“What I’d really like you to do, if you can, is get some shots that demonstrate the ‘dirt road’ abilities of our van,” said Roy Wyss of Sunland Caravans in Caboolture, Qld.

We were eyeing over one of Sunland’s latest, the tandem-axle Winton Series II, built to handle some of the rougher roads in Australia. Roy was keen to emphasise this point, along with the fact that the Winton is well appointed, “like all our vans”.

Stuck in the mud

To put it through its paces, we attached the Sunland Winton II to a Ford F250 4WD and towed it to the outer northern suburbs of Brisbane. Plenty of dirt tracks and inclines meant getting the necessary photographs wasn’t a problem.

It had rained steadily during the previous week, though, and the F250 struggled to engage the 4WD. Soon, both tow vehicle and van were stuck in the mud.

Cutting a long story short, we unhitched the Winton, cranked the F250 out of its predicament and moved it around to the rear of the van. With careful manoeuvring in the soft mud, we winched the van almost 180°, re-connected it to the F250 and towed it to firmer ground.

We tell you this not for your amusement, but to highlight the strength of the Winton. Despite all the rough and tumble, the van, including the jockey wheel, was not damaged at all.

Like all Sunland vans, the Winton is built on a hot dipped galvanised chassis, riding on tandem axles fitted with independent leaf spring suspension, complete with trailing arms and shock absorbers. For long distance travellers there are three 70L polyurethane water tanks, designed by Sunland, fitted to the chassis. Two 9kg gas cylinders are fitted to the front drawbar.

Sunland vans are built in a conventional manner, with a timber frame and aluminium-clad sides, finished with polished checkerplate skirting. The windows and door are all made by Camec. The latter is a triple locker security item.

There are several external storage bins in addition to the front boot, which contains two 120Ah batteries. The front offside bin has a slide-out tray designed to accommodate a generator. Beside the door on the other side is a small bin ideal for (among other things) cooking items, to accompany the all important slide-out barbecue that is close to hand.

Next to the rear tail light moulding, bumper bar and spare wheel, is an item often seen in motorhomes: a rear view camera. We were impressed with Sunland’s commitment to safe driving. A second lens can be mounted on the tow vehicle above the towball, making hitching up a breeze and without the domestic arguments.

Light and breezy

Inside the Winton, the interior layout consists of a front bedroom, rear bathroom and the kitchen and dinette in the middle. The light, bright interior is pleasing to the eye. Large slimline venetian blinds cover the windows and the white walls and ceiling are complemented by the timber look of the cabinetry. Five-millimetre Maple Leaf glass is fitted to the doors of each overhead locker, and on the bathroom wall, by the door, is a Sunland special feature – a large digital clock that tells both the time and day/date. Long term travellers might not be particularly time-driven, but we know from experience that it is occasionally useful to be reminded of what day it is. Twelve-volt LED ceiling downlights and round fluorescent fittings illuminate the interior when the natural light fades, as do reading lights positioned in appropriate places. There are also fluorescent strip lights in the kitchen and bathroom.

The full width rear bathroom has a separate shower cubicle in the nearside corner, mid-station vanity cabinet and a Thetford cassette toilet in the offside corner. But that’s not all – beside the toilet (the bathroom is not a rectangular shape) is an almost-eye-height front loading washing machine. It’s easy to access and doesn’t compromise drawer and cupboard space. Caravan bathrooms are certainly getting larger and many are becoming mobile laundries as well.

Stepping outside the bathroom brings us to the kitchen bench, positioned along the offside. It’s fully equipped with a Dometic 186L three-way fridge, a Samsung microwave above, a full Caprice stove and stainless steel

sink avec drainer. With a decent amount of both benchtop space and cupboard/drawer area, it’s a practical arrangement.

Although a convenient place (and we like all electric controls together) we ponder whether having all the electric controls above the cooktop, near steam and cooking vapour, is a good idea. We suggest keeping the locker door shut.

Open living

A large kitchen window provides good ventilation for the chef and a pleasant view of the surrounding countryside. Fitted to the end of the kitchen bench is a flatscreen TV (what a boon they are to the RV world), which can easily be swivelled for viewing from the bed, dinette and kitchen.

Opposite the kitchen, the L-shape dinette has leather seats on two sides and in the corner is a small shelf area that’s convenient for drinks, magazines and other bits and pieces. Between the dinette and entry door is cupboard space with two slide-out pantries for the kitchen and a small diagonal cupboard by the door.

Up the front in the bedroom area is the 6ft 2in x 5ft 1in (1.9m x 1.6m) foam-mattress bed, surrounded by an elaborate bedhead. Wardrobes, complete with internal lights and drawers, sit on either side of the bed. Under the overhead lockers above the bed are two shelves. There’s plenty of space for books, glasses (of all types) and even the iPod. Speakers are fitted in the top corners of the cabinet.

The sophisticated Winton is wired for both 240V and 12V. Two 120Ah batteries are charged by a three-stage charger and roof-mounted solar panels. Double powerpoints are only fitted behind the kitchen bench and above the shelf by the lounge. With numerous LED fittings, the Winton is reasonably energy efficient.

The bottom line

Although our misadventure in the mud couldn’t be considered a full offroad-style test, it did give some indication of the strength of the Winton II.

A fully equipped and self contained van, it is designed for considerable outback travel as well as comfortable cruising on the main highways. It has a good all-round level of appointment for the traveller who demands a certain amount of prestige.

Sunland Caravans, 31-37 Lear Jet Drive, Caboolture, Qld 4510. For more information, visit www.sunlandcaravans.com.au or phone (07) 5499 2250.

Liked

•  General fit, finish and look of the interior
•  Shelving that is built into the corner of the dinette – it does make for a slightly different design
•  The use of energy efficient lighting throughout the van
•  The no-bending-over height of the washing machine
•  The rear view camera – a great safety feature

Would have liked

•  Being a former electrical person, the switch panel located away from the cooktop
•  More powerpoints for the kitchen bench

By Malcolm Street, as featured in Caravan World issue 454, June 2008.

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