Time to Roam Magazine Issue 5 - October/November 2013 | Page 34

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tried + tested motorhome review

pros
cupboard. The wardrobe unit to the left
provides valuable extra bench space
on top, while above it is space for the
optional TV and entertainment system.

Cleaning Up
The bathroom is compact, but due to its
square shape it’s surprisingly roomy. A
padded magazine rack on its outside wall
is a nice touch, too. Water capacity is 72
litres fresh and 45 litres grey, while the
gas/electric Suburban hot water system
is good for 23 litres: Not excessive, but
enough for a few days free camping.
Inside, the bathroom has a Thetford
bench-style cassette toilet and a small
corner basin with a pull out hand nozzle
that doubles as both basin tap and shower
unit (which can be wall mounted). Only a fan
hatch is standard for ventilation, although
the test Sherwood had an optional bathroom
window. A wall mirror, folding drying rack,
shower curtain over the door and sexy white/
blue LED light are also standard inclusions.

Good Night
Some people are put off by the thought
of an over-cab bed, but getting up there
is aided by a step built into the base of

the bathroom wall, which also provides
storage space and even houses a tissue
dispenser accessible from the cab.
The deep nosecone provides quite
reasonable sitting-up room, while the bed
itself is a decent size: I measured it at about
1900 mm x 1400 mm (6 ft 3 ft x 4 ft 7 in).
Reading lights are only provided at the kerbside end, which limits your regular sleeping
options, but does help prevent possible
feelings of claustrophobia when sleeping
tucked away behind the bathroom wall.
Large windows at both ends provide
plenty of air and light, while the optional
over-bed roof hatch of the test vehicle
seems like a worthwhile consideration.
There’s a magazine rack on the bathroom
wall, too, plus a privacy curtain that
can be pulled across when desired.

The Final Word
The Suncamper Sherwood has always
been a personal favourite. For some
the lack of easy through-cab access
might be a deal breaker, but that would
be selling the Sherwood short as all
vehicles have their compromises.
All Sherwoods pack a lot of features
into a small space and are genuinely

• Compact and
maneuverable
• Dinette views
• Car licence only
• Quality fit and finish
• Good space efficiency
• Serious off-road
ability

cons
• Pricy when fully
optioned
• Limited bulky storage
• HiLux no longer
cutting edge
• Limited water capacity

practical touring motorhomes. Well built,
proven and able to take you places bigger
vehicles just can’t go, a Sherwood could
even be your daily driver if required. Add
in the versatility of four-wheel drive and
the possibilities are almost limitless.
Full details and specs at:
iMotorhome.com.au

or you may like to try

Sunliner Ranger 4WD

Talvor Adventure Camper

Featuring a near-identical body and interior layout to the
Sherwood, the Ranger’s big difference is in its base vehicle: The
new Ford Ranger. More powerful and with a better gearbox than
the HiLux (six-speeds v four), plus five star safety, the Sunliner
Ranger 4WD is a serious alternative well worth investigating.

This is an unusual pop-top campervan – it has no bathroom so it
can’t really be called a motorhome. It’s a less bulky but less plush
take on the small RV concept. Designed primarily for the rental
market and lovers of more outdoor-centred living, its big plus
is a massive bed. Inside, however, it’s otherwise pretty basic.

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