Romahome R25

Small is beautiful

Words and photos by John Page

Refreshing in their originality Romahome have once again demonstrated that modest size has real benefits. And so, whilst continuing the success of the ubiquitous R20 Micro Motorhome now into its 25th year, the range has been extended to a range of ten models of which this R25 is the latest. The really clever strategy of Romahome though is to discover niches in the market and create a design to exploit them. And they do this with verve and imagination using their considerable experience with GRP to enable the creation of the sleek body shapes that really have no equals at this size. As a two-berth concept our R25 has living space and storage capacity beyond a comparable size Camper together with full insulation of the body shell. A true coachbuilt body based on a platform cab Citroen chassis it measures just 5.20m long and 2.1m wide and is of original concept owing nothing to the competition in layout, equipment or method of construction. The design staff at Cowes is enthusiastic about the challenge that this machine presents to increasingly bigger Motorhomes from European and UK builders pursuing the luxury agenda.For us this was to be a test with a difference starting when we collected ZBO on the dockside at Yarmouth after a tranquil crossing on the ferry from Lymington. Thank you Romahome the fuel tank is full, the sun is shining and it’s time to set off West on the well-remembered narrow twisty roads that make the Island a genuine pleasure to travel over. Heathfield farm Camping Park at Freshwater made us welcome and for a change the majority of our neighbours were tent campers. Whether Camper, Motorhome or tent everyone here has a really generous pitch and a backing of trees to act as a wind break and create a rather special character.
Construction

The name Romahome has been synonymous with GRP know-how for more than two decades and in addition to Motorhomes also extends to commercial vehicles and boat hulls. For R25 the construction process starts with a Citroen Berlingo platform cab chassis. The body shell is bonded to this chassis forming an impressively firm and rigid total structure. Further strength comes when the various furniture units are also bonded in place. This explains the complete absence of creaks or noises off when you travel. Crockery rattling is the driver’s responsibility though. Utilising the living space effectively has the lounge/diner immediately up front behind the cab – main storage over the cab, with galley at the nearside rear and wardrobe and toilet compartment along the offside. It is uncluttered and a pleasure to operate. Locker doors are self closing and locked by push button to never fly open when on the move. Ventilators above the lounge and the kitchen let the cool air in and the culinary steam out. From Webasto the thoroughly reliable Thermo-Top diesel powered blown air heater does its job well with minimal noise and a positively cheese-paring fuel consumption that of course means that gas is only necessary for cooking. Internal wall surfaces have a soft texture that can be wiped clean. A choice of four hard wearing cushion fabrics in different designs and colours are resistant to stains and the particular colour fabric installed in our vehicle goes by the unforgettable title of Jammy Dodger. Background light fittings and spotlights throughout are LED provoking minimal consumption with excellent, cool to the touch, virtually white light. Control and monitoring gauges are placed handy above the entrance door.
On Country Roads

With its modest 2.10m width there were few roads or lanes inaccessible to us so it was simple to find our way up onto the Downs for the fantastic walks and views right across the Island. In general parking facilities on the Island were thoughtfully provided, whether exploring some of the Chines on the South Coast or around Ventnor and its cliffs. Fast speed checks were not on the programme as the only Dual carriageway is a short stretch in Newport and there is nowhere that 70mph would be legal. Driven with respect the Southerly Military Road has short stretches for 60mph but even there the bends can be acute and the camber questionable. Motto, forget mainland style, cruise quietly and live longer. Of the ride quality, in fully loaded condition as we were, there was some sway from stiff sea breezes, in exposed stretches or if pushing it round the bends – but always predictable. That said my personal preference would be for a stiffer ride – something that the boffins at Cowes are considering. As ever though, with all motorhomes, the way you stow everything can have a profound effect on the ride quality. For instance, with R25 concentrating anything heavy in the lockers under the seats is a good idea and light stuff in the wide space over the cab is also sensible. Those buying a Motorhome for the first time should load it with all the normal kit – then find a weighbridge and check out your weight against the chassis maker’s recommended maximum figure. If it’s greater leave the piano at home. Final thought – don’t travel with a full waste tank. Of the mechanicals, the 1.6-litre HDi turbo diesel serves up a hefty 90bhp at 4,000rpm and torque flexibility of 185Nm at 1,750rpm. So you can tickle along quietly and have ample power faced with a sudden steep incline of which there were several on the I.O.W. Rear suspension is of the very best independent trailing arms/coil springs/anti-roll bar dimension. And balanced at the front end with ever-faithful MacPherson, coil springs and another anti-roll bar. A triumph of body design smoothes the airflow beautifully, leaving it only to the tyres on rough tarmac for music.

The Living Style

Inevitably .he Romahome approach is original, from the shape of the vehicle to the floor plan and the type of construction. There’s a harmony between the kitchen and the lounge, no sharp corners and plenty of light from the roof lights and the panoramic windows. Characteristically there is a large stowage area above the cab for bedding and any other bulky items. Double seats on either side form the lounge/diner space, with space under on both sides for gear used occasionally. Roof lockers on either side will swallow a large amount of folded clothes and in a slim wardrobe near the rear door you could cram a couple of serious walkers winter coats and trousers etc. The space under it is just ideal for boots, shoes and sandals. Forward of this comes the concealed toilet, followed by wall and floor lockers and an all-purpose worktop area. Tucked neatly away under the nearside seat Webasto’s magical diesel heater is totally effective in short order, does it quietly and is easily get-atable. So; whether you’re sprawling feet-up, sitting well supported at meal-times or keeping an eye on the natural world outside, this warm looking interior will be restful and calming.

Kitchen

With more workspace than a stockbroker’s pied-a-terre and stacks of room for all the equipment and raw material needed to produce nourishing meals for the crew, there would be no excuse for beans on toast at dinner. Actually, this ideal, well lit, well arranged Motorhome galley was the means to a three course nosh starting with taramasalata in avocado pear, hash browns and bean rissoles to follow and Vignotte cheese with grapes for dessert. In detail, for our cutlery, crockery and the steamer, there was dedicated space to keep them quiet and secure. A pair of mains electric sockets were placed above the worktop for safety and a third on top of the offside floor level locker was intended for TV power. A real benefit unique to Romahome due to its unit construction is the ease with which one can wipe over the whole galley surface.
SleepingIn this context our R25 is exclusively a two-berth Motorhome. Here you have a choice, depending on how the cushions are arranged, between a double bed, two singles or an extended double. The latter involves the cab seats with backrests flattened to support the two long cushions that serve as backrests in the lounge. In the interest of keeping it simple and no hassle we opted for a transverse double. That is simplicity itself, just slide the table into slots on the seat bases to support the regular side cushions – and voila a snug double bed is made. In mild night-time temperatures with cab curtained off there was sufficient latent heat retained to stay comfortable.

Washroom

The Efficient Dometic toilet negates a walk to the ablutions at night-time, is neatly housed and unobtrusive at daytime and complete with curtain for privacy.
Stowage You would be hard put to find the total stowage capacity lacking here given the splendid size of the space over the cab and lockers in all directions elsewhere, assuming you’re halfway tidy in the first place. If you need more then checkout the sibling R40 but that won’t quite match this compact machine’s nimble parking profile.

Summary

Not only is the R25 possibly the most compact coachbuilt Motorhome ever, it is also an ideal picnic machine, parks in a car slot and keeps the diesel fuel bill reasonable. The build quality is reassuringly robust and it is capable of all out of season use in our temperate zone. It feels good underway or on site and is unobtrusive in those out of the way places in the countryside. The styling, as ever with Romahome, is brilliant and the practicality obviously results from this maker’s experience over the years. Best of all is the genuinely competitive on-the-road price of £31,928.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification:

Romahome R25, two-berth coachbuilt Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested: £31,928 on-the-road

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Romahome Ltd, Prospect Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7AD, Tel: 01983 292451

CONVERSION

Overall length: 5.20m

Overall width: 2.10m

Overall height: 2.60m

MPTLM: 2,227kg

Payload: 300kg

Construction: Steel cab, GRP bodywork with insulation

Fresh water capacity: 34-litres

Waste water capacity: 34-litres

Gas storage capacity: 6kg

Auxiliary battery: 110Ah

Refrigerator: Dometic 60-litre fridge/freezer

Water and space heating: Webasto C300 Thermo Top water and blown air space heater

Lighting: LED spot and ceiling light fittings

Upholstery: Jammy Dodger specification patterned tapestry fabric

Other equipment fitted: illuminated electric rear step

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Citroen platform cab chassis

Power unit: 1.6-litre HDi common rail turbo diesel

Maximum power: 90bhp @ 4,000rpm

Maximum torque: 185Nm @ 1,750rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion with 11.0m kerb to kerb turning circle

Braking: all disc with ABS and EBD

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: extra urban cycle: 55.4mpg

Maximum speed: Estimated 70 mph

Comfortable cruising speed 60-65mph