18 May, 2016

Evolution Luxliner 21ft: 2016 Review

by Peter Quilty

The newly revamped Evolution Luxliner retains its previous size of 6.4m (21ft) but has undergone significant improvements from its predecessor, receiving a new chassis, fridge, pantry, washing machine and air-conditioner, to name just a few. It’s also received some cosmetic changes, such as a switch from silver to black checkerplate, and matte white internal walls rather than an embossed finish.

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

The Luxliner rides smoothly courtesy of its tandem roller-rocker suspension and 235/75 R15 light truck tyres. And it’s equipped to go the distance with dual 110Ah deep-cycle batteries, two 150W roof-mounted solar panels, a 30A 12V charging system, twin 95L water tanks with a galvanised stoneguard, and a 28L gas/electric hot water service with stainless steel holding tank. It also has quick-release drop stabiliser legs, a lockable coupling, rear-mounted spare alloy wheel, and a heavy-duty looped rear bumper bar, which is now galvanised.

But there are two standouts here: a smooth aluminium tunnel boot with two LED lights, and aluminium-framed, double-glazed Aussie Traveller push-out windows. The tunnel boot has a slide-out checkerplate tray which can accommodate a barbecue, and the panoramic aluminium windows are designed to minimise the possibility of leakage. Both are part of Evolution Caravans’ ‘special gifts’ package.

Also included in what Evolution classes as ‘gifts’ are two skylight roof hatches with LED lights all-round, post-formed benchtops, a full-height stainless steel roll-out pantry with two doors and stainless steel baskets, heavy-duty drawer runners, gas struts on all overhead cupboards, a 24in LCD TV, two towel rings in the ensuite and the kitchen, a pillow-top innerspring mattress, entry with LED light and grab rail, extra battery pack, boxed pump, water filter in the kitchen and a washing machine – plus the aforementioned hot water service, front door, centre support on awning, tray on A-frame, 2in raisers and upgraded tyres.

Internally, the Luxliner has enough features to make living easy, including obvious necessities such as the air-conditioner, fridge, pantry and washing machine. The Aircommand Ibis 3 air-conditioner has increased efficiency and a quieter operation over the previous model, and Evolution now runs with an automatic 184L three-way Thetford fridge-freezer with reduced freezer and increased fridge compartments. Subsequently, the more compact fridge allows the three adjacent, vertically stacked pantry cupboards to almost double in size. And the top-loading washing machine now has increased capacity (up from 2.5kg to 3kg).

BEDROOM AND STORAGE

The spacious bedroom is a chic affair complete with a gas strut-assisted lift-up bed (6ft 2in x 5ft) with pillow-top innerspring mattress, mirrored doors to robes and post-formed dressing table tops, LED reading lamps, and windows that provide a great outlook. And there was plenty of walking space around the island bed.

The Luxliner is also fitted with an in-built radio/CD/MP3 player and ceiling speakers, 24in LCD TV (with inbuilt DVD) on a bracket arm, Jack antenna, abundant LED lighting, plentiful double and single powerpoints, and a gas detector.

BATHROOM

Meanwhile, things get interesting and all the more exciting in the roomy rear ensuite with separate shower, Thetford ceramic bowl toilet and a fashionable vanity with wash basin and flick mixer tap. The vanity houses a mirror and a myriad of shelved cupboards. There’s also a makeup or medicine drawer, a sliding door with locks, and a full-height linen cupboard.

But the show stealer is the large, 1100x780mm full-height, one-piece fully-moulded and enclosed fibreglass shower with hand-held shower rose and anti-slip floor (also great for storage while travelling). There is also an open pivot door on the shower with a latch, and a hatch with 12V fan.

Evolution also offers a vast array of optional extras, and customers can select their own floorplans, fittings, colours, etc. The boutique manufacturer can even adjust the height, width and weight of the Luxliner and, indeed, its complete range, to suit.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Comparing apples with apples, the Luxliner not only talks the talk; it walks the walk! And it certainly reflects Evolution Caravans’ ‘customer comes first’ philosophy.