Picture of Paradise

The Paradise Independence Deluxe proves it has much more than just good looks.

Words and Images by: KIRSTIE BEDFORD

The Paradise Independence Deluxe is a showstopper. It’s the one who turns heads, and who everyone wants to get to know. But on a recent trip up the east coast of Queensland, it also proved it’s more than just luxe and looks, and is well equipped for the family.

I felt fortunate to be given the keys to the top-of-the-line, built to order, flagship motorhome for Paradise, but I did so with some trepidation. I had never driven a 28 foot, seven tonne motorhome and I didn’t have a licence to do so.

THE PREPARATION

Getting the licence was the first challenge. Testing wasn’t as easy as I anticipated, and as you may have read in December’s edition of The Wanderer (2017) my initial test didn’t go so well. The questions are technical, and specific, for instance knowing exactly how many metres to place cones when stopped in a 12 tonne truck, and how far to park a bus from an unmarked railway crossing. Luckily you do get several attempts, and once you’ve thoroughly studied the books, and sat the practical test (tip: go through an accredited driving training school like TDT), you’ll be hitting the road in no time.

Then there’s the challenge of my husband having to sit next to me while I drove the entire 1,000km return journey - with the kids on board. But, Paradise conveniently installed a dual cab seat in the back, and with a table in front of them, and a few power points, they were nicely occupied with iPads for the drive. As for my husband, the heated massage seat kept things relatively relaxed. Well, as relaxed as they can be for someone who prefers to be in the driver’s seat.

The well-equipped outdoor area is sure to pique the interest of fellow travellers

ON THE ROAD

My first thoughts were how easy it was to actually drive. Key on, in gear, adjust mirrors and you’re away. Having a reversing camera was a god-send, and a necessity in a motorhome this size. I did also rely on the passenger (aka husband) while I was getting used to driving this 28 footer, particularly with road trains and large trucks overtaking me on the Bruce Highway, north of Brisbane. Turning isn’t of course particularly easy, or quick, and nor should it be in a motorhome of this size, but I soon found my own rhythm.

THE SET UP

The set-up is incredibly easy. Everything in this motorhome is electric. The step down from the front door. The four levellers. The awning; and of course the dual slide-outs. The levellers generated a lot of interest from fellow campers, particularly those bent over hand wrenching their own in place. Once the slide-outs are fully out, you can see the reason this motorhome generates such interest. It’s a beauty.

The large television above the double bed boasts surround sound

THE INTERIOR

The floor space is phenomenal and there’s everything you’d expect in a five-star hotel room.

A full ensuite with washing machine, full length mirror doors opening to ample clothing storage space, coffee station, liquor cabinet, double bed with 50 inch television and surround sound, sofa bed, and the heated massage cab seats which swivvel.

Heating and massage controls for the cabin seats

There’s storage at every turn, including under the bed, which can literally be lifted using two fingers. The cabinetry is all soft closing and there are multiple charging points including next to the bed, two above the sofa bed, four above the kitchen and two in the bathroom. A secondary kitchen bench also lifts out from behind the sofa bed to provide ample preparation space.

There will be no fights over the remote with a second outdoor television

The lighting is in sections above the lounge, kitchen and bed, and beside the sofa bed are two small reading lights, which can be used as night lights.

The sofa bed is large enough for two small children, and as mentioned, there’s plenty of floor space for additional, or older, children.

The two fan extractors are Dometic, as is the toilet, and there’s a Bosch washing machine and hot water system, and two air conditioners. There’s also a washing line over the shower and an attachable one outside.

Outside is equally impressive with a television, barbecue and fridge. The awning is over the slideout, but it didn’t cause us any problems in the set-up or take from our outdoor living space.

Plenty of room to move in this luxurious motorhome, with a fold out sofa-bed perfect for the kids, or grandkids

The television isn’t connected to the inside one, meaning it’s happy days pleasing varying audiences.

Balmy nights also make it easier to get the kids to sleep, while you relax al fresco - but expect a few drop-ins from fellow campers, this one is undeniable a draw card.

Electric and gas burners for camping on and off the grid

GETTING DOWN TO DETAILS

The Independence Deluxe has a high tensile alloy frame, and a composite fibreglass body structure that uses mouldings for the front panels, and a one-piece fibreglass roof. All the external bins are fully sealed and have strut-assisted doors for easy opening.

Powering the Independence is an Iveco Daily cab chassis. Its GVM of 7200kg, which comes with a generous 1300kg payload capacity.

The twin turbo-diesel engine delivers up to 150kW of power and a very healthy 470Nm of torque. Even though it’s 8.6m (28ft, 3in) long, the Independence is a very easy driving vehicle with Iveco’s smooth eight-speed gearbox.

For the electrical system, there’s no shortage of power with the 300A Lithium battery being charged up by to 600W of solar panel capacity or the 2.6KVA pure sine wave generator. For quiet camping applications, the 3000W inverter/charger will deliver the 240V load.