Sunliner heads further off-road

As more RV travelers seek to head off the beaten track and camp off the grid, Australian RV manufacturers are responding with more dirt road capable, all-terrain models.

Joining the throng is 44-year old Melbourne motorhome manufacturer Sunliner, which has just released two new multi-terrrain motorhomes based on the Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinter van and cab-chassis.

The new 7.3m long, two-berth Sunliner Rialto Multi-Terrain campervan is powered by the 140kW/440Nm V6 turbo-diesel engine, and features a traditional campervan layout of front dinette, central kitchen and combination shower/toilet and rear, east-west double bed.

Apart from all-wheel drive grip and extra road clearance, some of the rough road extras fitted to the campervan include a front nudge bar and front and rear LED spotlights, roll-out awning, external shower, aerials for both the TV and UHF radio, and induction cooktop, while the spare tyre and a rear storage box are mounted on the rear barn doors.

Sunliner has also introduced fourth variant in its rough-road Habitat range (joining the Ford Ranger-based HA3 campervan and Iveco Daily-based HA2 and HA2 motorhomes).

The new Sprinter 4x4 cab chassis-based Habitat HA4 borrows the macho styling of its Habitat siblings including black side checker plate, rugged side steps, black nudge bar plus a sturdy rear platform that holds two jerry cans.

With an interior layout not dissimilar to Sunliner's on-road Olantas, albeit with more space, the Habitat HA4 features a large front lounge/dinette, with drop-down double bed, a compact corner kitchen with large fridge, and a walk-in rear bathroom with vanity, toilet and separate shower.

With a GVM of 4490kg, the Rialto Multi-Terrain can be driven on a standard car licence while the heavier HA4 requires a light rigid licence.

Both are currently on display at Sunliner’s Melbourne RV dealership, with the Rialto Multi Terrain priced at $195,000, while the Habitant HA4 costs $224,365.

However, Sunliner marketing manager Candice Brittain told Caravancampingsales that buyers wishing to order either model with the latest, upgraded Sprinter van just released in Australia, can expect to pay significantly more due to price rises across the new Sprinter range.

Meanwhile, as the new Victoria dealer for Willow caravans, the Canterbury rd, Bayswater yard is also currently displaying three Willow Conifer models: two 20ft 9in vans with either three or six berths, and a four-berth 22ft 9in van. All three are priced just over $67,000.