RP Overland Rebellion 2 FL high-top campervan

The RP Overland Rebellion 2 FL high-top campervan is the ultimate in off-grid, off-road campervans

If you want a true off-grid motorhome, a campervan that can sustain comfortable living away from any other facilities, not just for an occasional night, but longer term, then RP Overland should be where you start your research. 

It has become the go-to brand for all-wheel drive leisure vehicles that are more motorhome than campervan but stop short of the extremes (and costs) of Unimog-based expedition machines.

Its vehicles, the six-metre Rebel and seven-metre Rebellion, are built on the all-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter van and are now subject to Small Series Type Approval (believed to be unique in its class in the UK). 

The layout

Since 2023, the larger model has also gone gas-free, as well offering the choice of Rebellion 2 (two-berth) and Rebellion 4 (for four). 

Choose the former and you can opt for the FL version seen here with a small side sofa to complement the swivel cab seats in its front lounge (hence the name), or you can go for extra storage instead in the Travelling Layout.

The spec

As well as the 190hp engine, nine-speed automatic gearbox and 360-degree parking camera, the Sprinter base vehicle comes with a raft of safety kit. 

But the differences start with RP’s own body kit with side skirts and a set of Black Rhino 17in wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres. 

There’s a 4.5m Thule electric awning, Lazer lights set into the grille, flush-fitting side windows, a flyscreen for the sliding door, a light bar on the roof and electric emptying for the water tanks. 

But the real RP influence starts at the back.

The rear

The rear tailgate has become a trademark feature of the Rebellion and it opens high enough to stand under – you can even add a shower curtain here! 

Inside, the garage space is up to 2m deep and includes the fresh water tanks (154-litre total capacity), split on either side for better weight distribution, as well as an ARB air compressor. Lashing points on the floor and at the sides will secure your gear in here. 

Above, the elevated lounge area is another USP, made even more special by the second opening hatch here. 

As you’re unlikely to be parking your Rebellion on a nice, flat hardstanding pitch, a new development is the Easy Level system with remote control jacks to level the vehicle – most levelling systems can’t cope with the fact that the 4x4 Merc is so high off the ground! 

The energy system

However, the aspect that RP is most proud of is the latest Rebellion’s on-board energy system. 

It comes with two 200Ah 24V lithium batteries, a 7kW inverter, and 320W of solar panels on the roof for the habitation area, plus a further 105W solar panel to keep the vehicle battery healthy.

The kitchen

There are no gas appliances, but that doesn’t mean fewer options on the dinner menu.

Not only do you have two rings on the induction hob but there’s a microwave and even a Tefal air fryer – and, yes, the Rebellion’s Victron Energy kit is powerful enough to run them all concurrently. 

The alternator

Then, if after a few days, your battery levels are depleted, you don’t need to hare off in the direction of your nearest campsite with hook-up. 

Instead, you start the Merc’s engine, adjust the tick-over with the idle speed control switch and now a second (240V) alternator can give you up to 5kW of power. 

An even better option, though, is to bring that alternator into play as you drive, potentially fully recharging the leisure batteries in just a couple of hours on the road.

The washroom

An OGO composting toilet is another important feature, allowing you to stay off-grid for longer – and RP modifies the loo to make it removable, for more showering space. 

These are just some of the recent developments at RP but even more is promised for the 2025 model  – we can’t wait to review that!

Where to buy

RP’s campervans are sold direct from the factory in Yeadon, near Leeds. Customers can make an appointment to view the motorhomes Monday to Friday or on Saturday by arrangement. 

One of the best, if not the best, all-terrain go-anywhere campervan made in the UK