Meet the crossover motorhome redefining adventure travel - a coach-built design with rear tailgate access, Ford Transit power, and all the liveability you'd expect from a purpose-built RV.
Now and again, an Australian RV manufacturer produces something a little different to the standard designs. Sadly, not often enough. However, last year Suncamper Motorhomes wheeled its Saxby S-2 off the factory floor.
It’s a coach-built motorhome (living area added to a pre-existing cab and chassis), but designed in the large-van conversion layout. I’ve seen this design from European manufacturers, but not so much here in Australia.
“The concept for the Saxby S-2 came from seeing the rise in van fit-outs and the appetite for adventure-ready vehicles,” says Suncamper managing director Cameron Harrison.
“We wanted to create something that offers all the flexibility and lifestyle of a van – but with far more storage, liveability and all the conveniences that only a purpose-built motorhome can deliver.”
MOTIVE POWER
Something else interesting about the prototype S-2 is the base vehicle.
“Suncamper is introducing the new Ford Transit chassis as an alternative to the current Iveco platform – a modern, rear-wheel drive option that delivers a smooth, confident drive,” Harrison says. “The Transit will be available across the entire Saxby range, giving customers even more choice and flexibility in how they travel.”
That's good news. The current-generation Ford Transit has been around for a while, but hasn't been used much by local motorhome manufacturers. A slight mystery, since even across the Tasman, Ford Transit-powered motorhomes are commonly seen.
There's nothing wrong with Ford's motive power; the 2.0-litre 121kW/39Nm turbo-diesel is quite the performer on the road and the 10-speed automatic gearbox upshifts and downshifts smoothly.
Although my review vehicle came with the Transit underpinnings, alternatives include an Iveco Daily and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (the latter is four-wheel drive).
FAMILIAR FEATURES
Given the thinking behind the S-2, it’s not surprising that the layout resembles one found in many large van conversions.
“The kitchen has been reimagined into a straight-line design, paired with two cafe-style bench seats,” says Harrison. “It creates a spacious central walkway perfect for loading bikes, surfboards and other gear. In a nod to its van-life inspiration, this prototype also features a rear tailgate door with a doorway flyscreen, making it effortless to load up the toys or pull up beachside and step straight into the surf.”
I couldn't have put it better myself; other activities like biking and skiing come to mind. The rear entry is set higher than, say, a Mercedes Sprinter van, and some people might find a small step ladder handy for access.
NOT SO FAMILIAR
From the front, the S-2 looks like a conventional motorhome. However, at the back things are a little different.
There's a rear entry door, but it’s not the two-door barn style commonly found in a large van conversion, but a tailgate-lift door. Apart from anything else, one of the advantages of this is protection from rain. The tailgate could also be used as a roof over a screened area.
OUT OF SIGHT
The S-2 has a fully composite fibreglass structure with no aluminium framing. The composite floor sits on a steel frame.
All the composite structures use a closed-cell insulated foam that creates a fully insulated box, with a one-piece floor and roof. The cells within the walls are interlocked together like a jigsaw.
At the rear on both sides, there are external storage hatches. All the windows are double-glazed, acrylic-awning style, and for outside living, the Fiamma F45 awning runs the full length of the motorhome.
Inside the motorhome, all the cabinetry is made from plywood, screwed and glued. All the fittings are screwed into the aluminium frame for stability.
FEATURES
The kitchen layout is a standard design, with a three-burner hob, a separate grill/oven and a stainless-steel sink. Opposite, there’s a 150-litre compressor fridge with a microwave oven above. There is a good selection of drawers and cupboards and a couple of open shelves.
Behind the driver's seat, the bathroom features a separate shower cubicle, a Thetford cassette toilet and a small vanity wash basin. It's a reasonably compact area, but large enough to turn around in.
In the rear, a 1.98m x 1.52m electric drop-down bed sits above two sideways lounges, so there's no need to make a bed up every night. The bed can be lowered far enough to enable views through the wraparound windows and of the TV (on the rear offside corner).
One disadvantage of a drop-down bed is that there’s less overhead storage space. Still, Suncamper has fitted storage compartments across the rear of the motorhome, along with under-seat storage.
The two sideways lounges facing each other will comfortably seat four people. With the rear tailgate open, it’s easy to put your feet up, sit back and enjoy the outdoor feel of a van conversion.
For dining, instead of a single table, Suncamper has installed a Lagun-mounted table on either side. It’s a neat idea that gives flexibility of use.
The seat bases have been designed to accommodate tie-down tracks, which make it very easy to strap down large items like a paddleboard or bike.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
In standard form, the Saxby S-2 comes with a 240Ah AGM battery and a 260W solar panel. A Victron battery management system controls everything.
A 2,000W inverter is on the options list, as is a Lithium battery upgrade.
On the water side, the freshwater tank has a capacity of 130 litres and the grey tank, 86 litres. The 14-litre Truma water heater operates off both LPG and 240V mains supply.
The Houghton air conditioner is standard, but a diesel heater is an option.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s great to see the Ford Transit used as a base vehicle, and equally great to see a choice of motive power, if something is preferred to the Ford. Many motorhome designs are built with just one option.
Having the rear tailgate is an interesting alternative for those who struggle with the more conventional confined interior of a motorhome or caravan.
I like this innovative motorhome. It’s a great crossover between a motorhome and a van conversion. The benefits of the rear-door entry are apparent, and it’s clearly beneficial for those who like to carry large recreational items, like a paddleboard or bikes.
Nice one, Suncamper.
SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle
Manufacturer: Suncamper
Model: Saxby S-2
Base vehicle: Ford Transit
Tare weight: 3,300kg
GVM: 4,300kg
Licence: Car
Passengers: 2
Mechanical
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 121kW @ 3500rpm
Torque: 390Nm @ 1750–2750rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Brakes: ABS disc
Dimensions
External length: 6.8m (22ft 4in)
External width (incl awning): 2.35m (7ft 8in)
External height: 3.25m (10ft 8in)
Internal height: 2.01m (6ft 7in)
Bed size (double): 1.98m x 1.52m (6ft 6in x 5ft)
Equipment
Cooktop: Thetford 3 burner and oven
Fridge: Thetford 150L, 12V compressor
Microwave oven: Standard
Lighting: 12V LED
Batteries: 240Ah AGM – upgrade to lithium available
Solar panels: 260W
Air conditioner: Houghton 2400
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle
Hot water heater: Truma 14L
Heater: Optional
Water tank: 130L
Grey tank: 86L
Gas cylinders: 2 x 4.5kg
Price: $206,250 drive away (NSW)
