I.H. Motor Campers Ltd – Tio R Camper
EXCLUSIVE FIRST TEST
Words and photos by John Page
Pioneering again and impatient to get their hands on one of the dramatic new Fiat Ducatos there was no option but to drive to Italy and buy one. That was the easy bit – now came the magic needed to metamorphose plain van into two-berth Tio R Camper, all within a 21 day time frame before its public debut at the September Shepton Mallet Show. Much burning of midnight oil because this was the second of three all new vehicles that will have been rolled out from Knottingley within three short months! And this alongside the normal busy schedule that later this year will have seen no less than 1,000 Campers produced since the genesis of the Ian Hartley Company in the Nineties.
On our promise to treat the only Tio R in existence with the utmost care, it was handed over for us to play with for an all too brief 48 hours. In substance Tio R is a two-berth high-top camper with seating areas at either end of the living quarters, one of which converts to a double bed. Apart from the tranquillity of the rear horseshoe shape lounge the layout lends itself to a well-planned galley and surprisingly spacious washroom.
Construction
Like its predecessor the Ducato base vehicle is an all steel bodied light commercial with a 3500kg maximum weight capacity. X2/50 designates the third and most dynamic phase in the life of Ducato that first commenced in 1981. During that time the dimensions have progressively increased and the character of the machine has improved beyond what might have been thought possible 25 years ago. As for the shape – it’s different, blunt and highly individual. It gets my vote because it totally disregards fashion. Easier to get under the bonnet as well. Of enormous import for the Motor caravan industry is the news that Fiat has created a plant specifically to build chassis for Camper and Motorhome conversion. Potential payloads have been improved, specifications upgraded, and suspension type geared to leisure vehicles requirements. I.H. of course cut holes in the body for windows, ventilation and appliances dictates before adding specialised insulation to the walls, roof and floor surfaces. Wiring, plumbing and gas runs all conform to safety standards recommended by the various suppliers of the equipment. Our Tio had a Truma Combi combined space/water heater fuelled by gas or electricity, although diesel fuelled heaters and fixed LPG tank are options. Overall, there is an undeniable quality feel to the way this latest Tio R behaves coupled to a sophisticated look to the whole machine inside and out. For the nitty gritty beyond first impressions here is what we found during two moderately hectic days in early October.
On the Road
X2/50 is neither a makeover, facelift nor cosmetic exercise. It is a fundamental rethink of everything, designed to maintain Fiat’s huge share of the market, particularly for leisure vehicles. Competition from Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Ford is vigorous. That said, experience with the Tio R and other X2/50 shod Motor Caravans tested by us so far suggests that the quantum leap with Ducato will take some catching up. The cockpit first, designed above all for simple, obvious and non-distracting operation. Gone are the gimmicky, bulbous heat/vent boxes, replaced by effective flush grills in the dashboard fascia spreading their effect in three dimensions. Speed, engine revs, motor temperature and fuel gauge are clear under a non-reflective cowl. Radio and cruise control can be operated by switches on the steering wheel, while heater, air-con and Radio/CD are within comfortable reach and ultra simple to recognise immediately.
No more fumbling for the bonnet release, now recessed and foolproof on the left of the dashboard when the driver’s door is open. Grasp the bonnet and the safety release falls naturally to hand. Tilt steering is replaced by a rather more effective telescoping adjustment. Fast Hi-Back cab seats fitted by I.H. with their twin armrests, adjustable lumbar supports and firm shape were close to ideal, although production Tio Rs will be fitted with the new Fiat Pilot seats. Wider rear view mirrors with indicator repeating lights are a considerable improvement, appreciated especially for overtaking in our left hand drive example. So much for the controls; how did it go?
Power by 2287cc, 16-valve Multijet amounts to 120bhp at 3600rpm, with the equally important 320Nms of torque at 2000rpm. All that plus six speeds for the gearbox gave 70mph at a whisker less than 2500rpm and an informed estimate of close to 40mpg. It’s the ride quality though that will impress – quieter and more softly resilient than you could possibly imagine from leaf springs to the rear and MacPhee type struts for the front wheels. It may sound utterly conventional so Fiat has obviously worked some sort of magic for all the suspension components to achieve such a ride, smoothing the way even over some of our atrociously coarse surfaced A and B roads.
Massive lower front wishbones, anti roll bars, rear spring assists and the 335mm increase in wheelbase length play their part. Spend less than £200 on a specialist soundproofing kit and my guess is it could achieve true saloon car noise levels. Without that we had no problem listening to the radio at 60mph plus.
At Ease and Eating
One of the top two I.H. layout plans, the Tio R popularity has much to do with the relaxing influence of that unfussy rear lounge space the expansive galley and second front diner. The latter ideal for breakfast or supper when the bed is made up. Lounge bonus points include; windows for 180o views of the glorious outdoors, dozing with feet up in front of the TV and the space to seat four when the neighbours drop in for a noggin. Variable density cushion filling is a prosaic way to describe seating that stays firm all the time and when you make your selection of fabrics I.H. will spoil you for choice of modern traditional or abstract patterns. Good quality corner speakers, half a dozen halogen spots, accommodation for a flat screen TV and the large Heki roof vent are all invariably tasteful parts of the thorough I.H. approach to décor and design. A single island leg table, though small was adequate for the two of us providing we used ledges on either side for our cups or glasses. Specify the flat screen TV option when it will be fine to view on its bracket against the nearside bulkhead. Cassette windows for the living quarters are of the hinged D/G type with blinds and flyscreens – with one exception, a sliding window to the nearside for safe extra ventilation on the move. Three well spaced blown air ducts circulate warm air from the Combi heater are capable of raising the interior temperature to comfortable levels in out of season weather, helped after dark when all the window and vent blinds are drawn.
Sleeping
At better than five feet wide and six feet two long the double bed is substantially bigger than some fixed beds in coachbuilt motorhomes. Admittedly, make-up by re-arranging several of the cushions will take a few minutes but no exertion is needed with everything fitting together easily after the base extension is slid out to fill the gap between seats. Beautifully comfortable and snug sleeping across the width, with heads to the widest part of the bed on the nearside. Just in case our photos confuse in any respect our left hand drive vehicle also had a European configuration to suit the sliding door. Something that I.H.M.C. can supply without fuss. Twin spotlights to either side supply the illumination for reading in bed, and should you require a remote for the Radio/CD it can be arranged.
Kitchen
Complete with oven, four burner hob, 80-litre fridge and sink drainer what more could the imaginative cook need? Worktop space of course and here again the design approach is thoughtful with laminate tops instead of glass and a total expanse to put the competition to shame. Even untidy meal makers could manage easily with the extension section in place. Sink and hob also have laminate tops. A SMEV oven will cope with any normal roast short of a large goose and two large and a pair of small hob burners makes sense. A fair size grill integral with the oven helps to keep things clean. Our kettle lead was not long enough for the high mounted power socket so our alternative hob kettle was the answer. Steam etc is extracted via the Heki Two vent in the centre gangway. For galley stowage there’s a large locker beneath the sink that will take all manner of pots and pans plus tins and packets of non-perishable food. Roof lockers and the fridge will accommodate more food and beneath the oven a deep drawer is fitted for the IH set of crockery as part of the regular specification.
Washroom
Like Pandora’s box there is more here than at first seems possible – a decent size hand basin of the folding variety, sufficient elbow room to shower without feeling hemmed in and one of Messrs Thetford’s elegant electric flush cassette toilets. It isn’t spacious but is essentially practical with a small dash of I.H. flair with a large towel rail dry behind the shower curtain, elegant diffused light fittings and a separate mixer tap for the shower faucet. A flexible lattice mat rather than the carpet would be preferable for the shower tray and the wall cabinet is tiny but I’m nitpicking considering the overall commonsense logic of this practical compact washroom. I like the possibility of using the shower head outdoors through the side window and good ventilation via a roof vent and said window. Siting the light switch outside the door negates fumbling in the dark should one visit during the small hours.
Storage
Walking boots, and assorted outdoor clobber will all fit easily into the rear boot simply accessed by easy to manipulate metal turn screws, should your hands be cold after a winter walk. The spare wheel is also accessed in this locker. Inside the six roof lockers will cope with neatly stacked underclothes and socks etc, leaving the smallish wardrobe for outer clothing on hangars. Immediately forward of the ‘robe three differing size wall lockers were will be useful for some of the gear best kept hidden. The recess above the cab will accept a duvet if energetically crammed in or, keep it stowed in the large area under one of the rear seat cushions. For the galley neatness be your friend, helped by crocks and cutlery in the dedicated drawer, the eighty litres of fridge capacity, plus packets in the roof locker and all else in the genuinely spacious double-door locker under the sink. X2/50 Fiat’s contribution in the cab has shelves, recesses, door pockets and ledges designed for a troop of squirrels.
Summary
Tio R based on new Ducato is style backed by good workmanship and a commonsense approach to the priorities for camping with minimum hassle. That’s why the bed is large and simple to make ready. Use the kitchen’s generous worktop area without the need for profanity. And however you choose to slouch this lounge will cooperate. Basically, Tio R and X2/50 possess the Camper feel good factor whether quietly mobile or stationary. We would have liked more time with it but there was a date with the NEC shortly afterwards. The price? As tested, including ABS, EBD, two 85amp leisure batteries, TV aerial, central locking, power mirrors, the 120bhp, 2.3-litre Multijet diesel motor, £38,995. Far from cheap of course, a hefty chunk of which is due to new Ducato’s increased price. Try it though and the drive and the concept will be a revelation
Vehicle Data
Vehicle specification: I.H. Motor Campers two-berth high-top Camper
Price of vehicle tested: £38,995
Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: I.H. Motor Campers Ltd, Great North Road, Knottingley, West Yorkshire, WF11 OBS. Tel: 01977 677118
Conversion
Overall length: 6.04m
Overall width: 2.03m
Overall height: 2.56m
MTPLM: 3500kg
Payload: 560kg
Construction: all steel-bodied vehicle with Accoustitherm insulation
Fresh water capacity: 68-litres
Waste water capacity: 40-litres
Gas storage: 2 x 7kg cylinders
Auxiliary battery: two 85ah leisure batteries
Refrigerator: Dometic 80-litre fridge/freezer
Heating: Truma Combi combined water and blown air space heating
Lighting: mix of halogen spotlights and fluorescent fittings.
Upholstery: I.H.M.C beige with Bridge of Weir leather trim
Other equipment fitted: non-standard alloy wheels and cruise control
Base Vehicle
Type: Fiat Ducato X2/50
Power unit: 2.3-litre, four cylinder Multijet, turbo diesel
Maximum power: 120bhp @ 3600rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual to front wheels
Steering: power assisted rack and pinion
Braking system: servo assisted system to all wheel discs with ABS and EBD
Performace
Fuel consumption: estimated 36mpg
Maximum speed: estimated 85mph
Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph
