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Romahome?


Vixter

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Hi everyone, Vixter here. It has been a few years since I last posted on this forum, it's nice to see a few familiar names! My life has changed a great deal and my thoughts have returned to motorhoming. I am now a widow, living back in UK, I'm a bit long in the tooth now for Great Adventures like in the Good Old Days but I'm not yet ready for the scrap heap (compost heap?) quite yet. I would love to have the freedom of a small camper to use as an everyday runabout with the bonus of a few days away from time to time. I don't want a VW camper, so the Romahome R20 pop top appeals to me. Does anyone have one? I would appreciate comments and suggestions. :-D
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Welcome back, Vicki.

 

I’m not sure if any current forum member has (or has had) a Romahome R20, though some older forum threads include references to that model

 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/search/query.asp?action=search&searchforumid=all&keywords=romahome+r20&author=&days=&Submit=Search

 

There’s a 2012 comparative review (fixed roof R20) here that might be helpful

 

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/reviews/motorhomes/details/head-to-head-motorhome-test-nu-venture-nu-surf-v-romahome-r20/899568

 

I believe the pop-top version of the R20 was called “HyLo” and a GOOGLE-search produces the following set of results

 

https://tinyurl.com/4j6v6scj

 

There’s a Romahome Owners Club

 

https://www.romaclub.co.uk/

 

and the Small Motorhome and Friends forum might be useful for Romahome feedback.

 

https://community.smallmotorhome.co.uk/search?q=romahome&searchJSON=%7B%22keywords%22%3A%22romahome%22%7D

 

There’s also a Romahome Facebook group that you might try

 

https://en-gb.facebook.com/RomahomeMotorhomes/about/

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Thank you Derek, lots of useful information about Romahomes here!

 

BTW, do you know how 'small' I must make a photo to place it into my profile image and what's the difference between that and a personal photo? Yes, I know - I have done it before, but I remember struggling to do this then and I just can't remember what I did to have it accepted. :-(

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The size of the file that holds the photo must not exceed 50 kilobytes (50KB) and the general instructions from Warners are as follows:

 

Q: How do I get a picture under my name when I post?

 

A: You can upload a small picture (normally called an avatar) via your Control Panel - scroll down to the 'Images' section (the last area on the page), and click the 'Browse' button in the 'Upload profile image' box. This will open up a 'file browser' window. Locate the image you wish to use as an avatar, click on it, and press the 'Open' button. The file browser window will close. Then just click the 'OK' button in the 'Upload profile image' box; your image will be saved to our servers, and your picture will appear next to your posts!

 

There are a couple of limitations: The image must not be larger than 50kb in filesize (this is to keep the loading speed of the pages as fast as possible). If the original image exceeds that size, it MUST be resized before it is uploaded. This can be done using variousl computer programs (such as Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Macromedia Fireworks, Paint Shop Pro, etc.). For more information of free image editing software, please click here (please note - Warners Group Publications Plc cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites).

 

 

The forum’s ancient software can be very bloody-minded where adding an ‘avatar’ image is concerned. It’s definitely the case that the file-size must not exceed 50KB and - if a forum-member has not added an avatar image before - the above instructions will probably work. However, changing/deleting an existing avatar image can prove tricky. This is the method I’ve found effective:

 

 

1. Store on your computer the image that you want to appear on your postings. The file-extension doesn’t seem to be critical and .jpg. .jpeg, or .gif files all worked OK for me when I was experimenting.

 

2. Click on the “Forums Control Panel” button and scroll down to the “Images” section.

 

3. In the “Upload profle image” box, click on the “Choose File” button and select the appropriate file from your computer. The file name (Let’s say I choose motorhome.jpg) should now appear alongside the “Choose File” button and, after that has happened, click on the “Go” button.

 

4. If the image that now appears between “Existing Image” and “Delete Image” is not what you anticipated, a) do not be surprised as that’s very likely what will happen and b) do not be concerned as the next steps should sort it out!

 

5. If the image is wrong, go to the “Profile image URL” line in the “Edit your Profile” section of your Control Panel. The Profile image URL box should contain the following text string

 

/forums/profile/get-photo.asp?memberid=231&type=profile

 

where the number (231 in this example) will differ from forum-member to forum-member.

 

6. Add to the text-string

 

&file=

 

followed by the name of the file on your computer that you chose in the Images section.

 

So if the name of the file that was chosen was pig.jpeg the text-string in the "Profile image URL” box will need to have

 

&file=motorhome.jpg

 

added to it so that (in this example’s case) it should read

 

/forums/profile/get-photo.asp?memberid=231&type=profile&file=motorhome.jpg

 

7. Now click on the “Submit” button at the foot of the “Edit your profile” section and, when the “Profile updated successfully” message has appeared, the correct image should show in the “Images” section and appear on your postings.

 

This may sound like a complex and long-winded procedure, but it isn’t really. The "Upload profile Image” process does operate as one might reasonably expect, though the result seems to be unpredictable as to which image appears after the “Go” button has been pressed if you’ve uploaded a profile-image previously. The critical thing though is to make sure that the &file=file-name addition to the “Profile image URL” text-string identifies the correct file.

 

A similar procedure can be used to upload/replace a personal photo. If you click on the “PROFILE” button on this posting and then on the “This user has a photo available” line, you’ll see the effect.

 

The difference between the Profile Image (‘avatar’) photo and the Personal Photo is that the former appears to the left of a forum-member’s posting, but to see the Personal Photo (assuming one has been provided) it is necessary to click on the PROFILE button next to a forum-member’s posting and then click on the “This user has a photo available” message.

 

If you click on the PROFILE button next to this posting and then click on the “This user has a photo available” message, you’ll see a picture of a cute ginger kitten. (This has no specific relevance to me - it was just a small file I chose as an example.)

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Vixter - 2021-05-29 7:05 PM

 

I would love to have the freedom of a small camper to use as an everyday runabout with the bonus of a few days away from time to time. I don't want a VW camper, so the Romahome R20 pop top appeals to me. Does anyone have one? I would appreciate comments and suggestions. :-D

I never owned one but remember meeting an elderly couple one year in Poland with one. It was the first one i'd seen up close and he was only too happy to show me the interior which I must admit is pretty impressive making use of every bit of space available. His wife was disabled so they had a wheelchair to cart around as well but that didn't faze them.

 

The advantages are obvious.....extremely economical to run and insure, go anywhere a car will go, simple mechanics and good availability of parts. No idea what the new cost is but used 10 year old vans are on AutoTrader from £25k upward.

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This 2012 review

 

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/romahome-r20-lo-the-mouse-that-toured-4446/

 

gave the following details that included pricing

 

Fact file

 

Romahome R20

 

Based on Citroen Berlingo, 1.6-litre, 90bhp, Euro V

 

Price from £29,995

 

Dimensions 5.00m L, 1.88m W, 1.92m H

 

Maximum weight 2240kg

 

Payload 364kg

 

Key options Eberspacher heating £975, Propex heating £895, upholstered cab seats £245, L-shaped lounge £282, TV aerial £775, cab air conditioning £660, passenger airbag £100, metallic paint £375, dedicated toilet area £375, reversing sensors £249, choice of upholsteries and white or cream furniture finish at no extra cost

 

Security and safety Central locking to cab doors, ABS, driver’s airbag,

 

MPG estimate: 45-50

 

Alternatives: Nu Venture Nu Surf, Wheelhome Skarpa

 

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Derek Uzzell - 2021-05-30 3:49 PM

 

This 2012 review

 

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/romahome-r20-lo-the-mouse-that-toured-4446/

 

gave the following details that included pricing

 

Fact file

 

Romahome R20

 

Based on Citroen Berlingo, 1.6-litre, 90bhp, Euro V

 

Price from £29,995

Strewth! So they were £30k brand new nine years ago.......and here is a 10 year old with 26.5k on the clock up for sale at £30k!! 8-)

 

https://tinyurl.com/473s7cbm

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I remember having a good look at one many years ago. Lots to like but I found that the frame of the roof was at the level of my upper back and although it was padded I couldn't get a comfortable lounging position.

 

It might not affect everyone. I would check out the seats to see if you find them comfortable.

 

Peter

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Vixter - 2021-05-31 11:06 PM

 

Sadly Romahome R20s are not made any more, although I shudder to think what the price of a new one would be! I wonder why they stopped making them..... :-|

The stumbling-block (and this may have applied to the Auto-Sleepers “Mezan” model too) related to Romahome no longer being able to obtain the Citroen Berlingo chassis that was used as a base for these models.

 

It’s mentioned in this 2014 forum thread

 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Whats-happened-to-Romahome-/34124/

 

...Citroen advised us that they could no longer supply Berlingo platform cabs following the introduction of ESP which they explained would adversely affect the driving characteristics of our motor homes....

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Interesting reply Derek. So now that Romahome and Auto-sleepers no longer make a small camper, who does? I have searched on the internet and seen a few uncomfortable-looking efforts from independent small van converters but nothing I have seen so far begins to compare with the Mezan or R20. If I bought one of these and something went wrong who would fix it? Maybe I should stick to the B&B's :-(
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I don’t think there have been equivalent alternatives to the A-S Mezan or Romahome models that used a glass-fibre rear bodyshell.

 

As you don’t want a VW, you might consider campervans made by Mercedes-Benz, or Japanese imports. These either start life as campervans or are converted in the UK. There’s a selection advertised here.

 

http://www.freespiritautos.co.uk/category/vehicles/campervans/

 

and in the later webpages here

 

https://www.caldercampers.co.uk/used-vehicles

 

Campervans based on the Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro or Ford Transit Custom might also be worth thinking about (Transit examples here)

 

https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/vans-for-sale/campervans-motorhomes/Ford/Transit--Custom/

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Derek Uzzell - 2021-06-01 2:32 PM

 

I don’t think there have been equivalent alternatives to the A-S Mezan or Romahome models that used a glass-fibre rear bodyshell.

 

As you don’t want a VW, you might consider campervans made by Mercedes-Benz, or Japanese imports. These either start life as campervans or are converted in the UK. There’s a selection advertised here.

 

http://www.freespiritautos.co.uk/category/vehicles/campervans/

 

and in the later webpages here

 

https://www.caldercampers.co.uk/used-vehicles

 

Campervans based on the Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro or Ford Transit Custom might also be worth thinking about (Transit examples here)

 

https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/vans-for-sale/campervans-motorhomes/Ford/Transit--Custom/

Many thanks for these suggestions Derek but the vehicles are too big for me. That's why the R20 or the Mezan with poptop would be so suitable. The comments on this thread are all very useful and will help me refine my search. I will keep looking, I'm in no rush, one day I will find something that suits me ??

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Vixter - 2021-05-31 11:06 PM

 

Sadly Romahome R20s are not made any more, although I shudder to think what the price of a new one would be! I wonder why they stopped making them..... :-|

Judging by the retail cost from nine years ago, I suspect something around the £40 - 45k mark now. UK motorhomes/campervans are ridiculously overpriced.

 

Ebay has a 2012 registered R20 with full service history and just 19,500 miles on the clock up for sale at £26k.

 

If a cash buyer then i'd expect the seller to be open to negotiation.

 

https://tinyurl.com/25j9sjfx

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Brian Kirby - 2021-06-01 4:49 PM

 

Could something like this be any good: https://tinyurl.com/57pnwe8 ? It is a Berlingo conversion, though also available on Peugeot Partner (clone) and VW Caddy. They look well finished, and have (or can have) a rising roof. Been in production for 10 or so years, so there should be a few around used.

Thanks Brian, I will check this out.

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Bulletguy - 2021-06-01 6:15 PM

 

Vixter - 2021-05-31 11:06 PM

 

Sadly Romahome R20s are not made any more, although I shudder to think what the price of a new one would be! I wonder why they stopped making them..... :-|

Judging by the retail cost from nine years ago, I suspect something around the £40 - 45k mark now. UK motorhomes/campervans are ridiculously overpriced.

 

Ebay has a 2012 registered R20 with full service history and just 19,500 miles on the clock up for sale at £26k.

 

If a cash buyer then i'd expect the seller to be open to negotiation.

 

https://tinyurl.com/25j9sjfx

Thanks Paul. Yes, UK vans are a horrendous price new, way beyond me. There seem to be more manufacturers in Europe but they don't seem to go for the small campers.

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Hi Vixter

If you want a more recent vehicle than the Romahome/Nezan,

have a look at the Nissan NV200.

The 1st conversions were produced by Lunar & there are 3 or 4 convertors since, including one Electric version, which if memory serves me rightly is Nissan's own product.

The NV200 is similar width to the Berlingo/derivatives & narrower than the VW's, Mercedes, ex Japan imports.

It has a higher driving position, but again not as high as the VW, etc..

For an example checkout :- cccampers website based in Kidderminster.

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flicka - 2021-06-01 11:55 PM

 

Hi Vixter

If you want a more recent vehicle than the Romahome/Nezan,

have a look at the Nissan NV200.

The 1st conversions were produced by Lunar & there are 3 or 4 convertors since, including one Electric version, which if memory serves me rightly is Nissan's own product.

The NV200 is similar width to the Berlingo/derivatives & narrower than the VW's, Mercedes, ex Japan imports.

It has a higher driving position, but again not as high as the VW, etc..

For an example checkout :- cccampers website based in Kidderminster.

 

I hadn't come across the NV200 before, thanks John. I am enjoying my investigations!

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pepe63 - 2021-06-02 1:47 PM

 

Hi

A bit of a traipse from South Wales but for ideas, take a look at Dragon Leisure in lincolnshire

https://www.dvleisure.com/

 

They have a range of smaller, used vans in stock and you can (or could?) reserve a van for £500 and they will deliver it to your door and you only continue with the purchase if you are happy with the van.

They have a good selection too including three Romahomes.....a 1999 reg with 78k on the clock at £13k, a 2003 model with 67k on the clock at £16k, and a 2004 model with 99k on the clock also at £16k.

 

Also those Fiat Doblo conversions may be worth a look as like the Citroen they are a similar size. Compared to prices i've seen on AutoTrader they seem more sensibly priced considering it's a dealer.

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pepe63 - 2021-06-02 1:47 PM

 

Hi

A bit of a traipse from South Wales but for ideas, take a look at Dragon Leisure in lincolnshire

https://www.dvleisure.com/

 

They have a range of smaller, used vans in stock and you can (or could?) reserve a van for £500 and they will deliver it to your door and you only continue with the purchase if you are happy with the van.

 

They also have a 2011 Nissan NV200, I mentioned previously.

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