DETAILED REVIEW

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Rapido 8066dF 60 Edition

Rapido has come a long way from its genesis as a make of folding caravans to its current form as a maker of motorhomes (primarily A-classes) and campervans, as well as parent to brands across Europe, including Itineo and Dreamer (France), PLA (Italy), Westfalia (Germany) and WildAx (UK).

Now, celebrating the company’s 60th birthday, are a range of anniversary models including two low-profiles and four A-classes (two from the flagship Distinction series).

In the middle of the 60 Edition line-up are the 8096dF with an island bed and this broadly similar twin bed motorhome, the 8066dF.

As 80-Series models, this pair are built on an Al-Ko chassis and have a storage double floor. They are 7.49m long and have a face-to-face lounge. Where they differ from the standard models is in décor and specification.                 

The 60 Edition specification

Externally, the 60 Edition motorhomes feature exclusive branding in matt black, as well as 16in alloy wheels. Inside, the changes are more obvious, including special scatter cushions and TEP (faux leather) upholstery with the 60 Edition logo on the captain’s chairs’ headrests. The same TEP fabric is used on the panels around the lounge and bedroom skylights, while matt black highlights return on the bottom of the high-level lockers and for the shower’s tray and doors. There’s also a new yacht decking-style wall finish in the toilet compartment.

It isn’t just about design, though. The heating is upgraded to the Truma Combi 6 EH gas/

electric unit and warmth is even distributed via a heated table leg in the lounge. There’s a heated waste water tank, too, a new control panel, dimmable lighting and even a built-in vacuum cleaner!                            

The layout

The layout is a proven one, with rear twin beds that are exceptionally long – on the nearside, up to 2.13m. Three steps give easy access, while the rest of the floor is one height throughout. Under each bed is a wardrobe, while top lockers over the beds prevent sitting up. Alternatively, you can sleep in the cab’s drop-down double, which measures 1.87m by 1.41m and comes with a single light at each end and a roof vent. When stowed, the cab bed neatly continues the line of top lockers along each side.

The front lounge isn’t huge but it’s a very comfortable space for up to four folk. The table doesn’t dominate the area and TV addicts will appreciate another new feature – the 32in screen that stores on its side in the entrance area and offers a comfortable viewing height.

The kitchen

The kitchen has a distinctive angular style and the inclusion of a hob with its three burners in a row, set back in the counter, frees up some preparation space. An extractor hood is fitted above, while a combined oven/grill is placed below. A large cutlery drawer is fitted, while the 167-litre fridge/freezer on the opposite side of the motorhome is sized to win most Top Trumps battles.      

The washroom

Beyond the kitchen, the toilet door can be used to close off a private en suite bedroom, while twin sliding doors then separate the ablutions from the beds. The toilet area, with its white rectangular basin on a black worktop, looks particularly smart – not that the shower is a poor relation as it comes with a drying rail and teak-style duckboard.         

Storage

You won’t be short of storage, as not only are there hatches (inside and out) into the double floor (which is 190mm deep), but there’s a full-sized garage with twin loading doors, 1.20m headroom, heating and a 230V socket. More of an issue is the slightly modest standard payload, so it will be well worth opting for a chassis upgrade if your driving licence allows.