A little Romahome History:

Made on the Isle Of Wight by Island Plastics (now Romahome Ltd.)

Romahomes are one of the most distinctive and therefore easily recognised motorhomes on the road.

The original idea of a dismountable 'caravan' on the back of a Japanese micro-truck belonged to Barry Stimson and whilst remaining faithful to Barry's original design criteria, the Romahome became better finished and more luxurious. In fact, when double-glazed windows became standard equipment and efficient space heating became an option (albeit at extra cost) it was possible to camp in a Romahome all year round

Later, as experience showed that few owners ever bothered to dismount the 'caravan' from the truck, this made Island Plastics look elsewhere for a suitable base vehicle. They first chose a Citroen Visa (later the C15) as a suitable base vehicle but decided to go for a conventional coachbuilt (not dismountable) body.

The choice of the Citroen proved a massive hit, promising car like performance and economy -plus all the proven advantages of the Romahome living unit - a functional interior with a fully equipped (though tiny) kitchen and the luxury of having two full-length settees. All this in a perfectly formed package measuring less than 15 feet.

Later a Hylo variant was produced with a rising roof. The Hylo (top right opposite) was designed to go into the average garage and under height barriers. This was also built on the C15. 1998 saw the successful launch of the all new Romahome Duo (bottom right opposite) and Duo Plus (the Plus looks the same as the one on the right but has the option of two rear forward facing seats), both are built on the Citroen Berlingo.

"The ease of camping and the ease of parking make Romahome one of the best Micro-Motorhomes"

The 'Outlook' and 'Dimension'

It seemed that some people preferred the larger window so the Outlook was brought out (top right opposite) - this has the large picture windows as opposed to the four smaller ones on the Duo. Personally we prefer the four windows because you can see out without having to bend your head (particularly useful when you are tall!) plus with a picture window you are more on view to other campers and as the Romahome creates a lot of interest you can, at times, feel like you are on display.

2003 saw the launch of the Dimension (bottom right opposite) this is built on the short wheelbase Citroën Relay with a 2.0 HDI common rail turbo diesel engine, power steering, remote central locking, engine immobiliser, and electric windows as standard.It is totally different to the original Romahomes. Being larger but still only the same length. It has four forward facing seats, bathroom with toilet, sink and shower.

As opposed to the earlier vans the cab areas is utilised as part of the living area - driver and passenger seats turn round to face inwards and are also used to form part of the beds. You can choose between one double or two singles beds.

"Romahomes bring a different 'Outlook' and 'Dimension' to camping!"

Toilet option for the Duo:

Later the option of an on-board toilet (porta-potti) was introduced - this is put in the place of the undersink cupboard. The pictures on the right show a view taken from inside the van, it shows the toilet in situ. The other picture is taken from outside the van, looking through the rear door. Here you can see that the toilet is completely enclosed under the sink unit, it has a removable door for ease of access.

When required for use the sink lifts up and slots into an upright position above the toilet out of the way. For privacy there are curtains which divide the toilet area from the living area and the rear blind and window curtain give privacy from outside. Although it doesn't offer the luxury of a bathroom unit it proves invaluable on long journeys, especially in France where public toilets are few and far between. It is also a boon when stuck in the inevitable motorway tail-backs which seem so common place these days! Another bonus is that at night you do not to have to trek across the campsite to the toilets.

"The toilet may not the lap of luxury but just what you need in a traffic jam or those remote areas!"

On board waste and water:

All Romahomes whether Duo, Hylo, Outlook or Dimension have both onboard waste and water tanks (20 litres). (except C15 which does not have waste) This helps you to be totally self sufficient and means you can stop off for cups of tea or coffee along the way without worrying about finding water.

20 litres of water can last quite a long time and we very rarely have to fill up more than twice in a weeks holiday -although if you are drinking water 'neat' and not boiling it for tea and coffee etc. then it would be better to fill your glass from the campsite mains tap as water in the tank for too long really should be boiled. The tanks are situated out of site tucked snugly behind the seating where there is also inspection caps for checking how full they are. (Top right opposite)

Fresh water is filled from outside via a lockable filler cap (bottom right opposite)and the waste is emptied via a tap just under the side of the van.

"On board water and waste adds to the freedom of camping in a Romahome"

Other Romahomes:

Out and about you will see Romahomes in many different forms. Quite often the same 'van' design but many different base vehicles, Honda, Daihatsu and Suzuki to name but a few.

Also, but now out of production, you might see a Romahome Quartet. (topright opposite). Also built on the Citroen base vehicle this boasts a bathroom, over cab bed and all round seating at the back.

Pictures opposite show the cooking area and the all round seating in the Quartet.

The Silver Fox - a vehicle based on the Duo Outlook but with silver paint work, has new stylish upholstery, rear shower and additional storage.

"The range of Romahomes is quite diverse"

Latest Romahomes

2008 saw the launch of the new R40 a six seater 4 berth Romahome see R40 for details

New specification for 2005 Romahomes:

New options are now available for 2005: -

The Leader, the SX and the Exclusive.

Each has different options on upholstery and extras such as blown air heating, hot water, walnut dashboard, reversing sensors and there is also a new layout available with facing 'pullman' style seats on the side with table between. (This option is not available in the Duo range as the windows are not suitable for the table/seat arrangement).

The seats have lap belts which makes the van much more suitaible for carrying rear passengers. We were told earlier this year that they were hoping to develop the seat belts further and make them a full inertia reel type.

The beds have been made wider too, making a more comfortable nights sleep for those who use the beds in the single bed mode.

"Small van BIG luxury"