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quoteFar from French!
If you’re looking for something a little different in the campervan sector – but with the keenest of prices – here’s something to whet your appetite.
It’s from French manufacturer Randger (in your best nasal French, pronounced “rong-jeur”) and exclusive to the Marquis Leisure multi-outlet dealer group here in the UK.
It uses Fiat’s Talento as its base. This is the next size down from the Ducato and far more in keeping with the campervan type of vehicle that France’s Randger has come up with here. In fact, it seems to have set itself an almost impossible task in replicating the onboard seating, cooking and washing facilities you’re more likely to expect in a coachbuilt motorhome.
It even badges itself as a four-berth, although two-plus-two is less likely to elicit any trades description questions.
No doubt, though, this is the kind of vehicle that can be used as a daily driver, where the twin sliding doors will surely come in handy, although offside access is hampered by some furniture.
The tailgate really only allows access to the gas cylinder, toilet cassette and second battery.
The Talento base comes with a 125bhp engine badge Eco. Making the most of its performance will find you stirring the six-speed manual transmission, but you’ll also get excellent economy if you’re prepared to take things a bit easier.
Cab air conditioning is standard, as are cruise control, steering wheel controls and a 7inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and satnav.
Surprisingly, considering how little space the Randger designers have to play with, the cab seats play no real part in the on-site camping role. You could, of course, stow some unwanted baggage here.
Instead, you get something of a double dinette behind the driver, with forward- and rearward facing double seats – the former with seatbelts, the latter only dinky in size. Just be warned, legroom is somewhat restricted. With the fresh water tank taking up space in the seat base behind the driver, overall storage is at something of a premium, too.
There’s also a stool/seat box – even dinkier – just inside the nearside sliding door. A white tabletop on a pedestal leg slots in between the double seats for mealtimes.
At night, you’re looking at a considerable jigsaw of cushions to make up the main bed, from the seating. Upstairs, the overall dimensions and rather thin mattress will most likely mean this is where the kids will sleep.
Insulation pads give night-time blackout, when curtains might have been a better idea?
Across from the seating area, the kitchen has a conventional enough two-ring hob and sink combination, with permanent worktop at both sides and more food preparation surface across the back, over the 41-litre compressor fridge.
The 535 may be a compact campervan, yet, not only is there a plumbed-in Thetford toilet here, but there’s also a fixed basin alongside.
Also – with a degree of juggling – you could take a shower at the back, with the roof up – it won’t be easy. Luckily, though, the shower can also be used outside, for example for washing down dirty footwear and pooches!
There’s a hot water supply via a Truma Combi D boiler, while heating is taken care of by a Webasto system. Other standard fittings range from 17in alloy wheels to anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and hydraulic brake assist, to electronic stability control with Traction+ and hill holder capabilities.
This Randger crams a lot in. Indeed, some might argue it’s trying too hard. Do consider an awning if you really are thinking of this as a family camper.
Verdict: A brave attempt to offer lots in a small package
Plus: Competitively priced, go-anywhere driveability
Minus: Bed jigsaw, overall storage limitations
In-a-nutshell: Complete camper packs it all in
Find out more about insuring this or your current campervan or motorhome on our campervan insurance page.
Alternatives: Wellhouse Matino
Randger R535 factfile
| Model | Randger R535 |
| Base vehicle | Fiat Talento, 1.6-litre, 125bhp, Euro VI |
| Dimensions | 5.40m L x 1.96m W x 2.06m H |
| Berths | 4 |
| Travel seats | 4 |
| Maximum weight | 3,010kg |
| Payload | 490kg |
| MPG estimate | 38-44 |
| RRP | From £43,995 on the road |
| Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking, twin airbags, ABS with EBD and HBA, ESC with Traction+, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. |
| Key options | Bike rack (£399), towbar £3699), reversing sensors (£250), reversing sensors plus rear-view camera (£399) |
I think you are right. I also took one for a spin from my local Marquis. It drives well and that’s about it.The rattles from poor quality workmanship tells, it would drive you insane on a long journey. Also already sign of rust on some of the hinges on roof. I also looked at the sister model but although more conventional layout, quality and finish not up to much. I was looking at VW California or a VW conversion and thought this could be a better alternative at a better price, but not the quality I wanted. I did in the end settle for a Wellhouse Ford Transit conversion as the quality blew me away and more space for luggage and the seating system makes it so versatile. Check them out you will not be disappointed.
From an owners perspective could not be more wrong, I’ve lost count of the VW owners who’s jaws have dropped seeing what is in the van. Sure it’s tight but that’s something all small vans have to worry about. It’s absolutely perfect for a young adventurous person/couple, who want a basic shower available after a day hiking/running/biking in the wilderness. Comfort, well seats are fine but if you want to be super comfortable just grab the small cushion from the door seat and use it as a back rest and sit on it side ways with your legs stretched out (you can even use a shelf as a foot rest if you want lol). The target demographic for this van are not going to be “living” in it much, and won’t be scared to go out on those rainy days. The single door seat is amazing for getting back and taking off hiking shoes etc. Never made the downstairs bed so can’t comment on that, the excess cushions are stored in the house. I’d hazard a guess that not many people would use that, let’s be honest none of these size vans are for long term 4 person camping, we use the upper bed and it’s perfect. Got storage sorted to a T, got about a dozen really useful boxes of optimal sizes in the drawers and cupboards. The bathroom area is great for storing larger items in transit, this does mean that every time you stop you tend to move things from back there to be stored up in the cab area which is a minor hassle especially if you want to move often when you’ve setup camp. Sure it’s very niche, not for the elderly or larger more inactive people. But for more active younger people, who need a low top van and to be adventurous I don’t know of many other options available 🙂 Not regretted my purchase at all, infact it’s been a life changer so far!
I had a look at this model at my local Marquis dealership recently, it’s a good job there’s a ‘sister’ model with the more conventional VW style layout, much, much more practical. There is too much in this van and in my view none of it works! There is no comfortable seat in the back, all are perches, no room to lounge on a wet day anywhere! A kitchen too small and low, and a loo/shower with little space and less privacy. There’s no room for anything at all bulky (a box of cereal!) and a jigsaw of cushions to make the downstairs bed….. I always look forward to seeing something different on the scene. I am shocked this got through design and prototype stages and staggered it came to market! This is a conversion layout that I predict will be around for the shortest time!