Revolution Zenith 2020 Review

The vast majority of Australian motorhomes are enjoyed by older travellers with everyday driving licences. So Gold Coast custom manufacturer Revolution has focussed its attention on this growing market, making its compact, van-based motorhomes bigger on the inside and more enjoyable to drive with its combination of host vehicles and their fit-out.

A standout feature of the ground-breaking Revolution Zenith reviewed here, is its 3.9 metre long driver’s-side slide-out that when fully deployed adds a remarkable 850mm to the width of the long wheelbase VW Crafter van on which it is based.

It’s not just the extra width, but the way it has been used that makes all the difference, with the Zenith offering the useable internal space of a large caravan in a vehicle of similar length, meaning a saving of around six metres when you factor in the length of a required caravan tow vehicle and the van’s A-frame.

By extending the Zenith’s ‘slide’ out 250-400mm more than some of its major competitors, Revolution with its long history in vehicle engineering in the automotive and motorhome industries has been able to place its island queen-size bed transversely, creating a game-changing 2.7 metres of internal space in the process.

Patented slide-out system

Revolution’s patented slide-out system that makes this possible, consists of two major innovations. Firstly, a more serviceable and adjustable slide-out assembly that is easily maintained and secondly, a superior aviation pressurised seal that inflates when the slide-out is fully retracted or extended and reduces the pressure while the slide-out is being operated, wiping away any tree debris etc. off the top and sides of the slide-out as it's retracted.

Most traditional slide-outs rely on an external flange around the outside perimeter of the slide-out to seal the slide-out against the body. Unfortunately this perimeter flange traps debris, repeatedly damaging the seals every time it's retracted, leading in many cases to water leaks.

The flush-fitting seal also gives the Revolution Zenith a finished ‘factory’ look that forms an important part of its appeal.

Superior storage

This slide-out mechanism is relatively lightweight, as it's constructed from high-tensile structural alloy. Due its 3.9 metre total length, storage is good both inside and out. This includes two large exterior hatches, and a separate sealed hatch that houses the Zenith’s twin 4kg gas bottles that can be upsized optionally to 9kg bottles, if desired. As another benefit of its slide-out design, the Zenith doesn't require levelling legs.

Along with the queen bed, the one-piece ‘slide’ also includes the galley and its under-bench Dometic 140 litre compressor fridge and also allows the Zenith to boast a decent-sized kitchen. The slide doesn’t impact on the motorhome’s separate shower and toilet rear ensuite, as only its vanity cupboard, basin and mixer tap move out with the wall.

The downside of this arrangement is that when retracted, the foot of the bed is concertinaed upwards on twin electric actuators and presses against the mirror-fronted wardrobe on the door-side wall, effectively denying access to the ensuite until the slide is deployed.

As it’s not the fastest mechanism we have experienced, this means a crossed-legs wait of up to a minute while you hold the ‘out’ button on the left-hand wall console.

Smooth driving experience

The other specific appeal of the review Zenith was its Volkswagen Crafter long wheelbase van base, which delivered a very high-quality and completely car-like driving experience.

Introduced in 2018, the current VW Crafter offers an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a torque converter that has been calibrated to suit smooth operation in van and motorhome applications.

Combined with the more powerful twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 130kw and 410Nm, the VW is also equipped with the latest technology, including a fuel-saving stop/start system, regenerative braking and front-assist emergency braking, along with an impressive five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. 'Self Park' Driver’s Assist is also available as a Crafter option to make if even easier to use in city traffic.

The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system that is standard in the Crafters that Revolution uses for its motorhomes, delivers traction on most surfaces, which is not only important for active safety, but much appreciated when trying to access off-road free-camps, or beach sites, in which many two-wheel-drive vehicles would struggle (given the Crafter’s all up weight in Zenith configuration can be close to four tonnes).

Despite all this, Zenith owners can expect fuel economy of around 9L/100km on trips – around half that of an equivalent caravan/tow vehicle combination.

Zenith motorhome conversions design for the Mercedes Sprinter and Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 are also available from Revolution.

Easy living

It’s an easy climb into the Crafter’s cabin, where you find its steering wheel, instruments and all main controls are at hand in a very car-like layout, so it’s quick to feel comfortable.

One appreciated feature is the built-in Apple Carplay, with its display of options filling the Crafter’s prominent eight-inch diameter central info-screen. The simple haptic controls for the main heating/air conditioning controls are directly below, while the rest of the well thought-out dashboard is devoted to air vents and nooks to store things like mobile phones.

The Crafter’s twin front seats are very comfortable, with twin adjustable arm rests and a swivel mechanism that allows them to be spun around 180 degrees to double as lounge chairs.

Both can also serve as dining chairs by erecting a table top and pedestal stored beneath the bed into a captive floor socket. You can also invert the cushion on the fixed two-seater lounge just inside the sliding side entry door to convert it into additional bench space or a work desk.

An external tripod footing can be supplied to allow the dining table to be used outdoors.

A word of caution before deploying the slide-out though: first check the proximity of fellow travellers and vehicles on the slide side, as we heard the story of an owner who accidentally pushed his out into the side of his helicopter parked alongside... as you would!

Free camping potential

On site, if you think of the Revolution Zenith more as a caravan than a motorhome, you won’t be disappointed.

A 200W solar power system, a 120Ah lithium-ion battery, a smart TV/modem package, air conditioner, twin fan hatches, a 3.75m wide Dometic wind-out awning and an electric step that opens automatically with the Zenith’s sliding side door (clouting you in the shins if you're not ready!) are among its standard features.

For those who want to spend more time off-the-grid, Revolution can exchange the standard air-conditioning system for a diesel heating system with a generator.

With over three metres of bench space, the Zenith kitchen has one small and three very large full extension, soft-close drawers that are fitted with an automatic passive locking system. A pantry, a Dometic three-burner gas stove, a stainless steel sink, and a household quality flick mixer tap complete the picture.

Indicative of the Zenith’s focus on comfort, its Smart HD LED Wi-Fi TV with built in DVD, is permanently mounted on a high tensile alloy swivel bracket on top of the wardrobe, allowing it to be viewed from the lounge, dining and kitchen areas, or while relaxing in bed. There's also a RV specific 4G Wi-Fi  router installed to accompany the Smart TV.

Additional ventilation is provided by two Fantastic roof-mounted 12volt fan hatches that can be set to maintain your selected temperature.

Bedside comforts

The bedroom also features a large Dometic double glazed window that can be locked in the vented position and includes a built-in fly screen and thermal privacy blind for ventilation without daylight.

Both sides of the bed have their own bedside units with double USB charging port and storage drawers.

Bedroom storage includes the 1.5m wide wardrobe with overhead cupboard, plus under-bed storage that can be accessed when the slide-out is deployed via an electric switch.

The rear bathroom is compact, but includes a large shower cubicle with solid doors and an instantaneous hot water system, swivel cassette toilet with an odour extraction system and a vanity unit with a large under bench drawer.

Storage space includes the large soft close drawer under the vanity and behind the mirror there's a storage space that can house an optional Daewoo wall-mounted mini front loading washing machine/dryer combo.

Ticks the boxes

Priced at $159,785 as reviewed, the Revolution Zenith conversion of the LWB VW Crafter 4Motion ticks almost all the boxes for a couple making the transition from caravan to motorhome – or those heading straight down the motorhome motorway.

The obvious disadvantage is the reduced access to the bathroom when the slide is retracted into the travelling position, however, Revolution has a simple and elegant solution for this.

Currently on the drawing board and due for release mid-year is a new, 22ft cab-chassis Revolution Desire motorhome that can still be driven on a car licence, but with its 850mm slide extended will still allow 400mm of walking room around the end of its queen bed to access the bathroom.

Available on VW Crafter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Iveco Daily MWB underpinnings in either rear or 4WD configuration, depending on the model, it will have a facetted body to maximise its aerodynamics and will be available with similar appointments to the Crafter Zenith for not much more money, depending on options.

Revolution offers a range of other custom-built options with its Desire and Indulgence motorhome ranges, that are up to 26ft in length.

Summing up

The Revolution Zenith makes mid-size motorhome ownership and use easy on a car licence, thanks to its huge slide-out wall and practical layout.

But it may be worth waiting for the forthcoming cab-chassis version for even more space and functionality...

Revolution Zenith

Base: VW Crafter LWB 4Motion
Body length:  6836mm
Body width: 2069mm (plus 850mm for slide-out wall)
Travel height: 2820mm (including air conditioner)
Tare weight: 3465kg
ATM: 4100kg
Wheels: 16-inch
Brakes: Disc
Water: 140L fresh and 59L grey
Battery: 1 x 120Ah lithium
Solar: 2 x 100W rooftop panels
Air conditioner: reverse cycle
Gas: 2 x 4.5kg
Hot water: Instantaneous gas
Cooking: Dometic Cramer three gas burner/sink combo
Fridge:  Dometic CRX140 135 litre compressor
Shower: Separate internal
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Lighting: LED throughout
Price: $159,785
Supplied by: Revolution Motorhomes, Nerang, Queensland