Citroën ROMAHOME HYTOP
A cute little campervan, ideal for a couple. Very well apportioned – oodles of storage space with lockers under the banquettes. There is even a small hanging space behind the sink. And for very small children there is room to sleep (just) above the cab – but we generally use this for storing bedding. The whole of the roof extends upwards (hence “Hytop”) by about 20cm so that even a person 6 feet tall can stand comfortably between the cooker and the washbasin . These last two receive good daylight from the plexiglass rooflight which has two settings to provide the desired ventilation. It can also be removed completely. The Romahome bodywork sits aboard a Citroen Champ chassis with a 1.8 litre diesel engine in good running order (always starts first time!). Interior spec: 12V Lighting, Radio, Fan Heating, Cooker, End Kitchen, External Side Lockers (lockable), Fridge (Dual fuel – electric and gas), Grill, Hand Washbasin, Mains Hookup, Sunroof; sleeps two comfortably ; 4 storage units under seats; port-a-loo.
It’s really not surprising that piloting this little campervan is so very like driving a car. The engine and chassis are derived from the very well-known Citroën Champ which has evolved over many years. Hence the comfortable driving position, low engine noise levels and economical cruising. It has a combination of all-wheel independent suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars which copes effectively with bumpy roads. It has five gears which can offer a consumption of 40 miles per gallon when driving steadily between 40 and 60 mph. The diesel engine returns 60 brake horsepower at 4600 rpm. In common with such diesel engine design it has great torque at low speeds. For its vintage it has done low mileage (53,000 miles) and is very reliable – the glow plug starter mechanism ensures it starts first time.
The compact design derives from the expertise of a company on the Isle of Wight which has specialised in the fitting out of ocean going yachts. Hence a lot has been fitted into a small space but without any feeling of being cramped. Besides the essential kitchen requirements of fridge, hob and sink there is also a clothes hanging space, a larder cupboard and further storage handily placed above the hob together with two external, secure lockers.
Key features include: compact length, width, and height for go anywhere travel : no problem with parking or garaging due to the drop-down roof design. So with an overall height of just under two metres it can access those parking sites which have a restricted height bar at their entrances. For cross channel ferry trips it can hence join the queue for standard vehicles rather than being diverted to special channels for larger vehicles which are often more costly. When parked up the roof is easily lifted by one person to give an extra 20 cm of headroom.
The body work is really well insulated so even in hot weather it feels pleasantly cool inside. This is particularly noticeable in the cab due to the overhead compartment which effectively insulates from the sun’s rays. The rear roof light has two positions, and can also be removed completely.
All-in-all a lovely, cosy little van that can even get into most underground carparks but will expand up when required to give plenty of headspace.
Vehicle registered: 21/04/1992
Professional conversion by Island Plastics – Isle of Wight a company specialising in ocean going yacht converions; hence their expertise in fitting a large volume into a small space
Twin singles 540 mm x 1700 millimetres: they pull together to make a double bed 1460 mm x 1840 mm . There is further storage area above the cab which could, at a push, also accommodate 2 small children for sleeping if needed: 1400 mm x 760 mm! (Has a safety rail).
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Finance options are available through our partner, Pegasus Finance. The UK’s leading specialist broker in the leisure finance industry.
