RAPID SET-UP
As I hauled it along the Hume Highway, it was clear to me that my 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 heartstopping 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.
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