Our New Family Member: The Tale of Finding “Rapido,” the Perfect Motorhome
The search for a new family member is always a momentous occasion, especially when said member is made of metal, powered by diesel, and has the potential to take you on wild, wonderful adventures. Yes, you’ve guessed it—we’ve added a Motorhome to our family, and what a journey it was to find the perfect one! This blog is a tale of how Joanna and I spent countless weekends scouring motorhome dealers around Weston-super-Mare, only to discover our new pride and joy—the Rapido 640f—nestled in the loving arms of Highbridge Caravan Centre. Buckle up, folks, it’s going to be a ride!
The Decision: Let’s Get a Motorhome!
It all started one sunny Saturday morning. Joanna and I were lounging with cups of tea in hand, discussing our dream of having a mobile home—something that could transform from a cosy bedroom to a mobile fortress of adventure at the drop of a hat (or, more accurately, the twist of an ignition key).
“I think it’s time we seriously consider getting a motorhome,” Joanna mused, her eyes gleaming with the possibilities. Now, when Joanna says “seriously consider,” it means we’re about to embark on a mission of military precision, complete with reconnaissance, analysis, and a final execution plan.
And so, our weekends were about to get a whole lot more exciting.
Weekend 1: The Rookie Round-Up
We kicked off our motorhome search in Weston-super-Mare, where motorhome dealers seem to be as plentiful as seagulls in a seaside town. Our first stop was a dealership that promised “the largest selection of motorhomes in the South West.” As we pulled into the forecourt, we were greeted by rows upon rows of motorhomes, each one gleaming under the late morning sun.
We met a dealer who looked every bit the part—tweed jacket, flat cap, and a sales pitch as smooth as a well-oiled gearshift. “You’ll not find better than this beauty!” he declared, gesturing towards a hulking motorhome that looked like it could double as a small hotel.
Joanna and I exchanged glances. The motorhome was indeed impressive, but it was a tad on the gargantuan side. We didn’t need something that could house the entire neighbourhood, just the two of us (and perhaps the odd stray dog that might take a liking to our new found freedom). We thanked the dealer and moved on, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size and complexity of what was on offer.
Weekend 2: The Intermediate Inquiry
Not to be deterred by our first outing, we headed back the following weekend with renewed vigour and a more refined sense of what we were looking for. Smaller, cosier, easier to manage—something that felt more like a home and less like a battleship.
This time, we visited a smaller dealership that specialised in “compact” motorhomes. Here, we encountered a delightful couple who could talk about motorhomes the way wine connoisseurs talk about vintages. They showed us a range of models that were more in line with our needs—smaller, easier to park, and with a dash of charm that the behemoths of the previous weekend lacked.
But while they were charming, none of them quite clicked. It was a bit like speed dating. Each motorhome had its quirks, but there wasn’t that spark, that feeling that said, “Yes, this is the one!”
Still, we were learning. We now knew we wanted something with a bit more oomph under the bonnet, but not too much oomph—enough to handle the hills of Devon, but not so much that we’d need a degree in mechanical engineering to manage it. We also decided that a decent-sized kitchen was non-negotiable; after all, we couldn’t very well survive on instant noodles and takeaway.
Weekend 3: The Advanced Adventure
By our third weekend, we were practically experts—or so we thought. Armed with our new found knowledge, we ventured to another dealership, this time with a clearer idea of what we wanted: a motorhome with the reliability of a Fiat engine, the comfort of a luxury hotel room, and the manoeuvrability of a family car. A tall order, yes, but we were determined.
This particular dealer showed us a sleek, modern motorhome that ticked nearly all the boxes. “This one’s got a 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato engine, top of the range for its size,” the dealer explained, as we peeked inside. It was certainly impressive, but something still wasn’t right. The layout didn’t quite work for us, and the décor was a little too futuristic—more Starship Enterprise than cosy cottage.
Just as we were about to give up hope, the dealer said something that made our ears prick up. “Have you considered looking at Highbridge? They’ve got a great selection of Rapido models.”
Rapido. The name sounded promising, like the sort of motorhome that could whisk you away on an adventure with a simple press of the accelerator. We decided then and there to check it out.
The Final Weekend: Love at First Sight
The next Saturday, we set off early for Highbridge Caravan Centre, both excited and a little nervous. This felt like our last hope—the final stop before we would have to admit defeat and maybe look into static caravans instead.
Highbridge did not disappoint. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by rows of gleaming motorhomes, each one more enticing than the last. And then, we saw it—the Rapido 640f 2015, sitting there as if it had been waiting for us all along.
“Let’s go have a look,” I said, trying to sound casual while suppressing a growing sense of excitement.
The Rapido 640f was a sight to behold. Based on a 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato chassis and engine, it was compact yet spacious, practical yet luxurious. It had everything we’d been looking for: a cosy interior, a well-designed kitchen, and an engine that promised to tackle hills with ease.
But what really sealed the deal was Will, one of the friendly staff members at Highbridge. He greeted us with a warm smile and a handshake, making us feel like old friends rather than potential customers. Will was the kind of guy who could sell ice to an Eskimo, but in the most genuine, unassuming way possible.
We spent the better part of the afternoon with Will, discussing the ins and outs of the Rapido. He walked us through every detail, answering our questions with patience and good humour. By the end of it, Joanna and I didn’t even need to discuss it. We both knew this was the one.
Three Tips for Finding Your Perfect Motorhome
Before I wrap up this tale, I thought I’d share three tips that we learned along the way—because let’s be honest, finding the perfect motorhome isn’t as easy as it sounds.
- Do Your Research: Start by understanding what you need from a motorhome. Think about how you’ll use it, where you’ll go, and what’s most important to you. There’s a lot of variety out there, so having a clear idea of what you’re looking for will save you time and hassle.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush into a decision. Visit multiple dealerships, view different models, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. The perfect motorhome is out there—you just need to be patient.
- Trust Your Instincts: When you find the right one, you’ll know. It’s a bit like finding a house or even a partner—there’s that moment when everything just clicks. Trust that feeling, and you won’t go wrong.
And that’s the story of how we found our new family member. It was a journey full of twists and turns, but in the end, it led us to the perfect motorhome—the Rapido 640f. Now, the open road awaits, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Oh! I am sure you are asking why the title “Happy Little Place”. This chapter in mine and my wife’s life has followed 10 harsh, happy, sad, and memorable years caring for my father with dementia and going through my numerous spinal operations and prostate cancer. Joanna was made redundant from a job she loved, worked in for over 13 years, and friends that meant so much to her. This pushed Jo into a very negative period and place with no hope for the future. Three weeks ago my father passed away and has left me devastated. My brothers, who have not really bothered with my father because he upset them by saying things they didn’t like, all due to dementia, have now decided to come out of the woodwork and take an interest in my father’s very small estate. Their malice, bullying and lies have left me seriously depressed and at points, suicidal. These past weeks, while looking at motorhomes, has given us a new hope and dream, something my dad would have loved. The number plate of the Motorhome ends in HLP. My first thought was HELP! Understandably when you are about to get a loan for a ginormous amount, but my daughter then said “What about ‘Happy Little Place’?” Immediately I knew, she was right, a new chapter with a positive affirmation.
Here’s to new adventures, new memories, and the joy of having a home on wheels. See you out there!