>So here are the questions...:

> 1.  Does anyone know if the sink spigot is retractable
> or fixed? Has anyone tried using it as an
> (external/internal) shower by filling the freshwater
> tank with hot water? Is the flow good enough for a
> quick shower when needed?

I looked at the T5 at a dealer. Don't remember if it
has a fixed or retractable tap. My T4 in Canada has the
retractable head, but it won't reach far outside
enough to be convenient as a shower.

There is a T4 Carthago model 32.2 with built in
toilet and shower in the back. They are however
not common.

In Italy we often got a free shower at the public
beaches on the ocean.

Inbetween that we'd just heat a pot of water on
the stove and pour over in some private spot.

> 2. Is there an option for a roof rack or to attach
> one? The roof is electrically/hydraulically elevated
> and can handle a 50Kg additional load IIRC.

Even if there is it would be difficult to get with the
rental. When renting cars I have sometimes clicked in
the roof rack option, (for carrying a kayak) but
I've never actually gotten one.

> 4. I've received invoices from various camping sites
> on our route, and they seem to be quite expensive
>?(around 40 Euros per night - half the cost of the
> camper!). Since we don't plan to spend much time in
> the camping sites anyway (more driving around and
> enjoying the activities and the view, no need for a
> swimming pool etc.), can anyone suggest cheaper
> options that offer a safe sleeping spot, toilets, and
> maybe even a shower?

We checked some public sites in Italy. Price was a bit
less (like 20-30 Euro for 2adults), but they were
not as nice as the private. Prices at private
sites vary a lot with season.

> Maybe there are safe rest stops
> or shopping centers along the highways, that are more
> practical for the vacationer on-the-go, where we can
> park if needed and restock supplies too?
> And we'd need to refill freshwater and dump grey water
> too.

You don't say where you travel, but in general I think it
is pretty safe in much of Europe. We often just stopped
in a private spot, and were never harrased or asked to
leave. Note that Austria and Switzerland has many areas
with signs forbidding roadside camping. We didn't try
there.

Have a nice trip,
Martin

--
Martin Jagersand
University of Alberta
http://www.cs.ualberta.ca/~jag/