Holdsworth
Conversions were one of the market leaders
and usually command a higher price tag
due to their build quality and design innovation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An
owners description:
It's
a Holdsworth Romance HT2 (which we assume means High Top, 2 berth),
2.0 Petrol. We're really impressed with the versatility of the (positively
tardis-like) layout:
individual seats,and/or long seat along one side, or
L-shaped lounge, with swivelling passenger seat at the front, with
a concertina curtain dividing it from the kitchen and toilet facilities
at the back that fits into a slim cupboard when not in use. (It
needs to for safety, as it's next to the hob and grill.).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
our use (and since I took the picture), I've replaced this with
a quilted curtain that reaches down to just below the bottom of
the bed base. This was for two reasons: Firstly, at night time I
wanted the curtain to be temporarily fixed on the opposite side
of the van (by the loo), for maximum privacy for night-time excursions.
In the daytime this would be in the way of the additional worktop
space, so we'd still want to make use of the storage cupboard for
it.
Secondly,
Jazz (the dog) has decided that the ONLY place for any self-respecting
dog to sleep is with his nose tucked just under the bed, and he's
remarkably difficult to move when he's half-asleep, so a curtain
that doesn't reach to the floor allows us privacy without chopping
his nose off. Then all we have to do is try not to tread on him
in the night ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
night time use, we can have 2 singles, a small double, or a large
(full van-width, i.e. 5'3") double bed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A) 2 single beds: Flip the tops of the rear seats over onto
the slide-out legs, slide the driver and passenger seats forward,
wind the backs down, and then slide back to meet the rear cushions,
holding them in place. NB: The front seats have two slider levers,
one under the front of the seat and the other on the side. Use the
front one first, then complete the move with the slider on the side.
If you do it the other way round, you won't be able to reach
the front lever to complete the forward slide.
B)
Small double bed: Slide the left hand rear seat over to next to
the right hand one, adjust front seats and flip the seat tops out
as for single bed, and use the middle fill-in section with the legs
and cut-outs for the handbrake and gear lever
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
C)
Large (5'3") double start as for single beds, but then wind the
driver and passenger seat backs up a bit. Then slot the rear fill-in
into place [you'll need to make sure the left hand rear seat is fully
to the left for this to fit snugly] Extend the legs on the forward
fill-in section and slot into position.This section never really looks
as though it fits properly,
but that's the way it is. [It's as this stage that we used to keep
forgetting that you need the seat backs up a bit for this to fit.]
Wind the seat backs down again. Check that the seats are far enough
back to trap the cushions behind in place Put the central cushions
in place [the handbook recommends putting the largest one at the head
end, i.e. towards the back of the 'van] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It
doesn't look it from the picture, but this actually makes a remarkably
comfortable bed. I'm a long time a back sufferer (who works in a
shop selling back-friendly furniture, so I don't put up with furniture
that causes problems) and was dreading waking up from our first
night in the 'van, but as it turned out I was fine. I've had far
worse night's sleep in "proper" beds. We have on occasion
used a mattress topper
on it which certainly improves it, but it's difficult to find somewhere
to store it in the 'van, so unless we can find something easier,
we'll do without.
So,
we got as close to our dream layout as we ever thought we were likely
to get ... and all within our budget.
Of course, it's old (a 1987 D reg), so it has its problems - which
we were expecting of course, but on the whole, we're really pleased
with it. - We think we've found a bargain.
|
|
|
|
Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
She's
a Holdsworth Romance HTL (High-Top-Luxury)
She
has a rear 'washroom' with porta-pottie, but unless you're a slip
of a thing, it's well nigh impossible to get in and close the door.
However, wouldn't have been without it for "night-time visits".
We removed the wash basin and shower as they were never used - the
kitchen sink being a mere foot away, that is if you were not on
a site with facilities and needed to ablute in the 'van.
So the "washroom" with porta-pottie became a very useful
enclosed storage area on the left of the back-door. Opposite it
is the wardrobe - another useful storage area with two sets of doors.
Top half had two hinged doors; bottom half one full width flap which
opened towards you giving access to the table top and stem; and
boots and shoes. Eventually we
found the table-top and stem less than satisfactory, so that too
was left at home.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next
to the washroom is the sink and drainer. Underneath are cupboards
including the water tank and
water heater. The water tank has no pump so has to be filled by decanting
water from a water carrier into the filler located by the side -door.
The water heater was soon ignored as a kettle provides as much boiling
water as is needed for anything for which the small sink is used and
left the tankful of cold water more conveniently for use. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
sleeping arrangements seemed a bit of a fiddle at first but soon became
no trouble at all. The cabin seats, i.e. driver and front passenger,
are pushed as far forward as possible and wound down flat to meet
the rear bunk seats. These provide either a single seat facing front
each side or two seats each side inward facing. i.e. they each fold.
Underneath these seats are storage lockers - ample for storing a few
weeks' clothing.
The
cubby holes underneath on each side were very useful for providing
a secure travelling space for the dogs (who don't like to be rattled
around) on one side; and for securely transporting the TV wrapped
in a sleeping bag on the other. Also keeps it safely out of sight.
Underneath the driver's seat is a cavity which holds the leisure
battery. The remaining space in this cavity makes a very useful
"secret hidey hole" for small items.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
over-cabin wide and deep shelf is extremely useful for anything needed
ready to hand on the road or on site - books, maps, hats etc. It may
have been intended as an over-cabin bed for a child, but I wouldn't
fancy using it for that purpose myself, no matter how small the child.
There was also a hammock and supports for it beneath the over-cabin
shelf and above the driver and front passenger seats, each of which
by night has become the foot of the single beds, either side of the
central gangway. - Again we have never used this and wouldn't want
to! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rearwards
of the bunk seat behind the driver is the hob - 2 burners and a
grill and beneath that the 2 way fridge. The two burners and grill
I found a bit limiting at first but not at all as time went by.
It is amazing what can be done and provides a great change from
the sort of cooking done at home. If I had any more facilities for
cooking I'd feel obliged to do as much as I do at home!
The
2 way fridge is a bit of an irritant until you realise that it needs
gas to get it down to temperature and then it will hold satisfactorily
whilst travelling, from the battery. The red light behind the mesh
gives the assurance that it is working from the switch on the dash.
But the means of lighting the fridge is primitive and means lying
on the floor to be able to see the pilot light, It should be visible
from the vertical via the tiny mirror on the pull-down viewing chamber
but you can never be sure.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It's
possible to keep pressing the ignition switch and failing to get
it alight; also possible to do ditto and find it was alight all
the time but you couldn't see it.
Having a three-way fridge must be a great improvement on this. It
also uses a lot of gas.
This is probably the most irritating feature of the 'van.
To
the rear of the hob and between it and the wardrobe is the only
"work surface" and this is very small. But part of this
is taken up by the drinks cupboard with its smoked glass doors and
fittings for 2 bottle and 2 glasses. Adds a civilised touch to this
small area as well as being a comforting presence to have the vino
so close to hand when you're preparing a meal :)
Below are more cupboards; one holds the calor gas container and
a shelf; the other has runners and fittings to hold 3cutlery and
utensil trays and "crockery". Above this are and on the
opposite side over the drainer are more shelved cupboards, also
with smoked glass doors. I've found the storage a strong point with
this van - comfortably holds clothes and food for a fortnight at
least, if you've a yen for abandoning civilisation for a time.
The lack of working surface for preparing meals and for the TV is
a weak point. We had to house the TV on the drainer, though I would
think it could be accommodated on the deep shelf above the cabin,
.
The
original curtains were a dismal grey and beige and didn't keep out
the light. So 2 years ago I made new ones, of a red tartan, self
lined and with an additional lining. A great improvement.
The
great thing is - the "housework" is done in no time !!!
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Romance"........not
quite the ideal name for a 'van when 2 hetrosexual males are using
it to go hillwalking for a weekend!!!
Its
a 1986 with a 1647cc petrol, which performs surprisingly well for
it's size. If kept in tune it is capable of cruising at 65 mph and
returning between 25 - 27 mpg.
The beauty of these old engines is that they are pretty bulletproof
and can be kept in tune by adjusting the points, ignition timing,
carb and tappets :-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
pop up top is cleverly designed, it's weatherproof and gives a comfortable
double bed, which I use most of the time as it saves disturbing the
lower level, making breakfast a simpler task. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
seating arrangement can be either 2 single rear forward facing seats
or made up into side facers.
As there is usually only 2 of us using the 'van then
I remove the nearside seat assembly completely (simple catch device)
and use the swivelling front passenger's seat and a double seat
set up to face
the hinging side door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although
18 years old the interior has held up well and is testimony to Holdsworth's
quality build.I've really no gripes with the 'van.........the layout
makes good use of the available space which houses a 2 hob cooker,
eye level grill and 2 way fridge. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Like
the Romance, the Rainbow was available in either Hightop or elevating
roof configuration
but I only have details of the hightop available.
If you have and elevating roof Rainbow and would like to see it
featured here
then please get in touch with the webmaster via the email page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
To
the layman's eyes, the main external difference between the Romance
and Rainbow is the roof - the hightop Romance uses the hightop van
with full height rear doors and the two distinctive windows over the
windscreen whereas the Rainbow uses a standard roof van, standard
height doors and a fibreglass hightop roof |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
interior has a forward facing seat on the passenger side underneath
which there is a large water tank which can be filled directly with
top entry or via a filler cap on the vans side. The gas bottle locker
is also in this ompartment and holds two camping gas cylinders which
are used in sequence to power the hob, fridge and grill. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There
is a wardrobe at the rear of the van on the driver's side beside
the 3 way fridge which has plate storage above and a small locker
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
sink and hob are at the rear of the van on the passenger side with
a double cupboard beneath |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
When
closed, the curtains cover all the windows and extend around the
windscreen on a rail. The two single beds are made by sliding the
front seats forward on the van rails and then the whole thing slides
forward again almost up to the dashboard on a second set of rails.
The seats do not swivel. The beds are approx 6ft in length and I
can sleep comfortably at a slight angle (I am 6ft 2) . There is
a locker under the sideways facing bench seat on the drivers side
which holds the extention boards for the beds and the table top.There
is a lift and fold compartment under this seat which also holds
a Thetford Porta Potti. The table leg clips into a holder in the
wardrobe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
electric hookup external connection flap is on the drivers side and
the petrol filler on the
passenger side. The electric circuit breakers are in the wardrobe.
There is a large locker above the drivers compartment and one either
side above the sink and wardrobe at the back of the van with shelves
completing the arrangement between them.
There is a rooflight with a built in fly screen towards the rear of
the van and 3 strip lights , one above the bench seat, One above the
sink and one on the rear wall above a mirror. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
There
are also 2 sockets , one on the bench seat and one to the left
of the hob at the back of the van. The rear doors open and the spare
wheel is stored in a space beside the rear kitchen unit. The jack
is under the bonnet. There is a sliding window behind the hob which
is perfect for the kettle to steam out of!
The
water drain tap is directly under the water tank under the vehicle
and the waste water pipe is clipped up under the passenger rear
wheel arch. The main access is via the sliding side door.There is
a floor operated switch for the sink tap which delivers cold water
only.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was an option for a factory fitted propex heater but my van
does not have this.
The
van cruises comfortably at 65mph and is fairly stable even is strongish
crosswinds on fen roads.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|