Thor Gemini 23 TR

Berths: 2 Travel seats: 2 Base vehicle: Ford Transit Chassis-Cab (US spec)

The Thor Gemini is aimed at a specific market: couples who like the bag of tricks that come with an RV but don’t need the colossal size.

As this is an import, it’s left-hand drive only on its Ford Transit chassis. You also get a beefy Euro VI 3.2-litre, 185bhp engine with six-speed automatic gearbox – not usually available in the UK. Out on the road you actually need that amount of power to get the Gemini moving rapidly into traffic.

Because the Gemini is tall, at 3.18m, there’s a bit more storage in and around the luton than you might expect. The height is also down to the ducted air-conditioning system.

The layout places a sofa at the front, opposite the kitchen unit and habitation door. Above the habitation door is your main entertainment in the form of a 32in LED TV.

The sofa doubles as a rock ‘n’ roll bed but it’s too small for anyone other than a child. A table fits into a floor fitting when the sofa is back in its normal position.

You will notice a plethora of speakers. You also get four USB sockets and twin 230V points. There are two overhead lockers, but they don’t fasten shut.

The kitchen has just a twin-burner gas hob but there’s a flexible combination convection/grill/microwave and an impressively big fridge. The mixer tap for the sink has a flexible lead, but there is scant workspace here. There is also no cutlery drawer, but a large cupboard will take care of pans. There are two more overhead lockers.

The star attraction of the Gemini is the rear slide-out, which houses a double bed. Once deployed, the bed can be easily pulled down, revealing a comfortable mattress with overhang. There are plenty of shelves here, along with speakers, four more USB charging points and two 230V sockets. A padded headboard and twin spotlights make for a nice bedroom, although there’s not enough room to sit up. You also get another TV. With the bed raised, there’s a modest sitting area with a fitting for the table.

There are some other notable features, like the built-in (but noisy) generator that runs off the LPG tank, which otherwise fuels the central heating and can be programmed on a timer.

The washroom is spacious, with a corner shower and one overhead locker, although it lacks a towel rack or hook.

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

This downsized RV has a great bed and lots of gear, but its layout and price count too heavily against it.