CRUISING IN STYLE

Malcolm Street discovers that a slide-out fitted into a caravan, like a Regent Cruiser, adds a whole new dimension to the caravan.

Here in New Zealand, slide-out fitted caravans and motorhomes are not as commonplace as, say, the USA, where rigs with two or even three slide-outs are often seen. So it was with interest that I reviewed a Regent Cruiser 22ft.

Imported by Vanari Caravans, there are four different models in Regent’s Cruiser range, with the addition of a slide out family van with bunks, which is now the largest in the cruiser range at 22’6”.

The leather upholstered front club lounge is a great place to chill out. With the multi movement table in position, four people can sit comfortably. If needed the table can easily be dropped down and the lounge turned into a bed.

The nearside bench is fitted out with a Mobicool four burner hob, grill and oven that’s adjacent to a fairly large square sink. On the opposite side, the second kitchen bench has a generous array of drawers and it’s also the location for an under-bench NCE microwave oven. Adjacent to the bench is a full height pantry, and next to that is the final kitchen essential, a Dometic RUA6408X 188 litre three-way fridge.

Using the slide-out for the 1850mm x 1530mm bed works well. There’s easy access from both sides, and the walk around area at the base of the bed is good too. Windows on either side of the caravan give a good cross flow of air.

The Cruiser caravan is currently the flagship of the Regent range, and that shows everywhere, including the rear bathroom, which has the expected features like the shower cubicle, Dometic cassette toilet and a vanity cabinet with pedestal wash basin, cupboards, overhead lockers and mirror door cabinets.

Vanari supplies the caravan ready to roll; all power leads, water hoses, on-road costs, and certification. Having an external length of 7770mm, a tare mass of 2970kg and an ATM of 3500kg, the Cruiser 22ft is neither small nor lightweight, so something like a Toyota Landcruiser would be a good tow vehicle.

The Regent Cruiser is an impressivelooking van. It’s very striking, and the slide-out feature makes a considerable difference to the living space. It also results in a very user-friendly layout that offers all the comforts of home in a very neat package. Find out more at vanaricaravans.co.nz