RV REVIEW
INSIDE THE FRASER
As expected, given the compact nature of this van, there’ s a forward east-west bed with a corner wardrobe and overhead lockers. I appreciated that the bed base was upholstered – it gives a warmer, more homely feel than laminated ply. I also liked that Retreat had fitted two drawers to the bed base, so that you don’ t have to lift up the bed base and mattress to gain access to the space beneath.
The dinette, however, is on the small side, which is to be expected in an 18ft van that also contains a separate rear kids’ bedroom. But that’ s not to say the dinette lacks functionality – two people could sit comfortably here and plug their devices into the integrated USB points of the nearby reading lights.
You’ ll notice that the kitchen has no permanent hotplate, griller or oven. Those were intentionally omitted in favour of a portable induction hotplate( supplied) and let’ s not forget that there’ s an NCE microwave as well. Given the van has loads of available gas, it wouldn’ t be a bad idea to fit a Ziggy or similar to the van’ s tunnel boot to give yourself multiple cooking options.
Located between the dinette and the rear bathroom is a 224L compressor fridge-freezer – plenty of space to store your perishable items on long trips.
Two bunks sit in the rear-offside of the van, with a large wardrobe sitting against the rear wall, between the bunks and the bathroom. Each bunk is equipped with a 12V fan, reading light and 12V / 240V points, while the rear wardrobe is home to a front-loader washing machine. A small but worthwhile point: Retreat was sensible enough to fit a service hatch to the back of the van, behind the rear-mounted spare wheel, allowing you to access the fittings at the back of the washing machine if ever it becomes necessary.
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