Paradise Motor Homes Inspiration Ultra

WE LIKED

Excellent engineering and technology
Good general storage and load capacity with 5000kg GVM
High quality LED lighting
Auto locking of all drawers

NOT SO MUCH

Nothing of note, perhaps a different style of sink and solar panels as standard

Slide-outs are an excellent feature for adding to the interior living space of RVs. They are an option for many manufacturers but for Paradise Motor Homes, they’re often the basis for layout design – a feature that has become this manufacturer’s hallmark.

While a slide-out is a very obvious characteristic, there are plenty of other engineering components that aren’t so easily observed.

Items like the widened Mercedes-Benz cab (a cut-and-shut process done in the Paradise factory), the lightweight body construction required to support the slide-outs, the soft-close drawers that auto-lock and even right down to the vapour extraction system used on the cassette toilet.

All this and more is built into one of the latest Paradise designs, the Inspiration Ultra.

INSPIRING DESIGN

Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519CDI, the Inspiration Ultra has not one but two slide-outs. One at 4.2m (13ft 9in) along the offside, with the nearside one a shorter 3.5m (11ft 6in).

Both are about 600mm (2ft) wide and add an incredible amount of space to the interior.

One of the benefits of the double slide-out arrangement is that while it has the interior space of something like a 12m (39ft 4in) A-class motorhome, the 7m (22ft 12in) rig is considerably easier to drive, manoeuvre and park.

This is especially true in this case as the Sprinter comes with a 3.0-litre, 140kW turbodiesel engine that drives through the five-speed auto gearbox, making it a very smooth performer indeed.

Of course, it comes with all the usual ‘Benz safety features like ABS brakes and both driver and passenger airbags. One feature I like is the inbuilt GPS system that includes an entertainment system and reverse camera.

FULLY LOADED

It should be noted that the Sprinter 519CDI comes with a 5000kg GVM, which gives extra load capacity but does require a Light Rigid truck licence. Don’t let that put you off though.

A downside to the twin slide-out design, if there is one, is that the Ultra viewed from the rear tends to have a somewhat boxy look. However, that’s offset to a great degree by the two-pack, two tone paint job which looks very impressive.

One of the weaknesses in some motorhome designs is the lack of external bin space. Not so in the Ultra which has a considerable amount, all with swing-away doors and fully sealed against dust intrusion.

Some, like those under the slide-outs, will require consideration about usage, if bending over is a problem.

MINIMAL SET-UP

After parking, setting up the Ultra requires minimal time. Basically, it involves operating two switches to open the slide-outs, spinning the driver and passenger seats around and opening the windows.

Inside, space is the operative word. Like many Paradise motorhomeS, the front area with the swivelled seats works in conjunction with a fold-out table and third matching seat to make up the dining area.

Add in the sideways facing lounge in the front part of the offside slide-out, and a roomy lounge area is created.

Split between the slide-outs, the main kitchen bench is on the offside and the fridge and pantry are fitted into the forward section of the nearside slide-out. That leaves space in the mid-rear area for the bedroom, with the expanded full-width bathroom across the rear.

BRIGHT AND LIGHT

While much of the Paradise engineering is in the hands of owner Colin MacLean and his sons, he wisely leaves much of the internal design and décor to his wife Libby, and it shows.

A very light and bright interior, which really does not need any space perception aids, is the result of light hues and tones and plenty of window area.

Night time really isn’t a problem either with LED fittings, both recessed and reading style, abounding.

In the bathroom, the vanity cabinet is included in the nearside slide-out, which leaves space for the shower cubicle on the opposite side and the cassette toilet sitting on its own in the middle.

Not only does the vanity cabinet include the usual items like wash basin, lower cupboard and mirrored shaving cabinet, but also a top-loading washing machine. Instead of having a hinged benchtop lid to hide it, the washer is built into a special compartment that simply hinges out when being used. 

Windows and a fan hatch provide ventilation, as does the previously mentioned toilet cassette ventilation system.

A sliding door with a mirrored finish closes the bathroom off and part of the bathroom wall doubles as a mounting point for the 32in flatscreen TV.

It can be seen easily from both the bed and the front lounge area.

EATING AND SLEEPING

General storage in the bedroom area isn’t a problem. With the east-west queen bedhead set in the offside slide-out, and surrounded by the usual overhead lockers and small bedside cabinets, the opposite side has a huge wardrobe area set into the slide-out.

It comes with both his and hers hanging space and shelves plus two large wire baskets and more shelves. Excessive gear might become a temptation.

Taking up the rest of the nearside slide-out space is a 184 litre three-way Dometic fridge with a Sharp microwave oven above.

Looking slightly at odds with rest of the motorhome, the kitchen bench appears quite small. That’s a bit deceptive and in addition to a four burner cooktop/grill and stainless steel sink sans drainer, it does have a considerable amount of drawer space, plus the sizable, Paradise-style slide-out pantry.

Benchtop space isn’t great but can be added to considerably by the fold-out benchtop that hides behind the adjacent sideways lounge. That, like the splash panel beside the sink that keeps water off the bed, is really a neat little idea.

Across the way, the dining table can be folded in or out as needed. Very versatile, it can be used for dining, working on the laptop or just for the wine glass.

In fact, in the storage compartment under the table are wine glass and wine bottle holders.

RUNNING GEAR

Much of the technological sophistication of the Ultra is hidden behind the panels but 200ah deep cycle batteries backed up by a 30A smart charge and a 2.3kVa generator deliver the 12V electrical load.

A 1000W sine wave inverter is standard but solar panels are an option.

240V power points are fitted in all the appropriate places and protected by an earth leakage circuit breaker.

Two roof-mounted Dometic air-conditioners keep things cool and on colder winter nights, the gas-driven ducted heating system can be fired up.

VERDICT

It has to be said that a Paradise Inspiration Ultra motorhome is not particularly cheap, but it’s a very sophisticated and well-engineered motorhome.

Talking to Colin before purchase is mandatory to get a full and clear picture – he’s certainly happy to answer all questions, in great detail if needed.

Undoubtedly one of the major assets of this motorhome is that if a very spacious and comfortable interior is required while still having an easily driveable motorhome, then the Ultra delivers.

PARADISE MOTOR HOMES INSPIRATION ULTRA

Base vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519CDI  
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo diesel 
Gearbox: five-speed auto 
Power/torque: 140kW at 3800rpm/440Nm at 1600-2600rpm 
Brakes: ABS Disc
Tare: 4370kg
GVM: 5000kg 
External length: 7.9m (25ft 11in)
External width: 2.48m (8ft 2in) 
External height: 3.15m (10ft 4in)
Cooktop: Stoves four burner/grill 
Fridge: Dometic 175 litre three-way
Microwave: Sharp Carousel 
Gas: 2 x 4kg  
Lighting: 12V LED
Toilet: Dometic cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle 
Hot water: Truma 14 litre gas/electric
Fresh water: 127 litre
Grey water: 100 litre
Second stage compliance: Yes
Driver’s Licence: Light Rigid
Price (on road, Qld): $309,475
Supplied by: Paradise Motor Homes, Arundel, Qld