I dare say that many motorhomers have been left feeling frustrated when some people in the campground head off to explore nearby locations only accessible by 4WD. Unless you tow a small fourby behind your motorhome you are largely stuck to the more civilised roads.
Granted, there’s a height and width issue with a 4WD motorhome when it comes to negotiating tracks in close country, but the fact is, having a 4wd-capable motorhome with a reasonable ground clearance opens up a host of opportunities for the traveller. A vehicle with the capabilities of this Suncamper Sherwood can sneak into way more interesting campsites than the more conventional, low clearance, 2WD motorhomes.
While the Sherwood we looked at was built on a Mitsubishi Triton cab chassis, the standard Sherwood is built on the more capable Toyota Hilux 4×4, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo Diesel. The Hilux is one of the more capable 4WD utes around, with reasonable clearance and proven off-road capability.
Externally, the Sherwood features a forward storage locker on the kerb side, with a much larger storage compartment at the rear alongside the entry door. An awning is fitted above the kerb side, and up top is a Winegard TV antenna.
The layout in this model has a pair of single beds up over the cab, dinette on the kerbside adjacent to the entry, kitchen opposite the entry and a bathroom at the rear.
As you step inside it’s noticeably bright and open, thanks to the good sized windows along both sides. These windows have the standard insect screens and blinds for privacy, but when you need to let the outside in, they really brighten things up.
As mentioned, the bedroom configuration consists of a pair of singles positioned north/south, with an easy step between. A double bed with an east west configuration is perhaps the standard, but plenty of folks prefer singles. Between the beds up forward is a large locker, and above each of the bedroom windows is a handy shelf. Personal reading lights are fitted, and there is a Heki style hatch above the beds for more light and ventilation.
The dinette is forward of the entry door and features a long and comfy looking and slightly curved lounge, with a ‘pocket’ dining table attached beneath the lounge, which avoids the need for a pedestal or legs under the table. This lounge also converts into a single bed if necessary.
A big window backs the dinette, while above is a set of three storage lockers. A light is positioned under the lockers above the dining table.
The kitchen area is opposite the dinette and entry, with a quite roomy benchtop extending from the bathroom wall forward to the foot of the bed. Within the benchtop is a stainless steel sink, with a four burner gas cooktop forward of that, and a further section of bench above a 90-litre fridge. A grill sits beneath the cooktop, and under the bench area is a good selection of drawers and cupboards. Both the sink and cooktop have covers should the need for more bench space be required.
A large window is positioned behind the benchtop, and above this is a nest of three storage lockers. Forward of these is a microwave unit positioned above the fridge. Beneath the lockers, above the bench, is a rangehood and light. This is quite a practical kitchen area given the overall size of the rig.
The bathroom is a genuine surprise. Positioned across two-thirds of the rear, it features a good sized shower recess on the driver’s side, with a toilet section in the centre. The cassette access hatch is at the rear and the bathroom can be closed off via a sliding door. A good sized window above the cassette toilet allows in plenty of light and there are two lockers for towels and toiletries on the bulkhead alongside the loo.
The remainder of the rear of the Sherwood is given over to storage, with that large locker accessed from the outside by the entry, and in the foyer a long wardrobe suitable for hanging clothes.
The interior of the Sherwood is very tidy, with a neat polished sheen to the timberwork. One interesting, and probably unique feature, is found in the ceiling. A curving panel on both sides, running above the overhead lockers, is fitted with a string of LED lights, adding an interesting touch to the interior.
As you’d expect in a 4WD motorhome, independent camping ability is quite adequate. On board gas, coupled with 75 litres of fresh water, allow short term camping away from the crowd, and a solar option can enhance this.
Overall, the Suncamper Sherwood 4×4 motorhome has a practical and quite spacious layout suited to a couple travelling long distances, and the 4WD option allows access to a host of interesting places outside the capability of a 2WD motorhome.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Suncamper Motorhomes
Model: Sherwood 4×4
Body Length: 5.66m
Width: 2.09m
Height: 3.03m
Tare: 2335kg
Prices start at $112,990
Find Out More
Cameron Harrison
Suncamper Motorhomes
Unit 3/9 Sefton Road
Thornleigh NSW 2120
Tel (02)9484 3952
E: freedom@suncamper.com.au