T.E.C. NOLOGY
NEW CAMPER ON OUR HALLOWED TURF - HIGH SPEC AND KEEN PRICE TO BOOT
Words and photos by John Page
In 1957 Erwin Kiel made a caravan: fifty years later, TEC, the company that owed its origins to Erwin, was a major European player in the building of Motorhomes and Trailer caravans. 2008 saw the company launch their first Camper, built under licence for them by specialist camper builder Possl. This was our test vehicle, the Ford Transit Nology we collected from UK importer TECH LEISURE of Towcester.
From Ford, the long wheelbase high-top Transit is the all steel bodied vehicle that becomes an attractive two-berth Camper. Factory metallic paintwork in red or silver is part of the impressive standard inventory and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty is a giant step forward in new Camper terms. TEC have also been shrewd enough to realise that driver and passenger airbags, cab air con’, 16 inch alloy wheels, Radio/CD and ABS braking are no longer the preserve of the elite but expected by ordinary mortals such as you and I. The machine is certainly a ‘looker” from all angles, distinctly leisure oriented rather than a people carrier. During five eventful days we got to know the machine very well – every bit as comfortable as it appeared, complete with a practical approach that stems from research into what camper owners are likely to regard as priorities.
Construction
The beauty of an integrated steel high top roof is that its structural integrity is intact and that its torsional strength is ideal for the adding of the various roof lockers and roof vents. Aerodynamically, given the virtually perfect way the roof continues the slope of the windscreen, airflow noise is minimal and airflow disturbance low. Inside the floor is on two levels with the lounge several inches higher than the kitchen and washroom. It didn’t become a problem because it’s natural to stoop slightly as you move into the lounge to sit down. Oddly enough, so used am I to ducking in Campers, it was a while before I realised I’d been doing so. Full headroom though where needed in the kitchen and washroom area. Why is the floor raised? Because the space between the vehicle chassis and raised floor accommodates the spare wheel, the Truma heater, auxiliary battery, heating ducts, waste water tank, jack and any other bulky objects you might want to find a home for. The vehicle will also tend to stay warmer than in might have done were the floor sitting direct on the chassis. Insulation is thorough including the effective dense foam applied to the inner surface of the Overcab compartment; another component of the low noise level when mobile quite apart from the thermal benefit. Especially well done was the ease of access to the space under the side couches; to service the heater, inspect and clean if necessary the fresh water tank, and stow and recover a whole lot of personal gear. An accessible spare wheel is also an unusual bonus.
ON THE ROAD
Quite how it has been achieved I’m really not sure but the ride quality and low noise level en route are really very good indeed. These are the elements that take a whole lot of the stress out of Motorway and A-road travel that is the norm today. OK, Campers don’t spend all their time on such roads but the quieter the better even when sauntering the lanes. All interesting stuff because there was a time when the dear old Tranny lagged behind – not any more – I love the gear change, the visibility, the sixteen inch wheels and possibly the best and least distracting Radio/CD courtesy of Ford. Who else goes to so much trouble to foil the thieves with their lockable bonnet? And the thief-tracking programme is part of the vehicles kit. This time there was the opportunity to give the Cruise control a try – another real aid to relieving the tension in your right leg and letting technology take the strain. It’s a great machine but don’t let’s forget it doesn’t have a brain. Motive power for the Nology is the 2.2-litre, 130PS turbo diesel with 16 valves, an absolute honey of an engine that develops maximum torque at the low engine speed of 1600rpm. No wonder it’s flexible in town traffic and smooth to accelerate away from the roundabout when that huge artic on the left gets too close. At 70mph revs are a touch less than 2500rpm, stay in fifth gear down to 60mph and it stays as smooth as silk. Fuel consumption, my estimate, at 30mpg plus including motorway and country driving. Not bad for a brand new motor.
Cab seats, agreeably firm, are adjustable in three dimensions and at a level that makes the sun visors fully effective. Cab ergonomics at which Ford excel, include control of the Radio/CD, direction indicators, cruise control, dip switch plus wipers for windscreen and rear windows all from the steering column stalks. Air con and climate controls are at once obvious just below the Radio with its large unmistakable buttons. I liked the good grip of the relatively small diameter steering wheel and what we used to speak of as the “knife through butter” feel of the gear change. To begin with I said that I didn’t know exactly what brought about the super ride quality. It’s obvious really – a collection of factors including the long wheelbase, 16 inch wheels, the soft yet totally stable springing, weight distribution concentrated low down and within the wheelbase and finally, a complete absence of noises off from the leisure vehicle conversion.
AT EASE
The heart of a Camper is the lounge/diner element and there are three possible alternatives – at the front incorporating the cab, in the middle also using the cab or, as in Nology, at the rear with the cab, galley and washroom close together at the front. Obviously, all have their for and against – but ours has the rear seating. Taking a close critical look this rear lounge is the cosiest and most sprawlable, with a European galley for simple nourishment rather than Haute Cuisine. There is no through traffic with this layout and once seated there are views on three sides, with plenty of choice about whether to sit back, put your feet up or flake out for a siesta. If you happen to be a bird watcher this layout makes an ideal hide and some years ago Eric Hosking and son David took many of their famous bird images from a PB Commer Camper. Beneath the couches, on the offside the Truma heater and auxiliary battery are easily accessible – complemented on the nearside by excellent access to check or clean if necessary, the fresh water tank. Only the free standing table was not quite right – some five inches higher than was comfortable to eat from and heavier to lug about than it need be. A trivia to be rectified in the simplest way possible – all production Nologys will have a different table. Truma’s latest horizontal heater is well served from the extensive ducting below floor level and regulated from a thermostat at the recommended waist level affixed to the kitchen unit. In terms of décor, cushions of fawn fabric with faux leather edging in khaki give warmth to an interior that also includes the mottled beige carpets. These are easily removable to reveal a planked effect vinyl floor covering should you plan a beachside holiday. Very euro net curtains are just the thing to bring a cool breeze when the windows are wide open without spoiling the privacy.
Sleeping
Very few Campers can offer a genuine choice of two adult size singles or a double bed measuring 176cm by 170cm. The singles are in situ immediately after removing the backrests on either side and stashing them in the cab. Pulling curtains, sliding the blinds in place and spreading the sleeping gear completes the bedroom formula. To make the superb double bed takes a bit longer but is devoid of hassle because it all works so well. First extend the slatted extensions to the couch base on either side. Then using one large and one small backrest cushion push them into place to fill the gap in the middle. The beauty of it is that once in place there is not the slightest chance of any part of it coming adrift. The spotlights are within reach last thing and the remote will turn the radio off without getting out of bed. Pleasant dreams. And a journey to the washroom at night is unobstructed.
COMPACT CATERING
While Nology won’t win an award for the lavishness of its kitchen, the real essentials are in place. 103-litres of fresh water for example when camping off site. A gas locker to accommodate a pair of 7kg cylinders – another essential when right away from civilization. Two hob burners are ample to produce almost any thing apart from a roast dinner and the wire trays under the sink unit will hold lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Sixty litres of fridge/freezer capacity will take care of the perishable food, a few ready made meals, milk, butter and the few beers that might be needed for a few days away. And there is always wrapped bread that will keep fine for a while if there is no fresh bread daily. In France in spite of the relentless march of the Hypermarket, it is still possible to find a village baker almost anywhere for real tasty bread or the croissants. At floor level the fridge position is not ideal but it is as close as possible to the kitchen worktop area. If it’s blowy you’ll need to keep the sliding door shut but the neat Heki Two roof vent will clear the air quickly.
WASHROOM
Like Pandora’s box there is more here than meets the eye – a washroom that is rather small yet boasts a good sized wash basin with a useful surround; ample space to swivel the cassette toilet to where it is suitable and a locker under the sink to stow a few towels. The dual-purpose faucet for the sink and the shower saves space and the mirrors on opposite walls are reminiscent of the hall of mirrors at The Palace of Versailles. Not quite in the same class but a similar effect. Wondering at the flexibility of the larger one I pressed it against the wall and it sprung open to reveal a hidden compartment in which to conceal ones valuables. It just wouldn’t be obvious to a thief. The shower curtain is for lean figured campers but there is always the alternative of using it sparingly and mopping up afterwards, or making the journey to a Campsite washroom.
STOWAGE
This unusual Camper has storage capacity and to spare taking into account the double floor, and the readily available space under both couches even though the heater, auxiliary battery and fresh water tank are there as well. Five roof lockers in the lounge, generous galley space and the cavern above the cab all add up to a total capacity that should satisfy two people even on the more adventurous travel journeys.
Summary
How interesting that TEC’s first venture into the Camper sector of the market should be based on the Ford Transit rather than the all conquering Fiat and Peugeot. Auto-Sleeper’s Duetto is based on the Medium wheelbase Ford Transit and priced at some £3,500 more than the Nology but virtually all the rest of the competition converting long wheelbase vehicles use Fiat, Peugeot or Renault. There is no shortage of competition from other builders large or small though. And several, have similar prices. However, when you consider the standard fitting of the 130PS motor, metallic paintwork, 16 inch alloy wheels, cruise control and cab air conditioning to the Nology then the on the road price of £33,995 looks good.
Not having driven the newest Long wheelbase Transit in Camper form I was genuinely surprised at the exceptionally low noise and very good ride quality – not quite Volkswagen quality but then there are no VW Campers of similar size to compare it with. The proof of the pudding is how you feel after a drive that includes modern motorway and A-class road conditions. After a couple of ninety-mile journeys including the M1 at its rush hour frenetic the pulse was normal. I’ve got to hand it to Ford because I’m quite sure that their ergonomics in the cab are the extra quotient that help to keep Transit pilots calm. Let’s also hear it for TEC, responsible for a total lack of sounds from the rear whilst in motion.
TECHNICAL DATA
Vehicle specification: TEC Nology two-berth Camper
Price of vehicle tested: £33,995 on the road
Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Tech Leisure Ltd, Slapton Hill Farm, Slapton, Towcester, Northants, NN12 8QD, Tel: 0870 794 0111
CONVERSION
Overall length: 5.68m
Overall width: 1.97m
Overall height: 2.68m
MPTLM: 3500kg
Payload: 830kg
Construction: Steel bodied including the high roof.
Fresh water capacity: 103-litres
Waste water capacity: 86-litres
Gas storage capacity: two x 7kg cylinders
Auxiliary battery: 90Ah
Refrigerator: Dometic 60-litre fridge/freezer for gas/12v/240v
Water and space heating from Truma gas fired boiler and blown air system
Lighting: mix of spotlighting and fluorescent fittings
Upholstery: abstract pattern fabric with faux leather edging
Other equipment fitted: 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, cab air conditioning, metallic paint, Passenger and driver airbags, Ford Radio/CD, Theft deterrent system, five years unlimited mileage warranty
BASE VEHICLE
Type: Ford Transit Long wheelbase high-top
Power unit: 2.2-litre TDCi diesel
Maximum power: 130PS @ 3500rpm
Maximum torque: 310Nm @ 1600rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual to front wheels
Steering: power assisted rack and pinion
Braking: dual circuit servo assisted to front and rear discs with ABS
PERFORMANCE
Fuel consumption: estimated 34mpg
Maximum speed: estimated 85 mph plus
Comfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph
