Australia's first Volkswagen campervan slide-out?

Australian motorhome specialists are getting smarter with campervan design, squeezing features normally only found in larger, cab chassis-based motorhomes into the confined spaces of smaller but more driver-friendly light commercial vans.

Now Queensland’s Revolution Motorhomes has taken the ‘big features, small van’ concept a step further, with a new range of campervans fitted with slide-outs and swiveling front chairs to deliver more motorhome comforts in a vehicle that’s easier to drive and park.

First off the block for the fledgling, Nerang-based conversion specialist was the 5.83m long, Toyota HiAce-based Envy released earlier this year. Unlike most small campervans, it includes an inside bathroom as well as walk-through access from the front cabin, thanks to front seats that lift and swivel, and a novel 800mm slide-out on the driver’s side that delivers enough space for a permanent, walk-around east-west double bed and shower and toilet ‘wet’ area.

Revolution says the patent-pending slide-out system features an aviation pressurised seal that makes it easier to slide and reduces the chance of water leaks.

Revolution also strengthened its raised, streamlined roof with kevlar and carbon fibre, so it can support an air conditioner. Along with matching dining tables and well-equipped kitchen, other motorhome-like features include double glazed acrylic windows, full body insulation, a separate security door (inside the sliding door) and soft-close drawers for the upmarket cabinetry.

With a Tare of 2480kg and 3200kg GVM, it’s a far cry from the bareboned, pop-top Jayco version, although around double the price at $130,000 for the mid-spec Envy slide-out model.

Revolution has modified its innovation campervan slide-out concept for larger vans, including long-wheelbase versions of the Fiat Ducato and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and a new Zenith model based on the Volkswagen Crafter.

According to Revolution, the new Zenith camper features “full driver's side slide-out extending out past 800mm, creating over 2.6m from wall to wall interior, including a kitchen and rear ensuite with separate shower and toilet and plenty of room for a washing machine".

The 6.8m long Zenith also boasts "massive amounts of storage, both internal (eg. wardrobes 1.5m) and external hatches".

The Zenith is expected to be priced from around $150,0000. For more details click here.