Paradise Oasis Deluxe

WE LIKED:
>> Unique layout
>> External bin storage
>> Driving the Mercedes

NOT SO MUCH:
>> Fiddly to get table and seating right
>> Tricky to access battery and charger under bed
>> Top-end pricing

As far as Paradise motorhomes go, the Oasis range is a little different. Not because it doesn’t have many of the usual Paradise features but because it’s a van-based conversion using a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 316CDI van. Most vehicles in the Paradise range are coach-built cab chassis rigs.

There are several models of Oasis motorhomes and the Oasis Deluxe, which reviewed here, comes with a small slide-out on the offside which is in keeping with the Paradise modus operandi. 

And while most large van conversions have a standard, clunky sliding door, a standout feature of most vehicles in the Oasis range is the standard motorhome door which has been installed.

The door is optional on some models but standard on the Deluxe and, instead of fitting into the original sliding door gap, the new motorhome door is fitted directly behind it, giving more versatility with the internal layout.

It does change the profile of the van a bit, though, because from the rear, the door appears to stand out from the van side a fair bit. But this is an illusion caused by the curve of the van body.

Behind the door, the window is smaller than usual, ensuring that both the window and door can be fully open without being in contact. Along the top nearside edge, the curved Fiamma awning keeps a low profile as does the nearside fitted LED strip light which provides good illumination.

Many large van conversions have no external storage bins apart from those dedicated to toilet cassettes and gas cylinders, but one of the surprises of the Oasis is the amount of external storage bins available.

This is especially important because the area often used – behind the rear doors – isn’t available.

There are two bins along the offside, one for the two 4kg gas cylinders and the other for an optional 2KVA generator. That bin is acoustically ventilated for the generator but can also be used for other things if a generator is not fitted. 

Our review vehicle also had an optional nearside bin was which seemed to be a good idea.

ENTER CENTRE STAGE

If, like me, you’re used to sliding-door vans, it’s slightly disconcerting to step into the middle of the van.

While lots of conversions utilise rear opening doors, the rear doors of the Oasis are blocked off by the full-width rear bathroom.

Forward of the bathroom, the east-west bed has its head in the offside slide-out, which leaves room for a nearside kitchen and a lounge/dining area which is a combination of the swivelled-cab seats and offside sideways-facing lounge. 

Although the interior space is limited, a large window and the rear slide-out add to the perception of space. The Paradise décor is light and deceptively simple which also helps in this regard.

Fitting a full-width bathroom into the rear of a Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a bit of a challenge but it has been achieved by the Paradise team. 

There’s an offside shower cubicle, mid-station Thetford cassette toilet and a small corner washbasin;  the latter sitting in front of a small cabinet with a wardrobe, overhead lockers and shelves.

There’s also a Paradise-designed odour extraction system for the cassette toilet, which seems to work quite well.

Other features of note are the mirror along the high-side of the rear wall and the hinged shelf above the loo.

BASKETBALLER’S BED

The island double bed, which fits neatly into the slide-out, has small bedside shelves on either side as well as gooseneck reading lights.

Taller-than-average people are going to appreciate the 15cm bed extension which is available and a custom bed length can also be accommodated. But both, naturally, cut down on space available to walk around the bed.

When the slide-out is closed, it looks like the bed blocks the walkway to the bathroom but the bed base has been designed to lift easily in order to allow passing traffic. There’s quite a substantial storage space under the bed with room to carry just about everything an RV traveller might need.

The flatscreen TV is mounted on the nearside wall between the door and rear window in such a way that it can be seen from the bed or the seats at the front. And the Paradise-designed swivel mount means the TV can be left in position when driving.

The 12V and antenna connections, 240V power point and a bank of light switches are all located underneath the TV.

In a rig the size of the Oasis, it’s important to use every bit of space so Paradise has used swivelling cab seats which suit the lounge.

There’s also a Lagun swivel-mounted table, and when it’s not being used, the table top can be stored behind the seat back and the Lagun swivel under the seat, along with an external tripod mount as well.

An advantage of not using the van sliding door is that the kitchen bench doesn’t end up protruding into the doorway; the compact kitchen bench takes up all the space where the doorway used to be.

There’s a stainless steel three-burner cooktop and sink combo in the kitchen with two multi-shelved cupboards and three drawers underneath.  Above the kitchen bench the overhead locker offers plenty of storage space.

Located between the lounge and the slide-out, a Sharp carousel microwave sits atop a Waeco 150 litre fridge, and with the fridge sitting at floor level, the microwave oven is a very user friendly height.

That leaves space for a full-sized overhead locker above which is partly occupied by 12V and 240V electrical control panels.

Taking to the road in the Oasis reveals a very smooth performer and the 2.2L 120Kw turbo-diesel with five-speed full-auto gearbox slid through the gears effortlessly.

Those who prefer a little more response under the right foot could opt for the more powerful 3.0-litre 140kW V6 but our 120kW Sprinter seemed responsive enough.

Our little test drive took us through some the Gold Coast hinterland and there’s certainly plenty of undulating terrain there for testing out a vehicle. 

VERDICT

Sitting near the top-end, price-wise, of the van-based conversion market, the Paradise Oasis Deluxe is designed for couples who prefer a small rig, as well as singles who favour the concept of compact self-contained touring.

It’s a good-sized vehicle for both open-road touring and manoeuvring through city streets. Having a standard motorhome door fitted gives more flexibility with the layout and the slide-out adds a considerable space in the bedroom area.

PARADISE MOTOR HOMES OASIS DELUXE 

Base vehicle: Mercedes Benz Sprinter 316 CDI
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
Power/torque: 120kW at 3800rpm/360Nm at 1400-2400rpm    
Transmission: five speed auto   
Brakes: Disc ABS ESP
Tare weight: 2980kg
GVM: 3550kg
Licence: Car
Passengers: 2
External length: 6.95m (22ft 10in)
External width: 1.99m (6ft 6in)
External height: 3.04m (12ft)
Internal height: 2.03m (6ft 8in)
Cooktop: Dometic three burner/sink combo
Fridge: Waeco 150 litre 12V
Microwave oven: Sharp Carousel
Lighting: 12V LED
Batteries: 2 x 100AH Gel
Solar panels: Optional
Air conditioner: Truma Aventa
Heater: Optional
Toilet: Thetford
Shower: Separate cubicle
Hot water heater: Truma 14 litre
Water tank: 110 litre
Grey tank: 55 litre
Gas: 2 x 4kg
Price (drive away, Qld, including options): $154,279
Supplied by: Paradise Motor Homes, Arundel, Qld