Sunliner Ranger breaks the mould

Melbourne motorhome specialist Sunliner is tackling another segment in the burgeoning RV market with the introduction of an off-road campervan.

Established in 1974, Sunliner made its mark selling a range of on-road campervans and motorhomes, from small Hi-Ace van conversions to luxury, truck-based, A-Class behemoths.

More recently, the company introduced a range of towable RVs including caravans and toy haulers, as well as a fifth-wheeler-style travel trailer with caravan-style hook-up rather than a tray-mounted hitch.

Like the unconventional travel trailer, the new Ford Ranger-based Sunliner off-road campervan breaks with tradition by using a pick-up rather than a van as a base vehicle. Cab chassis utes like the Ranger are more commonly used to carry slide-on camper bodies, which can be removed when not in use.

And until now most manufacturers of fixed body, off-road campervans have opted for Toyota’s venerable LandCruiser Troopy as their base vehicle of choice.

Sunliner spokesperson Ray McCoy said the company chose the new Ranger pickup for its first off-road, four-berth campervan due to its outstanding performance, fuel economy, reliability and towing ability. 

“We’ve chosen the Ranger because of the specs on the vehicle whether it be 4x4 or 4x2... this is a new venture for (Sunliner) to break into a new market and take the Sunliner story across to that market,” McCoy said.

Sunliner will initially offer two turbodiesel versions of the new Ranger, which was introduced to Australia in September 2011: a 4x2 XL with 110kW/375Nm, 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel and six-speed auto priced from $89,436 (on-road), and a 4x4 XL Ranger with 147kW/470Nm five-cylinder turbodiesel engine and six-speed auto from $99,980.

Described as the “ideal motorhome for Australia wide adventure touring”, the Sunliner Ranger is 5.5m long, 2.9m high, and 2.1m wide. It has a fibreglass floor and body, which incorporates a Luton Peak over the ute cab for accomodating the queen sized bed.

A narrow walk-through from the driver’s cab to the compact living area, reveals an enclosed shower/toilet area, small kitchen with storage areas, and u-shaped lounge/dinette that converts to another bed.

The ‘gas free’ 4x4 model on display at last month’s NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow was fitted with mostly diesel-powered appliances as well as a marine-style Dometic Origo C200 two-hob alcohol/electric cooktop. It retailed for $110,704 (driveaway) including a ‘show special’ $2600 tow pack.

“In this particular one we’ve actually concentrated on diesel, so we’ve got a diesel hot water service, diesel heater, and the cooktop is an electric hob cooktop as well as metho," explained McCoy. "It pulls diesel from the ute’s fuel tank. This particular vehicle does not have any gas at all."

Standard features across the range include an 80litre fridge, cooktop, microwave, LED lights, reversing camera, 130aH deep cycle battery, 30 amp converter/charger, 80 watt solar panel and regulator, Thetford cassette toilet, diesel hot water service, 80 litre fresh water and 30 litre grey water tanks, roof hatch, awning, and external power point.

Options include air-conditioning, 1000 watt inverter, diesel heater, and external shower.

McKoy said public reaction to the new van at the show had been “absolutely superb” and there was the possibility of different options and layouts being made available in the future.

Check the Sunliner website for further details.