camperfanatic

  Talbot Express Camper Van, Auto-Sleeper Harmony The Harmony campervan was a hightop model from the 1980s and early 90s based on the Talbot Express/Fiat Ducato van. This was a 2+2 berth example, with a double bed below and two children sleeping area in the roof. The upper bed was made up using sliding board sections with a foam covering, only really suitable for children or perhaps one small(ish) adult. There were opening windows either side of the roof (with fitted curtains), and a 12v light. This was a five door model, with cab doors, side sliding door, and two rear opening doors. Most examples were fitted with the 1.9lt petrol engine, with a diesel motor as an option. The Harmony exterior had the distinctive Auto-Sleeper stripe graphics in navy blue with gold and white pinstripes. Sliding windows fitted to either side, with a decorative plastic panel to the rear section (as seen above). In addition to the two cab seats, there were a pair of forward-facing seats in the rear (as ...

                  The Best Vanlife Books   Since the pandemic, the #vanlife phenomenon has gone absolutely nuts! Prior to the phrase 'vanlife', most of us, well versed in all things leisure vehicle related, were simply referring to it as campervanlife, but as is the trend these days, words are being shortened and language is evolving. Why bother saying 'delicious' when 'delish' will suffice or definatley when 'deffo' will do, you get my drift? So what is 'vanlife'? Well, there are generally two schools of thought, for those that live full-time in a motorhome or converted van, and are living the 'vanlife', and those who are campervan enthusiasts, and use the term as it encompasses, quite literally, the van in their life. Don't get too hung up about who exactly owns the right to define their particular lifestyle or avid interest as 'vanlife', because I think everyone involved in the leisure vehicle world has their right to u...

Someone asked recently if I could feature a few more 'profiles' on specific 'vans; and after a quick flick through my files, I stumbled upon an awful lot of Talbot Rambler pics, so what better place to start. The Rambler was a popular high-top van conversion by Auto-Sleeper of Worcestershire UK (they remain Britain's longest running converters). Based on the Talbot Express van, 2lt petrol, which was in production until 1994 (also in Citroen, Peugeot & Fiat derivatives). Fitted with a spacious high-top, the Rambler was a five door model, so plenty of access, and the sliding side door allowed for a drive-away awning to be fitted to either side or rear of 'van. The example on display here also had a pull-out side awning fitted (see above), and of course a Fiamma privacy room can be attached/zipped onto this. This picture also illustrates the small sliding windows to the high-top roof, and 240v inlet flap toward the rear quarter. Auto-Sleeper conversions of th...