Sunliner launches fifth-wheeler range

Jayco isn’t the only manufacturer dipping a toe into the fickle fifth-wheeler caravan market.

Also displaying a brand-new fifth-wheeler for the first time, at the South Australian Caravan & Camping Show, was Melbourne’s Sunliner.

But rather than just one model on display like Jayco, Sunliner had two, snazzy-looking fifth-wheelers on its stand; part of an extensive new range that includes nine different layouts (some with slide-outs) and three body lengths: 25ft, 27ft and 29ft.

Similar in style and construction to Sunliner’s existing range of motorhomes and caravans, the new fifth-wheelers feature smooth, stark white ThermoTough fibreglass bodies with sporty decals, DuroTorque lightweight chassis, AL-KO independent suspension, alloy wheels and electric stabilizing jacks.??

Standard features across the range include a 180 litre fridge, three-burner cooktop, oven, and grille, microwave, CD player with internal speakers, 100aH battery with 25 amp converter/charger, air conditioner, 19in LED TV, wind-up TV antenna, double innerspring mattress, 120 litre fresh water tank, gas/electric hot water, cassette toilet, roll-out awning, and two 4kg gas bottles.??

The entry-level 25ft Sunliner 5th Wheeler on display, was priced at $115,550 tow-away, while the bigger 27ft ‘Limited Edition’, which was also fitted with an external kitchen, 135W solar panel, 1000W inverter, two LED TVs, washing machine, gas air heater, and rear vision camera, cost $129,950 tow-away.?

Other options available across the range include an external shower, electric awning and entry step, extra 100ah battery, and acrylic kitchen splashback.

Justin Pisaruk from Sunliner’s NSW dealer, Australian Motor Homes, said unlike many fifth-wheelers which require heavy-duty light trucks or imported American pick-ups to tow them, the Sunliner models have been designed to be light enough to be towed by a range of locally-available utes, including the dual-cab Ford Ranger that was on display.

He said Tare weights range from around 2400kg to 2700kg, allowing ATMs less than the all-important 3500kg.

Another point of difference with the new range is the clever use of interior space to create ‘privacy’ areas.

For example, some layouts include a cosy TV/lounge nook at the rear, while others have a central wall, dividing the front main bedroom from the bathroom, that incorporates a bathroom vanity and sink that’s also separate from the toilet and shower areas.?

The new fifth-wheelers follow a raft of new models from Sunliner, which will turn 40 in 2014. These include a pocked-sized toy hauler, Ford Ranger-based campervan, and a clever caravan/fifth-wheeler hybrid called a travel trailer.

Popular in America, fifth-wheelers are yet to strike a chord with Australian RV buyers, with only a handful of local manufacturers, producing less than 30 examples in 2012, according to the latest RVM Australia figures.