Lean green camping machine wows show-goers

Queensland's Paradise Motor Homes is best known for its top-end luxury slide-out touring models, but the Gold Coast manufacturer also builds some exciting, dirt-busting off-roaders, like its latest 'green machine' that took centre stage on the Paradise stand at this year’s Victorian Caravan Supershow.

The 22ft (6.6m) long Paradise Oasis Platinum Explore 4x4 campervan is based on the top-spec Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 AWD long wheelbase panel van, with its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque through a permanent AWD system and nine-speed auto transmission.

A 4495kg GVM provides a decent payload of around 500kg, while the heavy-duty suspension with bigger 17in black alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres gives it extra off-road capability.

While luxuriously appointed inside, the Oasis Platinum Explore 4x4 camper is built for rough-and-tumble travel with a combination two-pack painted and vinyl-wrapped camo green and black exterior, together with a front-mounted nudge bar and 50in curved LED driving light bar, and twin Maxtrax recovery planks mounted on the rear barn doors.

Externally, the Paradise Oasis 4x4 campervan is also equipped with dual rear and 360 degree cameras, front tinted windows and a UHF radio antenna, external hot/cold shower, a roll-out awning, camp light, 2000kg-rated tow bar, rear-mounted ladder, cargo and wheel carriers, and a slide-out for the 2.2KVA Honda generator.

Also keeping the appliances running when off-the-grid is an upgraded 4kW Ecoflow battery system with a 3600W inverter and 360W rooftop solar, with an Anderson plug also fitted to connect a solar blanket if required. There's also 110L and 55L fresh water tanks (with separate pumps) and a 50L grey water tank.

The upmarket interior includes two swiveling front bucket seats and a leather-lined bench seat with adjustable table to create a four-person dining area, and a kitchenette with sink and mixer and filtered water taps, gas/electric cooktop and grille, a microwave and 150L compressor fridge freezer.

Adding to interior comfort and space is Paradise's in-house built offside slide-out for the east-west island queen bed with innerspring mattress. There’s also a full-height wardrobe and a relatively roomy rear ensuite with sink and mixer tap, compost toilet and separate shower cubicle.

Other interior features include a 24in Smart TV, roof-mounted air conditioner, diesel space heater and a 12V fan, along with premium Paradise touches like electromagnet locking drawers and custom timber-edged benchtops. The display model also benefitted from optional magnetic front cab solar screens and tinted windows.

Pricing for the Paradise Oasis rear-drive campervan starts at $252,000, with the heavily optioned show vehicle with pricey 4x4 Sprinter base coming in at $350,000 (Queensland drive-away).

The striking 3.0m high, 6.8m long and 2.0m wide off-grid campervan is currently on display at Paradise’s Gold Coast factory showroom, with its next show appearance at the NSW Caravan Supershow at Rosehill Racecourse (April 29-May 4).