Sunliner Eclipse

By Cathy Anderson

Motorhomes are reportedly beginning to take on caravan characteristics thanks to their popularity with older couples.

The rapid increase in the number of buyers over 50 years of age has persuaded Sunliner to add an island bed into its established 22ft Eclipse van.

“Motorhomes are starting to adopt the same layout as the vans with rear bathrooms and an island double bed. It’s the ease of the layout, especially for the older buyers, getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night,” says Darren Snell from SA’s Sunliner dealership, Dave Benson Caravans.

The two-berth Eclipse, available on a Ford Transit or a Fiat Ducato base, has both single and double bed layouts, and buyers now have the island bed option in the rear of the van.
Standard features include a shower and toilet unit, wind-out awning, 120 litre fridge and microwave.

Six months ago Dave Benson Caravans took the step of branching out from caravans into motorhomes when it took on the Sunliner brand. Darren says the company has seen a steady growth of interest in the models it carries, including the Eclipse, Vista, Kinder, Monaco, Odyssey and the new 2005 Concept.

“There is a lot of interest, especially from the Victor Harbor area, which is where a lot of people retire to. They are coming to see and test drive the models,” he told CW.

Dave Benson Caravans attracts a lot of interest from interstate, especially WA, because the stamp duty for new vans is lower. For the last six months the retailer has been halving the regulation stamp duty by half from four per cent to two per cent as an added buyer incentive, a move which will continue for another six months.

Darren says the company was impressed by Sunliner’s workmanship.

“The internal cabinetry and quality is second to none in the Sunliner models. All woodwork is solid timber and poplar ply is also used,” he said.

The latest model to hit the retailer’s expanded 4500sqm undercover showroom is the Concept. Built on either a Renault or Mercedes chassis, the 22ft 6in unit features a rear east-west double bed, mid shower and toilet, stylish curved benchtops, a leather four-seater lounge, swivel driver and passenger chairs and a grey exterior.

For more information about the Eclipse contact Sunliner on (03) 9879 1776, or visit the website: www.sunliner.com.au
Dave Benson Caravans: 583 Grand Junction Rd, Gepps Cross, SA, (08) 8262 2500, web: www.davebensoncaravans.com.au