GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #62 | Page 39

RV REVIEW
The L-shaped dinette is finished in a leather-look vinyl upholstery with attractive stitching . While there is a hatch to the space beneath , you ’ ll need to lift the cushions to access most of this storage area . I appreciated that Rio had included a 240V and 12V point on the wall nearby , I might opt for these to be included in the leg space as well – that way , laptop cords , etc ., are kept out of the way .
Each bedroom wardrobe has hanging space , a small lower cupboard , and a bedside table and drawer . Often , a manufacturer will eschew the bedside table when they ’ ve also fitted a wardrobe niche ; however , Rio Caravans includes both – each niche also gets 240V and 12V points .
OUTSIDE THE ESCAPE
Being a semi-offroad van , the 21ft 6in Rio Escape is equipped with Al- Ko ’ s well-regarded Cross Country 2.0 independent coil trailing arm suspension system . The running gear also includes 16in alloy wheels and 12in electric brakes .
Two 9kg gas cylinders are mounted in front of a large checkerplate storage box that includes a slide-out tray on the offside to suit a small generator or portable fridge . While arguably not necessary for a van such as this , I ’ d still like a mesh stoneguard on the A-frame and a guard for the fresh water tap found on the nearside A-frame rail .
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