Another budget LDV motorhome from Sunliner

With the cost of buying a new motorhome moving out of reach of many buyers since the pandemic, Melbourne's Sunliner is helping to keep a lid on prices with the recent introduction of another entry-level model based on the cut-price LDV Deliver 9 cab-chassis.

Sunliner released its first budget motorhome based on the Chinese-built commercial vehicle in 2022, when it rolled out the twin-berth 7.1m long Sunliner LDV Switch, and now you can order the slightly smaller Sunliner LDV Quest, featuring a versatile new twin-berth layout, for a similarly enticing price of $154,990 drive-away from the Melbourne dealer.

Based on the LDV Deliver 9 XLWB van, the new 6.7m long, 2.3m and 3.3m high, Sunliner Quest motorhome is powered by a 110kW/375Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a six-speed auto, and has a 3460kg Tare and a car licence-friendly 4495kg ATM.

Like many other Sunliner models, the layout includes a lounge-dinette with a double bed above that drops down from the roof for night-time sleeping. However, in the case of the Quest Q411, the design allows for multiple 'day-time' lounging options: a driver's side cafe dinette with bench seat opposite, or the cafe dinette will convert to another three-person lounge to create a comfy communal area for up to six people to gather for 'Happy Hour' drinks.

Alternatively, the cafe dinette's cushions can also be re-arranged to form a snug day bed; perfect for an afternoon nap!

The Sunliner LDV Quest also comes with an internal kitchen with a twin gas burner stove, sink, rangehood, microwave and a 140L fridge/freezer, and a large rear ensuite with separate shower, toilet and vanity, while other standard features include a 100Ah AGM battery and 200W solar panel, a wind-out awning, twin 4kg gas bottles, rooftop air-conditioner, a reverse camera, and a TV with antenna.

There are plenty of stylish touches as we've come to expect from Sunliner motorhomes over the years, including an internal wardrobe with roller door, golden mood lighting and black tapware, and striking blue exterior graphics and contrasting black body moulds.

Meanwhile, Sunliner is the latest Australian motorhome manufacturer to celebrate 50 years in the business, although it's yet to announce any special-edition models to mark the occasion, like it did during its 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2014.

According to the Sunliner website, the Bayswater, Victoria based business was started after Tony Hunter and his then new wife arrived in Australia from their native New Zealand, and proceeded to convert an old VW van for a 'honeymoon' camping holiday.

Son Nick has called the shots at the family company in recent years, and while Sunliner has dabbled in towable RVs including toy hauler caravans and fifth-wheelers, its focus remains on building a range of touring and off-road campervans and motorhomes across a number of platforms including Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, Renault and Ford.

However, Sunliner is far from the oldest continuous operating motorhome converter in the country, with Sydney's Trakka celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and Avida (formerly Winnebago) building its first motorhome around 59 years ago.

Sydney's Suncamper also turns 47 years-old this year; NSW's Frontline is about to clock up 37 years, and Ballina, NSW-based Horizon is currently celebrating its 29th year in the motorhome-conversion business. Australia's biggest RV manufacturer Jayco which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, has only been building motorhomes for about 20 years.