MCD Wheel Estate Wrap-Up 2020

WHEEL ESTATE WRAP-UP 2020

DETHLEFFS GLOBELINE T6613 EB

SPECIFICATIONS

PLEASURE ON WHEELS

Bill Savidan gets a pleasant surprise when he gets behind the wheel of the latest Dethleffs Globeline

W

hile front-wheel-drive Ducatos are often the first choice with motorhome manufacturers in Europe, many buyers prefer rearwheel-drive. By building its Globeline on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab/chassis, Dethleffs now caters to both front- and rear-wheel-drive markets. But rear-wheel drive is not the only reason for the move to Mercedes.

There are features such as keyless entry and start, an MBUX multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen, plus more than a dozen driver aids in the adaptive ESP driver-assist and control system. And with the Mercedes 7G-Tronic Plus fully automatic 7-speed gearbox providing seamless gear changes, it is also a joy to drive.

Outside, the all-white Globeline looks clean and polished and, at a smidgen under 7000mm long and 3000mm high, it is reasonably compact.

A single pop-out step assists entry on the driver’s side. Straight ahead is the dinette and, immediately left, is the kerbside kitchen with the washroom opposite.

At the back are twin single beds over the garage. This popular layout is not often seen in motorhomes under 7000mm long.

A Globeline point of difference is the small dropdown bed (1600mm x 1000/800mm) over the dinette. Here, a table that adjusts fore and aft and from side to side compensates for not having a swing-out extension leaf.

The kitchen comprises a large overhead locker, a benchtop cabinet and a full-height fridge cabinet. On the open end of the bench is a 400mm-long extension flap.

A stainless-steel sink is set into the benchtop alongside a three-burner LPG cooktop. Underneath is an oven, and a shelved cupboard alongside. Beside the bench is a 1500mm x 415mm, 142-litre Thetford fridge.

The bathroom has a separate shower stall, a Thetford swivel toilet and a handbasin in between.

Mirrors on the wall-cabinet doors and on the wall create the illusion of a larger space.

The sleeping area is the ‘pièce de resistance’. At 2170mm, it is wide and looks it. Each single bed is 830mm wide, and the

Make/model

Dethleffs Globeline T6613 EB

Chassis

Mercedes 416

Engine

2.1L, 4-cylinder turbodiesel 120kW/163HP

Transmission

7G Tronic 7-speed automatic

Berths

Three

Approx length

6960mm

Approx width

2330mm

Approx height

3000mm

Water tanks

Fresh 120L Grey 100L

Gas LPG

2 x 9kg

GVM

4100kg

Tare

3265kg

Payload

835kg

Price as reviewed

From $180,000

infill cushion for making it into a double is 510mm wide. The driver’s side bed is 1860mm long, and the kerbside bed is 80mm longer.

The Globeline features one of the market’s most popular floor plans. Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rear-wheel-drive chassis, it provides excellent traction and comfortable travelling. Well worth a look if you’re after a medium/small motorhome.

For more information, visit zionmotorhomes.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 190.

52 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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AUTO-TRAIL APACHE 634

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Bill Savidan is impressed by the latest Auto-Trail Apache, lauding it as a motorhome designed by motorhomers

T

he 2019 Auto-Trail Apache 634 is built on a Fiat Ducato cab/chassis with a 180bhp turbo-diesel motor.

It has an automatic AMT transmission and is front-wheel drive. Thanks to the more powerful engine it’s easy keeping pace with traffic flow both in the city and on the open highway.

Auto-Trail’s unique construction technique, ‘Cube’, involves building the habitation unit on air-suspended platforms, separate to the chassis. The resulting structure is extremely rigid.

The Apache’s slimline, low-profile body fits like a glove over the cab, its dark graphite colour carrying through into the decal along each side.

There are five windows – one in the door, two kerbside, one in the rear panel and one on the driver’s side. Excluding the door window, they are all top-hung doubleglazed acrylic.

Having windows on three sides around the rear lounge makes the Apache feel spacious and light – as do the wide singlelevel walkway from the cab to the lounge,

the three roof hatches and the décor.

Cushion covers in calming shades of coffee and milk chocolate blend with the carefully crafted cabinetry.

Upfront, both cab seats rotate fully, and alongside each is a shelf.

The lounge seats five or six, with the TV mounted amidships on the side of the fridge cabinet.

When it’s time for bed, the settee seat cushions flip over to become 700mmwide single beds. If you prefer a double, a slatted infill base to bridge the gap between the settees sits under the rear seat cushions. Pull this out and rest the settee-back cushions on the slats.

In the kitchen, the benchtop is made of marble-patterned laminate, with a circular stainless-steel sink and draining tray. Below are shelves for tall items and a narrow pull-out pantry. Appliances include four hobs (3 x LPG + 1 x 230-volt), a full oven with a separate grill, and a floor-level ‘pan-store’ locker. Immediately above is a microwave and, opposite, a tall Thetford (138-litre model N3141) fridge with a

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Auto-Trail Apache 634

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Berths

2

Approx length

7370mm

Approx width

2350mm

Approx height

3030mm

Water tanks

Fresh 140L Grey 85L

LPG

1 x 9kg + 1 x 4kg

GVW/COF

3650kg

Tare

3130kg

Payload

340kg

Price as reviewed

$158,000

usefully sized cold box.

The bathroom, with the handbasin between toilet and shower, is a practical ‘dry’ washroom. Stylish semi-circular shower doors are held shut by a full-length magnetic strip. They look good, don’t rattle, and stay shut.

The Apache is a thoughtfully designed, well-built motorhome with a substantial kitchen, a big lounge, and a ‘dry’ bathroom, all in a vehicle under 7400mm long.

Visit nationwiderv.co.nz for more.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 190.

53

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LET’S GO VOYAGER DELUXE/JAYCO CONQUEST RM.20-5

SPECIFICATIONS

THE WORKING RV

Malcolm Street uses a rental Voyager Deluxe for work and rates it highly on driveability and practicality

A

while back, I travelled to Australia to attend the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s (CMCA) national rally north of Melbourne.

Let’s Go Motorhomes kindly organised a Voyager Deluxe RV for my accommodation and mobile-office needs. Let’s Go exclusively uses Jayco motorhomes in its rental fleet. This isn’t a coincidence because Let’s Go is owned by Jayco; the Voyager Deluxe is actually a Jayco Conquest RM.20-5 in the retail market.

Measuring 6490mm long, the Voyager Deluxe is based on a Renault Master platform. The body has an aluminium frame, and the walls and roof are vacuumbonded fibreglass composite. Inside, motorhome aluminium is used for the cabinetry framing.

There is one external bin on the nearside. Unlike many rentals, this one comes with an awning – a Fiamma F45.

Powering the Voyager Deluxe is a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel 110kW/350Nm engine and a six-speed AMT gearbox. A bonus feature is a rear-view camera.

54 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The Voyager Deluxe is relatively short, making it easy to handle for city driving and manoeuvring around car parks.

The interior fitout is European-style – a dropdown bed with a lounge area underneath, behind the driver’s cab, separated by a mid-wall habitation door.

That leaves the rear for a kitchen and a full-width bathroom. The beige and white palette keeps things airy and light. With the bed raised, the lounge area is adequately spacious and features two inwards-facing lounges plus the two swivelled cab seats.

Two people can comfortably sit around the table. To set up the 2000mm x 1400mm bed, you remove the back cushions on both sides, lower the table, undo the seatbelt-type clips and push ‘down’ on the bed switch. It lowers effortlessly.

Above and below the kitchen bench is a surprising amount of cupboard and drawer space. Adjacent to the bench is a fullheight cupboard. I used it for both clothes and food, as storage in the Voyager Deluxe is at a premium.

Fittings and appliances include a two-

Make/model

Let’s Go Voyager Deluxe/Jayco Conquest RM.20-5

Chassis

Renault Master

Engine

2.3L turbo-diesel, 110kW/350Nm

Transmission

6-speed AMT

Berths

2

Approx length

6490mm

Approx width

2310mm

Water tanks

Fresh 80L Grey 44L

Gas

1 x 9kg

GVM

3510kg

Price as reviewed

N/A (Rental)

burner hob, a round stainless-steel sink, and a microwave oven above the Dometic 190 three-way fridge on the opposite side.

The bathroom is relatively spacious, with a separate shower cubicle, Thetford cassette toilet and a vanity washbasin with a large mirror.

The Voyager Deluxe is that happy combination: a motorhome that isn’t oversized but still has enough space to be comfortable.

Visit letsgomotorhomes.com.au for more information. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 190.

AVIDA LEURA

A GOOD WAY TO GO

The new generation Avida Leura is nicely compact, easy to drive and boasts a sizable bathroom, as Malcolm Street discovers

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Avida Leura

T

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L 109kW/350Nm

Transmission

6-speed AMT

Berths

2

Approx length

6714mm

Approx width

2320mm

Water tanks

Fresh 124L Grey 100L

Gas

2 x 4kg

GVM

4400kg

Price as reviewed

From $153,406

he Avida Leura is one of the few motorhomes from Australian manufacturer Avida that has a dropdown bed.

This is more or less essential in the B-class Leura because its external length is 6714mm. The Leura is based on the ubiquitous Fiat Ducato cab chassis, which has a GVM of 4400kg.

The Leura has a fully welded metal frame for the walls, floor and roof and fibreglass composite sandwich panels for the walls.

The one-piece floor panel is similar but has a ply-timber sheet above and aluminium sheeting below for underfloor protection.

Avida uses Hehr multi-awning glass fittings for the windows. The door is also a Hehr fitting with a separate insect screen.

Leura’s layout is a little different to the usual dropdown arrangement. The bed and sideways-facing loungers occupy the middle area. A full-width bathroom takes up the rear-wall area, leaving the space behind the driver’s cab for the kitchen.

Swivel seats fitted to the cab provide seating when the bed is lowered. Of note is

the all-round shelf area above the cab seats.

A slimline Thetford 141-litre fridge is mounted behind the passenger seat, and there is generous drawer and cupboard space. Fitted into the benchtop is a twoburner hob and a large stainless-steel sink and drainer. Two neat touches are the easy-to-clean glossy splashback and the spice rack.

The lounge/dining area has two inwardsfacing loungers and a Zwaardvis mount table.

Between the lounge and the bathroom are two cabinets and on the opposite side a full-height wardrobe.

To lower the bed, remove both wall cushions, stash them on the floor and push the button above the doorway. It’s a smooth operation even though the mechanism looks a bit clunky.

The dropdown arrangement leaves space for a full bathroom with a separate shower cubicle, Thetford cassette toilet, vanity cabinet with washbasin, cupboard and a wall mirror.

While there is a 100AH house battery, solar panels are an option, as is a roofmounted air conditioner.

The Leura has a slightly unusual but practical layout with a decent lounge/dining area and a bed you don’t have to make up every night. For a couple, it might well be the way to travel.

Find out more at almgroup.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 190.

55

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

NIESMANN+BISCHOFF ARTO 85E

SPECIFICATIONS

HANDSOME INDEED Bill Savidan finds the Arto 85E a premium motorhome that doesn’t disappoint

T

he new Arto 85E continues Niesmann+Bischoff’s (N+B’s) tradition of innovation.

A handsome RV, it has a stylishly raked windscreen with a bold black frame that continues down both sides, streamlining the overall look.

There is a twin-bed rear bedroom above the garage. At the front is a dinette/lounge, with the kitchen and bathroom between the lounge and bedroom.

This model is built on an AL-KO wideaxle chassis, with a Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre 180bhp turbo-diesel engine and, in an innovative move, a ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox.

To comply with the latest Euro 6D emission regime, Fiat has fitted the motor exhaust with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction).

Advantages of the new motor/gearbox union include improved performance and better fuel economy.

The view from the driver’s seat is excellent; 180-plus degrees from side to side. A rear-camera display on the cab

monitor and two large rear-view mirrors make reversing easier.

The traditional forward-facing dinette is replaced with seats either side of a centrally mounted table. The seats can convert into forward-facing travel seats, one each side, both with seatbelts. The tabletop can be expanded, and movement in all directions is controlled by a single lock/unlock lever. There are windows each side of the lounge.

The dropdown double bed (1910mm x 1320mm) lowers to a user-friendly height when needed. It has the same quality foam mattress and sprung base as the main bed and is handy for overnight guests.

In the kitchen, the three-hob LPG cooktop looks premium, with cast-iron pot stands. Set into the benchtop is a circular sink. Below the bench are three drawers.

There are several floor hatches – three access under-floor storage, the others access equipment. The doors on the twodoor fridge/freezer can be opened from the right or the left.

This washroom is practical and spacious,

Make/model

Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 85E

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3-litre, 180bhp turbodiesel engine

Berths

4

Length

8427mm

Width

2320mm

Height

2950mm

Water tanks

Fresh 200L Grey 150L

Solar power

4 x 110W

GVW

5500kg

Tare

4200k

Payload

1300kg

Price as reviewed

$312,000, including GST and on-road costs

with a solid sliding door that closes off the bedroom, and a toilet door that can be swung to close off the cab end. There’s a ceiling hatch for ventilation, a full-length wall mirror, and smaller mirrors on the cabinet doors. There is storage below the handbasin and in the wall-mounted medicine cabinet.

The comfy twin single beds are a generous 2030mm x 770mm and have memory-foam mattresses over a sprung slat base.

The Arto 85E is well set up for freedom camping with 200-litre fresh- and 150-litre grey-water tanks, two 95amp/hr house batteries, 4 x1 10kW solar panel, two 9kg LPG bottles, and is fully self-contained.

For more, visit zionmotorhomes.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 191.

56 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Caravan or motorhome?

CRUSADER CHAMELEON ACTION SV

SPECIFICATIONS

COMPACT AND COMFORTABLE

Crusader’s new Chameleon caravan isn’t just flexible, it’s also relatively lightweight, says Malcolm Street

C

rusader’s Chameleon range of caravans don’t look like the typical Aussie product, which are heavier than New Zealand and European-built models. So when they arrived on the scene, they certainly created interest, says Crusader’s official importer in New Zealand, Hamilton-based Auto Leisure and Marine (ALM). The Chameleon is pitched at those who want the basic caravan comforts, but prefer a relatively lightweight towing rig.

I trialled ALM’s Action SV model – a family van with bunk beds and an external kitchen.

It has an external length of 3880mm and a tare mass of 1272kg. Given the GVM of 2200kg, that means a payload of 928kg, surprisingly generous given the van’s size.

Entry is via a rear door, which makes sense in a van this size. Inside, the simple layout has two single beds upfront, a kitchen bench filling the nearside wall space, and a bathroom in the offside rear corner. That leaves the space between the bathroom and cupboard for a 109-litre

Dometic fridge below and a multi-shelf cupboard above.

Both beds measure 1900mm x 740mm.

A double bed can be made by sliding the mattress base out from the centre cabinet.

The bathroom cubicle is compact, containing a Thetford bench-type cassette toilet and a flexible-hose shower.

Unusually for a small caravan, the Chameleon has a slide-out external kitchen. It fits into the tunnel storage at the front of the van and has a covered barbecue and round stainless-steel sink.

Flexible hoses connect the hot/cold water and LPG supplies.

External storage consists of the tunnel storage, a small nearside bin, and an alloy chequer-plate bin with jerry-can holders on the drawbar rails. Also mounted on the drawbar are a single 9kg gas cylinder and a spare wheel. The 120AH battery, plus the charger and breakaway unit, lives in the right-hand side of the tunnel storage.

The kitchen bench area is surprisingly

Make/model

Crusader Chameleon Action SV, 2019

Axles

1

Berths

2

Approx length

3880mm

Approx width

2080mm

Approx height

2830mm

Water tanks

Fresh 2 x 62L Grey 1 x 62L

12V power

1 x 120AH battery, 160kW solar panel

GVM

2200kg

Price as reviewed

From $54,995

spacious, with a two-burner hob and a round stainless-steel sink. There are three overhead lockers, two cupboards and nine decent sized drawers.

On the road, the Chameleon is an easy tow and is simple to park and manoeuvre.

The Chameleon has most of the essential features of a caravan but is sized more like a camper trailer with solid walls in place of canvas. Its size offers a great deal of flexibility, especially as it’s available as a family van and an off-road model.

To find out more, visit almgroup.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 191.

57

Do your research at n zmcd.co.n z

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

ITINEO PM740

EUROPEAN FLAIR

The-new-to-the-market Itineo is stylish, comfortable and out of the ordinary, says Bill Savidan

I

tineo RVs, are an appealing blend of French flair and Italian ingenuity.

Designed by France’s Rapido, and manufactured in Italy, they’re marketed here by RnRV in Silverdale, Auckland.

The Itineo PM740 reviewed has twin parallel settees in the lounge, a large island bed in the rear, a dropdown over the lounge, and a separate shower and toilet.

Impressive for a 7400mm-long motorhome.

The Fiat Ducato chassis, 2.3-litre turbo diesel, 9-speed automatic gearbox, and 160HP engine has all the grunt you’ll need.

There is intelligent detailing on the Luton forepeak, and side panel skirts make for a crisp presentation.

Windows and hatches are awning-hung and double-glazed with insect screens and blinds. Key-operated, the lounge dropdown bed (2000mm x 1190mm) has a memoryfoam mattress over sprung wooden slats, and comes with a ladder for easy access. There are two large lockers on the underside of the bed.

The dining table, which seats five with ease, is in the centre walkway between a

two-seat settee facing a single seat. With the top folded, the table is easy to walk past. This layout makes the dining/lounge area much more spacious and user-friendly.

The kitchen has a 360mm circular sink with a three-hob LPG cooktop alongside.

Benchtop space is scarce but the nearby dining table provides another prep area.

Storage includes an overhead locker, cutlery drawer, two all-purpose drawers and a shelved cupboard.

Opposite is a 150-litre two-door fridge freezer (Thetford N3150) with a locker above. Driver’s side, the shower stall includes a convenient moulded step, LED ceiling light, and a ceiling hatch. Opposite is the handbasin, set into the vanity top; the toilet is below the window. There are cupboards above the window and below the handbasin, and a full-length mirror on the door. The bedroom comprises an island bed (1970mm x 1420mm), side windows with gauze curtains, twin overhead lockers, a hanging locker each side of the bedhead, a corner cupboard and shelves at the foot of the bed.

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Itineo PM740

Chassis

Fiat Ducato, 9-speed, 160HP

Berths

4

Approx length

7400mm

Approx width

2320mm

Approx height

2991mm

Water tanks

Fresh 100L Grey 100L

GVW

4400kg

Tare

3000kg

Price as reviewed

$155,000

The Itineo PM740 is certified selfcontained, and the 1100mm-high rear garage provides room for those extra supplies needed for off-the-grid camping.

This well-built motorhome offers features not found in other entry-level models; parallel lounge settees, a large island bed plus a dropdown, and separate shower/toilet.

For more visit rnrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 191.

58 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES FROM 7.9%

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

ADRIA ADORA 612DL SEINE

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Slovenian-built motorhomes are unusual in New Zealand.

Malcolm Street reviews the tidy Adria Adora and finds space, style and flexibility

T

he Slovenia-built Adria is part of the French-owned Trigano group that also has Auto-Trail, Benimar and Roller Team under its umbrella.

For a look at one of the latest and greatest in the Adria line-up, I borrowed an Adora 612DL Seine from Country RV in Mount Maunganui. A single-axle van, it has an external length of 6900mm and a tare mass of 154kg, which makes it excellent for towing any number of vehicles.

The 612DL is mostly designed for two but can comfortably accommodate four. Upfront there’s a lounge/dining area adjacent to the mid-area kitchen. The rear area can be closed off and has two single beds. The beige and brown palette helps to create a bright, airy feel, as does the large window area. In the forward area are two inwardfacing lounges and a table in between, with panoramic windows and a sky-view hatch.

There’s also a larger freestanding table.

Overhead lockers are fitted to both sides, and there’s a shelf across the front. The

dinette can be folded down into a second bed measuring 2000mm x 1500mm.

The kitchen comprises a stainless-steel three-burner hob, a square-sink and, below the benchtop, a Thetford grill and separate oven that fits in alongside a slide-out pantry and two good-sized drawers. There are two overhead lockers above the bench, one fitted with a microwave oven.

The space between the bench end and the bedroom houses the slimline Thetford 142-litre three-way fridge. Opposite the kitchen bench are a wardrobe, a shelved cupboard and storage space for the dinette table. In the bedroom, the singles are both 750mm wide but, at 2000mm, the nearside one is 100mm longer than the other.

Across the rear, the bathroom comes with a separate shower cubicle on one side, a Thetford cassette toilet on the other and a vanity cabinet in between with a wall mirror, pedestal washbasin and two-door cupboard.

The body’s composite panels have a fibreglass exterior and a plywood interior.

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Adria Adora 612DL Seine

Year

2019

Axles

singles

Berths

2

Approx length

6900mm

Approx width

2260mm

Water tanks

Fresh 100L Grey 100L

Power

12V power, 1 x 100AH

GVM

1800kg

Price as reviewed

$74,990

The floor is a sandwich-panel construction designed to keep the water out and provide insulation. All the windows are standard double-glazed acrylics.

Upfront, the storage boot contains the spare wheel and two 9kg gas cylinders.

In addition, there are three smaller external bins.

This Slovenia-built van still offers all the Euro features, such as good weight/space ratios and a great front lounge/dining area.

Best of all, it’s an easy towing van.

Find out more at countryrv.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 191.

59

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SELECT CARAVANS – ALPHA WOLF 27RK

ONE COOL CARAVAN

A new caravan range built in the United States offers size, practicality and comfort, says Malcolm Street

R

igs built in North America are comparatively rare in New Zealand.

It’s a niche that David Sharp from Select Caravans has moved into by importing a range of Alpha Wolf caravans.

Alpha Wolf, from Cherokee, is part of the Forest River conglomerate, which produces travel trailers (i.e. caravans), camping trailers, fifth-wheelers and motorhomes of all sizes.

My review van, an Alpha Wolf 27RK, has an external length of 10210mm and, being US-orientated, has a nearside slide-out and a mid-offside wall entry door.

David says all work to make the RV compliant with local regulations – particularly electric and LPG – is carried out in New Zealand by independent re-fitters and certifiers.

The 27RK’s tare mass of 2792kg and GVM of 3459kg gives it a payload of 667kg but also puts it, if fully loaded, just under the 3500kg maximum towing mass of vehicles like a Toyota Land Cruiser or the Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-Max. Well-sized passthrough storage is fitted

60 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

at the front of the van. Windows are glass sliders.

The layout neatly divides itself in two; the front half is the bedroom and bathroom area, the rear is for catering, dining and lounging.

The kitchen/dining/lounge area, on the nearside wall, is long enough to contain both a café-style dinette and a leatherette three-person lounge. There are also two moveable easy chairs on the facing wall.

All this still allows for a decent-size kitchen in the rear offside corner. It comes with a Dometic four-burner hob, grill and oven, a microwave oven, a VRV250 204-litre 12/24V compressor fridge and a larger-thanusual sink. There’s reasonable benchtop space, and a selection of cupboards, two drawers and a full-height pantry.

The dinette will seat four comfortably and has windows on both walls. Two fulllength drawers provide generous underseat storage, and the dinette folds down into a bed if needed.

In the forward area, the island bed sits centre-stage and comes with bedside wardrobes, overhead lockers and

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Alpha Wolf 27RK, 2020

Axles

tandem

Berths

4

Approx length

10210mm

Approx width

2450mm

Water tanks

Fresh 185L, Grey: 265L, Black: 132L

Gas

2 x 9kg

GVM

3459kg

Price as reviewed

$99,000

well-sized bedside shelves.

The large bathroom is against the nearside wall; there’s enough space on the other side for a walkway to the bedroom area. It’s fitted with a semicircular shower cubicle, Dometic porcelain toilet, vanity cabinet and washbasin, and cupboards adjacent to the bedroom.

Also included is a 500W solar system.

For anyone desiring space, the Alpha Wolf 27RK provides a very comfortable lifestyle.

For more, visit selectcaravans.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 191.

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

2019 BÜRSTNER LYSEO T700

SPECIFICATIONS

PERFECT HARMONY

Bill Savidan reviews Bürstner’s Lyseo T700, a compact, userfriendly RV with an efficient kitchen and flexible dining space

B

ürstner are always looking to improve their products, and this desire to excel shines through in the Lyseo Harmony line, a range of 10 layouts and sizes.

The T700 reviewed here is built on a Fiat Ducato fitted with Fiat’s low-frame wide rear-axle chassis, which improves stability and appearance. Standard safety features include antilock braking (ABS) and the electronic stability program (ESP), incorporating traction control and hill-hold.

Good visibility and cab ergonomics along with the latest Fiat six-speed AMT gearbox have ‘newbies’ feeling at ease in no time.

The walls, roof and floor panels are made using a foam sandwich technique that provides excellent insulation.

The ‘Harmony Line’ graphics and 16-inch alloy wheels give the T700 its unique stamp. On the driver’s side is a toilet cassette hatch, rear garage door and habitation door. Above is a 4000mm awning. Kerbside is a second garage hatch, an LPG bottle locker and a utilities locker hatch. The curved hatch in the luton over

the cab offers good ventilation and light.

The décor – honey-coloured cabinetry, coffee and cream upholstery, white lockers and drawers, grey slate bench and tabletops is warm and restful.

The removable dining table and excellent headroom make the lounge an attractive, airy space. When its swingleaf extension is deployed, the table accommodates up to five diners.

The TV is in the corner above the fridge.

The compact kitchen with has a 145-litre fridge/freezer opposite the sink, threeburner cooktop, a large circular sink set into the benchtop, oven below and a range hood over the hob.

Under the benchtop are two large drawers (one with a rubbish bin) and a cutlery drawer. A sliding door closes off the front of the RV. The bathroom is compact with a smart ‘shell’-style handbasin on top of the vanity.

There’s a mirror above, medicine cabinet to the left and a cupboard below. The shower has a two-piece door across the longest side. At first glance, the rear bed

Make/model

2019 Bürstner Lyseo T700

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L turbo-diesel Euro 6.

96kW130hp

Gearbox

6-speed AMT auto gearbox

Berths

2

Approx length

6990mm

Approx width

2300mm

Approx height

2990mm

Water tanks

Fresh 120L / Grey 90L Hot 10L

Power

150 BHP Euro 6

GVW

3500kg

Tare

2890kg

Payload

610kg

Price as reviewed

$147,900, incl on-roads and GST

looks shorter than advertised (1900mm x 1400mm), but it pulls out to its full length at sleep time.

Storage includes a side hanging locker on one side of the bedhead, a cupboard on the other, two overhead lockers and two lockers under the foot of the bed. There are also two 150mm-deep floor lockers, one each in the bedroom and lounge.

Designed with two people in mind, the Lyseo T700 is a well-built, compact and manageable motorhome.

For more visit smartrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 192.

61

MORELO PALACE

SPECIFICATIONS

NEXT LEVEL LUXURY

MCD editor Claire Smith takes a look through one of the priciest new RVs to hit the New Zealand market

J

onas Ng of Zion Motorhomes in Pokeno has raised the price-point bar in New Zealand by importing highpriced, high-end models like the Germanmade Morelo Palace 93MB, valued at $575,000.

At 9490mm long, the Palace is, well, palatial. One of the most striking features is the huge, panoramic front window. The windshield is made with heated safety laminated glass.

The Palace is built on an IVECO Daily 70C18 chassis with a 205HP engine, an eight-gear torque converter automatic transmission, and front and rear VBAirsuspension – an intelligent suspension and damping system that adapts in real-time to the condition of the road surface and the load. This, combined with the extra-wide axle, gives a supersmooth ride.

The luxury cab seats are heated and air-suspended with lumbar supports and armrests. Plush cream leather seating is offset with a pale wood trim that creates an ambience of luxury.

The lounge area seats six or seven around an extendable table.

There are seven overhead cabinets and beneath the seats is more storage, with extra-deep drawers on both sides.

Flick a switch on the wall, and the 32-inch television is electrically lowered from beneath the passenger-side overhead cabinets.

The kitchen has an enormous amount of food prep space. The beautifully finished L-shaped mineral bench houses twin sinks.

There’s a covered three-burner hob, and a gas oven with grill above the full-sized 190-litre Dometic fridge/freezer. There’s even a Nespresso coffee machine.

Storage includes three large drawers beneath the bench, a large rubbish drawer, four cutlery drawers, pull-out pantry, a drawer beneath the fridge, shelves behind the cooktop and overhead storage.

To one side of the spacious bathroom is the XL vanity with a full-sized sink, three drawers beneath, and mirrored LED-lit cabinets above. On the other side is a generously sized shower and

Make/model

Morelo Palace

Chassis

IVECO Daily 70 C 18

Engine

205Hp

Gearbox

8-speed auto

Berths

4

Approx length

9490mm

Approx width

2400mm

Approx height

3490mm

Water tanks

Fresh 370L Grey 250L

GVW

7490kg

Tare

5720kg

Payload

1770kg

Price as reviewed

$575,000

a ceramic toilet alongside.

The bedroom, at the rear, includes an island queen bed (2000mm x 1630mm) with an EvoPore Watergel mattress. There are two huge drawers at the end of the bed, three overhead cabinets, closet shelving and vertical cabinets. A double dropdown above the cab can be deployed at the touch of a button.

The Palace exterior is sleek and streamlined and is constructed of lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy.

This super-luxe RV may not be to everyone’s taste; some will find it too upmarket and detached from the Kiwi RV lifestyle. Others, however, will find it hard to go back to anything less.

For more, visit zionmotorhomes.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 192.

62 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For hundreds of great

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

ACTION EVERLAND R705

READY FOR ACTION

Malcolm Street is impressed by the style, flexibility and tech advances displayed in the Action Everland R705

I

’d been eagerly awaiting the chance to test-drive the Action Everland R705, and finally here I am, heading north from Action’s Auckland factory.

The Everland is a lively performer and a relaxing drive thanks to its 2.3-litre 110kW/360Nm turbo-diesel engine and sixspeed AMT gearbox.

The R705 Renault Master Platform cab chassis has a GVM of 3800kg which ensures a reasonable payload.

This model has two dropdown beds: one behind the driver’s cab and one across the rear. Under both are the lounge/dining areas, leaving space in the middle for a nearside kitchen and an offside bathroom with adjacent cupboard area. The cabinetry is made with 15mm sustainable plywood, and ABS plastic-sealed panelling minimises water penetration.

The lighting – LED downlights, strip lights and reading lamps – is stylish and effective. The electrics are controlled by a Projecta blue tooth enabled control system handily located outside the shower cubicle opposite the entry door.

With its round stainless-steel sink and three-burner Can hob, the kitchen benchtop looks remarkably uncluttered.

Above are two lockers, one containing a microwave oven. Below it is a Thetford Duplex grill/oven, two drawers and a double cupboard with cutlery drawer and garbage bin. Between the rear seat and kitchen bench is a Thetford 141-litre fridge with a cupboard above.

The bathroom is larger than expected, with a separate shower cubicle, small vanity with washbasin, wall mirror and a Thetford cassette toilet.

With windows on all sides, the club-style lounge is reasonably roomy. There are wall reading lights for use when the bed is lowered, and downlights beneath the bed.

Lowering the bed (1950mm x 1340mm) is a smooth pushbutton operation, with a ladder for easy access.

Good news if you like a second lounge/ dining area. The front seating has the two driver’s cab seats, a forwards-facing sofa and table behind the driver’s seat.

A sideways-facing sofa is opposite.

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Action Everland R705

Base vehicle

Renault Master

Engine

2.3L turbo diesel

Gearbox

6-speed AMT

Approx length

7050mm

Approx width (incl. awning)

2340mm

GVM

3800kg

Water tanks

Fresh 110L Grey 110L

Gas

1 X 9kg

Price as reviewed

$155,500

Omnipanel, a composite structure of Styrofoam sandwiched between fibreglass sheets, is used for the overall body construction. With both fresh and grey water tanks of 110 litres, two 120Ah house batteries and 140-watt solar panel, the Everland will allow you to freedom camp for several days.

The Everland R705 offers much and is very flexible. With two separate dining and sleeping areas, it will suit either two people who like a double bed or two large singles, or a family who need both beds.

Visit actionmanufacturing.co.nz for more info. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 192.

63

RV travel stories, visit n zmcd.co.n z

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

TRAILLITE LANDMARK OAKURA 766X

TRAIL BLAZER

SPECIFICATIONS

Kiwi motorhome maker TrailLite has unveiled a new flagship range. Ewan McDonald takes a look

S

o the European trip is off, then. What better alternative than a motorhome that has all you need to escape the city and live in it full-time?

Pukekohe firm TrailLite phased out its Isuzu-based 900 series a year or so back, and began creating an all-new floorplan to add to the 700 series. Enter its new flagship: the 766X, running on the Iveco Daily platform.

There are five models in the everpopular 700 family, and each can be upgraded to TrailLite’s prestige Landmark brand, meaning you can personalise the interior palette plus get extra features as standard.

TrailLite’s marketing manager Ashlee Rose says the 766X is designed for fulltime living. “It’s open-plan, spacious, and has big water and power capacity.”

It is also packed with self-contained features married to the Iveco’s pulling power. There’s capacity for 400 litres of fresh and 220 litres of grey water, with the option of upgrading to a black water toilet system. You have 540 watts of solar

(upgradable to 540 watts), 270ah battery (also upgradable), plus two 9kg gas bottles. Other features include energy-efficient LED lighting, 13-litre gas / 230-volt hot water heater, external waste management and facilities locker and a 4kW diesel heater.

The lounge’s most impressive feature is the slide-out section which, at the push of a button, extends the space. You’ve got a 2200mm-wide lounge with sofa seating for five and two tables. Counting the cab seats, there’s room for eight. Entertainment includes a 24-inch TV-DVD player, Bluetooth CD-radio and 60cm satellite dish.

At the rear is a ‘master bedroom’: a queen-size island bed that pulls out to full length at night, and an ensuite shower and toilet. Underneath are six drawers; there are two wardrobes and storage overhead.

Up front, the sofas convert into a second double bed.

The bathroom is spacious, with bench and cupboard space, and the separate shower has a dry change area. Across the way is a chemical and odour-free toilet.

Make/model

Traillite Landmark Oakura 766X

Chassis

Iveco Daily

Engine

153kW / 470Nm, Euro 5+, rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed auto

Berths

4

Approx length

9100mm

Water tanks

Fresh 420L / Grey 305L

Energy

2 x 9kg gas, 360w solar, 270ah battery

GVW

Up to 7000kg

Price as reviewed

TrailLite 766X: From $316,031 Landmark 766X: From $351,001

The kitchen has a full oven with built-in grill, four gas hobs, microwave and threeway 190-litre fridge freezer. There’s a large benchtop and full-size sink, and large, lockable drawers instead of cupboards. Smart.

TrailLite sets out to “make it easy, make it comfortable, make it luxurious and make it New Zealand-made”. The 700 series has hit all four pitches out of the park.

For more visit traillite.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 197.

64 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Caravan or motorhome?

JAYCO CROSSTRAK 16FT EN-SUITE

SPECIFICATIONS

READY FOR ADVENTURE Bill Savidan takes a look at the new CrossTrak model from Jayco

P

art of Jayco’s Adventure 2020 range of caravans, the Jayco CrossTrak is tailored to suit the intrepid.

There are five models in the Adventure line-up: the Jpod, a new generation enclosed trailer; the JTrak, a tent trailer; the CrossTrak Hybrid (reviewed here); the All Terrain off-road range, and the Toy Haulers with their dual purpose aft section.

The CrossTrak Hybrid is built in two lengths, 3.9 metres/4.8metres, each with two layout options.

I reviewed the 4.8 metre ensuite model, the only CrossTrak with a washroom. The other three have an outdoor shower in a detachable tent enclosure.

The manual raising and lowering of the pop-top is easy. When lowering, make sure the sidewall fabric folds inwards. If it folds outwards the ‘lid’ won’t lower properly and you may damage the fabric.

With a two-metre bed at the front and a washroom and bench at the back, that only leaves room for a simple lounge comprising a two- or three-seat settee on the driver’s side facing a smaller settee kerbside.

The removable dining table can accommodate three or four.

Storage is good for a small vehicle. There is space under the settees, plus three lockers alongside the bed and shelf pockets over the bedhead, large side settee and rear bench.

The bed is long but not overly wide (2032mm x 1320mm). Why is there a large cabinet running the length of the bed?

The answer lies outside. On the kerbside wall beside the entry door a large hatch provides access to the cabinet. Opening the hatch reveals... a kitchen.

Across the bottom, around 1100mm off the ground, is a 1700mm-wide benchtop.

At one end is a two-burner LPG cooktop; at the other, a sink that drains to the grey water tank. Above are three lockers.

The hatch is hinged at the top so it opens to form an awning, which comes fitted with lights. To the left is a 60-litre ‘MyCoolman’ refrigerator that runs on the house battery.All CrossTrak models have this outdoor kitchen.

Unique to the ensuite model is the

Make/model

Jayco CrossTrak 16ft en-suite

Berths

2

Approx body length

4970mm

Approx travel height

2400mm

Water tanks

Fresh 90L / Grey 90L

LPG

2x9kg

GVW

1964kg

Approx tare

1534kg

Approx payload

430kg

Approx tow ball weight

159kg

Price as reviewed

$58,984

washroom with a Thetford C402-C electric flush toilet and wall-mounted fold-down handbasin above. The floor is a shower tray and a shower handpiece is wallmounted above.

The Jayco CrossTrak is well equipped for off-road adventure, with two 9kg LPG bottles, large water tank capacity, adequate battery capacity, 150-watt solar panel for recharging and an external barbecue LPG connection.

For more see caravancentre.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

65

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FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

AUTO-TRAIL TRIBUTE F72

FLEX APPEAL

Malcolm Street checks out the brand new Auto-Trail F72 and is impressed with the flexible options for couples and families

A

uto-Trail motorhomes have a new kid on the block, the Tribute range.

I trialled the F72, based on a Ford Transit 130 and with an external length of 7340mm and a low-profile design.

The interior is classy with an all new colour scheme including Salinas Oak panelling, grey upholstery and matt white overhead lockers.

All windows have integrated blinds and screens and, except for the kitchen, net curtains. The layout is a mix of European and New Zealand design tastes, with two separate lounge/bedroom areas.

Upfront is a decent sized lounge; in the rear is an asymmetrical U-shaped lounge.

In between is a kitchen on the nearside, and a bathroom opposite. The rear has large windows on all three sides.

The lounge seats can be made up into a 1860mm x 670mm bed suitable for a single person. There’s a second bedroom area up front. Above the lounge, the 1930mm x 1230mm dropdown bed lowers easily into position. In the kitchen, a three-burner hob and a round stainless steel sink, both

66 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

with smoked glass lids, are fitted into the benchtop. Above are lockers with shelves and there’s cupboard space below the sink and the oven.

Adjacent to the bench is a 140-litre Thetford N4142E three-way fridge. Above are the general touch panel control, dropdown bed control and Whale space heater switches.

The bathroom is bigger than it looks from the outside, comprising a separate shower cubicle, Thetford cassette toilet, vanity washbasin, two cupboards, four cubby holes and a wall mirror.

For off-grid travel, there’s a 100AH deep cycle battery and a 100-watt solar panel on the roof. For those cooler days, a Whale 4.7kW LPG fired space heater keeps things toasty.

This F72 is front-wheel-drive and the chassis has a GVM of 3500kg and a tare mass of 3000kg. There is a 170BHP engine cost option; the standard is the 130 with a power/torque output of 96kW/385Nm. Both come with Ford’s Select Shift six-speed automatic transmission.

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Auto-Trail Tribute F72

Engine

Ford 2.0 litre 125kW turbo diesel, 130 BHP

Transmission

Six-speed automatic

Berths

4

Approx length

7320mm

Approx width

2350mm

Water tanks

Fresh 100L / Grey 80L

Gas

1 x 9kg

GVM

3500kg

Price as reviewed

$152,500

The F72’s layout suits a couple but the two separate living areas offer much for a family.

For more, visit nationwiderv.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

2020 MILLARD MFLOW 19’6CD

SPECIFICATIONS

AUSSIE CHARM

Malcolm Street was enchanted by the MFlow 19’6CD caravan from Millard and believes many Kiwis will feel the same

I

was pleased recently to review a new offering from Australian-built Millard caravans, the MFlow 19’6CD. The MFlow 19’6CD has an external body length of 6100mm and a tare mass of 2259kg. Given the GVM of 3500kg, that not only gives a substantial payload of over 1200kg but the length means a good interior space.

The interior layout is one that is common across the Tasman. Upfront is an island double bed, down the back is a fullwidth rear bathroom, and in between is a nearside kitchen and an offside dinette.

In the review model, the colour scheme is contemporary – white, dark grey and beige for the upholstery. There are large windows along both sides, giving plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Keen cooks will love the kitchen benchtop arrangement. There’s the usual stainless steel sink/drainer and a Dometic four-burner hob and grill, leaving a chunky bit of working space to the right of the hob. There are three overhead lockers and, under the bench, two drawers, three

cupboards and floor lockers. A Dometic 190-litre three-way fridge is fitted on the other side.

The dinette has a multi-fold table, which can easily sit two, between the seats. The large window beside the dinette offers a great view.

Up front, the 1850mm x 1530mm bed takes centre stage. Because of the forward entry door, walkaround space isn’t a problem and the windows give a sense of openness. The overhead lockers, wardrobes and side drawers are generously sized. The pillow-level cubbies contain both a 230-volt power point and USB hub.

The bathroom has a Thetford toilet on the offside, a full-size shower cubicle on the opposite side and a stylish vanity cabinet in between. A pedestal washbasin and a large wall mirror complete the ensemble.

The van rides on tandem axles fitted with AL-KO load sharing leaf spring suspension.

Across the front is a good-sized tunnel storage area. External accessories include

Make/model

2020 Millard MFlow 19’6CD

Axles

2

Berths

2

External body length

6100mm

External width (incl closed awning)

2500mm

External height (incl AC)

2980mm

Internal height

2000mm

Water tanks

2 x 95 litre fresh 1 x 100 litre

Gas

2 x 9kg

GVM

3500kg

Price as reviewed

From $83,000

the Dometic awning, picnic table and external power sockets, both 230-volt and 12-volt.

This MFlow has an amazing payload of 1241kg. The plated GVM of 3500kg might suggest a large tow vehicle is needed, but with the relatively good tare mass of 2259kg and a bit of careful loading, a midsized vehicle could do the job.

The new MFlow van is good-looking, in and out. It’s packed with features and its external length allows for a spacious interior.

For more visit almgroup.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

67

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

PILOTE PACIFIC P690C

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Pilote Pacific P690C

Chassis

Fiat Ducato Multijet 140

Berths

4

Approx length

6950mm

Approx width

2300mm

Approx height

2850mm

Water tanks

Fresh 130L / Grey 95L

Malcolm Street finds plenty to like in the newest B-class from Pilote

GVM

3500kg

Tare

2825kg

Payload

675kg

T

Price as reviewed

$157,990

GOOD LOOKING, EASY DRIVING he 2020 range from French manufacturer Pilote has arrived in New Zealand, distributed by Blenheim-based DeLuxe RV. Reviewed here is the B-class Pilote Pacific P690C. With an external length of 6950mm, it’s short enough for easy handling yet has plenty of internal space.

The main attraction is the island bed in the rear. There’s the usual cab seat lounge/ dining area upfront, with a nearside kitchen bench and a split bathroom in front of the bedroom.

Pilote’s colour scheme is subtle; shades of brown, buff and white with grey for the bench and tabletops. I particularly like the internal overhead locker lighting.

Fiat led the charge in swivel cab seats about 15 years ago, and here the cab seats fit in nicely with the rear lounge and the inward-facing single seat on the driver’s side. The rear seat has two seatbelts, making it a four-person motorhome.

Between the front and rear seats, the table can be moved backwards and forwards and has a swivel section underneath that extends the table to the offside seating.

The kitchen benchtop, with matching splashback, includes a stainless steel sink and a two-burner LPG hob. Under the benchtop is a Thetford Duplex oven.

There’s ample storage – two overhead lockers and three drawers below – and a slimline 138-litre three-way fridge.

The washroom, between bedroom and kitchen, has the toilet cubicle on the offside and the shower cubicle in the opposite corner. The toilet door can be used to separate the front and rear areas. It has a Dometic cassette loo, a good-sized corner washbasin and a couple of cupboards.

In the bedroom, the 1900mm x 1500mm bed is surrounded by impressive looking bedhead cabinetry, including an extra-long bedside cabinet.

The engine is Fiat Ducato Multijet,

but it’s the 140hp (104kW/350Nm) turbodiesel instead of the usual 130hp model.

Replacing the old six-speed AMT gearbox, the nine-speed version makes for much smoother driving.

A great feature is the large garage storage at the rear, perfect for camping chairs, golf clubs, fishing rods and even folding bikes. With 130-litre fresh water tank capacity and 95 litres grey, this motorhome has the necessary selfcontainment certification. The two 100Ah deep-cycle AGM batteries and 185 watts of solar panel power allow for off-the-grid freedom.

Well-sized, easy driving with ample living space and classy looking, the Pilote’s Pacific P690C has plenty of appeal.

See deluxegroup.co.nz for more. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

68 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For more great RVs

2020 FUSION RANGE BY MCLOUIS

SPECIFICATIONS

LA DOLCE VITA

The new McLouis Fusion range is pure Italian style and craftsmanship, writes Ewan McDonald

T

railLite imports McLouis motorhomes from Siena in Italy, and the new range landed in New Zealand in time for this year’s Covi SuperShow.

The five models in the Fusion family offer a range of floorplans to suit families, or for a couple or singles wanting to motorhome full-time.

Vehicle lengths vary from 5990mm to 7410mm and prices begin at $152,000 for the three-berth 331 to $164,000 for the four-berth 379.

The Fusion runs on the Fiat Ducato platform. That means front-wheel drive, 3500kg GVM in the 331 ‘Bambino’ and 3650kg GVM in its siblings, with a 160hp engine and nine-speed auto transmission.

The upholstery in the cab and lounge is a stylish cream leather, and the table is a good size for family dining and rotates/ slides in every direction.

With the cab seats swivelling around, the lounge can seat five to six. The L-shaped settee includes two three-point belts, while the settee converts into a rear-facing seat with a lap belt.

The over-cab area, housing a dropdown double bed, has cupboards either side. The 331 is a three-berther with fixed transverse rear bed and a dropdown in the cab.

The others are four-berth with differing configurations based around combinations of dropdown double, two singles, transverse bed or queen-size island bed.

The transverse bed is a whopping 2.2 metres wide, while the dropdown double measures 1300 x 1100 x1 950mm.

The 331 and 360 shower and toilet are in the same well-designed mid-cab area, with an opening window, plenty of room and decent worktop and storage.

In the other models there’s a spacious separate toilet and shower, with a solid door that shuts off to create the front and rear bedroom spaces.

The kitchen offers a glossy white bench space and a good-sized sink plus an oven, grill and three-burner hob. The 331 and 360 have a 142-litre fridge; in the other models, it’s 150 litres.

A big selling point is the garage, with large loading doors on either side, heating,

Make/model

2020 Fusion range by McLouis

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

4-cylinder, 120kW/400Nm Euro 6D

Gearbox

9-speed auto

Berths

331: 3 berths 360, 367, 373, 379: 4 berths

Length

331: 5990mm; 360, 367: 6990m; 373, 379: 7410mm

Width

2330mm

Height

2950mm inc TV aerial

Water tanks

Fresh - 360: 100 litres; Other models: 115 litres Grey 331, 360, 367: 100 litres; 373, 379: 135 litres

GVM

331: 3500kg; Other models: 3650kg

Price as reviewed

331: $152,000; 360, 367: $160,000; 373, 379: $164,000

lighting, four corner-mounted lashing points and a hatch into the living area.

Internal width is 1.09 metres and headroom is 1.2 metres – plenty of room for a couple of e-bikes.

There are generous fresh and grey water tanks, plus 180 watts of solar and 200 amp hours of battery.

Continental style, space to entertains, generous garage and plentiful standard features – road-tripping families, full-timing singletons and couples should check out the Fusion range.

For more visit traillite.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

69

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FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

NEXTGEN TEKAPO 700RC

SPECIFICATIONS

A WINNER FOR KIWIS

Malcolm Street looks at the NextGen Tekapo 700RC caravan and finds plenty of features that will tick the box for Kiwi travellers

S

outh Auckland-based InsideOut RV import a range of NextGen caravans from Australia. NextGen RV are happy to incorporate changes to suit the New Zealand market, and their caravans can also be built to order.

My review caravan was a Tekapo 700RC tandem axle with an external length of 7000mm and an GVM of 3200kg.

Many Australian caravans have a front island bed and full-width rear bathroom with dinette and kitchen in between. The Tekapo has a front island bed, but the split bathroom is directly behind the bedroom, and the kitchen sits mid-van. That leaves the rear for a decent sized club lounge, with white leather upholstery, and table.

One Kiwi preference InsideOut RV asked for was larger windows and, in the rear lounge, an extra window. This gives plenty of natural light and ventilation.

The lounge can also be converted to a bed for extra guests. Overhead lockers run around the top wall and reading lights are fitted in three corners. To keep everyone toasty, an Eberspächer diesel heater control

is mounted in the rear nearside corner.

The split kitchen is a great feature. The nearside bench has a four-burner hob/grill/ oven and a black sink and drainer, with under-bench space for three drawers, a floor locker and a cupboard. Four lockers take up the space above.

On the opposite side is a bench with four drawers, and a washing machine. In addition to three overhead lockers, there is a floor-to-ceiling cupboard with two slide-out wire basket pantries. In the remaining space is a 188-litre three-way Dometic fridge.

The split bathroom has sliding doors back and front for privacy. The nearside cubicle is for the shower; the toilet cubicle comprises a Dometic cassette toilet, small vanity cabinet, pedestal washbasin, large wall mirror and an overhead locker.

Upfront is an island bed with windows on all three sides and a bedhead with two overhead lockers, two side wardrobes and a bench side cabinet.

For use under the awning, there’s a picnic table, three LED external lights and

Make/model

NextGen Tekapo 700RC

Axles

Tandem

Berths

3-4

External length

9700mm (body length: 7000mm)

External width (incl. awn)

2500mm

Water tanks

Fresh 2 x 95L Grey 1 x 95L

Power

1 x 100AH deep cycle battery

GVM

3200kg

Price as reviewed

From $102,000

two external speakers. There are tunnel storages back and front, the nearside front one having a slide-out with a Weber barbecue.

The Tekapo 700RC has two 95-litre freshwater tanks and one 95-litre grey water tank. There are two 170-watt solar panels and two 100AH batteries – ideal for off-the-grid travel.

For a couple who want to travel together but who still desire some personal space, this van has much to offer.

For more visit InsideOutrv.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 199.

70 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For hundreds of great

AVIDA SILVERTON C7134SL

THE FAMILY SILVER

Malcolm Street checks out the latest offering from Avida

H

amilton-based Auto Leisure and Marine is the official distributor of Avida motorhomes for New Zealand, and MCD was lucky enough to trial their new Silverton model. Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 418 CDI model, it has an external length of 7135mm and a tare mass of 3500kg.

Available as either C or B-class – ours was the former – the interior features a front dinette/lounge, a nearside kitchen bench, a full-width bathroom across the rear, and a transverse bed in front of the bathroom.

A key feature is an offside slide-out containing the bed and a Thetford 141-litre fridge; when the slide-out is open, there’s plenty of kitchen manoeuvring space.

All but the bathroom windows are glass louvre style.

Both cab seats swivel around and there’s a table and a forward-facing rear seat, with seat belts, behind the driver’s seat. Above the dinette are a couple of deep lockers, and the luton bed can be lifted out of the way if not required.

The extension under the main table can be turned out to reach the rotated

cab seats. Behind the passenger seat is a partition that provides a hinged kitchen bench extension across the doorway entry, as well as providing shelf space.

The kitchen has a four-burner hob with grill alongside a stainless-steel sink and drainer. Above the benchtop are two quite tall overhead lockers plus a microwave.

A benefit of having an east-west bed in the slide-out is plenty of walk-through space at the base of the bed. At 1400mm wide, the bed is either 1800mm long or 1970mm with the mattress extension in place. For the children or guests, there’s that handy extra bed in the luton for two.

The shower stall fits into the offside corner of the rear bathroom, and the vanity sits opposite. Centre-stage is the Thetford cassette toilet.

As for the Silverton’s construction, a fully welded metal frame is used for the walls, roof and floor and fully moulded fibreglass for the front luton peak/cab surround, rear wall, and roof.

The Sprinter 418 CDI model is frontwheel drive with a 2.3-litre turbo diesel that delivers a maximum power of 132kW and a maximum torque of 400Nm. The

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Avida Silverton C7134SL

Chassis

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 418CDI

Engine

2.3L turbo diesel, 132kW/400Nm

Gearbox

9-speed auto

External length

7135mm

External width (incl. awning)

2320mm

Water tanks

Fresh 100L / Grey 100L

Gas

2 x 4kg

GVM

4200kg

Price as reviewed

From $190,467

nine-speed auto gearbox is a dream to drive.

The Silverton makes a good driving motorhome, and the slide-out adds a decent amount of space around the bed and kitchen areas.

Find out more at almgroup.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz.

71

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KEA BREEZE L640

SPECIFICATIONS

A BREEZE ON THE WALLET Shiny new motorhomes don’t fit everyone’s budget.

Malcolm Street checks out a used model KEA Breeze and has a few purchasing tips

B

uying a used motorhome can be daunting, but with a little homework, you can get a nice RV at a good price. Case in point: the KEA Breeze L640.

It’s part of the RV Super Centre’s Signature Range, an ex-rental with fairly low mileage – in this case 32,000km – that has been refurbished prior to sale.

One benefit of a used motorhome is you can do some online research before buying, and since the KEA Breeze is also a rental, you can try before you buy.

Before doing anything else, have a good look round; get the family onboard and move around. See how often you get in each other’s way. Open and close windows and cupboard doors etc to make sure everything works. Play with the light switches and blinds. Note where the power points are; will you need extension cords or powerboards? Consider the general condition of your purchase and think about what you need in terms of storage.

72 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The Breeze layout is designed for four people. Directly behind the driver’s seat is a two-person seat, with seatbelts. Behind this is the bathroom, with the entry door directly behind the passenger seat.

In the rear the club-style lounge – with windows all round – can be made into a 1500mm x 2100mm bed at night. For the two additional sleepers, there’s a dropdown 1400mm x 2000mm bed above.

The kitchen bench features a four-burner hob with grill underneath and a stainless steel sink/drainer. Under the sink is a 130-litre Isotherm fridge, with a cupboard and three drawers alongside. There are three lockers above the bench.

The bathroom includes a Thetford cassette toilet, corner washbasin, and flexible hose shower. While you are checking things out, turn the water pump on and give it a run in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Also have a look under sinks, washbasins and anywhere else that might leak.

Make/model

KEA Breeze L640

Engine

2.5L LDV turbo-diesel 100kW/330Nm

Transmission

6-speed AMT, front-wheel drive

Berths

4

Approx length

6400mm

Approx width

2300mm

Water tanks

Fresh 100L Grey 100L

Gas

1 x 9kg

GVM

4490kg

Price as reviewed

$99,990

Outside, do a thorough body inspection.

Surprisingly, this Breeze had no scratches or dents.

A test drive is mandatory, and an opportunity to listen for squeaks and other odd noises. If like me you’re no mechanical expert, get the engine checked out by someone who is.

Although the Breeze is classed as fourberth, it’s really a two berth with facilities for occasional guests. Inside and out, it had few signs of rental use.

For those who prefer a European chassis, the Breeze is also available with (more costly) Mercedes-Benz Sprinter underpinnings (Breeze M660).

Find out more at rvsupercentre.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 201.

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

2020 SWIFT ESCAPE 675

SPECIFICATIONS

ULTIMATE ESCAPE

It may be called Swift, but the UK brand’s design whizzes have clearly mulled long and hard over the interior layout. As Bill Savidan discovers, it’s a stunner

T

he layout of the 2020 Swift Escape 675 is new to the range and includes a rear washroom, twin single beds, kitchen midships and a front lounge/ dinette, with a flat floor from the lounge to the back.

Each area has enough space to function while still looking good. Browns and beiges, with tartan patterned bed headboards, bring a touch of the highland heath to the interior.

Capable of seating up to seven, the 675’s lounge will be a popular socialising space. The table leg is fixed to the floor, but the top can be positioned to meet diners’ needs. It also lowers by pushing down to form a bed base. The cab seats can rotate to face the table.

Forward-facing and fitted with two seatbelts, the dinette can seat two once the cushions are rearranged.

While the kitchen is not large, it is very workable. Set into the benchtop is a huge circular stainless steel sink. Above is a

stylishly curved shelf and over the stove is a microwave.

Below the benchtop is the 85-litre three-way Dometic fridge with freezer, and a three-hob Thetford oven with a pull-out pantry in between. Opposite is a benchhigh cabinet.

Twelve overhead lockers – six in the bed area, four in the lounge and two in the kitchen – provide plenty of storage, with more under both beds.

Generous in size (1900mm x 720mm and 1800mm x 720mm), the twin singles each have a foam mattress over a slat base.

Behind a solid door at the rear, the large washroom has a dedicated shower cubicle on the driver’s side, a central handbasin and a Thetford swivel bowl toilet kerbside.

With a water-saving Ecocamel Orbit showerhead, bi-fold door and twin lights, it is the equal of many residential showers.

Mounted on a pedestal cupboard alongside the shower is the handbasin with a mirror above. In the corner is the Thetford

Make/model

2020 Swift Escape 675

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L turbo-diesel Euro 6D 140 bhp

Gearbox

9-speed automatic gearbox

Berths

4

Approx length

7860mm

Approx width

2300mm

Approx height

2980mm

Water tanks

100L fresh 68L grey

Power

140 BHP Euro 6D

GVW

3500kg

Price as reviewed

$146,995

electric toilet and, behind this, a wardrobe with shelves. The lighting systems are all ultra-low energy LED. The drive train in the Fiat Ducato has been improved significantly, with a new nine-speed true automatic gearbox.

The vehicle comes with a five-year Fiat warranty/six-year body warranty/three-year internal warranty (conditions apply).

For me, the Swift Escape 675 has two standout features; the new automatic gearbox and the open-plan interior layout.

For more, visit meritrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 197.

73

ELDDIS AUTOQUEST CV60

SPECIFICATIONS

VAN FOR TWO

A new addition to the Elddis motorhome line-up, the Autoquest CV60 has a surprisingly spacious interior.

Malcolm Street takes a closer look

E

lddis call their Autoquest CV60 van conversion a campervan; however, I’m reluctant to use that term because it gives the impression of something Toyota Hiace-sized. The CV60 is actually based on a Fiat Ducato Multijet 160 van, with an external length of 5999mm and includes a combo toilet/shower.

Elddis is British-based but now owned by the German Hymer group, so the rear sliding door is conventionally located (for New Zealand) on the nearside.

Like most van-based motorhomes, the nearside sliding door and the rear doors provide easy access to the interior. It’s a Fiat Ducato cab, so the factory-fitted swivelling seats are incorporated into the overall layout.

A pole-mounted table sits directly behind the cab seats to form the dining area. All of the nearside wall, and part of the sliding door space, is taken up by the kitchen bench, fridge cabinets and

cupboards in the rear. That leaves the midoffside for the shower toilet cubicle and more cupboards.

The kitchen bench has just enough space for a three-burner hob and a round stainless steel sink. But to provide more room, there is a handy flip-up extension in the doorway airspace. There’s a decent amount of cupboard, overhead locker and drawer space.

The Thetford T1090 90-litre fridge is mounted above a wardrobe, and a microwave is mounted in the overhead locker space behind the driver’s seat.

The bathroom is a combo set-up with a small Thetford cassette toilet, washbasin, and shaving cabinet. The tap for the basin is attached to a flexible hose and doubles as a shower outlet.

Instead of twin side-facing lounges, there is just a single lounge on the offside. Pull the seat base out and the back-rest drops into position to form a bed that is 1880mm long and 1310mm wide at the pillow end.

Make/model

Elddis Autoquest CV60

Engine

Fiat Ducato 2.3L 118kW/350Nm

Transmission

Nine-speed auto

Berths

2

Approx length

5999mm

Approx width

2050mm

Water tanks

Fresh 90L Grey 45L

Gas

1 x 4kg

GVM

3500kg

Price as reviewed

$129,995

The bed does have to be made up every night, unless you are prepared to forgo the use of the day lounge.

The nearside cabinetry comprises a waist-high cupboard and drawer space with overhead lockers and a window in between.

The CV60 comes with a 118kW/160hp engine, which is great for those who want a more lively response underfoot. The old six-speed automated manual transmission has been replaced by a new nine-speed fully automatic gearbox, offering much smoother driving.

Ideal for one or two people, the CV60 is a classy addition to the Elddis line-up.

Find out more at rvleisurecentre.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 197.

74 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For more great RVs

BÜRSTNER LYSEO TD590

SPECIFICATIONS

ROOMY WITH A VIEW

Big on storage and more spacious than its length suggests, the Bürstner Lyseo 590 was perfect for a two-week trip to the South Island, says Bill Savidan

M

y wife Jill and I managed to secure a Wilderness Freedom 2 (a Bürstner Lyseo 590) from Wilderness Motorhomes rentals for a 19-day trip from Auckland to the South Island and back. With 46,300km on the clock, it was in excellent condition.

The Lyseo is a mid-range model with a superior finish. It has neutral mid-brown laminate-finished cabinetry and seat cushions upholstered with realistic faux leather. The vinyl floor has a patterned, non-slip surface in shades of brown. Each window and roof hatch has blinds.

Built on a Fiat cab/chassis, the 590 is powered by a 130bhp Euro six turbo-diesel motor driving the front wheels through a six-speed automated manual transmission gearbox.

The comfy cab seats rotate to become part of the lounge – an amazingly large lounge for such a small motorhome, seating six or seven with ease.

Although the Lyseo 590 is primarily a

two-person motorhome, it can sleep and seat four. Rearranging the seat cushions converts the dinette into a small double bed.

The Truma Combi 6E central heater/ water heater was economical: the heater, hobs and fridge used less than two 9kg bottles of LPG over 19 days.

The 145-litre fridge has a curved mirror door, removable freezer compartment and height-adjustable door shelves.

In a corner behind the dinette, the kitchen has a three-hob stovetop and circular stainless steel sink. Storage is generous: a single large locker above the window, storage below the bench, a cutlery drawer above the oven and a cupboard for taller items below. On the end of the bench is a large shelved cupboard. A floor hatch conceals more storage.

The washroom starts in the kitchen with a full-length mirror on the outside of the washroom door. Behind a secure bi-fold door, the shower is spacious with a Star

Make/model

2018 Lyseo TD590 Harmony Line

Engine

2.3L turbo-diesel Euro 6. 96kW/130hp

Gearbox

6-speed AMT Auto

Berths

2

Length

5990mm

Width

2300mm

Height

2820mm

Water tanks

Fresh 120L / Grey 90L Hot 10L

Power

130BHP Euro 6

GVW

3500kg

Price as reviewed

$99,900

Wars sabre-style shower handpiece; three toiletry shelves; twin lights; a ceiling hatch and twin plugholes. Mounted on the rear wall is the handbasin. There are shelves alongside the mirror and a cupboard below the handbasin. To the left beside a floor-toceiling cabinet is the Thetford swivel bowl toilet with electric flush.

In the bedroom, the 2000mm x 1400mm dropdown has a 100mm memory foam mattress over a solid base and was surprisingly comfortable.

Effectively, the dropdown reduces the overall length by 2 metres so you could say the 590 has the lounge, kitchen and washroom of an eight-metre motorhome in a six-metre body. And the package includes Bürstner’s craftsmanship as well.

For more visit smartrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 197.

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LEISURE LINE PLATINUM 7.24

SPECIFICATIONS

BROAD APPEAL

With their new 7.24 Platinum model, Leisure Line have truly gone for gold, says Bill Savidan

T

he new Leisure Line 7.24 Platinum caravan displays its bold front window proudly. The rear view shows the caravan’s width (2400mm plus an awning) and excellent ground clearance.

It’s a Leisure Line mantra that maximum width equals maximum roominess, and this model illustrates the point.

With clear floor space of 2.5 metres long by 1.15 metres wide, the kitchen-dininglounge area provides plenty of room for moving around.

The familiar U-shaped lounge is at the front, the kitchen amidships opposite the entry, and an island bed between the kitchen and the washroom across the back.

A new addition is opposite the kitchen: an L-shaped settee that also serves as a dinette and can convert to a single bed.

With the lounge seats converted into a large double bed, the 7.24 Platinum has five berths.

Five can relax around the freestanding table when paired with the lounge seating.

Storage is available in the four lockers over the lounge and under the settees.

The central kitchen is well sized, with a 300mm bench extension on the left. Below the benchtop are a pantry, two cupboards and four drawers plus a locker. Above the bench are two more lockers. The kitchen is equipped with the latest Thetford Caprice Mark 3 four-burner cooktop, a Camec microwave, and a Thetford two-door, threeway 188-litre fridge/freezer.

The 1450mm-wide double bed is 1800mm long; you can make it up to 200mm longer by inserting a bolster under the pillows.

Occupying the full width of the caravan, the bathroom doubles as a dressing room.

A concertina door closes it off from the bedroom. To the left is a Thetford swivel bowl electric toilet, with the handbasin on top of the vanity in front of the rear wall window.

A Camec washing machine sits in the vanity cabinet between the handbasin and the shower stall. At 1050mm long x 700mm wide, the shower is big enough to accommodate an All Black lock. With its own window and roof hatch plus a shower

Make/model

Leisure Line Platinum 7.24

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Berths

5

Road wheels/ Suspension

Dual axle/Independent

Body length

7240mm

Body height

2400mm

Body width

2400mm plus awning

Water tanks

Fresh 200L / Grey 150L Hot 10L

LPG

2 x 9kg

GVW

3100kg

Tare

2450kg

Payload

650kg

Tow ball weight

240kg

Price as reviewed

$111,000

handpiece on a rail and ceiling lights, it has everything a good shower needs.

Should freedom camping appeal, there are two 150-watt solar panels charging 2 x 120a/hour house batteries.

The Leisure Line Platinum 7.24 caravan displays a high standard of workmanship by a New Zealand team that takes immense pride in its work.

Find out more at leisureline.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 198.

76 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For more great RVs

NIESMANN + BISCHOFF ARTO 88LF

SPECIFICATIONS

SHE’S GOT THE LUXE

From the super-comfy lounge to the spacious bathroom and stylish décor, the Arto 88LF is one classy number, says Bill Savidan

I

f it’s tasteful design you’re after, look no further than the Arto 88LF. Most large luxe motorhomes have an island bed layout similar to the one in this A-class vehicle from Niesmann+Bischoff – bedroom at the back, lounge/dinette behind the cab at the front, kitchen and washroom in between. What sets the Arto apart is the attention to detail.

The settees are along the sides and face to face, allowing easy access through to the cab.

The dining table moves fore and aft, and it extends too. With the cab seats rotated, the table easily seats five.

Buyers have endless options for interior colour schemes. The model reviewed has cabinetry bodies of ‘Verade Oak’ combined with ‘Black Star’ finishes and slate coloured floor covering. The door/drawer/locker fronts are high gloss white.

Set into the kitchen bench is a three-hob cooktop and a generous sized sink. There’s plenty of storage, with four large drawers

below the bench and overhead lockers.

Opposite the benchtop is a Thetford fridge/freezer and above that, a microwave.

Both fridge and freezer doors open to the right or to the left: a great idea.

The bathroom consists of four separate spaces. On the driver’s side are the handbasin/vanity and shower stall.

Kerbside are the toilet and wardrobe.

The handbasin is in a corner beside the shower. There is a large drawer below the basin and a shelved cabinet with mirrored doors above.

Curved and corner-mounted, the spacious shower has a clever lever system for securing the doors while the motorhome is underway. Opposite is a full height shelved cupboard.

Next to the mirror is the Jabsco toilet. which can discharge into ‘black water’ tanks or into a 19-litre cassette.

Close the sliding doors at each end of the space and the suite becomes a private pampering area. Open the door to the

Make/model

Niesmann + Bischoff Arto 88LF

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L turbo-diesel Euro 6

Gearbox

9-speed automatic

Berths

4

Length

8763mm

Width

2320mm

Height

2950mm

Water tanks

Fresh 200L / Grey 150L Hot 10L

Power

180bhp Euro 6

Payload

952kg

GVW

5500kg

Tare

4548kg

Price as reviewed

From $330,000

bedroom and it becomes an en suite.

Surrounding the centre-piece bed are six overhead lockers, three large drawers at the foot of the bed, and spaces under the steps and bedside shelves. A pull-down bed over the cab is available for guests.

The Arto 88LF is very stable and easy to drive. With a raft of optional extras – the latest is the Lithium Energy Package including batteries, solar panel(s), charger/ inverter and more – the Arto 88LF is luxury on wheels.

Visit zionmotorhomes.co.nz for more info. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 198.

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JAYCO RM20-5

SPECIFICATIONS

PRACTICALLY PERFECT

With its unremarkable exterior and subdued décor, the RM20-5 won’t win any beauty contests – but Bill Savidan finds its no-nonsense functionality pretty impressive

J

ayco’s first entry into the ‘motorhome without a bedroom’ class, the RM20-5, is a bold venture. European brands introduced this layout to New Zealand two or three years ago and now it is accepted in the marketplace. Until recently Australian motorhome manufacturers have not perceived this layout as a buoyant segment of their market. It will be interesting to see how this new Jayco stacks up.

Twin settees, one each side of the lounge, offer a wide walkway from kitchen to cab. The layout converts to a dining room when the table is deployed. At 1450mm long, these settees are too short to sleep on, but they create a comfortable lounge.

A dropdown in the lounge of an RV effectively reduces the motorhome’s length by two metres. But a motorhome that’s 6.5 metres long instead of 8.5 metres is easier to park and store, easier to drive and costs a lot less.

The décor is subdued and neutral; light wood-grained cabinetry, coffee coloured

cushions and off-white walls and ceiling.

The kitchen is a good size with excellent storage. Set into the benchtop is a large circular sink and a two-burner cooktop with a charcoal filter rangehood. This bench sits on top of a well thought-out cabinet containing drawers and cupboards, with two more lockers above. Opposite is the 171-litre Thetford two-door fridge freezer and, above that, a microwave.

A concertina door closes off the washroom. In the middle is a handbasin with a mirror behind, to the left a Thetford electric swivel toilet, and to the right the shower. Clothes hooks and a pouch for books and magazines are provided. There is a cupboard under the washbasin plus a wall-mounted medicine cabinet.

Space under the kerbside settee, accessible from both inside and out, could accommodate a small barbecue and other items. Larger items could fit in the space over the cab.

Outside, the RM20-5 is quite plain to

Make/model

Jayco RM20-5

Chassis

Renault Master (2020)

Engine

2.3L diesel Euro 6, 110 kW

Gearbox

6-speed AMT gearbox

Berths

2

Length

6490mm

Width

2310mm

Height

3105mm

Water tanks

Fresh 80L / Grey 5L

Tare

3100kg

Payload

700kg

GVW

3800kg

Price as reviewed

$123,790

look at. Kerbside, there are two outdoor speakers, an awning, a dropdown table, a hatch to access space under the settee and a manually operated step.

The RM20-5 has only five windows – three on the driver’s side, two (one in the door) kerbside – but this isn’t noticeable inside because the roof hatches and cab windows let in so much light.

The RM20-5 has been well thought out, well executed and should attract favourable attention.

For more see jaycoauckland.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 198.

78 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For hundreds of great

FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

SUNLINER SWITCH S441

LOADED WITH EXTRAS

The Sunliner Switch S441 teams Iveco rear-wheel drive with solid construction and a modern, well thought-out interior.

MCD editor Claire Smith takes a closer look

T

he Sunliner brand was founded by the Hunter family in Australia over 45 years ago. In New Zealand, the distributors are Rhys and Michele Hunter, who own Road Life RV in Tauranga. So there’s a strong connection between manufacturing and distributorship.

When I perused the Sunliner Switch S441 at the Covi SuperShow in March, I found the inside nice and roomy. The lounge is at the rear, the bathroom up front, kitchen in the centre, and a massive dropdown bed over the lounge area.

The rear lounge includes twin faceto-face sofas along both side walls that each seat up to four, with a table in the centre. The lounge feels luxurious, with big windows on each side.

Above the lounge is the 1830mm x 1830mm king-sized dropdown bed which lowers electronically over the living area.

The kitchen prep area is not huge, but the stovetop includes a lid to provide extra workspace if needed. The integrated oven

and stove top includes two gas hobs and one electric, and a grill/oven. Above the 180-litre Dometic three-way fridge/freezer is a microwave.

Storage is plentiful: a lower drawer beneath the oven, twin overhead cabinets, storage shelves opposite, and an additional overhead cabinet above the microwave.

The décor is clean and contemporary, and available in a dark or light colourway.

Sitting over the cab is a peak housing a double bed. This four berth option, with large rear lounge, is a popular choice with couple’s wanting to take grandchildren away or lend the motorhome to family.

The roomy bathroom offers a separate shower and toilet with mirrored overhead cupboards and large hand basin.

Along the sides is a good selection of exterior storage, including big storage lockers under each side of the lounge, and a gas bottle locker and two additional storage lockers. There’s even an external shower.

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Sunliner Switch S441

Chassis

Iveco Daily 45C

Engine

3L turbo-diesel

Gearbox

8-speed auto

Berths

4

Length

7100 mm

Width

2450 mm

Height

3300 mm

Water tanks

Fresh 110L / Grey 110L

Gas

2 x 4.5kg

GVM

4495kg

Price as reviewed

From $193,000

The Switch S441 offers a spacious living area, big bed, pop-up 32” TV and all the creature comforts in between.

For more visit roadlife.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 198.

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JAYCO CONQUEST 2020 FA.25-3

SPECIFICATIONS

PERSONALITY PLUS

Two for the road? Then it’s worth checking out Jayco’s Conquest DX FA.25-3 – a roomy, characterful home on wheels, says Bill Savidan

N

ow in their 45th year building and selling RVs, Jayco are Australia’s largest RV manufacturer. Their 2020 Conquest DX motorhome range offers four layouts, two on Fiat chassis and two on Ivecos.

Under review here is the two-berth Conquest DX FA.25-3. Just under eight metres long, it has a driver’s side slideout housing the lounge seats and double bed, which extends by around 600mm. On entering (slide-out retracted) and looking towards the washroom, you wonder, ‘How do I get down there?’ because access is blocked. However, at the touch of a button the slide-out extends and the way to the washroom is clear. With no separation between the lounge, kitchen and bedroom, it is just like an open-plan studio apartment.

Amidships, the dining table faces the kitchen bench. Occupying most of the benchtop is a large butler’s sink, so having the dinette table top handy makes meal

80 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

prep much easier.

Beside the high-standing tap is a second filtered fresh water tap. To the right is a four-burner cooktop with benchtop beyond.

There are seven drawers/cupboards below the bench and three more large cupboards surrounding the microwave above it.

Added to that is the 171-litre Thetford threeway, two door fridge-freezer.

The dining table rotates as well as sliding fore, aft, and side-to-side. The dinette caters for two in comfort.

Moving to the rear is the queen size island bed, which pulls out from the wall to make it longer. To the left of the bedhead is a hanging locker, a side table and a cupboard below.

Across the foot of the bed below the window are four cupboards book-ended by floor-to-ceiling lockers. There are overhead lockers at the foot and head of the bed as well as under it.

Across the end of the RV is the washroom. To the right is the moulded

Make/model

Jayco Conquest 2020 FA.25-3

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L diesel Euro 6. 180bhp

Gearbox

9-speed torque converter automatic

Berths

2

Length

7990mm

Width

2390mm

Height

3225mm

Water tanks

Fresh 125L Grey 125L

GVW

4495kg

Tare

3810kg

Payload

685kg

Price as reviewed

$174,990

acrylic shower stall and, to the left, the toilet with a 3.3kg Sphere washing machine alongside. On the rear wall, a handbasin sits on top of the vanity cabinet, with a mirror behind it. Storage comprises drawers and cupboards below the handbasin and a wall-mounted cabinet above.

The Jayco Conquest DX FA.25-3 is a large RV for two people, but its refreshing appeal will seduce those who would otherwise discount it on size alone.

Find out more at jaycoauckland.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz, or in issue 199.

EVOLUTION CARAVANS

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Having a mobility issue can prevent you from enjoying the RV lifestyle. However, Evolution Caravans offers a bespoke service for those with special needs, says Malcolm Street

A

ustralia’s Evolution Caravans specialises in making wheelchairfriendly vehicles. I chatted to two couples who have purchased their custom-built vans.

DONNA AND MARC COOPER

Marc has been using a wheelchair since 1998. He and his wife Donna have two children and wanted to embrace the RV lifestyle. Their problem was finding a manufacturer willing to design a caravan for their needs. In addition to the potential layout challenges, there was one additional issue. The Coopers’ Volkswagen Multivan is modified to take Marc’s wheelchair and has a maximum towing weight of 2500kg.

That might not sound like a problem in New Zealand, but it is in Australia. Part of the modifications to the VW include air shock absorbers which can be used to raise and lower the van’s height.

Things quickly got sorted when they spoke with Evolution Caravans owner Bob Ali. “We weren’t able to visit the factory often, so we spent a bit of time on the

phone and email working with Evolution on a design that would both work for us and be practical,” says Donna. “Bob was very helpful and offered lots of good advice.”

The result was an Evolution LuxAccessible caravan that is 6300mm long with an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 2500kg. ATM is the total maximum permitted mass of the caravan when it is fully loaded. With a tare weight of 1600kg, that gives an impressive 900kg of payload.

Inside there are two bunks across the front wall, a kitchen bench opposite the entry door, an east-west bed in the rear section and full-width bathroom across the rear. There isn’t a dinette, but the double bunks are designed to be used as a seat as well as beds. There is also a ceiling hoist that runs down the middle. Outside, the differences are the extra-wide door, a pullout platform with corner stabilisers, and the wheelchair ramp.

an industrial accident nearly 40 years ago. Their Evolution van has an external length of 6300mm and a loaded weight of 2500kg – ideal for the Nissan Navara 4WD tow vehicle.

Since Arthur has some mobility, the layout consists of two front single beds, an offside lounge area with two swivelling chairs and a multifold table, a nearside kitchen, and a bathroom across the rear.

There’s plenty of room around the toilet and shower, and handrails are fitted to make moving around easier. Other wheelchair-friendly features include windows that wind out rather than push out, and switches and powerpoints that are set at a lower height.

Ramps and a platform help with getting in and out of the van. The aluminium chequer plate ramps separate into four components for transporting on the rear bumper bar.

PAULINE AND ARTHUR O’CONNOR

Visit evolutioncaravans.com.au for more. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 199.

Arthur O’Connor has been increasingly dependent on his wheelchair following

81

ITINEO MC740

SPECIFICATIONS

A CLASS ACT

Space, light and clever design and construction are seeing A-class newbies flock to the Itineo MC740, says Bill Savidan

I

tineo Motorhomes are part of the Rapido Group, based in Mayenne, France, and are built in the Rapido factory.

The MC740 is an integrated or A-class motorhome, meaning the body is completely constructed by the motorhome body builder. This style carries the width of the body right through to the windscreen, with some major advantages: • It allows for wonderful panoramic views from the front lounge through the windscreen and passenger/driver’s side windows.

• The width and depth of the cab space is added to the lounge, making it much bigger.

• Across the full width of the cab is a fold-down double bed that stows away above the cab.

The cab seats rotate to become part of the lounge, which has twin settees facing one another, allowing easy passage from the entry door to the cab.

The dining table folds in half and is stowed towards the kerbside seat when out of use. The top is mounted on a sliding

frame so when unfolded, it accommodates five with ease.

There are two forward-facing, seatbelted passenger seats, one each side of the lounge. Each has a removable seat back/headrest that is stowed in the garage when the lounge is in dining/ entertainment mode.

The kitchen has three gas hobs at the back of the bench and working space at the front, with the sink to the left. Storage includes a slide-out pantry under the sink and a large cubby in the floor. A two-door, 150-litre auto energy select fridge-freezer and an oven complete the practical layout.

The ensuite bathroom is split in two, with the shower kerbside and Dometic toilet and handbasin opposite. The toilet door also closes off the kitchen, while a solid sliding door shuts off the bedroom.

The MC740 has a decent sized bed; 2000mm by 1400mm wide. Above are two large lockers, with a hanging locker, a magazine/book storage pocket and a reading light each side of the bed.

The garage’s interior height is 860mm,

Make & Model

Itineo MC740

Chassis

Fiat Ducato

Engine

2.3L diesel Euro 6.

180bhp

Gearbox

9-speed automatic

Berths

4

Length

7410mm

Width

2350mm

Height

2955mm

Water tanks

Fresh 140L / Hot 201L Grey 140L

GVW

4400kg

Tare

3400kg

Payload

1000kg

Price as reviewed

$190,000

but at the push of a button, the bed can rise around 300mm for a new garage height of 1160mm, allowing bikes to be carried standing.

This A-class is certified self-contained, with 340 watts of solar panel feeding two 100a/hr AGM batteries, 120-litre fresh and grey water tanks plus 20 litres of fresh in the hot water tank.

Aimed at entry-level A-class buyers, the MC740 has captured customers seeking a motorhome with a spacious lounge/ dinette, island bed at the back and a light, bright interior.

For more, visit rnrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 200.

82 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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JAYCO SILVERLINE 20.63-2

SPECIFICATIONS

SMART THINKING

The latest technology, clever design and a competitive price make this year’s Jayco Silverline 20.63-2 an appealing option, writes Bill Savidan

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ew features on this year’s Jayco Silverline caravans include an updated technology suite, a new front panel, and a continuous hot water delivery system.

The simplicity of the interior layout is appealing. To the rear is the washroom, amidships the kerbside four-seater dinette faces the galley-style kitchen, and the north/south island bed is up front. This is a two-person caravan that can accommodate a couple of guests when the dinette is converted into a bed.

The lounge/dinette occupies a small portion of the total floor space and is more than adequate for a couple touring on their own. Permanently mounted on a compression leg, the table top lowers to form the bed base when the dinette is converted to a bed. The top slides and fixes every-which-way so you can get out from behind gracefully.

The kitchen has a two-door 217-litre fridge-freezer, with a four-burner cooktop

set into the benchtop, an oven below and a butler’s sink to the left. The microwave is above the cooktop, along with three large cupboards. Below the benchtop are four drawers, a cupboard and a slide-out pantry.

The bed features a Cloud Nine innerspring mattress on a sprung wooden slat base for extra comfort. There are two hanging lockers at the head of the bed, two overhead lockers, and storage under the bed.

The shower stall is kerbside, the handbasin in the middle and the toilet opposite the shower. A 3.3kg clothes washer is under the bench beside the toilet.

A front boot lid returns on the 2020 model and side entry hatches have been retained, making the front storage very accessible. On the driver’s side is a Nautilus heater providing continuous hot water.

The Silverline 20.63-2 is fitted with Jayco’s JTech Version2 Independent Coil suspension, a trailing arm coil suspension

Make/model

Jayco Silverline 20.63-2

Berths

2 + 2 small occasional

Body length

6521mm

Interior length

6035mm

Travel length

7892mm

Travel height

2950mm

Interior height

1975mm

Water tanks

Fresh 164L / Grey 164L

Tare

2430kg

Price as reviewed

$91,990

that allows the wheels to act independently.

Having no axles improves ground clearance and the ride, making the caravan safer and softer to tow.

Jayco’s new suite of lifestyle technology includes: • Amazon Alexa, a personal voice assistant that provides voice command for tasks such as extending the awning and turning on lights.

• The Winegard 4G WiFi Extender that improves mobile internet speed and WiFi signal range.

• A 360° camera system that gives the driver a helicopter view of the vehicle’s position in relation to surrounding objects.

• JHub, Jayco’s exclusive portable control tablet fitted as standard.

It is a well-thought out caravan, well-built and well presented at a competitive price.

For more visit jaycoauckland.co.nz. the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 200.

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VW GRAND CALIFORNIA

SPECIFICATIONS

GRAND DESIGNS

MCD editor Claire Smith takes a look inside the new Grand California from Volkswagen

T

he all new Grand California is marketed by VW as the ‘modern-day Kombi’. For decades, the Kombi has been a symbol of freedom, simplicity, and independence. But today we also expect a lot more comfort, technology, luxury, and space. The Grand California – available in two models, the 600 and the 680 – is VW’s answer to that demand.

Based on a VW Crafter, the 600 is approximately six metres long and fourberth, designed for two adults and two children. In the rear, the east-west bed measures 1930mm x 1360mm.

In the 680, approximately 6.8 metres long and two-berth, the rear bed is north-south and measures 2000mm x 1670mm. Thanks to a rear window and large skylight, the ‘bedroom’ gains more natural light than the 600, which sacrifices the rear side windows to accommodate the east-west bed.

In both models, the rear beds include 80mm thick mattresses and plate springs in the base for a great night’s sleep.

A total of 980 litres of storage space is available in the rear, with the under-bed area

accessible from the rear doors, or you can fold the bed to the side for internal access.

For those travelling with littlies, the 600 includes a cab-over bed (1600/1900mm x 1222mm) and can hold up to 150kg of weight. The slatted base pulls out at the touch of a button.

In both models, the compact but clever kitchen contains the 70-litre fridge, cook top, drawers and cupboards. The bench of the 600 measures 980mm long, with two hidden extensions. The 680 model measures 1400mm long and includes an extra fixed work surface.

Opposite the kitchen workspace is the dining area. Both models include a removable table and a double bench seat.

The passenger and driving seats swivel around to comfortably seat four.

Inside each rear door is cleverly designed storage containing an outdoor table and two chairs.

In the bathroom, as well as a shower, toilet, cupboard and shelving, clever features include a wash basin that folds out of the way when you need extra

Make/model

VW Grand California 600 and 680

Chassis

600: VW Crafter MWB 680: VW Crafter LWB

Engine

600: 2.0 l TDI (130kW, 410Nm) diesel 680: 2.0 l TDI (130kW, 410Nm) diesel

Drivetrain

4MOTION AWD

Gearbox

8-speed automatic

Berths

600: 4 / 680: 2

Length

600: 6m / 680: 6.8m

Width

600 & 680: 2.04 metres

Height

600: 2.97m / 680: 2.84m

Water tanks

600 & 680: 110L fresh / Waste: 90L

Payload

600: 699kg / 680: 516kg

Price as reviewed

600: $159,000 680: $163,000

space; a motion sensor mirror light, and a hand-held showerhead that sits in the basin for washing hands, and can be pulled out and fixed on the wall for showering.

Both models are pricier than comparable campervans on the market, but the 4MOTION AWD, 5-year warranty, and plenty of other nifty features will grab attention.

For more, visit volkswagen.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 200.

84 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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FEATURE | FREEDOM CAMPING

BAILEY ADAMO 69-4

SPECIFICATIONS

LOVE ACTUALLY

A smooth performer, comfortable, stylish, spacious… it’s easy to fall for the many charms of the Adamo 69-4, says Bill Savidan

T

oday, roughly half the motorhomes bought in the UK annually are European-built, and Bailey’s new Adamo range, with its European-style twin facing settees, aims to secure a share of this market.

Adamo offers three innovative layouts, all with GVWs of 3500kg and under 7.5 metres long: a twin lounge model with the second lounge at the back; an island bed model; and the Adamo 69-4 from RV Mega being reviewed with a dropdown in the lounge as its main bed.

Bailey usually build on Peugeots, but here they’ve partnered with Ford for the base vehicle. The Ford Transit has a 2-litre turbo-diesel motor (160bhp, 450Nms) powering the front wheels through a sixspeed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Fitted with Ford’s new ‘skeletal’ chassis, it has a floor level 100mm lower and is 200kg lighter than the standard front-wheel drive cab/chassis model.

In the lounge, both the super-comfy settees convert into travel seats. Aguti travel seat frames, complete with seat

belts, unfold from underneath each one.

The cushions become the seat and the back cushions make for comfortable travel.

With help from the table, the settees also convert into a double bed.

The big dropdown bed lowers to lounge seat height or can be partly lowered if lounge seats are converted to a bed. The bed can be left made up when stowed.

Tall and narrow, the 142-litre Thetford fridge is a winner when it comes to usable space. Opposite, extra benchtop width provides a 250mm wide strip of workspace behind the sink, with more available on the bench extension to the left.

To the right is the new Thetford K series oven with a 3LPG+1 electric cooktop and separate grill. Below the bench is a cutlery drawer and a small cupboard. There’s plenty of cupboard storage space too.

The washroom is full width but stops short of the rear wall, leaving a space of around 800mm the full width of the Adamo; space for a garage below, and a wardrobe/ storage above. Both can be accessed from the washroom; the garage via a sliding

Make/model

Bailey Adamo 69-4

Chassis

Ford Transit

Engine

2-litre turbo-diesel

Gearbox

6-speed automatic

Berths

4

Length

6987mm

Width

2379mm

Height

2849mm

Fresh /grey water

100L/100L

GVW

3500kg

Tare

3090kg

Payload

410kg

Price as reviewed

From $151,990

door and the wardrobe/storage above via mirrored doors. The huge wardrobe more than makes up for the overhead lockers lost to the dropdown in the lounge. It also turns the washroom into a dressing room.

The washroom has the Thetford swivel bowl toilet kerbside alongside a benchtopmounted handbasin, with the shower stall on the opposite side wall. A tambour door closes off the washroom from the kitchen.

Outside, the 69-4 is quite plain. Inside, however, it has a great sense of space; relaxed, modern décor; and is fitted out to a high standard. Another plus; it is a WOF vehicle that can be driven on a car licence.

For more information visit rvmega.co.nz.

Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 201.

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ELITE PALLISER TWIN SLIDE CARAVAN

SPECIFICATIONS Make/model

Elite Palliser Twin Slide Caravan

Body length

6550mm

Travel length

8600mm

Width

2450mm

Height

2900mm

Side/rear slide-out 630/900mm movement mm

FLEX APPEAL

With the Elite Palliser, the options for customising are endless – but that’s only one of the caravan’s many attractions, discovers Bill Savidan

E

lite say they build ‘luxury custom’ and ‘off-road’ caravans, but the Palliser seems to be luxury, custom and offroad rolled into one.

Two separate slide-outs are its significant point of difference. One housing the bed extends 900mm from the caravan rear, while the club lounge slide-out extends 630mm from the driver’s side wall. These extensions make a huge difference to usability.

Separating the bedroom from the lounge/ kitchen is an en suite arrangement of the toilet/vanity (driver’s side) and the shower stall (kerbside). This separation, thanks to the location of the slide-outs, will appeal to those who value privacy. This privacy is reinforced by the solid wood sliding doors closing off the washroom from the lounge one side and the bedroom the other.

With both slide-outs retracted inboard, there is still room to move through the lounge/kitchen without scraping your shins.

L-shaped and full width across the front of the caravan, the kitchen is large by RV

standards. On its own at the front of the caravan, it’s a very user-friendly space.

There’s a 188-litre fridge-freezer in the corner and the benchtop covers the stove, with its oven and separate grill. A hinged section lifts clear when the four-hob cooktop is in use.

Opposite the entrance, the ‘club seat’ (aka U-shaped) lounge offers seating for four. A dining table with a compression pedestal leg is permanently mounted in the ‘U’. The tabletop moves in all directions and can be locked in place. It forms the bed base when the dinette is converted to a bed. Beside the entrance is a bench-high cabinet housing the microwave and a clothes washer, plus two cupboards, a locker and a wine rack.

Amidships is the washroom, with the shower kerbside and the toilet/vanity opposite. Between is space sufficient for use as a dressing room.

In the bedroom, there is a floor-to-ceiling corner cupboard at the foot of the bed and more storage underneath the bed.

A tunnel locker across the front suits long

Fresh/grey water

2 x 95L/1 x 95L

GVW

3500kg

Tare

2900kg

Payload

600kg

Price as reviewed

From $155,000

items; fishing gear and poles. Kerbside is a 5.7-metre long awning. The Palliser is ‘colour customisable’, meaning buyers choose their own exterior colour from 13-plus options.

Two 170-watt solar panels feed 2 x 100a/h AGM batteries that supply the 2500-watt inverter along with the 12-volt power appliances. There is sufficient real estate on the roof for up to four more 170-watt panels.

All power points in the Palliser run inverter power when the caravan is disconnected from the ‘grid’ and, when reconnected, switch back to grid power automatically. Two 95-litre fresh water tanks and one 95-litre grey water tank are standard; you can add more.

Settled onsite with the slide-outs extended, the Palliser provides the interior space of an extra-wide 7.5-metre long caravan in a compact towed unit 6.55 metres in body length. And the variety of its option list should satisfy the most fastidious of buyers.

For more see insideoutrv.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 201.

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FRANKIA PLATIN I8400 PLUS

SPECIFICATIONS

COMFORT PLUS

Every year, Frankia ups its game; but with the Platin i8400 Plus’s sumptuous lounge, huge dropdown and impressive electronics, the German manufacturer has outdone itself, says Bill Savidan

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large rear lounge surrounded by windows is synonymous with Kiwi RV travel, and in Australia this layout is referred to as the ‘Kiwi lounge’. So it was disorienting when I climbed aboard the new offering from German manufacturer Frankia, the Platin i8400 Plus, to discover a Kiwi lounge. And it was done in style; large, semicircular, sumptuous seating for eight on super-comfy seats. So where to put the main bed? Frankia’s answer: create an upmarket version of the dropdown over the cab.

Upfront is the bedroom and next door is the washroom – shower stall on the left, toilet/vanity on the right. There’s the entry on the left and the kitchen on the right and, at the back, the C-shaped lounge.

The Platin offers a great sense of space, particularly when you’re seated on the lounge settee. The seating lies across the vehicle, with the open end towards the driver’s side. Centrally mounted, the table lowers to become a coffee table or a bed base when the settees convert into a bed.

Two roof hatches provide air and light and eight overhead lockers give ample stowage.

Alongside the lounge, the kitchen’s L-shaped benchtop has three LPG hobs at one end and the sink at the other. Half a dozen drawers in the bench cabinet, two lockers above the bench plus the Dometic 188-litre fridge-freezer offer a lot of storage, with more in the floor-to-ceiling cupboard by the door.

The toilet door closes off the kitchen and a solid slider closes off the cab/bed area.

The resulting en suite doubles as a dressing room with easy access to the wardrobe next to the fridge-freezer. A curved wall with a curved door closes off the toilet/vanity stall.

With LED accent lights, twin plug-holes, a large roof hatch and clear twin doors, the shower looks luxurious and practical.

The over-the-cab dropdown bed presents as two adjoining singles for sleeping lengthwise. It is an amazing setup; the bed is an enormous 2000 x 1930mm.

The i8400 is deal for off-grid travel. There are two 110Ah Lithium ferrous polymer

Make/model

Frankia Platin I8400 Plus

Chassis

Mercedes-Benz

Engine

190HP V6 turbo-diesel motor

Gearbox

6-speed torque converter gearbox

Berths

4

Length

8580mm

Width

2300mm

Height

3090mm

Fresh/grey water

220L/ 130L

GVW

5500kg

Tare

4664kg

Payload

836kg

Price as reviewd

From $355,0000

(LiFePO4) batteries which can be 80 percent discharged regularly, offering 176Ah between charges. They are charged either from the engine 220-amp alternator via a 90-amp battery-to-battery system when underway, or a 40-amp charger when connected to the grid. When off-grid, the four 170-watt solar panels on the roof work through a 35-amp solar controller to recharge the batteries.

Each year Frankia motorhomes get better and better. This year I see major upgrades in the electronics and exterior styling. And inside, everywhere I look I see incremental improvement.

For more see zionmotorhomes.co.nz. Read the full review at nzmcd.co.nz or in issue 201.

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Last year, our motorhome reviewers assessed 36 fabulous motorhomes and caravans, each one offering something unique and innovative.

If you’re considering upgrading, or purchasing your first RV, here’s some inspiration with a look back at all of 2020’s reviews.

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