1.9 watercolled 5 speed camper

[Sunnyside]

Can anyone tell me if its common for the clutches to wear out in the dog leg 1st 5 speed transmissions.
I have a Camper which the clutch went when on hire. The chap, even after being told, took off in 2nd with loads of revs. I just knew by the end of the 7 day hire the clutch would burn out wit driving like that. As it happened it went after the first day.
Is it permissible to start off in 2nd on this type of transmission I get conflicting info saying that first is for pulling away with heavy loads and second for normally pulling away. it just doesn't sound right to me.
Has anyone got experience of this type of box.
Frank

[toomanytoys]

In practice, only a light vehicle and on the flat/pointing down hill is it feasable to pull away in 2nd with the 5 speed..

In reality I always use 1st to get it rolling then change into second..

[Sunnyside]

Thanks.
Are clutches prone to wearing out prematurely on these vans

[toomanytoys]

No more than any other vehicle.. poor driving technique will destroy any clutch in any vehicle...