Small Is Beautiful As Romahome Scores New Orders
Although the motorhome industry has not been immune from the economic doom and gloom of the last six months, some manufacturers are continuing to do well – not least Romahome.
In Octber last year, the Isle of Wight-based manufacturer launched what is probably the world’s smallest professionally-converted motorhome – the Romahome R10.
Based on the award-winning Citroen Nemo, the R10 is a single berth motorhome complete with popup roof, twin burner hob, Porta Potti toilet and sink. Heating is optional and even an awning can be provided.
The R10 has been consistently popular since its launch and the recent National Boat Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC saw the company take orders for four of these great little ‘vans, as well as two of Romahome’s larger models.
Freeborn Group [Romahome’s parent company] Managing Director Andrew Jones said that “The company seems to have hit the perfect blend of products at the right time, so as the recession bites for other makers we have suddenly become very attractive.”
Jones also commented that his buyers fitted a profile he believes is represented throughout the UK’s economy at present: “Younger people were not spending because of job uncertainty while older people were keen to dispose of cash that would be unprotected by FSA compensation.”
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hI, we have a small Peugeot Partner 1.9 diesel
is it possible to convert it to a motor home.
We want to try an economical conversion before trying
a large purpose built camper.
Could you give us some guide lines of the cost involved in converting a small vehicle such as this.
thank you
Faithfully G. Tricarico
Hello,
A Peugeot Partner is indeed a small van for a motorhome conversion. I think that you might find that it is too small for a two-person conversion – the main problem would be making enough space for two people to lie and sleep. It’s different for one person – as the pictures show in the article above, Romahome do a one-person motorhome in an even smaller van, the Citroen Nemo. This uses a swivel passenger seat as part of the bed but the other side of the van is completely occupied with cupboards and other facilities – there is no room for a second person:
Romahome R10
Another company that specialises in small vans and makes very clever conversions is Wheelhome:
Wheelhome website
Good luck with whatever you try, I’d be very interested to see some pictures if you do convert your Partner.
Roland
I am after a small motorome about 1.8 diesel 1 or 2 birth. I thought of converting a Ford van, I only want a 5ft wide van. Any ideas? Not sure if insurance is expensive though.
Diane,
I assume that you’ve looked at Romahome’s offerings since you’ve made your comment on this page! Another company offering very small campers is Wheelhome.
If you are planning on a DIY conversion then you can note the vans used by these companies and look for something of a similar size. You mention a 5ft width – if by this you mean the external width of the van, this could seriously restrict your choices. Even a smallish van like a Ford Transit Connect is about 5’11” wide – I’m not sure if you will find a narrow enough van that is also suitable for conversion to a motorhome. If you mean an internal width of 5ft, then a Transit Connect or similar might be spot on – they are about 5ft wide inside.
Motorhome insurance tends to be cheaper than the equivalent insurance for a van. This is due to typical mileage being low, not for work purposes and by owner-drivers only (people who buy motorhomes tend to take good care of them). On the other hand, motorhome insurance often excludes work use (even commuting) so check this before you buy if it is an issue for you.
Hope this is of some help – let us know how you get on.
Cheers, Roland
It is possible….
There is a german manufacturer
http://www.zooom.biz/
And in the UK there is Lifestyle Vehicle Developments Ltd http://www.lvdltd.co.uk/21901.html
But that’s a Citroen Berlingo, almost the same as a Peugeot Partner
Hi Floris,
Thanks for the comment. I didn’t realise there were so many other companies doing conversions on small vans. Interesting to see what can be done – I especially like the look of the Zoom Jumpy conversion.
Roland
Advice needed please. I tried to get myself a decent little Romahome and a friend with precarious lodging arrangements was also very keen on getting one. The first Honda Acty model was rough, the second better, but then I bought a 50BHP Daihatsu Hijet version with a blown head gasket. I have now come to the conclusion that all these Kei class vehicles are rubbish and dangerous rubbish as well. For Europe a lot more “grunt” and safety is desirable. I happen to have spare Rover 825 turbodiesels and wondered if it was feasible to convert one into a two seater truck. This would solve all the Kei class demerits and give speed, power, safety and security (invincible immobilisers on Rover 800s) As yet I’ve not even reached the tape measure stage but it would be an interesting project.