Paramount Adventurer

Late last year we looked at one of the larger, more luxurious models from well-established Melbourne caravan manufacturer Paramount.

While we were impressed by the space, comfort and features of the 22ft 6in Studio Streamline, like most ‘walk-through’ reviews it’s hard to gauge how it all stacks up in the real world after only a couple hours of opening cupboards and peering under the chassis.

So this time around we grabbed another super-sized Paramount, a 23ft Adventurer family bunk van, for a proper work-out, hitching it up to the latest Mitsubishi top-spec, dual-cab Triton ute for a two week tour of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and surrounds.

LARGER THAN LIFE

The first thing you notice about the tandem axle, four berth Adventurer is its towering size; at 3.1m high and over 9.0m long overall it’s an imposing sight; the chunky off-road tyres and raised suspension providing almost enough ground clearance for small kids to play under!

Together with the striking silver/grey and metallic blue colour scheme and ‘matching’ tow vehicle, it proved a magnet for visitors and other inquisitive caravanners wherever we stopped.

Built with a traditional Meranti timber frame and ribbed aluminium cladding, the Adventurer rides on a sturdy FP Supagal chassis with 150x50mm main bearers, while our test van was fitted with the latest Simplicity off-road independent trailing arm coil suspension and 12in electric brakes.

About the only thing that didn’t shout ‘off-road’ about it was the standard 50mm ball hitch and lack of underbody protection (apart from some gal sheeting across the water tanks) and a guard for the drawbar-mounted tap.

On the plus side, the generous ground clearance meant we never had a problem with dry creek bed crossings or other obstacles along 350km of dirt and gravel access roads encountered in the Flinders Ranges.

The optional, heavy-duty Simplicity suspension with its variable rate springs soaked up pot holes and corrugations, with the only issues en-route an unlocked fridge door flying open (releasing some of its contents!) and a screw working loose on the handle used to raise the strut-assisted queen bed.

And whether it was the raised body, good body sealing or simply a lack of external gas vents, but the Paramount let in surprisingly little dust (in stark contrast to a similar sized off-road caravan from a rival manufacturer we saw at Arkaroola which had sucked in handfuls of the stuff!)

The raised height in conjunction with black checker plate protection around the lower body helped limit damage from stone chips, although fitting a mesh stone shield to the A-frame and/or large Rock Tamer-style mud flaps to the tow vehicle would have prevented stones from flying up in the first place.

HIGHWAY HASSLES

However, with its relatively high centre of gravity along with a lot of fixed weight behind the axles (including the two 95L water tanks), the caravan felt unstable at times on the road. It was worst on open highways, regularly transferring movement through the ball to the Triton, especially in cross winds.

The ‘tail wagging the dog’ sensation wasn’t helped by the fact the van weighed around one tonne more than the Triton. Another contributing factor and an issue with all utes was the Triton's excessive rear overhang, increasing the distance between the rear wheels of the ute and hitch which can affect handling.

However, it did allow the chance to experience the Triton’s new trailer stability assist feature in action, with the electronic safety system at one point detecting and swiftly correcting some excessive caravan sway by momentarily locking up the ute's brakes.

Following that experience, we limited maximum speed to 80-85km/h during the remainder of the 3500km trip, resulting in no further incidents.

Another factor contributing to instability could have been the van's low, unladen ball weight of 150kg; well short of the 8-15 per cent of overall weight recommended by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

To get more weight on the ball we loaded as many heavy items as possible towards the front of the van, and travelled with empty water tanks, which boosted ball weight to around 200kg and settled the ride considerably.

In defence of the ‘tail heavy’ configuration Paramount said it has on other vans fitted one of the 95L tanks in front of the axles to improve weight distribution, while many owners would also opt for a

weight distribution hitch and

electronic sway controller as further safety measures.

Another common trick is to‘stiffen up’ the ute's rear end with aftermarket suspension upgrades; otherwise consider a heavier and more stable tow vehicle, like a large 4WD wagon, for towing something as big as the Adventurer.

APRES LIVING

While a van of this size restricts the number of powered sites and campgrounds you can visit, once unhitched with the four, wind-down corner stabilizers, Al-Ko jockey wheel and handbrake in place, it proved an apartment on wheels the envy of all those around.

Externally, it had most things you’d expect on an $80,000-plus van including two 9kg bottles, massive Dometic roll-out awning, a drop-down picnic table next to a 240V outlet, external lighting and two external speakers (to go with two internal ones) for the CD/radio player.

Other ‘standard’ highlights included an external locker for viewing the 24in LCD TV outside, heavy-duty Kojak hydraulic caravan jack and a reversing camera, all of which we didn’t use for various reasons but nice to have nonetheless.

About the only things missing for when travelling in warmer weather were an external shower and perhaps a slide-out for a bbq or generator. But there’s ample room in the large offside rear locker or LED-lit, gal lined front tunnel boot to fit these items, albeit at the expense of cutting into a somewhat restrictive 400kg payload limit.

BIG STEP UP

A couple of big strides through the sturdy Camec triple locker door via the pull-down step revealed the internal pleasures of the Adventurer, and there were many.

Perhaps most appreciated when travelling in close confines with hyperactive kids was the amount of living space, with plenty of walking room around the queen bed and past the kitchen and dinette/lounge through to the rear section, which was a bit squishier due to two bunks, a 4kg washing machine, large storage areas and a separate shower and toilet.

It’s one of few vans we've experienced without a slide-out where you don’t feel claustrophobic or have to push aside the chef in the kitchen to get past.

One of the reasons for this was a space-efficient, L-shaped, four-person café dinette that ran along the nearside wall. The only time it gobbled up space was when the table top was swivelled slightly to help with food preparation, as while the Adventurer's kitchen was well-equipped it didn't have as much dedicated bench space as some Aussie vans.

You couldn't complain about equipment though, with a stainless steel sink and dryer big enough to handle large pots, and both a flick mixer and filtered tap connected to a Pentair Everpure filtration unit that did a good job of making the ‘milky’ bore water you often get in the Outback palatable.

Adding to the upmarket feel was the latest Thetford Caprice MKIII cooker with three gas/one electric hob, grille and fan-forced oven, Sphere's sleek microwave and touchscreen rangehood, and Thetford’s proven 184 litre fridge/freezer.

While it didn’t offer the convenience of automatic, three-way switching like rival Dometic fridges, it still worked a treat with the big, separate freezer section stocking more than a few days worth of frozen meats, soups, and the odd icecream treat.

Like other Paramount vans, the Adventurer boasted a glossy decor theme including ‘postformed’ marble-look benchtops and dark brown acrylic cabinetry with chrome-look handles. While the mirror-finish highlighted fingerprints and Outback dust, a quick wipe-down with a sponge and it was looking new again.

We're also in two minds about the cheap, plastic catches used for the cupboards. They required a firm shove to close, and one of the catches jammed so we were forced to unscrew the door to prevent it banging around in transit. However, the stylish chrome handles did double as handy hooks for drying towels.

And while the window pelmets and cloth 'curtains' were nice decorative touches (along with good-sized mirrors and magazine holders on the walls) it was disappointing to discover a couple of unfinished ‘timber’ spots, including an area inside the pelmet visible when lying in the double bed.

SPACE RACE

One thing the Adventurer didn’t lack was internal storage; there were more shelves, nooks, wardrobes, cupboards, overhead lockers and drawers throughout the van than most families of four could hope to fill!

Particularly impressive was the large, easily accessible compartments under the queen bed and dinette seats, and the two large wardrobes and pull-out drawers in the rear bunk area.

Although ‘our’ van was fitted with two fixed bunks in the rear offside corner, there’s also the option of three bunks or a lounge that converts into two bunks.

While big enough – each bunk measured 1900m x 700m -- our two (somewhat pampered) primary school aged daughters did complain about the firmness of the 150mm thick foam mattresses. At least the adults up front were treated to an extremely comfortable and spacious ‘pillow top” 1900mm x 1560mm coil spring mattress! 

While a common feature in bunk vans, the two DVD players that dropped down at the rear of each bunk were never used, partly because they force the viewer into an uncomfortable position to watch the screen.

And while nit-picking, I’d prefer a sturdier privacy screen than the soft material curtain screen fitted, that didn’t completely block out the light at night when the kids went to bed.

But large families will really appreciate the 4kg Camec front load washing machine (which got put to good use whenever we had good mains pressure water supply) and the separate shower and toilet opposite the bunks, although it's a smaller area than most full width rear ensuites.

However, with care (and without causing a family argument) it’s possible for someone to brush their teeth at the ceramic wash basin, another sit on the ceramic Thetford bowl, while a third family member enjoys a hot shower in the roomy fibreglass cubicle that has its own glass fronted door and 12V fan hatch.

While compact, the bathroom also offered good storage space, shelving and mirrors, although a toilet roll holder would have been nice.

WIRED FOR SOUND AND LIGHT

Despite it’s off-road credentials, the Adventurer was really set-up for powered sites. And to make the most of non-stop mains power, there were countless 240V sockets, not to mention a couple of handy USB plugs under the dinette for charging phones.

We also loved the LED lighting system, including the three-mode touch-light system (including blue light for deterring insects) for the numerous reading and ceiling lights, with extra wall switches for ‘zoning’.

The 'power' units were tucked away reasonably neatly in three separate internal cupboards, including an Electro 12V 40 amp BP-4000 battery protector, Projecta battery charger for the single 105Ah battery (there’s room for a second, optional battery), Narva fuse box, digital water gauge, and Prostar 30 amp solar charge controller for the 125W  rooftop solar panel.

Taking care of heating as well as cooling was a roof-mounted reverse cycle air-conditioner, although a more efficient and quieter gas or diesel central heating system would have been nice at night, considering the chilly Outback temperatures. There’s certainly enough space in the van to fit one.

The Adventurer comes standard with 18mm polystyrene insulation in the walls, but considering how quickly the temperature dropped in the van overnight without the air-con on (it got close to zero some nights), we’d opt for roof insulation as well.

We also enjoyed a couple of family movie nights in front of the 24in NCE TV/DVD player on a swivel arm that can be viewed from either the bed or dinette. A Winegard aerial was also fitted to tune into local TV.

Finally, ventilation was well taken care of with a number of Dometic double layer acrylic windows with built-in block out blinds and flyscreens, three large skylights including a Camec four season hatch above the main bed, and two 12V fan hatches in the ensuite.

VERDICT

The Paramount Adventurer is a great example of the sort of apartment-style living now available in the Australian caravan market.

Solidly built and jam-packed with domestic-style appliances and fittings, it’s really aimed at families who don’t want to slum it in any way when on holidays, prefer powered sites, and don't worry too much about the hassles of towing a big, heavy van.

Fitted with the soft-riding Simplicity suspension, it's also a good choice for those heading off the beaten track.

But given our dicey towing experience we’d prefer a less 'tail heavy' layout, with more consideration given to weight distribution and overall balance.

Although to be fair, Paramount is

not the only Aussie manufacturer guilty of over-loading vans with all the latest equipment to meet the desires of the growing number of caravan buyers who want the lot.

And given the potential for free camping we'd also like a payload greater than 400kg, as filling the gas and water tanks left just 200kg for food and gear.

WHAT WE LIKED:
>> Interior space and storage
>> Overall build quality and finish
>> Rough road capability
>> Apartment style living

NOT SO MUCH:
>> 'Tail heavy' layout
>> No off-road hitch
>> Insufficient payload for free camping
>> Hard foam bunk mattresses

PARAMOUNT 23FT ADVENTURER

Travel length: 9.02m
External body length: 6.9m 
External body width: 2.5m (with awning)
Travel height: 3.1m (incl.air-con)
Interior height: 1.99m
Tare weight: 2700kg
ATM: 3100kg
Nominated ball weight: 150kg
Body: Meranti timber frame/ribbed aluminium cladding/polystyrene foam insulation
Chassis: 150mm x 50mm FP Supagal with 2in riser
Suspension: Simplicity independent coil suspension with shock absorbers
Brakes: Al-Ko 12-inch electric
Stability Control:  optional
Wheels/tyres: 15x6in Primal alloy/ 235/75R1 Silverstone AT-117 Special
Fresh water: 2 x 95 litres
Battery: 1 x 105Ah deep cycle (standard) with charger and monitor
Solar: 125W roof-mounted panel with controller
Air-conditioner: Air Command Ibis III reverse-cycle
Gas: 2 x 9.0kg
Cooking: Thetford Caprice III four-burner gas/electric cooktop, grill and fan-forced oven
Fridge: 184-litre Thetford N604-M three-way
Microwave: Sphere
Toilet: Thetford ceramic cassette
Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle
Washing machine: Camec 4kg front-loading
Hot water: Suburban 22 litre gas/electric
Lighting: LED
Options fitted: Simplicity independent coil suspension, Thetford oven/cooktop
Price (Ex Melb): $82,990
Supplied by:

Paramount Caravans, Campbellfield, Victoria