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A home on four wheels
Patrick McDonnell introduces you
to a variety of stylish motorhomes
and caravans for the 21st century.
The choice of leisure vehicles for disabled people is vast, so buying a “moving holiday home” can be daunting.
Hopefully what follows helps make the choosing a little less so.
Traditionally in the UK it has been the caravan that has had pride of place for people considering pulling their own accommodation with them, be they able-bodied or disabled. Caravans were a popular accessory for the emerging car-owning classes from the early 1950s onwards. Caravan owners might aspire
to the freedom to roam the country, and increasingly the continent, but of necessity owners are also required to be practical.
The caravan could be detached from the car, but more of that later.
In contrast, the motorhome lends a distinct Stateside tinge.
However, British sensibilities and road space limitations have dictated that UK motorhome aspirations are more modest than the extravagant requirements of Hollywood demi-gods — the Winnebago is not so much a motorhome as a moving housing estate.
Micro Motorhomes
While size isn't everything, for those on a budget and able to negotiate a quart into a pint-pot there is the White Van Man/ Woman (WVM/W) sector. This is one populated by vehicles based on the Vauxhall Astra or Ford Transit Connect models.
However, of late a distinctly Gallic flavour has been added to this sector of the market with the arrival of Citroen and Renault with their Berlingo and Kangoo model ranges.
RDH Motorhomes has introduced a variation on the micro coach-built theme with its Citroen Berlingo-inspired Romahome. However, the Nottingham-based motorhome dealer has forsaken its usual motorhome converters, Spanish
manufacturer Benimar and French maker Chausson, teaming up with UK-based manufacturer Romahome.
RDH is marketing two variations on the theme with the Duo Hylo and Outlook range of vehicles. Their design is said to combine the versatility, economy and driveability of a car with all the additional features of a motorhome.
They both lay claim to a fuel rate of up to 50 mpg. The Hylo is designed to fit comfortably into most domestic garages. It may even cost less on ferry journeys thanks to its compact size.
Standard Motorhomes
The WVM/W sector is especially well-served in the sub-three-tonne van category. The Ford
Transit serves as the template of the type in most people's initial thoughts on motorhomes.
In reality, the ranges offered by competing manufacturers borders on bewildering,
with donor vehicle makers available in the European Union and Asia. Korean manufacturers in particular are increasingly making their presence felt.
Besides Ford, manufacturers providing the donor vehicles for conversion into motor homes include Citroen, Fiat, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. This sector includes model ranges from the major players in the field; vehicles are available from re-sellers and hirers including
Don Amott Leisure Kingdom, Frys Caravans, Marquis Motorhomes, Nirvana Motorhomes and RDH Motorhomes.
Vehicles specifically designed for wheelchair users now play an increasing role in the motorhome market. Don Amott Leisure and Nirvana Motorhomes are working in conjunction with European manufacturer the Italian SEA Group.
Their Campo Tutti motorhome's unveiling comes after 18 months of research and development into the requirements of a motorhome for wheelchair users. Campo Tutti translates as“Camper Van for all”.
The exterior resembles any contemporary mid-size coachbuilt motorhome, even down to the use of this sector's default standard — the Fiat 2.8 litre turbo diesel Ducato van chassis.
Wheelchair entrance and exit to the Campo Tutti —or CPT— is via a large side door equipped with an electric lift.
The interior caters for wheelchair accessibility by offering a low fridge, oven, hob and sink unit. The bathroom is equipped with shower, toilet and sink. A sliding wall arrangement doubles the size of the bathroom when required. This is matched
by sleeping arrangements, including a lowered double bed for ease of transfer. The CPT also boasts a double bunk above the cab.
The model comes with a twin-seat dinette behind the cab, which seats four people. The CPT replaces the front passengers seat with wheelchair clamps, allowing the wheelchair-user to travel up front next to the driver. Alternatively, adapted
driving aids can be fitted. Amott also markets and hires out motorhome ranges from Auto-Sleeper, Elagh, Joint camping car, Lunar, McLouis, Sea Sloop,
Nirvana Motorhomes also offers full instruction, support, information and advice to novice motorhome users. It has a comprehensive accommodation arrangement
with the Camping and Caravanning Club, which has over 400,000 members,
valid at 100 campsites throughout the UK and a further 160 vetted sites in 16 countries overseas. Nirvana also offers another wheelchair-accessible motorhome package alongside the CPT motorhome model.
The market for wheelchair-accessible motorhomes grew by 11 per cent in 2004,
according to figures supplied by RDH Motorhomes. RDH's Benimar Eurable is
a custom-built vehicle based on the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato chassis with 2.8-litre
turbo diesel engine. The Eurable features a full electrical package and electricallyoperated ramp for wheelchair access. It also features air-ride suspension, swivel bases on the seating, and anchor points for securing the wheelchair whilst on the move. The large bathroom comes with shower chair grab rails and handles.
Marquis Motorhomes says it offers a number of vehicles to suit most pockets based on either Fiat Ducato or the Peugeot Boxer chassis and fitted with a 2.8 litre HDI turbo diesel. Included in the Mirage SE specification is cab air-conditioning, ABS braking and power assisted steering as standard. The Mirage also boasts free alloy wheels, awning and two-bike rack extra to the specifications.
Caravans
For those who prefer to separate the engine from the accommodation there is a
huge choice of caravans from Don Amott Leisure, ranging from the touring caravans made by Lunar and Chateau, to caravans that really are holiday homes on wheels from market leaders Willerby and Atlas Caravans.
Don Amott's vertically integrated structure enables the company to sell and hire out caravans. It also has a series of holiday and caravan parks in Lincolnshire
which offer picturesque locations with a range of facilities and leisure activities for
discerning caravanners at the Whispering Waters or Willows Caravan Park sites near Mablethorpe.
Fry's Caravans offers five makes of touring caravan from Avondale, Lunar,
Chateau, Sterling and Frystar, built by Lunar. The Avondale 3 Bird range comprises
the Avocet, Eagle and Osprey models.
The caravans are either two-berth and four-berth, available in a traditional 'L' or
straight seating. Depending on the model they have a traditional side-dinette, end-on washroom or centre changing room/toilet and separate shower. Avondale also offers its twin-axle Landranger series with front and rear dinettes, complete with a stacking fridge-freezer. The Landranger range features include an island bed, shower cubical and separate dressing area.
Sterling has added three new layouts to its 2005 range. The Europa model has a
bigger 7ft 4ins width body on all models.
Also new for this season are ASK stabilisers, fitted along with the recently launched
ALKO euro overun device with assisted hand brake for maximum safety.
Sterling's Eccles range has a light Scandinavian feel with light wood furniture. It also boasts a cooker with 800W electric hob as well as three standard gas burners, giving a unique take on cooking options. The Eccles Elite offers washrooms with fully fitted sealed shower cubicles, separate electric flush toilets and independent
tank and large vanity bowls.
For this season, Fry's introduce their Frystar models: the 524, 525, 615, and the top of the range Connoisseur EB. This model features alloy wheels, alarm, removable carpets with parquet style flooring underneath, status 513 directional antenna, radio/CD/MP3. The range also features colour co-ordinated soft furnishings, with matching curtains, bed linen, duvet set and pillows.
Don Amott Leisure 0845 456 0582
Fry's Caravans 01377 271383
Marquis Motorhomes 08000 26 77 77
Nirvana Motorhomes 01634 242442
RDH Motorhomes 0870 758 5050
The opinions on the products mentioned are those of the manufacturers, and not those of Disabled Motorist magazine.
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