Sunliner LDV Switch 2023 Review

Not only is Melbourne's Sunliner one of Australia's oldest campervan conversion specialists, it's also one of the more adventurous, at least when it comes to external and internal styling and choice of base vehicles.

Over the years the Bayswater North, Victoria-based RV manufacturer has used a variety of base vehicles for its campervans and motorhomes, including the Renault Master, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Fiat Ducato, and Ford Transit.

Now its among the first Aussie motorhome converters to adopt the latest Chinese-built LDV Deliver 9 cab-chassis, joining the likes of the Roma-built Belle RV camper unveiled in early-2022.

One of the main reasons for using the LDV-built chassis is their availability, with the pandemic putting the squeeze on local supply Euro-built commercial vehicles. But another advantage of the Chinese-built LDV is the lower cost of the base vehicle which allows Sunliner to entice new motorhome buyers at a more affordable pricepoint.

Entry-level motorhoming

Unveiled at the 2022 Melbourne Leisurefest, the new LDV-based Sunliner motorhome is based on the long wheelbase mid-roof LDV Deliver 9 cab-chassis, launched in Australia in 2020 with a 110kW/375Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sunliner LDV-based model joins its range of 7.1m-8.8m long, entry level Switch motorhomes which are usually based on Fiat Ducato or Iveco Daily cab-chassis.

The Sunliner LDV might be an entry-level motorhome but it doesn't feel like you're slumming too much for its $150K-odd pricetag.

Kitted up for everything from a week-end getaway to a few months away to warmer climes, the 7.1m long, 2.5m wide and 3.2m high LDV-based Sunliner Switch S441 motorhome reviewed here features a relatively compact but comfortable couple's layout including driver and passenger front swivel seats, a separate shower and toilet and kitchenette.

You can sleep up to three people on the main queen bed that powers down from the ceiling above the rear lounge/dinette, as well as the smaller mattress in the over-cab 'Luton peak' which doubles as a storage area.

Hitting the road

While it's fair to say the LDV Deliver 9 is not quite as punchy or comfortable behind the wheel as a Mercedes-Benz or Iveco, it's not far off and only let down in a couple of relatively minor areas.

Comfort-wise, the driver gets an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, as well as an adjustable arm rest on the left-hand side. However, there’s no driver’s footrest, and it was odd to see the exposed steering shaft knuckle sitting precariously close to the driver’s feet.

A modern cockpit design includes a big 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay functionality – but no Android Auto – along with two USB ports, a basic (non-digital) stereo, power mirrors/windows and a steering wheel festooned with buttons to work the adaptive cruise control.

The LDV also comes with basic halogen headlights and 16-inch steel wheels, but you do get LED driving lights and large side mirrors with built-in indicators. Other safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, front side and side curtain), a lane departure warning system and autonomous emergency braking with a forward collision alert system.

While it could do with a bit more grunt going up hills, the refined turbo-diesel engine does a decent job of propelling the 4.5 tonne GVM motorhome around town, as well as along highways and twisty country roads. Adding to the easy-going driving experience is the mostly smooth and responsive six-speed auto, light steering and decent brakes, while the 80 litre diesel tank should deliver a decent driving range.

The suspension soaked up most of the bumps on the patchy bitumen roads we drove on our test route, and there were few annoying squeaks or rattles from the cabin or rear living area.

Luxury camping

Externally, the Sunliner LDV Switch motorhome comes standard with a reverse camera, a powered entry step and roll-out awning, while the audio unit is wired up with both internal and external speakers.

There are three decent sized storage lockers on the onside wall, although one contains the single 110Ah AGM battery and related electrical components. There's also a locker for the twin 4kg gas bottles on the offside wall, along with an external hot-cold shower and another small storage locker.

The Sunliner Switch is set up for some off-grid camping, with a 100 litre fresh water and 55 litre grey water tanks, and a 170W solar roof panel for charging the battery.

Interior comforts

Entry to the motorhome body is either by walking straight through from the front seats, or from outside via the onside security door, with a powered entry step to make things easier.

Sunliner has maximised interior space by opting for a permanently made up, king size bed that can be lowered and raised in seconds over the rear club lounge/dinette, using a switch located inside the entry door. When lowering the bed at night, you just need to unclip the lightweight table from its wall slot and adjust some cushions.

Fully lowered, the coil spring mattress is easy to climb up on and also large enough so the pillows can be arranged in an east-west or north-south layout, depending on your sleeping preferences.

Raising the bed to the ceiling covers the large roof hatch, but the club lounge area presents as a very comfortable and inviting area for you and a few guests to kick back or enjoy a meal.

Large windows on three sides let in plenty of natural light and ventilation as required, and there are reading lights, book shelves, and some overhead cupboards and other storage for all your nick-nacks. Large drawers also slide out from under the dinette seats, big enough to store towels, clothes and shoes.

While headroom is limited a child or two, or smaller adult can sleep in the over-cabin loft area of this 'low peak' model, although most owners probably utilise this area for storage, with a safety net and portable ladder also part of the package.

Compact kitchen

The kitchenette includes a glass-lidded 3+1 cooktop and grille, and a sink with mixer tap, along with a rangehood. Fixed kitchen benchspace is tight but there's a flip-over bench at one end, near the entry door, for food prep or for serving meals outside.

The microwave and three-way 175 litre fridge/freezer are located on the opposite wall, next to the ensuite with its separate shower cubicle and a cassette toilet with vanity, china bowl and mixer tap, 12V roof fan hatch and wall mirror.

On the driver's side next to the ensuite is a pantry with shallow shelving for canned food and condiments, while the Fusion audio unit and Projecta display for battery and water monitoring, are conveniently located above the entry door.

The Sunliner Switch S441 model also comes standard with block-out window blinds, a rooftop air-conditioner, and a 24in TV that resides in a partition recess facing the rear lounge/bed.

Of course, no Sunliner motorhome would be complete without some fancy ambient lighting, and the LDV Switch gets a central ceiling arrangement designed to deliver a warm golden glow at night.

Summing up

With local motorhome prices sky-rocketing by as much as 40 per cent over the past two years, the Sunliner LDV Switch makes sense from an affordability point of view while still offering a good spready of features in a stylish as well as practical mid-size motorhome.

The LDV driving experience is more than adequate, to make it a good option for buyers seeking a modern, well-equipped motorhome tourer.

How much does the Sunliner LDV Switch S441 motorhome cost?

Price: From $148,341
Base vehicle: LDV Deliver 9, rear drive
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine
Power/torque: 110kW/375Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed automatic
Tare weight: 3710kg
GVM: 4495kg
Payload: 785kg
Licence: Car
Passengers: Two
Berths: Three
Travel length: 7100mm
External body width: 2500mm
Travel height: 3200mm
Cooktop: 3+1 cooker and oven
Fridge: 175-litre three-way
Microwave: Sphere
Lighting: LED
Batteries: 1 x 110A/h AGM
Solar: 170W rooftop panels
Air-conditioner: Roof-mounted
Toilet: Cassette
Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle with solid door
Hot water: 20 litre gas/electric
Fresh water: 100 litres
Grey water: 55 litres
Gas: 2 x 4kg
TV: 24in LCD TV/DVD
Audio: Fusion with inside/outside speakers
Supplied by: Melbourne RV, Bayswater, Victoria
More info: Sunliner RV