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There’s more to love about the latest Wirraway than just the single beds… Words and photography by Richard Robertson Mildura is home to Rob Tonkin and Wirraway Motorhomes (named in honour of the Wirraways stationed at the local RAAF base during WWII). Rob, a qualified engineer, is passionate about his vehicles and builds arguably the best motorhomes in Australia. Now before I’m inundated with email from disgruntled manufacturers and owners, note I said ‘arguably’. I don’t mean Wirraways are perfect – perfection is in the eye of the buyer – but no other manufacturer I’m aware of produces a better motorhome in terms of value, quality and excellence of engineering. Okay, argue away… The Wirraway’s basic design has changed little since the first one rolled out of the factory nearly four years ago, but each subsequent vehicle has incorporated evolutionary developments as Rob refines his product. Designed for couples and able to be driven on a standard car license, Wirraways are unashamedly selfish motorhomes which, until now, have only been available with a queen bed. The addition of single beds broadens their appeal, but it’s the evolution of the design that sees some truly innovative changes. The Vehicle All Wirraways use the Mercedes’ Sprinter cab-chassis, with the 413 being the standard model. The test vehicle was a 416 Sprinter, with the larger 2.7L turbo diesel, mated to a five-speed fully automatic transmission. Although only 10 percent up on torque (330Nm), power is up 21 percent (115kW) compared to the 413, and the extra oomph is most noticeable – and desirable. The Sprinter’s standard fuel capacity is a rather ungenerous 75L and things like cab air-conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, cruise and a passenger airbag are Mercedes options, which Rob includes as standard. Driving Leather trimmed, swiveling cab seats now feature specially monogrammed Wirraway headrests and are comfortable and supportive. They also look great. The driving position is fine although the steering column is fixed, but the wheel position seems to suit most people. Visibility is good despite Mercedes’ somewhat mediocre side mirrors, which are smallish and despite electric adjustment and heating, lack the valuable convex spots of their competitors. The larger 2.7L engine pulls well and smoothly, aided in no small part by the five-speed auto and is quite economical in normal driving. It’s a great combination that’s one of my favourites. Steering is good, as is the turning circle and in general the vehicle handles nicely. I’d be ordering the optional reversing camera, but overall it’s difficult to think of a vehicle nicer to drive than this. On The Outside The Wirraway was a real contender for last year’s Motorhome of the Year award and it’s not difficult to see why. Finish is as good as it gets and includes a beautiful, two-pack epoxy paint job. Rob’s pedantic approach to doing things properly is nowhere more apparent than in the joining of the wall and roof panels. Instead of the usual joints, covered with sealing strips, Rob fills the gaps with fiberglass and rounds them off, making the body effectively seamless and, therefore leak proof. It’s costly and labour intensive but looks fantastic, with the added bonuses of increased rigidity, easier cleaning and long-term durability. The only seam is where the nosecone and body join, but at least this faces away from the direction of travel and high speed water and dirt penetration is unlikely. However the Wirraway is more than just a pretty face; it’s solidly engineered, with a steel floor-frame and galvanized underbody protection. The floor itself is 17mm ply with foam insulation while the walls and roof, mounted on a welded aluminium frame, are vacuum-bonded, closed-cell urethane foam panels with fiberglass exterior and plywood interior finishes. Another impressive feature is the hefty, welded aluminium frame that reinforces the join between cab and body. The highlight of the Wirraway’s evolution is, I believe, an Australian – if not global – first: remote controlled, slide-out external storage lockers. Imagine; no more bending down and fiddling with multiple keys, then craning your neck to see what’s stored right at the back. And no more back strain trying to drag things out. Instead, just press the appropriate button on the remote (yes, there’s manual backup) and your chosen locker pops a few inches out from the body. You then simply pull it out, lift the powder-coated metal lid (which makes a great table) and there you are. It’s a brilliant system that’s sure to be copied, but for now it’s uniquely Wirraway’s. Another innovation is the hose reel that’s built into the rear kerbside locker, alongside the barbecue. Just roll it out, connect to a tap and it not only supplies mains pressure water, it fills your tanks automatically. When disconnected, add a nozzle, turn on the water pump and it becomes a hose. The whole thing is neat, tidy and clever, and comes mounted on a remote-controlled reel that winds the hose in when you’re finished. Electrically speaking, Rob isn’t too keen on compressor fridges and big electrical loads, so the Wirraway comes with a modest pair of 100Ah deep cycle house batteries. There’s a small inverter as standard – suitable for running a laptop or charging camera batteries – but forget trying to use the microwave or air-conditioning. Extra house batteries, solar panels and an Onan remote-start generator are all available options, should your desire and wallet be agreeable. In The Kitchen A Wirraway hallmark is the superb, solid Tasmanian myrtle cabinetry. Beautifully finished with a lustrous quality more at home in a five-star hotel than a motorhome, it’s matched by attention to detail that includes false interior panels so all wiring can be easily accessed. The kitchen sits in the middle of the vehicle on the kerb side, mostly between the entry door and bedroom. Only the monstrous, full-height roll-out pantry (with 250kg capacity) sits on the opposite side, between the bathroom and dinette, while the fridge and microwave are forward of the entry door, between it and the front passenger seat. Bench space isn’t expansive, but is okay by class standards and the kitchen comes comprehensively equipped. There’s plenty of drawer and cupboard space too At The Dinette Both cab seats swivel to become a part of the dinette. The fixed dinette seat, which is on the driver’s side, is also leather trimmed but seems smallish, a little narrow and rather upright. I’d like to see the seat widened even though that would intrude into the aisle a little, and the backrest more contoured. The squab could also be deeper, too. The table is a clever arrangement that swings up when required, and when stored leaves a shelf for cups and books. It also frees up a lot of space and this helps make the front of the Wirraway seems quite spacious; a feeling enhanced by the large roof hatch. A 15in flat screen LCD TV sits immediately above the main dinette seat, where it almost doubles as a headrest. This keeps it lower down, which is good when you’re watching it from the front seats, but it does seem to make it somewhat vulnerable to accidental damage. Perhaps a cover or higher mounting would be a good idea, or even a swivel arm so you could watch from the kitchen and/or bed? In The Bedroom The new single bed arrangement is still being developed, and this particular vehicle was a special customer order. You’ll note the deep cupboards directly above the bed heads which are in fact small hanging wardrobes. Yes, they limit head room, but the owners actually sleep the other way ‘round. A revised cupboard and wardrobe setup is being designed, incorporating a new drawer stack between the beds, and this should be finalized soon. Keeping Clean In reality, the Wirraway’s bathroom is as close to perfect for a small motorhome as you can get. Yes, it could be bigger, but otherwise it has everything you need, including a full size glass-doored shower, hand basin, cupboards, mirrors and towel rails. Heck, there’s even a window should you desire a loo with a view. And speaking of the loo, the old swivel-head Thetford chemical toilet has been replaced by a swish new Dometic vacuum-flush unit. Requiring no chemicals it also has a china bowl, which is easier to keep clean and just plain looks better. Worth Buying? Yes, yes, yes. Did you get that? That’s all I need to say, really. I’ve written Rob a cheque for my own Wirraway, which is perhaps the highest praise I can give (unfortunately, it’s still in my cheque book, as handing it over would lead to a lengthy prison sentence). But seriously, the Wirraway is perhaps the best value motorhome in Australia today, given its terrific quality, features and engineering. For the workmanship and sheer time and effort that goes into each vehicle it’s something of a steal; and I believe rather under priced. It’s so damn close to perfect, in my opinion, that it only needs a small redesign of the dinette and TV – and a Webasto heater with a bathroom outlet – to achieve motorhome Nirvana. Single (or Queen) and loving it? Believe it! SPECS |
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