Rhapsody: A Beautiful 4 Berth Off Grid Citroen Relay Conversion

Rhapsody (Rhaps) started life as a builders van and her conversion became something of a winter lockdown project. I bought her with the view of converting and living in for the winter ski season in the French Alps. As such, Rhaps has been designed to withstand the harshest winter temperatures at utmost comfort thanks to the diesel heater, hot running water and internal shower. Rhaps also features a massive 500w solar array on the roof which enables her to function 100% off-grid, though hookup is still available. Rhaps’ conversion was completed in early May 2021 and I wanted her to be light and airy, drawing on influences and colours from the beautiful Cardigan Bay on the Ceredigion coast.

Since Rhaps’ conversion was completed in she has been listed as a rental vehicle on Quirky Campers. Her occupancy rates have been impressive, with her being pretty much fully booked throughout the summer, despite her being listed late in the season and her being located far from population centres.

I have had multiple hirers say they were willing to drive the extra distance to rent Rhaps as they needed 4 beds, 4 seats a toilet and a shower. They seem to be high demand for families and groups alike.

Please note that Rhaps is currently listed on Quirky Campers and her last rental returns on the 20th of September. As such, I would not be able to hand over Rhap’s keys until after the 20th and her mileage will increase somewhat, but probably not more than 1000 miles or so.

You can see Rhaps’ Quirky Campers listing here: https://www.quirkycampers.com/uk/campervan/222065/?wb-currency=GBP

Rhapsody has been converted to a very high standard and with great attention to detail, she would be perfectly suited to someone who wanted to use her off-grid, all year round thanks to her oversized electrical and heating systems, as well as her high spec of insulation. She would be particularly well suited for a full-timer as that is what she was originally built for.

Vehicle Information

I have owned Rhaps, or the van Rhaps became since October 2020, she has been very reliable, with her only issue being a broken windscreen wiper motor, which has since been replaced. She has covered around 143,000, has a limited service history and will be sold with a full 12 month MOT.

She doesn’t have perfect bodywork with a few scratches here and there, and peeling paint on the bonnet and over the cab, which is a common problem on these vans. However, she is rust free and as she is fully galvanised, shouldn’t have any problems here for years to come.

Rhaps also had 4 brand new tyres 3,000 miles ago and has a good spare underneath.

Rhapsody’s Full Spec

Electrical

• 2x 100ah AGM Deep cycle leisure Batteries
• 2x 250w solar panels
• Epever 40a solar charge controller
• Split charge relay (Rhaps charges her leisure batteries whilst driving)
• 1000w Pure sine wave inverter
• Hookup & 20a mains battery charger
• Multiple USB & 12v outlets

Heating

• 4kw Diesel heater can direct heat into shower room to help dry clothes/ wetsuits etc.
• 12l Hot water system powered by the diesel heater (Will heat the tank in 20 minutes)

Cooking

• 2 Ring domino gas hob – (Gas safe certified)
• 5kg propane tank & gas locker (Gas safe certified)
• 20l 12v compressor fridge (Runs off the batteries)
• Fold up extra food prep area
• Hot & cold running water
• Sink with cover
•
Sleeping

• 2x small double beds (sleeps 4)
• The main bed is on a rail so can be moved up to be used as the top bunk, or down to be used as the only bed at mid height, with space for bikes below etc.
• Lower bed can be easily removed with just 3 slats
• Both beds measure 180cm long by 120cm wide (Standard small double)

Shower Room

• Thetford cassette toilet
• Hot shower (Can be up to 5 minutes long for a piping hot shower)
• Heater outlet to help dry wet clothes etc.
• Mirror on the inside of the door

Water System

• 55L Freshwater tank (Onboard to stop it from freezing)
• 12l Hot water tank
• 65L underslung waste tank

Cab area

• 2x swivel seats
• Bluetooth Audio
• Reversing camera

Insulation

• 50mm of spray foam throughout – very well insulated, covering every nook and cranny to ensure she stays toasty warm in the harshest conditions. (My previous van spent a whole winter in the alps and maintained a comfy +20 even when the mercury dropped to -20!)

Ventilation

• Fiamma 40 roof light/vent over the bed
• Fiamma 28 roof fan at the front of the vehicle
• Mushroom vent in the shower room

This really is a reluctant sale, I can guarantee that I will tear up when she goes as she really has been a labour of love and a source of great pride. However, my circumstances have changed and as I will not be able to use her in the French Alps over winter, I feel it would be better to let someone else enjoy her.

If you have any questions, please send them my way on atheodorou23@googlemail.com, or 07460612812