Romahome Dimensions: Compact Charm Explored

The Romahome, a quintessentially British micro-motorhome, has charmed enthusiasts for decades with its compact dimensions and ingenious use of space. Unlike many larger, more imposing motorhomes, the Romahome was conceived with a clear vision: to offer maximum utility within a minimal footprint. A common question amongst prospective owners and curious onlookers alike is, 'How tall is a Romahome?' The answer, as with many aspects of this clever vehicle, lies in its unique design philosophy, which allowed for surprising interior spaciousness despite its modest exterior.

The Genesis of a Compact Icon

The story of the Romahome is rooted in a fascinating blend of yacht design and micro-truck ingenuity. Back in the 1970s, the visionary yacht and occasional kit-car designer, Barry Stimson, conceived a demountable motorcaravan body. This initial design was crafted to fit the Honda TN7 micro pick-up truck, a compact vehicle recently introduced to the UK market. This innovative concept quickly caught the attention of Island Plastics, specialist GRP marine moulders, who acquired the design.

Production soon commenced with a monocoque GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) version, tailored for the significantly improved Honda Acty pick-up. The use of yacht-grade GRP for both the body and cabinetwork was a stroke of genius. This material was not only incredibly tough and leak-resistant but also boasted a high-gloss finish that gave the Romahome a distinctive and appealing aesthetic. Its marine heritage ensured durability and a premium feel, setting it apart from many competitors.

From Demountable to Permanent: The Citroën C15 Era

A pivotal moment in the Romahome's evolution occurred with remarkable synchronicity. As Japanese production of micro-trucks began to scale back, Island Plastics' Managing Director, Brian Bailey, discovered through consultations with existing owners that very few ever actually demounted the motorcaravan body from its base vehicle. This revelation prompted a significant shift: the search for new, more suitable underpinnings for a 'permanently attached' body. This quest led to the adoption of the Citroën C15, affectionately known as the Citroën Champ, as the new base vehicle.

The transition to the Citroën C15 proved to be a defining moment, solidifying the Romahome's place as a beloved fixture on British roads. This new chassis provided a robust and reliable foundation, allowing the Romahome to continue its legacy of compact, practical, and highly durable motorhoming.

Unpacking the Romahome's Clever Height Solution

Now, to the core question: how tall is a Romahome? For the fixed-roof version, known as the Hytop, the overall height stands at a mere 2.31m (7’ 7”). This remarkably low profile is one of its greatest assets, particularly for owners residing in densely populated urban areas where garageability is a key concern. The ability to fit into standard car parks and garages without issue makes it incredibly versatile.

However, what truly sets the Hytop apart is its ingenious solution to provide full standing height inside, despite its modest exterior height. This was achieved through its unique selling proposition (USP): a dropped kitchen floor at the far rear of the vehicle. By lowering the floor in the galley area, occupants could stand upright comfortably, a feature rarely found in vehicles of such compact external dimensions. This clever design maximised internal living space without compromising on the exterior's garage-friendly height.

For those desiring even more headroom, the Hylo variant was introduced. This model features a solid-sided, vertically extending rising-roof. While the Hytop offers a fixed roof with an impressive standing height due to its dropped floor, the Hylo provides an even more expansive interior feel when the roof is elevated, catering to those who prefer an open, airy living space while parked.

Interior Design: Maximising Every Inch

Both the Hytop and Hylo share the same remarkably efficient motorhome layout. Entry and egress are facilitated by a glazed stable door, centrally located in the rear panel. Upon stepping inside, you immediately find yourself in the galley. The hob and grill are conveniently situated on the right (offside), while the sink is on the left (nearside).

The lounge area occupies the space between the kitchen and the cab. It features a pair of long, inward-facing settees, designed for comfortable daytime lounging. These settees quickly and easily convert into either easy-access longitudinal single beds or, if preferred, an all-over double bed, offering flexible sleeping arrangements. The overcab area, rather than housing a fixed bed, is intelligently designed for the storage of light, bulky items such as sleeping bags, duvets, or quilted outdoor coats, further enhancing the living space below.

While there isn't a separate washroom, the kitchen sink serves for basic washing needs. Crucially, there is dedicated storage for a freestanding Porta Potti under one of the seats. Many owners choose to place this portable toilet at the far rear of the vehicle at night for convenience. Alternatively, a freestanding toilet tent was offered as an original extra-cost option, providing additional privacy.

Specifications and Upgrades

The basic specification of a Romahome was, as you might expect, quite fundamental. Standard features included a two-burner gas hob and grill, a sink with pumped cold water, and 12V electric lighting. However, many desirable features were available as extra-cost options when new, including:

• Mains hook-up
• Leisure battery
• Three-way (gas/12V/230V) fridge
• Blown-air heating

The good news for used 'van buyers is that these crucial upgrades are relatively easy to retrofit, making even a basic model a good starting point for customisation. This flexibility has allowed many owners to tailor their Romahome to their specific needs and preferences over the years.

Durability and Enduring Appeal

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Romahome is the almost indestructible moulded GRP body. This robust construction often outlasted quite a few base vehicles, leading to a unique practice among owners: 'clipping' or transferring the motorcaravan part onto a newer base vehicle. It's not uncommon to find original micro-truck-based Romahomes that are now on their third set of underpinnings, a testament to the body's incredible longevity.

While some Citroën C15s used as 'only' vehicles may have covered intergalactic mileages – think 200,000 miles – others currently for sale boast ultra-low mileages. This often reflects the lifestyle of their particular owners, who might use their Romahome for specific hobbies rather than daily commuting.

The Romahome's cosy, practical, and low-maintenance nature appeals to a far wider group of people than just 'traditional' motorcaravanners. Landscape painters, birders, photographers, night anglers, and various other enthusiasts are often hugely enthusiastic Romahomers. Their specific interests mean they typically cover low annual mileages, contributing to the preservation of these cherished vehicles.

Engine Choices: Petrol vs. Diesel

The standard motive power for the Romahome on the Citroën C15 was a rather modest 1.1-litre 46bhp petrol engine. While nothing dreadfully wrong with it for its intended purpose, it could feel somewhat 'thin gruel' when compared to the optional 59bhp Derv (diesel) drinker. The latter, a 1.8-litre unit, is spirited for a naturally aspirated engine and remarkably economical. For those seeking better performance and fuel efficiency, the diesel engine is generally the preferred choice.

What to Look Out For When Buying a Romahome on Citroën C15

If you're considering purchasing one of these delightful compact motorhomes, here's what to keep an eye on:

Base Vehicle

• Engine: The diesel engine is a simple but rugged unit, notably sans electronic gizmos. Ensure there's evidence of regular oil and filter changes. The petrol unit can be a bit temperamental, so make sure it starts easily, idles smoothly, and accelerates without hesitation.
• Corrosion: The main cause of MoT failures is corrosion. Closely examine critical areas such as the main bulkhead behind the engine, the inner wings, and the rear crossmembers. Rust in these areas can be a costly repair.
• Security: Original cab door locks can be quite puny. Investing in a strong steering wheel locking bar is a wise move to help discourage thieves.
• Steering: Non-PAS (power-assisted steering) examples can have heavy steering. This can be ameliorated by inflating the front tyres to the recommended maximum pressure and fitting a spinner (knob) to the steering wheel for easier manoeuvring.

Conversion

• Water Ingress: Look closely at the integrity of seals around the windows, rooflights, and the habitation door. Any stained trim adjacent to these areas is a tell-tale sign of water ingress, which can lead to significant damp issues.
• Safety Equipment: Often overlooked is the need to upgrade safety equipment. A carbon monoxide alarm, smoke alarm, and fire blanket should all be prioritised for your peace of mind and safety.
• LPG System: The LPG regulator and connecting hose require regular updating and replacement. Check their age and condition.
• Hob: If the hob is depositing soot on the bottom of pans, it's a clear indication that it needs replacing.

Our Pick

Ideally, seek out a Romahome with the 1.8-litre diesel engine. However, this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, especially if the body is destined to be 'clipped' onto a newer base vehicle. Citroën’s Berlingo is often considered a good candidate for such a transfer. You'll generally find that there are more pre-owned Hytops available for sale than Hylos.

What to Pay

Romahomes offer excellent value. Non-runners or MoT failures can often be picked up from as little as £1000, presenting an opportunity for a project. Mint low-milers typically start from around £5000 from trade sellers. However, genuine 'bargains' do appear from time to time. We've spotted fantastic deals, such as a 1997 Hylo with just 15,000 miles covered, offered for private sale at £4000 on platforms like Gumtree.

Key Specifications

The Romahome on the Citroën C15 is a true testament to intelligent design and enduring appeal. Here are some essential details:

Alternatives to the Romahome on Citroën C15

While the Romahome holds a special place, there are other compact motorhomes that might appeal if you're exploring alternatives. Despite sharing a similar moniker, the Westfalia Club Joker & Club Joker City offer a quality conversion on a premium base vehicle, providing a different level of refinement. For something distinctly British and aspirational, consider a used Auto-Trail Grande Frontier, designed specifically for the UK market. Another excellent option is the Auto-Sleeper Duetto, a model that skillfully combines affordability with practicality, making it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and user-friendly motorhome experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Romahomes

How tall is a Romahome Hytop?

The Romahome Hytop, the fixed-roof version, stands at an overall height of 2.31m (7’ 7”). This compact exterior height is achieved while still offering full standing height inside, thanks to its clever dropped kitchen floor design at the rear.

What is the main difference between a Romahome Hytop and a Hylo?

The main difference lies in their roofs. The Hytop has a fixed roof, maintaining its 2.31m height, but offers standing room via a dropped kitchen floor. The Hylo features a solid-sided, vertically extending rising-roof, which provides even more headroom and an airy feel when pitched, but is taller when the roof is raised.

Are Romahomes easy to maintain?

Generally, yes. The GRP body is known for its durability and low maintenance. The Citroën C15 base vehicle, especially the diesel variant, is a simple and rugged unit that primarily requires regular oil and filter changes. However, potential corrosion on the base vehicle needs careful monitoring.

Can a Romahome be garaged?

Yes, this is one of the Romahome's key advantages. The Hytop, with its overall height of 2.31m (7’ 7”), is specifically designed to fit into most standard domestic garages and multi-storey car parks, making it incredibly convenient for urban dwellers.

What kind of engine options were available for the Romahome on Citroën C15?

Initially, a 1.1-litre 46bhp petrol engine was standard. An optional, and generally preferred, 1.8-litre 59bhp diesel engine was also available, offering better performance and fuel economy for longer journeys.

Is the Romahome suitable for long trips?

While compact, the Romahome is surprisingly capable for trips. Its economical diesel engine and comfortable sleeping arrangements make it suitable for touring. However, its basic amenities (no dedicated washroom) mean it's often preferred for shorter trips or by those who appreciate its minimalist approach and access to external facilities.

Can the Romahome body be transferred to a newer chassis?

Absolutely. The tough, moulded GRP body is renowned for outlasting its original base vehicle. The practice of 'clipping' or transferring the motorcaravan body onto a newer chassis, such as a Citroën Berlingo, is quite common, extending the life of the Romahome conversion significantly.

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