Review: Windsor Rapid 13

The Windsor Rapid has been one of Australia’s more familiar caravan models for about 20 years. Built by Windsor Caravans, which is owned by Apollo RV, the Rapid could be described as one of the country’s very early hybrids.

In its early years, the Windsor Rapid was a compact blacktop tourer with a fold-out bed in the back, with some models having fold-out beds in the front too. A fibreglass roof would lift up on gas struts, the bed base would fold down, and the walls would be canvas – it’s a design we are all familiar with.

But the Windsor Rapid has undergone a wholesale redesign, with the company now pitching it squarely at the offroad set. Available in two sizes, 13ft and 15ft, with the 15-footer available in two layouts, the Rapid no longer looks like the van you might remember, taking on a much more aggressive styling and build in line with its offroad touring intentions.

Windsor describes the new-look Rapid as the “revival of a legend”. In some ways, that’s true. Though the van is no longer recognisable as one of the Rapids of old, it has been given a while new lease on life.

WINDSOR RAPID SET-UP

As I hauled it along the Hume Highway, it was clear to me that my Windsor Rapid 13 was well balanced, weight wise. It tipped the scales at 2242kg Tare (2990kg ATM) and in good weather, with very little cross wind, I happily and confidently towed it at 100km/h behind my MU-X. In the bush, taking it over some off-camber tracks, the articulation of the DO35 coupling came into play, and the van’s independent coil suspension (with twin shock absorbers) didn’t let me down, though in the rearview the mirror, the van appeared tilted at heart-stopping angles.

Now, setting up the Rapid 13 is largely similar to what it used to be: undo the over-centre catches securing the pop-top roof, lower the dual rear spare wheels, and fold out the rear bed section. The biggest difference is the replacement of canvas with powder-coated sheet metal for the walls.

The spare wheels are on separate steel arms locked into place with a retaining pin, and with that removed, each wheel lowers with the aid of gas struts. They aren’t prohibitively heavy to lower or lift up again. Folding out the bed section is intuitive – just undo some catches and lock each panel into place.

Inside, it’s just a matter of popping up the roof and folding the mattress into place. With this design, Windsor isn’t breaking new ground. It is a design that we have seen on numerous other hybrids. But it is certainly neatly executed – no complaints with the ease with which this van sets up or the quality of the components involved. Once you’ve set it up once or twice, it shouldn’t take you more than two or three minutes.

One external feature that can’t be ignored is the volume of storage space – much more than was found on earlier versions of the Windsor Rapid. On the A-frame, you’ll find a powder-coated aluminium storage system that looks much better than the checkerplate storage boxes of old. It contains a couple of storage compartments including an open section that would be great for firewood, while the two side lockers house a 9kg gas cylinder each. The tank for the onboard diesel space heater is mounted to the face of this storage system, behind matching protective aluminium.

Further, Windsor has fitted slide-out trays either side of the tunnel boot. The tray on the nearside is particularly large, and also includes a built-in aluminium storage box, while the section behind is clearly intended to suit a portable fridge – Windsor has even included a cigarette-style 12V point; however, I’d prefer it to be an Anderson plug, since they tend to hold their connection better, especially over rough terrain. The tray on the offside would suit a small generator.

Yet another tunnel storage system sits above the lower tunnel boot. Lined in fibreglass, this would be a perfect place to put the camp chairs and fishing rods.

The slide-out kitchen, though, is arguably the Rapid 13’s key external feature. Fabricated from stainless steel, it slides out from the nearside-rear, and is self-supporting. The waterlines remain permanently plumbed, too. There is cutlery and general storage, as well as a stainless steel bench that slides out from the leading edge of the kitchen. Meanwhile, there’s pantry storage and a slide-out drawer built into the wall of the camper – it’s a decent setup.

Underneath, you’ll find two 120L fresh water tanks as well as a 70L grey tank, while five 100W solar panels are mounted to the roof to keep the dual 135Ah lithium batteries charged. A Renogy power management system with 2000W pure sine wave inverter, and Renogy mains and DC-DC charger, are provided too. Overall, it’s a decent if not flashy 12V system.

INSIDE THE WINDSOR RAPID 13

As is always the case with hybrid vans, the Rapid 13 is geared towards outdoor living. Think of the interior as a place to sleep, to use the bathroom, and get out of the weather.

The bed fills out the rear section. A 12V fan is included, along with reading lights and 12V charging points. The main benefit to the redesigned bed area, when compared to the Rapid of old, is that it now has hard walls (finished in marine carpet) rather than canvas.

A small dinette with swivel table is fitted to the foot of the bed. The lounge is quite small if travelling as a pair, you might find it more comfortable for one person to sit on the bed while eating.

The combo bathroom sits in the forward-offside corner of the layout. The fibreglass cubicle is complete with an attractive aluminium panel where the tap and hand-held shower-head are, and no, Windsor has not forgotten to include a mirror above the small but functional vanity. You’d be surprised how many times a mirror is excluded from caravans, especially those with compact layouts.

Wardrobe storage, overhead lockers and a storage unit filling out the front wall, next to the bathroom, are all included as well, as is the mounting point and antenna connections for a TV, though a TV isn’t included in the price.

A couple general observations: the interior appeared to be quite strong and rigid. The ply cabinetry conveys a sense of strength, as though it would hang together without drama on rough terrain. I liked the switch panel that allows the user to isolate various 12V functions, such as the exterior lights and the water pump – it’s a common inclusion in hybrids such as this, but certainly welcome. The storage options inside are as numerous as they are outside, and seem to be logically arranged.

While there may have been scope to turn the front storage cabinet into a small internal kitchen, Windsor has clearly made the decision to limit cooking to the outside, while prioritising storage inside. Along with the fact you’ll also be limited to your own portable fridge, it’s something to be aware of. However, an internal kitchen is available in one of the two 15ft Rapid layouts.

GORV’S VERDICT

The Windsor Rapid 13 offers a world of touring possibilities, especially now in this offroad format. In 2010, I took a Rapid to Coffs Harbour for a holiday and found it to be a good little rig that did what I needed it to. I reckon this overhauled series of Rapids offers even more versatility.

With a huge payload capacity and easy set-up, I found this to be a very appealing little rig. ‘Little’ being the operative word. The fact I could tow it down tight tracks and manoeuvre it relatively easily when I had to is a tick in its favour, as are things like the scrub bars and the mud terrain tyres that come as standard.

Overall, it offers decent value, good build quality that includes a welded aluminium frame and a 12mm ‘honeycomb’ floor and a host of features, from hot water to diesel heating. If the hybrid RV lifestyle appeals to you, and there are many reasons to consider it, then the Rapid 13 deserves your attention.

THE SCORE 

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