By Dan UglowDrive: 8/10
Motorhomes are built by converting a commercial van into a habitable recreational vehicle. In the case of the Explorer an Iveco chassis cab was used and then a bonded aluminium rear added. Accordingly the drive of the motorhome is akin to driving a small truck — there’s a high driving position, excellent visibility thanks to the large wing mirrors and rear window, and the semi-automatic gearbox is very smooth. Speeds of 120 km/h on the freeway were met with no over-revving of the engine and the vehicle handles well and is surprisingly easy to drive. However the ride in the rear of the van where children are meant to sit is insufferable. A trampoline would provide less bounce and more comfort.
Kitchen: 9/10
Featuring a four-burner gas hob, microwave and fridge, the excellent galley literally includes the kitchen sink. The fridge runs off the leisure battery and can be used at all times, although the microwave needs an electric hook up. Britz provide a kettle, toaster, saucepans, crockery and cutlery.
Sleeping: 9/10
The Explorer offers two double beds for its night time setting — one above the cab and the other from the U-shaped lounge that can be quickly converted. Both options are large and comfy.
Washroom: 7/10
The washroom features a shower, sink and toilet using a wet-room design. The downside of this is that if you have a shower first and then one of your party wants to use the loo, then it’ll be soaked with water. However such a design is space saving and since your clients are likely to be on campsite most of the time they’ll use those amenities instead.
Service: 8/10
Britz do provide a good level of customer service, which was tested on a couple of occasions when our battery went flat. The pick up and drop off at the branch was also easy and accommodating and the company’s travel agent support is also top notch.
Overall: 82%
An excellent van for couples that is extremely comfy to drive and live in. However the ride in the back seats, which are located in the rear overhang of the van above the suspension, is poor. The Escape, also by Britz, has a different floorplan with seats located further up the van and this would be more ideal for couples with kids.
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