Wirraway 260 SL

WE LIKED

- New slide-out design
- Drawers for external storage
- Wine glass storage
- Different sized tables

NOT SO MUCH

- Limited kitchen bench space
- Only one external light
- Some might find access to slide-outs and external bins frustrating


Located on the Murray River, the north-west Victorian town of Mildura is well known for a number of attractive features, including paddle steamers, houseboats, wine making, fruit growing and a very agreeable climate.

It also happens to be where Wirraway Motorhomes is based. Under the ownership of Rob Tonkin, the company has found a successful niche in the motorhome market, and the confidence from this has led to the development of the latest Wirraway motorhome, the 260SL.

The 'SL' in the title stands for slide-out – the first out of the Wirraway factory.

Slide-outs are nothing new in the RV world, and it's also true that not everybody wants one, but the SL is nonetheless a timely addition to the Wirraway range.

TRIED AND TESTED

The basic Wirraway structure, based on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter cab chassis remains unchanged.

The 516 model is the standard vehicle, while the more powerful 519 is the optional upgrade. Having driven the 516, with its 120KW/360Nm turbodiesel engine, I have to say that it doesn’t grunt.

But the feature that makes this Benz stand out among its competitors is its super smooth five-speed automatic gearbox.

This rig is no hardship to drive, but its GVM of 5250kg means a light rigid licence is required. The Tare of 4230kg gives a very generous load capacity.

Above the Benz chassis, 12mm plywood floor is supported by a box section RHS aluminium frame.

Composite Styrofoam/fibreglass vacuum sealed panels form the walls, which include Seitz double glazed hopper windows and a Dometic-style door with opening top half window.

Two-pack epoxy paint is used over the entire body.

One of the standout features of any Wirraway motorhome is the external storage, and there's plenty here, but instead of conventional bins, large drawers are used.

Some have a dust sealing lid and all are operated by remote control.

It's a little different to the usual setup, but does mean minimal bending to reach everything, including the gas cylinder and 2kVA generator.

The drawers also mean a convenient nearside table for the adjoining slide-out barbecue, which sits in the rear bin.

The same bin houses an automatic hose winder, with a food-grade hose and pressure delivery, which enables washing the motorhome or pumping water to or from another source, even a river.

The new slide-out does introduce a slight problem with the offside bin drawers: they’re not accessible with the slide-out open (except for under the bed). Selective packing is required.

SLIDING DOORS

As you'd expect, the Wirraway’s slide-out introduces considerably more interior space. From front to rear, the slide-out houses a sideways-facing lounge, fridge with microwave above and an east-west queen bed.

A full-width bathroom sits across the rear of the motorhome and the kitchen fills the front nearside wall area.

Both driver and passenger seats swivel around and, together with a removable table and the side lounge, make for a neat little dining/lounging area.

Tasmanian Myrtle timber or laminate is used for all interior cabinetry and the end result is pleasing to the eye, while large roof hatches, generous windows and a glossy white ceiling all contribute to a light, bright interior.

The front seating means you can sit back in comfort and watch the world go by through either the cab or motorhome windows.

In addition, the flatscreen TV is mounted so it can be easily seen from either the front seats or the rear bed.

Two tables are supplied, one conventionally square for proper dining, while the other is an hour glass shape for casual nibbles and drinks.

Both tables can be stored behind the lounge seat, and there are small cabinets on either side above the driver's seats.

At first glance, the kitchen may look a little on the small side, but it’s actually a surprisingly generous space.

The kitchen bench comes with a Stoves four-burner cooktop, grill and oven, along with a stainless steel sink avec drainer.

Eight good sized drawers make up the storage, along with three overhead lockers. The one thing missing is a lot of bench space.

An LED-lit wine glass storage in the adjoining overhead lockers is a nice little addition to the bedroom. In addition to its practicality, it added a subtle touch of class.

EAST WEST

The bed takes up a fair amount of space, but it does feature a full bedhead with side wardrobes and cabinets, nicely split to allow for an extra shelf, plus the usual overhead lockers.

Two large drawers are fitted under the bed, as well as the larger external drawer. A small cupboard in the nearside rear corner is better utilised as a full-length wall mirror.

The circular shower cubicle is quite a common RV feature in Europe, but has never really taken off in Australia (for no apparent reason).

This is a shame because it's a welcome point of difference. It may look a bit exposed, but a folding curtain closes off the bathroom and gives some more privacy.

A Thetford ceramic cassette toilet and small vanity are also fitted into the bathroom.

A blue wash basin looks very contemporary and the rear window means you can check the weather while getting yourself ready in the morning.

Non-angled mirrored doors are fitted to all the overhead lockers.

The Wirraway’s electrics system is pretty sophisticated, but a good example of something you can 'set and forget'. A 25A smart charger, plus the vehicle alternator and solar panels, work to keep the two 120Ah batteries charged up.

An EC200 control panel (and accompanying EC325 power supply) controls all of the above items, as well as security lighting, event timing and automatic filling of the drinking water tank.

Lighting throughout is made up of energy efficient LEDs.

The control panel, along with the hot water switch and Winegard antenna controls, is located above the entry door.

In addition, a few other essentials, such as the slide-out switch, electric awning switch and 240V and 12V sockets, are located on the timber panel beside the door.

VERDICT

An article of this length doesn't do justice to the many features built into this Wirraway 260SL motorhome.

Suffice to say, the slide-out certainly adds to what is already a comfortable and well appointed motorhome.

Both inside and out, this Wirraway has loads of features, and the space to use them. At almost a quarter of a million bucksm it ain't cheap, but then that's the price you pay for some longer-term comfort touring.

WIRRAWAY MOTOR HOMES WIRRAWAY 260 SL 

Base vehicle: Mercedes Benz Sprinter 516 CDI 
Engine: 2.2-litre, four cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: Five-speed automatic 
Power/torque: 120kW @ 3800rpm/360Nm @ 1400-2400rpm
Brakes: Four-wheel disc ABS 
Tare: 4230kg 
GVM: 5250kg 
External length: 7.9m (25ft 11in) 
External width: 2.25m (7ft 4in) 
Internal height: 2m (6ft 6in) 
Travel height: 3.15m (10ft 4in)
Cooktop: Stoves four-burner cooktop/grill/oven
Fridge: Dometic RM 2555 150 litre AES
Microwave: Sharp 
Gas: 3 x 4.5kg 
Lighting: 12V LED
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle 
Hot water: Truma 14 litre
Fresh water: 118 litre  
Grey water: 52 litre
Second stage compliance: Yes 
Price: $245,600 (on road, Vic)  
Supplied by: Wirraway Motor Homes, Mildura, Vic