Rapido pvc

[Woodster]

Recently been looking at the Rapido v62 and the v68 vans and we liked the build quality and the storage, but has anyone had experience of any of these on this forum. Out of these two vans the v68 with the two single beds seems to be the only option as the v62 with a 6’ x 4’2” bed would just about be big enough for one of us these days at our age. Any of your input would be much appreciated.

 

[Vipar]

Greetings peeps good luck with your search

 

[Grianan]

Can’t really help with Rapido. We bought Globecar Campscout PVC, 2 longitudinal singles or giant super king. Great van.
Best advice is to go to a show to see as many different ones as you can, think about everything you want to do in it and everything you want to take.
Ours suits is down to the ground at the moment but we took 6 months to choose it! Only thing which could improve it would be a drop down bed at the front ...

 

[Snoopy]

Hi and welcome ?

 

[scotzsue]

Hi and welcome, go to see the vans, take your shoes off try out the beds, see if it is convenient in the conveniences
try the seating area for lounging, is there a fixed table leg that might be a nuiscance. walk round mimicing making breakfast having a shower, is it doable, there will be compromises just depends on whether something is a must have or a like. Enjoy your search we did a couple of years researching before we bought our first van together, hired a couple too.

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[Garratt]

If you like the Rapido vans, have a look at the Dreamer range. These are built by Rapido but branded differently and have slightly different interiors - the Fun range are slightly stripped down, no frills, and the Select range are better specified. The model numbers are the same, so the Rapido V68 is the Dreamer D68, Fun or Select, depending on which trim level you go for.
I’ve got a Dreamer D55 Select, and I’m very happy with it.

 

[Woodster]

Many thanks for all your good advice very much appreciated.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Rapido V68 was on our short list (last 2 in fact) but the bathroom in the Adria swung it (literally) with the swinging door Duplex shower set-up

Very good van though

 

[to6y]

If you like the Rapido vans, have a look at the Dreamer range. These are built by Rapido but branded differently and have slightly different interiors - the Fun range are slightly stripped down, no frills, and the Select range are better specified. The model numbers are the same, so the Rapido V68 is the Dreamer D68, Fun or Select, depending on which trim level you go for.
I’ve got a Dreamer D55 Select, and I’m very happy with it.

Hi Garratt

I'm considering buying a Dreamer Living Van just as soon as this lockdown is over.

I see you own and like your Dreamer.

How long have you had it? Any problems? Any advice?

Many thanks in anticipation

 

[mikebeaches]

Recently been looking at the Rapido v62 and the v68 vans and we liked the build quality and the storage, but has anyone had experience of any of these on this forum. Out of these two vans the v68 with the two single beds seems to be the only option as the v62 with a 6’ x 4’2” bed would just about be big enough for one of us these days at our age. Any of your input would be much appreciated.

Must have missed this post back in February.

We've got a Rapido V68 and very good it is too.

We have had it from new in June 2016. The current model layout is the same as ours with just a few minor tweaks to the interior.

If you still want more info about the V68 just shout.

Cheers.

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[Garratt]

I've had the van for just over 18 months, and have been generally happy with it. I looked hard at the Adria Twin equivalents, but there were a couple of things about the Dreamer that decided me, in particular an absorption fridge rather than a compressor fridge. The interior styling was also more to my taste.

We haven't had any problems as such - a couple of recalls, one of which was unnecessary and some build niggles, but nothing major. For the model year after ours, Fiat launched the proper automatic transmission rather than the comfortmatic that we've got, and I would definitely prefer that but otherwise no regrets.

 

[beachwomble]

Must have missed this post back in February.

We've got a Rapido V68 and very good it is too.

We have had it from new in June 2016. The current model layout is the same as ours with just a few minor tweaks to the interior.

If you still want more info about the V68 just shout.

Cheers.
View attachment 390721

Hi, I am very interested by that sheet (don't know what to call it) you have put up in place of a factory fitted awning. I am considering buying a 5.4m campervan (please look at my first post in the "introduce yourself" section) and have been thinking whether it is worth spending £1000.- extra for an awning which may not get used a lot. What you have may be the answer I'm looking for. I guess it is fixed to an awning rail. Does the rail comes as standard on Ducato based campers or is it something to tick on the options list when you order? Is it quick to put on and off? Any details about the fly sheet will be greatly appreciated too!
All the best.

 

[mikebeaches]

Hi, I am very interested by that sheet (don't know what to call it) you have put up in place of a factory fitted awning. I am considering buying a 5.4m campervan (please look at my first post in the "introduce yourself" section) and have been thinking whether it is worth spending £1000.- extra for an awning which may not get used a lot. What you have may be the answer I'm looking for. I guess it is fixed to an awning rail. Does the rail comes as standard on Ducato based campers or is it something to tick on the options list when you order? Is it quick to put on and off? Any details about the fly sheet will be greatly appreciated too!
All the best.

OK - it's a very simple and lightweight old Khyam awning, originally designed to go on the front of one of their large tents.

I can't remember where I bought it years ago - either on eBay, or reduced at a camping shop - the latter I think? But recall I paid £20 Inc poles.

I purchased it and a couple of extra poles, so it could be used as a freestanding sunshade.

The vans come as standard with cleats on the roof, presumably for fitting roof racks ie for builders' ladders etc.

So I had the idea of just hanging the canopy from the van roof on one side using elastic loops on the cleats (from memory, I think there are four on each side on our van), but the canopy is just hooked on at each corner - works perfectly. No modifications required to the van and easy to put up (provided there is some grass to push the guyline pegs in).

The awning and poles pack up small and don't weigh too much.

Only thing is, the roof is high, so need lightweight steps (in pic) for accessing the roof cleats. But only takes 5 minutes to put up.

It would be easy to rig a canopy with any suitably sized sail type sunshade or dining shelter that are widely available online.

With a 'proper' fitted wind out awning, it's not just the cost to consider, but the weight too - they are heavy! On a pvc they are attached to the same roof cleats, so are an easy after-fit option, that you could decide on later after you've used the van and decided if you needed one. Our first motorhome (second hand) came with a fancy awning fitted - we never used it though.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Hi, I am very interested by that sheet (don't know what to call it) you have put up in place of a factory fitted awning. I am considering buying a 5.4m campervan (please look at my first post in the "introduce yourself" section) and have been thinking whether it is worth spending £1000.- extra for an awning which may not get used a lot. What you have may be the answer I'm looking for. I guess it is fixed to an awning rail. Does the rail comes as standard on Ducato based campers or is it something to tick on the options list when you order? Is it quick to put on and off? Any details about the fly sheet will be greatly appreciated too!
All the best.

The right length roll-out awning for a 5.4m PVC is 3.2m. The one I had fitted (a dealer option not factory fit) is the Fiamma F65s. It weighs 27.5 kg and the 3 brackets are bolted to the built-in lugs on the roof as described by mikebeaches. Cost - about £800 in 2017. Yes, I frequently use it for shade. Always wind it in at night or if the wind gusts pick up. In mine I fitted brackets for storing the long extending handle across the top, just inside the rear barn doors.

 

[beachwomble]

So I had the idea of just hanging the canopy from the van roof on one side using elastic loops on the cleats (from memory, I think there are four on each side on our van), but the canopy is just hooked on at each corner - works perfectly. No modifications required to the van and easy to put up (provided there is some grass to push the guyline pegs in).

Thanks for the brilliant answer. Sometimes I've got to decrypt what people write! The next time you fit the awning, could take a picture of the awning corner, elastic loop and cleat together and post it here? Sorry but with me it's a bit "campervaning for dummies"!

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[mikebeaches]

Thanks for the brilliant answer. Sometimes I've got to decrypt what people write! The next time you fit the awning, could take a picture of the awning corner, elastic loop and cleat together and post it here? Sorry but with me it's a bit "campervaning for dummies"!

Will aim to do that, though it could be a while - the van is currently trapped in Spain due to Covid-19 ! Been stuck there since early March.

It's due to be transported home soon, but it could still be some time before we're out and about in it.