2017 Review: Discovery 4 Berth 2030

There’s nothing quite like a summer getaway. There’s sun, sand and surf – yep, give me a taste of summer anytime! So when the opportunity came a knockin’ in late summer to take the wheel of the Discovery 4 Berth motorhome from RV Sales Centre in Braybrook, Vic, I was quick to pull on some boardies and my favourite 70s-inspired surf shirt. I became a Beach Boy for a couple of days, and let me tell you – I had good vibrations travelling in the Discovery!

Now, this trip happened to coincide with my 22nd wedding anniversary and, after possibly forgetting to purchase a gift, I extended an olive branch and asked my wife Meredyth along for the ride. I think she’s now forgiven me for blotting my copybook. After picking up the 6.33m (20ft 9in) Discovery, we descended upon the beautiful coastal hamlet of Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula’s surf coast. From our camping ground, the historic Barwon Heads pub could be seen across the bridge in the distance and a counter lunch was tempting. But we opted for a picnic lunch, before taking a stroll along the picturesque Barwon River. Yes, the simple things in life are still free.

LAYOUT & BEDROOM

Soon it was time to uncover the Discovery. Immediately, I was impressed with its rear bedroom/rear lounge layout. The Discovery is a motorhome for a family of four or two couples, so it has two double beds and an additional two passenger seats behind the driver’s cabin. You simply press a button and pull down manually to utilise the top bed which lowers from near ceiling height and is accessed via a ladder. And the club lounge, which comfortably seats four, converts to a lower bed.

Myself and Meredyth are not tall people by any stretch of the imagination, but the beds’ dimensions (2m x 1.4m - top; 2.1m x 1.4m - bottom) would appeal to lankier types. It also has an internal height of 2.06m, so caters exceptionally well for taller folk. And with both double beds located at the rear, it frees up space in the luton peak for storage. Additionally, the table body-hugs the lounge, so sitting around it can seem tight. But a wardrobe and cupboard nearby provides plenty of hanging space for clothing and smaller garments.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM

The rear arrangement offers almost 360° views, courtesy of the panoramic rear and side windows, which was highlighted after crossing Port Phillip Bay later in the day via ferry, and arriving on the Mornington Peninsula. While lazing on the top bed, we watched a stunning sunset, and the following morning, gazed at the waves rolling in at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula while enjoying breakfast.

Talking of brekkie leads me to the Discovery’s practical kitchen. While I might not be scoring a celebrity chef gig in any hurry, rustling up some eggs and bacon on the Dometic four-burner was a breeze. It’s ideal for the nomadic chef. All the culinary equipment is at your fingertips, with generous storage provided by a cupboard, pantry and user-friendly slide-out drawers.

There is plenty of room for storing a kettle and toaster, and we were able to stock sufficient supplies in the 139L Isotherm fridge/freezer. There was even a microwave for added cooking convenience, but it’s positioned too high for my safety-conscious mind. But I was impressed with the Discovery’s bathroom, comprising a shower/toilet combo and washbasin.

The ensuite, which also has a sizeable mirror, was pleasingly roomy with plenty of elbow room. The Discovery’s external storage is limited, although its tunnel boot is quite capacious. There is loads of room for power leads, sullage hoses, camping chairs and the like. In fact, I almost squeezed in a surfboard that I took along for the trip.

EXTERIOR

Following breakfast, and a quick dip in the azure waters of the beach, we decided on a little touring and headed up the steep incline of Arthurs Seat in the Mornington Peninsula hinterland. Here, I was amazed with the performance of the Discovery’s 2.2L, four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engine which effortlessly climbed the 305m elevation.

With a five-speed fully automatic gearbox, the Discovery has ample grunt, putting out maximum power of 95kW @ 3800rpm and maximum torque of 305Nm @ 1200-2400rpm. Its relatively lightweight Tare weight of 2954kg also made it quite manoeuvrable.

Our journey was only a two-day stint, but this motorhome is also well-equipped for weeks away, complete with an air-conditioner and solar panel (both roof-mounted), fresh and grey water tanks, and a gas hot water system.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Discovery 4 Berth motorhome is perfect for a summer getaway – long or short – and is ideal for a family of four or two couples travelling together. And for us, it was such a comfortable and relaxing way to explore these popular coastal regions. Summer lovin’/ I had me a blast/ in the Discovery / and likewise my wife. Sing it! We can hardly wait for another trek in the Discovery, and the next time we’ll be taking either my two sons or our next door neighbours along for the ride.

HITS AND MISSES

Pros...

• Rear bedroom/rear lounge layout
• A van for two couples 
• or a family of four
• Interior spaciousness
• Comfortable and easy drive
• Lounge converts to a bottom bed
• Panoramic side and rear windows

Cons...

• Table body-hugs lounge
• Microwave is positioned too high
• Setting up bottom bed is fiddly
• Missing a washing machine

Weights and measures

• External length 6.33m (20ft 9in)
• External width 2.22m (7ft 3in)
• Internal height 2.06m (6ft 9in)
• Travel height 2.97m (9ft 9in)
• Tare 2954kg
• GVM 3550kg

Price as shown

$119,990 (driveaway)

The full feature appeared in Caravan World #562. Subscribe today for the latest caravan reviews and news every month!