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Rapido 8066DF
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Key Features

Model Year 2016
Class A-Class
Base Vehicle Fiat Ducato
Price From (£) 60,100
Engine Size 2.3TD
Maximum Weight (kg) 3,500
Berths 4
Main Layout Fixed Single Bed
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At a glance

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-Ko chassis cowl Maximum vehicle weight: 3,700kg Payload: 560kg

Full review

Rapido’s new 80-Series is a three-model range with its crucial differences lying beneath: an 8066DF costs under five grand more than its 8-Series sibling, the 866F, and for £4,300 you get not only a storage double floor, but also a superior Al-Ko chassis.

The layout includes single beds – either high-mounted beds above a garage or low beds, which still offer a substantial locker beneath.

A nearside cab door is standard, captain’s seats are fitted with built-in belts and there are plenty of extras on offer: the test ’van had the 177-horsepower engine, a double-height infotainment unit with reversing camera, and a leather-covered steering wheel.

Internal ambience is on the homely side - a Rapido tradition – but if there’s anywhere where the layout seems slightly compromised, it’s the lounge, which is best described as cosy. Five can sit in comfort, while the adjustable table provides good dining for four.

The drop-down double bed is easy to deploy and has reading lamps at both ends that switch off when the bed is stowed.

The kitchen has a welcome low-level oven and grill, although it means you lose some drawer storage. L-shaped kitchens are often short on worktop space, but a three-in-line hob here frees up some surface. Other galley stowage space includes two lockers above and a large cupboard down below, with generous internal drawer and a bottle store.

The toilet room door blocks the aisle forwards and twin sliding doors shut off the bedroom. This forms a well-designed toilet/washroom fitted with a smart stainless-steel basin, plenty of countertop and clever storage. Sensible elastic bottle retainers are fitted, too. The separate shower is OK, but an integral step makes standing in the tray awkward.

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The single beds do their job well. They’re long, not too narrow, and easily approached via steps. Beneath each foot is a large wardrobe-cum-storage cupboard. Also below the beds, the garage sports external doors on either side and is big. Beware, though, as the standard 3,500kg chassis has a payload of just 360kg, and that’s with only 20 litres of fresh water on board.

A very worthwhile heating upgrade from the standard Truma blown-air Combi is Alde’s wet-radiator system, with radiators that not only heat the double floor but the garage, too. Rapido has fitted a separate thermostat in the bedroom.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the May 2016 issue of What Motorhome. Buy it now.

 

You can read a more recent review of the 60 Edition 2022 model here.

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Our verdict

This motorhome is well designed and equipped with good interior ambience. The only downside is the relatively low payload if you go for the standard chassis.

Advantages

Double floor and Al-Ko chassis
Three-in-line hob, low-level oven

Disadvantages

Lack of payload with standard chassis
Slightly small lounge

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