Newsletter April 2025
What a start to the year. First and foremost, a huge thank you to everyone who came to see us at the NEC Caravan and Motorhome Show. It’s always such a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces and welcome new ones into the RP family, your ongoing support means a great deal to us.
We were incredibly proud (and more than a little humbled) to receive another award, this time for our brand new Rebel Raid - winner of ‘Any All Wheel Drive Van Conversion Under 6.5 Metres’. The recognition, along with some fantastic press coverage from the Motorhome Matt podcast and Peter Vaughan at Motorhome Owner magazine, is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our team behind the scenes, without which we wouldn’t be the company we are. We’ve also added a new Videos section here on our site too that includes these interviews and other reviews.
As we head into spring there’s plenty to be excited about. Our brand-new RP Assist technology has now launched and is already being fitted into vehicles, with the first few rolling out very soon. We’re also hard at work on the new Rebellion, which you’ll be able to see properly at the October show.
For those of you bringing your motorhomes out of winter hibernation, don’t forget to give everything a good check before you set off. If in doubt about anything check our how-to guides and make use of the owners area as well. Speaking of which, we always love seeing where your adventures take you, so please do share your stories and photos in the Facebook group.
And of course, we look forward to catching up with many of you at this year’s RP Owners Event. Until then, happy travels and thank you for continuing to be a part of our beloved RP family.
Steve & Jaye Young
Rebel Raid Launch
As many of you know we officially launched our brand-new Rebel Raid at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show back in February, where it proudly won the award for ‘Any All Wheel Drive Van Conversion Under 6.5m’. Designed and built for those who crave adventure away from the hand of modernity, we believe the Rebel Raid is the ultimate off-road, off-grid motorhome.
But what makes it stand out from the original Rebel? Let’s take a closer look at the new features that set the Rebel Raid apart.
Unlimited Power, Unlimited Adventures
With the Rebel Raid worrying about power is a thing of the past. It’s equipped with a 5kW engine-powered generator, ensuring 240v power wherever your travels take you. And with its cutting-edge charging system, your leisure batteries can go from flat to full in just two hours, delivering an impressive 190 amps per hour. True off-grid freedom has never been easier.
Total Control at Your Fingertips
The Rebel Raid is the first of our vehicles to feature RP Assist, our brand-new state-of-the-art technology, allowing you to have complete control over your motorhome, whether you’re inside relaxing or miles away exploring.
Using the iPad installed in the van or accessing our dedicated app remotely, you can manage every aspect of your vehicle, from lighting and heating to air conditioning, water, and power levels. The system also monitors your battery status and sends real-time alerts to both you and RP headquarters if levels drop too low.
Innovative Air Conditioning
We’ve also revolutionised the way air conditioning works in the Rebel Raid. It’s fitted with a compact, car-style air conditioning system powered by refrigerant gas, which means a quieter, more energy-efficient cooling system without sacrificing valuable interior space or weight.
Enhanced Water Supply
One of the biggest worries we have when going off-grid is water, which is why the Raid features a generous 184-litre fresh water tank, complemented by a three-stage water filtration system. This allows you to confidently fill up from nearly any water source, while a secondary filter ensures your drinking water tastes fresh and clean. What’s more, even with this large water capacity, you’ll still enjoy a maximum payload of 500kg.
Pet Mode for Our Furry Friends
We understand that pets are part of the family, just like Bear, our beloved Alaskan Malamute. That’s why we’ve introduced a special ‘Pet Mode’ in RP Assist. When activated it monitors the internal temperature of the van. If it gets too warm while you’re away, the air conditioning system automatically kicks in, ensuring your four-legged friends stay safe and comfortable.
With its innovative technology and thoughtfully designed features the Rebel Raid offers a whole new level of adventure. Build slots are now available. Please contact Jaye to find out more.
Meet the Owners:
John Gillard and Vicky Watson
Apart from the well-known idiom 'death and taxes', there are few things in life we can truly count on. Life, after all, is precarious even at the best of times. Which is exactly why we owe it to ourselves to make the most of it while we can, to live fully, no matter the circumstances. Because although we can't always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.
That’s something John Gillard and Vicky Watson understand better than most. Despite a series of untimely and cruel setbacks, any one of which could have been reason enough to abandon their dream of travelling extensively in their Rebellion 2, they continue to embody the philosophy of making the most of the cards life deals you.
It was meant to have played out differently. Having both taken early retirement, Vicky after more than twenty years teaching business and economics and John following four decades in high-level IT, the plan was to spend their time travelling, combining a love of adventure with their varied sporting passions - they might be the only RP owners to have requested a roof rack just to bring their kayak along.
Only life dealt them a different hand.
“I went for a health check because it was free at work,” John explains. “I thought there would be no issues, I'm a healthy person. I do sports, I'm active: I mountain bike, cycle, run, kite surf, kayak, snowboard. I do all the right things. I don't drink too much, although I do like my cream teas, but then it’s all about balance, isn’t it? I was just finishing up when they said they wanted to listen to my heart, and that’s when they asked if anyone had ever mentioned a heart murmur.”
With a diagnosis of asymptomatic aortic stenosis, which, in layman’s terms, meant his heart was in serious trouble, Plan A was off the table. Successful major heart surgery followed soon after and it wasn’t long before they were once again planning to be back on the road more long-term, only for life to once again throw up unwanted cards. This time it came in the form of an accident, John was run over while returning from a walk in the countryside. The result: a broken collarbone. Hardly conducive to travel in a motorhome, let alone their usual schedule of sporting activities.
As that old saying goes; bad things come in threes, and sure enough there would be one more reshuffling of life’s cards, a rather more telling one given the severity of the outcome.
“I noticed I was shuffling with my left leg,” John says. “And that I had a little bit of a shaky left hand. I knew there was something wrong, and I had an inkling of what it was, but thought ‘let’s see a doctor’. Sure enough the doctor told me I had Parkinson’s. So as you can see I’ve had one or two headaches on the healthcare front in the last two years.”
Despite these ‘headaches’ neither John nor Vicky are prone to wasting much time lamenting what could have been, choosing instead to focus on the positives in life and make the most of it while they can.
“If you can find a way to look at it [life] with a positive mindset and do as much as you can of whatever it is you can do, then at least you can enjoy life and have fun and make it worthwhile being here,” Vicky says philosophically. “Otherwise you're wallowing in misery, and ultimately that’s not going to change the situation you’re in.”
One constant throughout all of this has been ‘Arnie’, their beloved Rebellion 2, a source of joy amidst the darker days. Having previously happily owned a T5 the decision was made that, if they were to travel more extensively, they wanted a vehicle that would not only give them more room, but allow them to head off-grid when the desire took them. Not forgetting being sturdy enough to carry their kayak and fit their bikes in the back.
“We discovered RP at the NEC Show,” Vicky explains. “And it wasn’t long after that that we went to their old factory to have a tour and see what they were doing. We did visit a few other companies to see their finished vans, but we preferred the look and feel of the RP vehicle inside, as well as what it came with in terms of the bells and whistles. It would also give us the ability to go where we wanted and be off-grid at times.”
While they might not have been able to travel as far as field as they would have liked, due to ‘life’s headaches’ as John so mildly puts it, they have still enjoyed exploring large parts of Scotland, including the Orkney Islands and Galloway Forest Park, trips that have enabled them to embrace adventure and continue to epitomise the very essence of making the most of life. Even when life keeps throwing up jokers from the deck, such as the news that sadly, due to John’s diagnosis, they are now having to sell Arnie.
“Unfortunately, as positive as I am about Parkinson's, one of the biggest mental downers is when you get a letter from the DVLA saying they are giving you a medically restricted license,” John says. “My driving license is only valid for the next three years, depending on me taking a C1 medical test each year to prove I can keep it.
“I said, psychologically, I'm not going to get myself into a mess of trying to pass the test for the next year, because I know, unfortunately, Parkinson's is a keeper. Today is always going to be my best day with it because it's always going to deteriorate. And so I know at some point, when it's less convenient and more traumatic, I'm not going to qualify for that C1 medical test. Which is why we took the heartbreaking decision, having shed a lot of tears, to sell Arnie.”
Thankfully this isn’t the end of John and Vicky’s story, as while Arnie is no longer a part of the family, this summer they will welcome a new addition to the fold; a little Rebel named Danny - if you’re wondering about the names, just think of Twins, the iconic eighties movie starring a certain Mr Schwarzenegger and his ‘little’ brother Danny DeVito and you’ll soon understand.
More than a vehicle their Rebel will be a symbol of their decision to keep looking for the positives in life, to be willing to pivot to Plan B, and even Plan C, D and E if absolutely necessary, to never accept defeat. For John and Vicky truly understand that we only get one chance to live life and we have to make the most of it while we can, because we never know what cards we are going to be dealt next.
“I’m not a gambler, so I don't understand cards,” John admits. “But they say there's no such thing as a bad hand, it's just the way you play them. And I think that's the art of life.”
“But they say there’s no such thing as a bad hand, it’s just the way you play them. And I think that’s the art of life.”
Morocco Tour Update and an Exciting New UK Tour Announcement
Morocco Tour: The Countdown Continues
After a highly successful trip to Morocco earlier this year to finalise the remaining details, including campgrounds, wild camping spots and a truly special experience in the heart of the Sahara Desert, I’m happy to let you all know that everything's coming together for what promises to be an unforgettable adventure for all of those booked on to the two trips.
This immersive journey will take us through the vibrant streets of Marrakech, where the bustling souks and aromatic spice markets offer a sensory feast, after which we will venture into the High Atlas Mountains over one of the country’s most famed passes.
After exploring the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting Fine Oasis we will make our way to the vast and awe-inspiring Sahara Desert. Here we’ll spend two nights at a luxury desert camp, although you’ll have to wait until you’re there to find out what’s planned for those two days.
We’ll also explore the dramatic landscapes of Todgha Gorge and its vast canyons on our way back into the High Atlas Mountains where a wild camp in one of the most spectacular locations in all of Morocco awaits. The final chapter of the journey sees us focus our attention first on the ancient city of Fes, and then the famed blue buildings of Chefchaouen.
Each stop along the way has been chosen to provide a genuine taste of Morocco’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. For those of you who are already signed up, keep an eye on your inbox as you’ll soon receive an important information request. And a quick reminder: the final payment for your trip will be due on September 1st.
If you’re interested in joining us on a future Morocco tour, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@rpmotorhomes.com to stay informed about upcoming dates for 2026 and beyond.
A New UK Adventure Awaits
For those who prefer to stay a little closer to home, we have exciting news. We’ll be unveiling a brand-new UK-based tour exclusively at the RP Owner’s Forum in July.
While we’re keeping the exact destination under wraps for now, we can promise something truly special. Expect rugged landscapes, remote beauty, and a sense of discovery right here in the UK.
As with all our tours this new adventure will bring together everything that makes an RP trip so memorable. You’ll travel as part of a small, select group allowing for a sense of community, a value we hold dear in all we do at RP Motorhomes.
We will travel through remote but beautiful terrain combining a mix of established campgrounds with the freedom of a night wild camping under the stars. Carefully curated activities will provide a deeper connection to the landscape and local culture and, as so often happens on these trips, the friendships made along the way are sure to last long after the journey ends.
Spaces will be limited and, as with our other trips, it will operate on a first come, first booked basis. Stay tuned for the big reveal in July and get ready for the next chapter in our ever-evolving RP Adventure story.
RP Owner’s Forum 2025 - July 4th to 6th
After the resounding success of last year’s event, we’re delighted to announce that our annual RP Owner’s Forum will return this July.
At RP Motorhomes we believe that when you purchase one of our vehicles, you become part of a much larger family and the sense of community among our owners is something we deeply value, and this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate that.
The forum isn’t just about discussing all things RP, it’s about enjoying a weekend packed with fun, laughter and shared experiences. From swapping travel stories to connecting with fellow owners, it’s a chance to be part of something special.
We look forward to seeing many of you there for what promises to be another fantastic gathering of the ever-growing RP family.
If you meant to reply to our recent email owners invitation but it slipped you by, please get in touch with Jaye asap to get you booked in.