FEELING TESTED. Sunseeker Mirage Sport IN BRIEF 17ft 6in offroader Separate shower and toilet Good water capacity and payload

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Dwayne Kennedy
5 years ago
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toilet plus lounge for four, you would think the Mirage Sport 17 6 was a lot bigger than it is

1 IN BRIEF 17ft 6in offroader Separate shower and toilet Good water capacity and payload FEELING Words TIM VAN DUYL Sunswept With a north-south queen bed, rear ensuite with separate shower and toilet plus lounge for four, you would think the Mirage Sport 17 6 was a lot bigger than it is Pics James Payne 132 caravanworld.com.au THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au 133

Getting off road is two-fold, there is getting there and then there is staying there.

Mirage; rear departure angle tested; AL-KO Enduro and twin 9kg bottles aid offroad capability; Cruisemaster's DO35A coupling was faultless; the external 12V plug is a nice touch beside the TV bracket

17 6 on Noosa s northern heads, a great daycamping spot with plenty of opportunity to find a bit of beach for yourselves.

What we came away with was a feeling that the 17 6 was a capable offroader, even for a full-bodied caravan.

The external details on the 17 6 are clearly designed with offroading in mind, none more so than the rear chassis design from FP Chassis.

It could, of course, be cut away but the added storage space the traditional box shape provides is always welcome.

I must add, if you're after an offroader, check the spare is not the lowest point at the rear I've seen spares pressed into the body of the van and if something so simple is overlooked, perhaps what

2 Getting off road is two-fold, there is getting there and then there is staying there. The Mirage Sport, with its AL-KO Enduro Outback suspension has the articulation and clearance needed to bound most obstacles CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN The gen-set box is a nice touch to the good-looking Mirage; rear departure angle tested; AL-KO Enduro and twin 9kg bottles aid offroad capability; Cruisemaster's DO35A coupling was faultless; the external 12V plug is a nice touch beside the TV bracket and mains outlet MEASURING UP PROS Prado-friendly weight Decent battery and solar capacity Great water holding CONS Space around the toilet is limited We spent a day with the Sunseeker Mirage Sport 17 6 on Noosa s northern heads, a great daycamping spot with plenty of opportunity to find a bit of beach for yourselves. We chose that location as it also gave us a chance to test the Mirage Sport's suspension as well as checking its clearance in soft sand and to avoid the damage rocks can do. What we came away with was a feeling that the 17 6 was a capable offroader, even for a full-bodied caravan. TOUGH SKIN Even though the Mirage Sport 17 6 is a fullbodied van, with no chamfering of the rear overhang and sitting at moderate height, it is still an imposing van with a clear purpose. The external details on the 17 6 are clearly designed with offroading in mind, none more so than the rear chassis design from FP Chassis. Four 50x50mm rails run straight from the main chassis to the rear of the caravan protecting it from damage when dragging it over obstacles. It could, of course, be cut away but the added storage space the traditional box shape provides is always welcome. These rails run out long enough to become the support for the standard gen-set box and spare wheel, both of which are high and set inboard to prevent them from being dragged. I must add, if you're after an offroader, check the spare is not the lowest point at the rear I've seen spares pressed into the body of the van and if something so simple is overlooked, perhaps what you're looking at is not so offroad. The body of the van is aluminium composite cladding with checkerplate around the most commonly damaged areas, the lower sides, front and rear. Be careful with the topsides though as they will scratch if pushed deep into trees. Underneath, the 17 6 is fairly well thought out. Any plumbing or wiring that has to run under the chassis rails is tucked near some protection, such as the tank drains which hide close to the Roto moulded polyethylene tanks to avoid damage. The freshwater tanks flank the suspension to help balance while the drawbar extends deep under the main chassis acting as a riser. My only complaint here is more of a suggestion and one of personal preference: I would like to see some scrub bars/sliders on the front-most corners to give a little more protection in and out of river beds. Given the long drawbar, this is an area I think could see a bit of damage. Talking to the team at Sunseeker, these are easily added as a custom option. 134 caravanworld.com.au THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au 135

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN Although the Mirage Sport has a small footprint, it packs a lot of lifestyle; the 17'6's massive windows are a highlight; an external 12V socket is perfect for running a portable

and tow vehicle permits WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.5m (24ft 7in) External body length 5.35m (17ft 6in) External body width 2.38m (7ft 10in) Travel height 3.

door design and the rear door as seen here.

The only other changes are the position of the fridge. In the front door option, the fridge ends up beside the main kitchen bench, unlike in this version where it is opposite the entrance.

3 CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN Although the Mirage Sport has a small footprint, it packs a lot of lifestyle; the 17'6's massive windows are a highlight; an external 12V socket is perfect for running a portable fridge; low tyre pressures and traction boards are vital when venturing out on sand Sunseeker MIRAGE SPORT 17 6 With a well armoured exterior and knobbly tyres, the van will go as far as its owner and tow vehicle permits WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.5m (24ft 7in) External body length 5.35m (17ft 6in) External body width 2.38m (7ft 10in) Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 2m (6ft 7in) Tare 2066kg ATM 2700kg Payload 634kg Ball weight 124kg SUN-DRENCHED DESIGN For the 17 6 there are a couple of layout options buyers can choose from a front door design and the rear door as seen here. Personally I would go for the rear door as it means guests are not entering directly into your sleeping area, but both feature the same rear ensuite, north-south queen bed and benchtops. The only other changes are the position of the fridge. In the front door option, the fridge ends up beside the main kitchen bench, unlike in this version where it is opposite the entrance. The front door option does offer more space around the bed. From an entertaining perspective, there are big differences in potential usage between the two options, and I d suggest the rear door layout is much more sociable for any outside guests. Moving from the kitchen to outdoors is a step away and with the wide kitchen windows open, passing a guest a drink or food is simple. Liveability is good in the 17 6 thanks to some clever additions such as a master light switch above the bed in the centre. It means if you or your loved one drift to sleep, there is no reaching over each other to turn off the bright overhead reading lights. Storage is fairly typical of new caravans with an underbed area, long robes each side and plenty of cupboards around the bed. I appreciated the use of piano hinges as well as gas struts, as they make the use of the cupboards easier for those of us with arthritic hands. Down in the ensuite and a small gripe ROBE ROBE QUEEN BED SEAT TABLE SEAT FRIDGE TOILET SHOWER EXTERNAL Frame Aluminum Cladding Aluminium composite Chassis 6in drawbar, 4in A-frame, 2in riser Suspension AL-KO Enduro Outback Coupling DO35A Brakes 12in electric drum Wheels Alloy with 265/75/R16 mud terrain tyres Water 2X95L Battery 120A AGM Solar 150W with 30A regulator Air-conditioner Houghton Belaire reverse cycle Gas 2X9kg Sway control Optional INTERNAL Cooking Swift stove with 1 x electric and 3 x gas elements, grill and full oven Fridge Thetford Microwave Sphere Bathroom Separate shower and cassette toilet Washing machine Daewoo front loader Hot water 28L gas/electric OPTIONS FITTED None PRICE AS SHOWN $68,990 MORE INFORMATION Address: 49 Bowman Road, Caloundra QLD 4551 Phone: (07) sales@sunseekercaravans. com.au caravanworld.com.au THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au 137

RATINGS VALUE FOR MONEY It might only be 17ft 6in long, but the Mirage Sport packs in a lot of gear and value SELF-SUFFICIENCY You cannot beat a single axle for ease of turning but

We found it easy to tow, very much so. Single axles are great for turning and backing easily.

pre-departure checklist. Once at your remote desert oasis or beachside paradise, the 150W solar panel and 120A AGM battery will support normal use easily, weather permitting.

Thankfully the fridge is three-way and with twin 9kg gas bottles, you should see weeks with considerate use of it and the stove.

The one thing you will not be able to do on the built-in goodies alone is run the AC.

Personally I am not a big SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING The optional grey tank is all that is missing as standard LAYOUT Very well laid out if a bit squeezy for big people but

No excess Sikaflex no gaps in the cabinets; a good build BUILD QUALITY From the chassis up the Mirage Sport felt tough and well put together CREATURE COMFORTS surfaces.

a 17 6 is a great achievement. Here you will also find a wallmounted front loader washing machine.

Give me a wall-mounted front loader any day. Space between the lounge and kitchen is good though it is a bit tight accessing the bed from them. Ceiling height is OK at about 2m.

Headroom in the shower is only slightly less with the design using a moulded cubicle and through-floor drainage, and ventilation is good.

4 RATINGS VALUE FOR MONEY It might only be 17ft 6in long, but the Mirage Sport packs in a lot of gear and value SELF-SUFFICIENCY You cannot beat a single axle for ease of turning but lower vans use less fuel and tow better in the wind LIVEABILITY It might be a bit cramped but it has everything you need to get by and five-year structural warranty. We found it easy to tow, very much so. Single axles are great for turning and backing easily. For an offroader, a heavy duty single is preferred over a twin although tyres must be well monitored for damage, pressure and wear plus a second spare is advisable, as is a good pre-departure checklist. Once at your remote desert oasis or beachside paradise, the 150W solar panel and 120A AGM battery will support normal use easily, weather permitting. Add in some use of an inverter, heavy microwave use or add more 12V refrigeration and you may struggle though. Thankfully the fridge is three-way and with twin 9kg gas bottles, you should see weeks with considerate use of it and the stove. Water wise, the 17 6 has an abundance of fresh water with twin 95L tanks easily monitored via an LED screen in the kitchen. The optional grey water tank is 95L. The one thing you will not be able to do on the built-in goodies alone is run the AC. For that to happen you will need to make use of the standard gen-set box on the rear of the van and fire it up. Personally I am not a big SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING The optional grey tank is all that is missing as standard LAYOUT Very well laid out if a bit squeezy for big people but that's being pedantic QUALITY OF FINISH Nothing was out of place. No excess Sikaflex no gaps in the cabinets; a good build BUILD QUALITY From the chassis up the Mirage Sport felt tough and well put together CREATURE COMFORTS surfaces. It is an unfair concern considering the overall size of the caravan but the space around the toilet is tight; call it a compromise as the fact there is a separate shower and toilet in a 17 6 is a great achievement. Here you will also find a wallmounted front loader washing machine. Some people complain about front loaders not being able to be opened when started but I really appreciate not having to bend down to retrieve that lost sock. Give me a wall-mounted front loader any day. Space between the lounge and kitchen is good though it is a bit tight accessing the bed from them. Ceiling height is OK at about 2m. It is my curse in life to be bigger than most so I knocked my head on the reverse cycle air-conditioner a few times but for the bulk of the population, this will never be an issue. Headroom in the shower is only slightly less with the design using a moulded cubicle and through-floor drainage, and ventilation is good. OFFROAD CRED Getting offroad is two-fold there is getting there and then there is staying there. The Mirage Sport, with its AL-KO Enduro Outback suspension, has the articulation and clearance needed to bound most obstacles and with a well-armoured exterior and knobbly tyres, the van will go as far as its owner and tow vehicle permits. You will be limited by enthusiasm before capability and can feel assured in the build by the two-year manufacturer s warranty A good sized north-south bed, separate shower/toilet and good AC should keep you comfortable for days INNOVATION The Mirage Sport is a very traditional caravan which might suit some but it doesn t show great innovation X-FACTOR This is a van that can. It will keep you comfortable in places other vans cannot go for days on end OPPOSITE Extensions add to the lounge comfort THIS PAGE The kitchen has enough capacity to cater for a crowd 138 caravanworld.com.au

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5 SPECIALIST CARAVAN INSURANCE Packing up your caravan ready to hit the open road? Whether for a weekend or a big lap around the country, CAMPER Insurance will give you the peace of mind, knowing you re covered on all your adventures. BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS CAMPER INSURANCE OFFERS: Premium level of cover Competitive price Unique caravan product With a features list that reads like a 20-footer, the Sunseeker Mirage Sport 17 6 belies its diminutive size fan of the use of generators around others but when remote, they offer the chance to recharge the AGM and cool off the interior during the hotter months. THE WRAP With a features list that reads like a 20-footer, the belies its diminutive size. Add in the easy maneuverability of its single axle and you get a recipe for a lot of caravan and ability. The localised design and ease of customisation are massive bonuses too. CAMPER Insurance offers a wide range of benefits. Visit our website to get a quote today. We re here to help! TOP Our only gripe with the Sunseeker Mirage Sport is in room around the toilet ABOVE Great ventilation, perfect for a Queensland summer 140 caravanworld.com.au Disclaimer: For information on our services and how we are remunerated, please refer to our Financial Services Guide which can be also found on our website. We recommend that you compare our policy and a wide range of policy benefits to your current insurer when obtaining a quote online. As with all insurance products, application criteria, and terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available at for more information. You should consider the PDS before deciding to buy or renew this insurance. CAMPER Insurance is an authorised representative (AR ) of Breeze Underwriting Pty Ltd (AFSL ).

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