This coachbuilt motorhome, built on a Citroën Berlingo 1.6L HDi turbo diesel chassis, measures a tidy 5.18 meters (17 ft) long and 2.12 meters (7 ft) wide, yet owners often lament selling it later. Its clever design packs surprising utility into a footprint that makes daily driving and touring equally feasible. The vehicle features a one-piece GRP Monaco fiberglass shell, a construction method celebrated for its highly leak-resistant durability and long-term resilience against the elements. This approach eschews traditional panel van conversions, offering a more robust and integrated living space. Prepare to see how this compact camper redefines the notion of “small” in the RV world, proving that smart engineering can deliver comfort and practicality without compromise.
13. Romahome R25
The perfect blend of everyday car and weekend warrior that fits in standard parking spots.
The Romahome R25 is a masterclass in compact camper design, proving you don’t need a behemoth RV to hit the open road. Measuring a nimble 5.18 meters long (about 17 ft) and 2.12 meters wide (about 7 ft), it navigates city streets and squeezes into standard parking spots with ease. This maneuverability is like having your everyday car but with a surprise weekend warrior tucked inside.
Under the hood, you’ll find a dependable 1.6L turbo diesel engine, usually putting out around 90 horsepower and hooked to a 5-speed manual gearbox, keeping your running costs as low as a basement apartment’s rent. But the real magic, the stuff owners rave about and later regret selling, is the one-piece GRP Monaco fiberglass shell. Think of it as a seamless, molded cocoon that’s highly resistant to leaks, unlike those clunky panel van conversions that spring holes faster than a celebrity’s secret gets leaked.
12. Citroen Berlingo Chassis
The workhorse foundation that delivers car-like handling with impressive fuel economy.
The unassuming Citroën Berlingo van provides the R25’s surprisingly capable foundation. Specifically, the 1.6L HDi turbo diesel variant offers around 90 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, all managed through a 5-speed manual gearbox. This setup grants the R25 a decent payload capacity, comfortably handling its ~285kg limit, and its front-wheel drive ensures confident handling.
This workhorse of a chassis is known for its reliability and fuel economy, often achieving a solid 45-50 MPG. This makes the R25 remarkably economical to run and insure, a welcome surprise when you consider you’re driving a camper. Its compact wheelbase significantly lowers the intimidation factor, making it accessible even for those new to van life.
11. GRP Monaco Shell
Single-piece fiberglass construction that eliminates the roof joins plaguing many motorhomes.
The Romahome R25’s remarkable durability starts with its single-piece GRP Monaco habitation shell. Molded by Monaco Caravan Co., this seamless fiberglass unit eliminates the roof joins that plague many motorhomes, acting like a perfectly sealed wetsuit instead of a patchwork quilt. This construction method means highly leak-resistant performance—a significant win over traditional van conversions.
The GRP material itself is a champion: it’s tough, shrugs off weather, and resists impact like a seasoned boxer. Plus, its lightweight nature keeps the R25’s overall mass down, giving you more payload capacity for snacks and adventure gear. Unlike metal bodies that can succumb to rust, this fiberglass shell maintains its shiny exterior and structural integrity for decades.
10. Rear Entrance and Electric Step
Direct access into the living space that makes hauling gear feel less like Tetris.
Most campers cram their entrance through the side, like a typical house door stuck on the wrong flank. Romahome’s R25, however, flips the script with a rear habitation entrance, a signature quirk that grants direct access into the living space. This thoughtful design makes hauling gear inside feel less like a game of Tetris and more like a seamless transition.
Deploying automatically when you swing that rear door open, an electric pop-out step minimizes any clambering, turning your arrival into a smooth operation. External access points for the 240V mains hookup, water inlets, and gas lockers are also thoughtfully placed for maximum convenience.
9. Lounge and Dining Area
Opposing sofa seating that creates proper living room vibes instead of cramped camper corners.
The Romahome R25 boasts a lounge that feels more like a proper living room than a cramped camper corner, thanks to its opposing sofa seating. This setup immediately signals a vehicle designed for actual human interaction, a refreshing change from the shoebox interiors found in many smaller campers. The area includes four belted travel seats, two in the cab and two integrated into the lounge, making it road-trip ready.
Modern LED lighting adds a cool glow beneath the overhead lockers, and concertina blinds offer privacy like a ninja in the night. The freestanding dining table, a generous 91×56 cm, is perfect for meals or even a quick work session. When not in use, it tucks neatly into the substantial over-cab storage, reclaiming valuable living space.
8. Sleeping Configurations
Three distinct arrangements that transform like a Transformer ready for any travel vibe.
This camper packs three distinct sleeping arrangements, addressing a common pain point for micro-motorhomes. You can form a lengthwise double bed measuring 2.03 meters (6 ft 8 in) by 1.31 meters (4 ft 4 in) by folding down the front seats and adding cushions. Alternatively, two separate lengthwise singles offer private snoozing.
For a cozier option, a transverse double bed, about 1.76 meters (5 ft 9 in) long, stretches across the vehicle’s width using the sofas and table base. Whether you’re a couple needing space or a solo traveler wanting room to stretch, these options ensure comfort. The ability to switch up your sleeping setup makes longer trips much more bearable.
7. SMEV Two-Burner Hob with Grill
Stainless steel cooking powerhouse with tempered glass lids that double as extra workspace.
Cooking in the R25’s rear kitchen gets a serious upgrade thanks to the SMEV 00 series stainless steel two-burner gas hob, complete with an integrated grill. This robust unit features tempered glass lids, which not only protect the burners but also double as valuable extra workspace when the hob is not in use.
Designed to fit a standard 400mm cutout, this compact appliance is a common sight in European campers. Combined with a sink and hot/cold water supply, it transforms the small galley into a fully functional cooking station, capable of preparing most meals required for comfortable touring.
6. Dometic 60L Three-Way Fridge
The power-source-switching marvel that automatically picks the best option for cooling your chow.
This camper packs a Dometic 60-liter fridge, a powerhouse for keeping your chow cool and your drinks frosty, even when you’re miles from civilization. It’s a “three-way” marvel, meaning it happily sips power from 12V DC while you’re driving, plugs into 240V AC when you’re hooked up, or runs on LP gas for true off-grid adventures.
Fitting neatly under the counter at approximately 525x1200x480mm, this fridge means you can stock up for longer trips without worrying about spoiled milk or warm beer. Anyone who’s tried to keep perishables fresh in a small space knows how critical a good fridge is.
5. Dometic Cassette Toilet
Hidden waste management that pops out from a waist-high locker without stealing prime real estate.
The Dometic cassette toilet sports an 18-liter waste tank and measures a tidy 365x510x330mm (14.3x20x13 inches). Hiding within a waist-high locker, it pops out by lifting a worktop section and opening twin doors, creating a surprisingly functional toilet cubicle that doesn’t steal prime real estate.
This setup uses a level indicator and wheels, making emptying at disposal points a breeze—no need to carry a heavy tank like you’re participating in an awkward Strongman competition. For those who fancy a full wet room experience, the R25 offers a recessed floor tray, a wraparound curtain, and a pullout shower head.
4. Webasto Diesel Heater
The quiet, fuel-sipping Swiss Army knife that makes 4-6 cubic meters feel like a cozy cabin.
Webasto heaters are practically the Swiss Army knife of keeping things warm in tiny spaces, and the Air Top 2000 STC is no exception. This unit cranks out a solid 2kW of heat, enough to make roughly 4-6 cubic meters feel like a cozy cabin. It’s the kind of tech that lets you ditch the campsite and chase the sun (or the snow) without shivering.
Anyone who’s ever tried to camp in the shoulder seasons knows the heating game is crucial. This diesel heater sips fuel, using only about 0.1 to 0.25 liters per hour, and its thermostat keeps things from getting swampy. Best part? It runs quieter than a library ghost.
3. Storage Solutions
Every nook utilized for maximum efficiency, like a well-organized gaming PC case.
Despite its compact exterior, the Romahome R25 offers storage solutions that punch well above their weight. Think of the interior like a well-organized gaming PC case: every nook is utilized for maximum efficiency. Overhead lockers line the lounge, perfect for stashing your travel essentials, while under-seat storage swallows larger items like duffel bags.
In the rear corner, two slim wardrobes handle hanging clothes, keeping them relatively wrinkle-free. The real surprise is the massive over-cab space, a veritable black hole for bulky items like bedding or your dining table when it’s not in use.
2. Payload and Running Costs
Generous 285kg payload with fuel economy that keeps your wallet happy longer.
While some motorhomes are basically a house on wheels that guzzle gas like it’s going out of style, the Romahome R25 pulls off a neat trick. Its chassis tips the scales at about 1890kg (MIRO) and has a maximum permitted weight of 2175kg (MTPLM). This leaves you with a generous 285kg payload—enough wiggle room for two people to pack enough snacks and gear for a proper road trip.
Running this little adventurer won’t break the bank either. It rocks a frugal 1.6L turbo diesel engine, which often sips fuel to the tune of 45-50 MPG. Cheaper insurance and road tax compared to its larger, thirstier cousins mean your wallet stays happier longer.
1. Used Market Value and Longevity
Resale values that prove building something right pays off in the often-fickle camper market.
Models from around 2010-2011 with higher mileage can still command prices between £19,950 and £19,995. That’s not just some nostalgic markup; it’s proof that building something right pays off. Well-maintained examples from the mid-range often sell for £22,999 to £24,995, while pristine 2012 models can fetch between £30,995 and £33,995.
It’s a testament to the Romahome R25’s construction. The GRP Monaco shell, a single piece of fiberglass molded for extreme durability, resists leaks better than a sieve resists water. Combined with a robust chassis and well-chosen components, these campers are basically built to outlast your questionable life choices.
