention. I've also received offers for it for much more than I paid a year ago so resale value doesn't appear to be an issue.

Any further questions - just ask away!

Karen

[scampernutt]

Thank you Karen, that's really good to know. Do you mind me asking how much you pay in insurance for yours? Is yours a diesel and what sort or mileage do you get out of it? And do you get it serviced at a normal garage or somewhere that specialises in motorhomes?

Finally, on a somewhat personal note - how practical is the porta potti and can you use it when the bed is out?

Lots of questions - but you did say I could ask away!

[karenw]

Yes, ask away!

I have the 1.6 petrol auto and get between 34-42mpg. I also have the 1150cc van which averages about 46mpg and this would have been my preference but I bought the Roo secondhand so didn't have a choice!

It is serviced at a normal garage but the service intervals are long and my mileage is low (about 8k per year and there were 6k on the clock when I bought it) so servicing isn't a major issue. Also, because there are so many Kangoos (like the Citroen Berlingos) on the road, parts are very easy to obtain.

The porta potti is stowed away in a locker beneath the bed. To use it you would have to lift up one cushion (they're split so you don't lift the full length) then slide out the loo. It takes just a few seconds.

Access to everything is practical and easy thanks to two rear sliding doors. I love it and would highly recommend it.

Any further questions - just ask away!

[karenw]

PS I forgot to add, I pay £212.50 for fully comp insurance with Caravanwise and the Roo is a 2004 model. I have full NCB earned on my van and this was also carried onto the Roo. Some insurers insist that NCB has to be earned individually on EACH vehicle if you're running two vehicles.

[marc4242]

Hi Karen

How do you manage not using camp sites eg what about showers? We bought our rascal romahome mostly for festivals, at the start of the year.

How long have you had the Roo?

Where did you buy it from, and whya Roo and not eg a HyLo or other van?

Marc

Aug 3, 2008 22:00:52 GMT karenw said:

I've also received offers for it for much more than I paid a year ago so resale value doesn't appear to be an issue.

[blondieandi]

I use my Nipper ( Vauxhall elddis Nipper campervan) for festivals and overnight camping or even to sleep on friends driveways when we have been for a few drinks its great!! I have a solar shower with a blow up enclosure for fests. I havent used it much though, a good wash in the sink and to wash my hair usually does!! The nipper is similar to a Bambi.