Orange Campers Trouvaille High Roof campervan

Now you can choose from pop-top or high-top versions with the same rear kitchen layout

Orange Campers has long been associated with pop-top conversions but last year it moved away from the side kitchen layouts for which it is known to launch its Layout Option 2 with a rear kitchen and toilet. That also marked the arrival of a slightly bigger campervan; although, at only 5.41m long, these things are relative. And this latest Trouvaille Classique still had a pop-top with a roof bed. After all, Richard Tomlin – Mr Orange, if you like – goes camping in his campervans with his family. 

New high-roof version

The new layout, however, was screaming out to become a high-top campervan for a more mainstream audience, especially as the low-roof (H1) Fiat Ducato is not currently available as an automatic. The new, taller (but not that much taller – 2.64m versus 2.26m) High Roof version is based on the H2 van with its all-steel factory high-top, which can be ordered as a manual or auto. And, although he accepts that couples will be key, Richard hasn’t forgotten about his kids – and other family buyers – as the latest Trouvaille can be ordered with a Cabbunk system or an Atek pop-top to give you four berths.

However you spec this new version, the important thing is that you have full standing room (1.90m) all the time. And with the extra height comes extra storage (more and bigger top lockers), as well as the advantage in cooler climes of better insulation (no canvas up top).
 

Front lounge & rear kitchen layout

The layout is exactly the same as in the pop-top version – why change something that clearly works? There’s a pair of individual RIB seats up front, then the kitchen and toilet at the rear. Of course, the toilet door that folds out across the aisle for privacy is now full-height, too, but you still have to open it out to use the swivel cassette loo – it’s a compromise that allows for a much wider walk-through at the rear and a greater feeling of space.

One issue with this style of floorplan in a Ducato is the higher floor in the cab, compared with the main living area. Orange Campers minimises this issue by fitting approved, lowered cab seat bases, so when these seats are swivelled they are not too much higher than those in the back. There’s a neat flip-up table on the offside wall, while an island leg table caters for mealtimes. Then, for relaxing, you can turn the offside seat into a settee.

Single beds or a double

The rear seats also have Isofix and forward and sideways sliding mechanisms. The former allows the seats to recline, the latter means they can slide together to make a 6ft by 4ft double bed. Crucially, the beds (as singles or a double) do not use the cab seats, with feet going under the furniture towards the rear.

Generous kitchen

That rear cabinetwork is extensive, with a kitchen that would shame many a larger campervan. A three-burner hob is standard, with an oven or microwave available as an option, while a practical touch is a hose-style tap that can be pulled outside via the side window or back doors to hose down muddy boots, dogs or kids. There are lots of drawers, plus large eye-level cupboards with doors that are side, rather than top, hinged. Storage also includes a 90-litre compressor fridge, a taller wardrobe with shelves or a hanging rail, drawers under the back seats and even specific homes for four outdoor chairs and your levelling wedges – you can just tell that Richard uses his own campervans (you can try one, too, as hire is available).

Plenty of spec

The comprehensive spec also includes a 160W solar panel, an external barbecue point, two 95Ah leisure batteries (lithium optional), an underslung 25-litre gas tank, and underslung 75-litre fresh and 45-litre waste water tanks. Heating is a Propex gas-fired system but can be upgraded to a Webasto diesel unit and Remis cab blinds are another popular option.

Orange Campers’ best all-rounder yet has lots of practical design elements and generous storage as well as a spacious feel, despite being only 5.41m long.