Motorhomes based on standard van bodies do have limited available space, and much living room is absorbed with the installation of a double bed. For single travellers, or those who don’t feel the need for a constant night-time cuddle, single beds really change the equation.
The Horizon Waratah model we looked at has adopted this layout, and it’s amazing the amount of space liberated by using single beds. Within the confines of a standard long wheelbase, high roof van body this extra space can mean a lot of extra comfort.
The Horizon Waratah is based on a 2013 316CDI Mercedes long wheelbase, high roof van, a popular and practical motorhome set-up. Its relatively spacious interior allows for plenty of flexibility in the layout, and the driving and safety features are top shelf.
The Waratah is powered by a 2.1 litre 4 cylinder turbo charged diesel with a smooth 7-speed automatic gearbox. On the road the Merc is an easy rig to drive, with very good forward visibility and plenty of power for highway cruising or poking about in traffic. The gearshift is smooth, even in traffic, with no lurching between gears as with some other van-based rigs.
The driving position is well designed, with all instruments and controls within easy reach. The rear vision mirrors provide good side and rear vision and the captains chairs (leather on this unit) are very comfortable.
Safety features include ABS brakes, pretty much standard these days, and the adaptive ESP stability control. Some time back I was able to give the ESP a workout on a test track and it really is effective, disconcertingly so when the vehicle sort of takes control in an induced slide.
External features include a 4 metre Fiamma wind out awning, LED external lighting and an electric entry step. Power outlets are fitted to the kerb side, while an external shower and water fillers are positioned on the driver’s side. A reversing camera is fitted above the rear barn doors and solar panels are fitted on the roof.
Access to the main cabin is via a sliding side door, with the rear barn doors allowing access to the rear storage compartment. The dinette is positioned behind the driver’s cabin, with a table forward of the dinette bench seat. This seat is fitted with a pair of seatbelts to allow a couple of passengers to be carried.
The captains chairs swivel to face the dinette, with a table positioned forward of the bench seat. Reaching the table from the left hand captains chair is a bit of a stretch.
The dining table can be easily removed and attached externally for outside dining under the awning. The dining area is backed by a screened window, with a storage console and LED lighting above.
Immediately behind the dinette bench seat is the bathroom console, with a shower/toilet combination that’s compact yet adequate, concealed behind a mirrored door. The shower head is on a flexible hose and the toilet is a cassette style. A corner vanity features a small vanity basin with a storage cupboard beneath. A small mirror is fitted above the vanity, with a towel rail on the rear bulkhead. Given the dimensions of the van, this is a pretty useful bathroom. Immediately behind the bathroom console is a two door cabinet that would serve as a wardrobe.
Opposite the bathroom is the kitchen area, with a bench running from the side door entry back to the bedroom. The bench area actually occupies part of the side entry space, without restricting entry in any way. There is plenty of food preparation space at the forward end of the benchtop, with a microwave oven positioned beneath and with storage space below. A combination sink and three burner gas cooktop is fitted towards the rear, with four drawers and a 110-litre 12-volt compressor fridge freezer beneath.
The kitchen is backed by a wide side window and with overhead LED lighting it is bright and airy. Above the kitchen area is the control panel, with a TV fitted at the forward end that can be easily seen from the dinette/lounge area.
With the kitchen positioned right at the side entry it would be a certainty for flies and other pests to be attracted to the aromas generated by the cook’s efforts. A new Horizon innovation is a full flyscreen for the entry. This will keep the bugs away while you dine or lounge around inside – very handy in mozzie country.
The bedroom area at the rear is slightly elevated, with a pair of single beds in this model along the flanks. The space opened up in the centre has a shallow drawer beneath the elevated floor, and a storage console at the rear. This console has a pair of padded lids concealing storage bins, and a double locker door beneath allows access to the rear storage boot.
There are storage lockers above the beds and across the rear, with side windows and overhead LEDs lighting the space. With screens across the rear barn doors the bedroom area could be cool and comfortable, and bug free, on warm summer nights with those doors open wide.
As for independent camping, the Waratah is quite capable of spending time camping away from the grid. On board water storage is adequate, with 100 litres of fresh, 95 litres of grey and 19 litres of black water capacities. On board electrics, including solar and a 200 amp/hour AGM house battery, will supply fridge, lighting and entertainment systems for a good while, and two 4kg gas bottles will keep things cooking (and keep the shower hot) for a camp away from the crowds.
As with all the Horizon builds, the finish is neat and tidy and in general the Waratah is a very comfortable rig. It’s quick and easy to set up for an overnight stopover and it can be driven on an ordinary car licence. It’s a very capable two person tourer that would be ideal for a couple set on a long range cruise.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Horizon Motorhomes
Model: Waratah
Length: 6.94m
Width: 1.99m
Height: 2.74m
GVM: 3880kg
Prices start at $123,500
Model shown: $134,000
Find Out More
Clayton Kearney
Ballina Campervan and Motorhome Centre
299 River Street,
Ballina NSW 2478
Tel (02) 6681 1555
E:info@ballinacampers.com.au