My mind was roused. I knew that the new owners of the SLR Adventurer I was reviewing would christen it ‘Global Roamer’, then set about taking their new 4WD motorhome on a great South American trek that would be a first leg in a 4WD global experience that should see them explore beyond the usual tourist routes.

As for me, I was content checking out the SLR Adventurer, while enjoying a little off-road action in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Now, don’t get me wrong – the Gold Coast hinterland is no second prize. It certainly has its own rugged beauty, as does the Adventurer.

A golden wheat colour and tenacious look, the Adventurer inspires the need to explore. However, fire up the Isuzu engine and you immediately realise that this 5L four-cylinder turbo-diesel is ready for action.

The RV’s ability to produce something more than 400Nm of torque and around 118kW of power meant it was easily able to handle the mountainous sub-tropical rainforest landscape through which we travelled. With little gear on board, the light weight meant the Adventure bounced a fraction too much along the track. However, it had the real grunt when needed and would improve with load.

SLR has produced the Adventurer for the last four years and almost all customers (bar one) have requested the same simple layout. That suggests they might have the recipe right. The changes made during this refinement period have been subtle improvements, like more external cameras and increased safety rail work around the roof. I needed to discover why many like this layout and what it was about the subtle changes that made the latest model better.

EXTERNAL

The outside of the Adventurer leaves behind any preconceptions that motorhomes are the epitome of sedate and gentle travelling vehicles that provide you with your home on wheels.

On the road, this motorhome’s hidden advantage subtly makes itself known. Follow an Adventurer for a short distance through the bush and the first thing you notice is that the entire vehicle has very little side to side roll thanks to SLR beefing up the Isuzu suspension.

The motorhome body also has its own kinematic suspension, and the idea is that this suspension reduces the stresses that 4WD motorhomes typically experiences. Moreover, the motorhome frame and body ride on suspension that is independent of the chassis.

The idea is that the independent chassis and motorhome suspension reduces the stresses that 4WD motorhomes typically experience when pounding up a mountain or grinding through thick wet sand. Beyond its suspension, this motorhome is robust from its galvanised tubular steel frame, composite panelling to its chunky tyres.

A portable winch mounted on a 360° rotating platform allows you to easily dismount spare tyres off the rear bumper. The winch can also be relocated to the front where it lifts your luggage onto the roof rack.With 120L water tank and 100L drinking water tank, frugal users have ample water. There is also a 92L grey water tank.

In the review RV, a washing machine was accessible through an external hatch. That’s a convenient idea when you’re relying on the sun to dry your shorts.

Cameras on all sides are an interesting new feature. Not only could you simultaneously see all round the vehicle, but if you hook up your laptop to an input jack in the driver’s cabin, you’ll catch every breathtaking glimpse of cloud forest as you continue driving towards Machu Picchu. The ’Lost City of the Incas’ won’t be lost anymore.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Frame construction: Galv tubular steel
Windows: Dometic
Insulation: Polly/Batt
Waster water common outlet: Yes
Water tanks: 120L water and 100L drinking water
Suspension: Off-road
Clearance: Extra high off-road clearance
Brakes: Std + extra booster exhaust
Wheels: 19.5R
Tyres: 305 75 19.5R
Awning: Fiamma 4
Storage bin(s): Lots of storage
Gas cylinder/s: All diesel
Hot water: Wabasto diesel
Battery: 450 AH 4 x 6V
Battery charger: Inverter 3000W and 120A charger
Solar panels: 3 x 135W
Entrance door: Tri-Lock security

INTERNAL

When you’re finished driving, just wriggle through the crawl space linking the driver’s cabin to the motorhome and you’re camping.

The inside of the Adventure is bright, light and cosy without feeling too small. The cubicle design manages to keep everything from the kitchen to the bed handy without creating a cluttered feeling.

The lightweight German styled and built cabinetry offers soft curves that also help give the vehicle an enjoyable sense of space. Moreover, those with a keen eye for carpentry will smile knowing that the furniture is all glued and screwed, which means it’s strong as well. The European look and finish also sees that there are no rough edges on all the drawers and cupboards. High-quality drawer runners also meant no sore thumbs after arguing with a jammed drawer.

In the event this vehicle might take you to the remotest, most isolated jungle, it’s reassuring to see that the L-shaped kitchen comes with quality equipment and plenty of bench space on which to prepare your wild game.

As for storage, the Adventurer has plenty all round including a very crafty drawer under the raised floor immediately below the dinette.

Downlights provide an array of light in which to read the latest adventure novel, your latest C&M magazine, or study your topographic maps to find your way back to civilisation.

World-weary globetrotters can rest easy on an innerspring double bed conveniently placed by the door, behind the crawl space, above the large external through boot and internal storage drawers. Although some may find the bed height a little daunting, your cumbersome correspondent didn’t.

INTERNAL FEATURES

Fridge: Vitrifrigo 150L
Television: 19in HD LCD (not in review van)
Antenna: Winegard
Music system: JVC DVD/CD/MP3
Cooking equipment: Wabasto diesel
Microwave: Sharp 28L
Heating: Wabasto diesel
Cooling: Dometic AC
Rangehood: Dometic stainless steel
Lighting: 12 V LED
Smoke alarms: Yes
Cupboard finishes: Timber
Latches: SLR (won’t open while travelling)
Lounge configuration: Cafe
Seating capacity: Two
Upholstery: Quality Warwick fabric
Sink: Stainless steel under-bench top sink
Sleeping configuration: Double
Berths: 2–3
Bed sizes): 6ft x 4ft 6in
Mattress: Innerspring
Under bed storage: Huge
Privacy screens: Yes
Bathroom configuration: Combination shower/toilet
Privacy door: Yes
Toilet: Ceramic toilet (Dometic/Thetford)
Toilet roll holder: Yes
Shower head: Water saver
Washing machine: Dometic
Clothes dryer: Optional
Towel racks: Yes x3

RATINGS

Exterior: 4/5
Interior: 5/5
Layout: 4/5
Kitchen: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

WORTH BUYING?

The Adventurer is sure to have those with intrepid spirits enjoying the time of their lives. Undoubtedly, this SLR motorhome sets a high standard for off-road motorhomes. If you’re a serious 4WDer, then you must see the SLR Adventurer

TECHNICAL SPECS

Make/model: SLR ADVENTURER 4X4
Vehicle make: ISUZU NPS300
External body length: 4.3m (26ft 3in)
External width: 2.35m (7ft 8in)
Vin Tare Weight: 4200–4700kg
NB: length and width are external measurements of the vehicle shell (and awning) only

CONTACT/THANKS

Contact person: Stewart Boswerger
Name: SLR Motorhomes
Address: 11 Industrial Avenue, Molendinar, QLD
Phone: (07) 5564 9099
Fax: (07) 5564 8099
Email: [email protected]
Website: slrcaravans.com.au

Please Note: Prices were correct at time of filming

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID GILCHRIST