Thursday, Jan 08, 2004 at 12:37
Tessa, the Winsor rapid is similair to the Jayco in that the ends open up. The main difference is that the metal ends of the van forms the roof, but you still have canvas sides on the bed ends. There is another metal section for the floor, but the "wet" canvas gets folded between the two ends while your mattress and bed face into the van (totally dry).
Opening and closing is literally a 5 second job. There are two T handles that once opened allow the top to open (gas struts) and the base lowers. All the canvas is permanently attached to the top and bottom, no press studs to clip around the base like the jayco. The mattress and bedding is inside, all set up. Opening the awning is another 30 second job. We use it regularly on roadside stops to provide a bit of shade (any shade is welcolme in 40C heat). Popping the roof is another 30 seconds, but we only do that when setting up for the night.
Each end section has three huge windows and can be completely unzipped, like the jayco, and there is a huge amount of area for breezes to flow. But the main section of the van only has 3 windows, unlike the full clear area of the Jayco. But the breeze flows through beatifully with both ends open (when there is a breeze!).
Our 13"6' van is equivalent to a 23" when opened, again like the jayco. I found the bigest difference between the two vans (once set up) is that the jayco is definately more "airy", a nice feel. The Windsor is much more like a traditional van, less window area, but very cosy.
Once on the road, the Windsor's ability to allow roadside stops is a huge advantage. You can acces the entire van without popping the roof or opening the ends. Makes for easy stops for boiling the kettle, getting lunch from the fridge, sitting at the van table eating, then washing the dishes etc...
Also, if say stopping at a
rest stop after driving late into the night, the van can be used in seconds after simply opening the ends. Great for when the kids are asleep in the car and the driver has had enough. Simply carry the kids in climb in the other end yourself.
Yes, I am wrapped in the Windsor Rapid, but the Jayco is also a VERY good product. If ease of setup is a big priority, then the Rapid is hard to beat. But the cost advantage of the jayco certainly helps make the setting up time bearable :)
Cheers
Mark
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