Elddis SUNSEEKER 155

Words and photos by John Page

SPACIOUS, SERENE AND AFFORDABLE

If you are looking for a bargain this is it – with generous dimensions yet priced meaningfully lower than the direct competition. Traditional of shape, as nimble as they come, this 7.20m long machine can make two people feel like royalty. And for better than two decades now this Durham constructor has built an enviable reputation for quality. We took possession of immaculately prepared WA60 AXX from the Swindon premises of West Country Motorhomes on a cold but bright day in January. Then with a thorough briefing on what makes it tick, we loaded our kit and headed North to Moreton in Marsh and the Caravan Club’s beautiful campsite comfortably close to the town centre

Construction

Peugeot’s medium long wheelbase Boxer chassis cab is the basis for the 155. Unmodified, that chassis carries the full three-year Peugeot warranty and a specification that includes the radio, cab central locking and a proper spare wheel. The exterior combines traditional aluminium panels for the roof and sidewalls with moulding section for the overcab section and rear bumper. Timber framing for all interior doors and lockers gives a robust look and feel perfectly in keeping with the khaki shade carpets. No gimmicks but plain commonsense for a floor plan designed emphatically for two, wherein the seating does just that admirably and the truly generous size fixed bed guarantees untroubled slumber.New type profile Polyplastic cassette windows have the foolproof type of independent blinds and flyscreens with a minimum hassle factor. Roof vents and the entrance door are also fly screened. Gas and electric power for space and water heating was supremely efficient when the temperature insisted on staying several degrees below freezing during the long winter nights. And worthy of special note here is the tidy installation of the Truma heating, the mains and battery electronics and water pump under the offside couch. Deserving of an award for access and serviceability. The combination convector, blown air heating also gives you the best of both possibilities. A bottled gas capacity of two 7kg cylinders with regulators for Propane or Butane is thoughtful as were the coloured drainage stopcocks for the fresh and waste water tanks.
Mobile in Gloucestershire

If you are not familiar with the roads in this part of the country then you have a treat in store because the numerous hills and valleys are positively Alpine in gradient, especially on Route 429. Have a care though as there are plenty of sharp bends to contend with as well. Our compact 155 with its stiffly sprung chassis performed predictably and precisely and no over steer in spite of its rear overhang. Overloading of the capacious basement beneath the bed however could change that. No trace of noises off from the bodywork – a compliment perhaps to the Elddis formula of converting on the regular Peugeot chassis. Two further plusses are water tanks and galley paraphernalia positioned within the wheelbase dimension.Wonderfully supportive cab seats with twin armrests are part of the Peugeot specification that gives you the adjustments of rake distance and height needed whatever your physique. A 100bhp output from the 2.2-litre turbo diesel motor was lively enough on the flat and the hills to give a reported figure of 30+ mpg; that can probably be improved on with your intelligent driving technique. We thought the lack of a passenger airbag was surely archaic but otherwise our driving experience was delightful.
A Sunseeker Way of Life

The Elddis treatment of a logical configuration results in a super lounge that is complete and restful when the cab seats are rotated to become first class armchairs. There are the couches to slouch on or if you prefer sit with feet up to become the original lounge lizard. X factor or University Challenge fans can get square-eyed viewing from the lounge or the bedroom when your TV is fitted to its dedicated locker complete with the necessary power and aerial sockets. The radio is standard of course but needs to be modified of its habit of turning itself off regularly.Brilliant décor with fabric wall coverings, carpets in pleasant harmony and sprung interior cushions to boot. It’s the curtains though that really surpass – of quality fabric, lined and generous of width and that is important to conserve warmth through the night. Information, switching and monitor control is basic yet obvious and complete. Heating systems have become ever more sophisticated yet this straightforward combination of the Truma ultra heat with convector and blown air heating worked reliably and well during some of January’s chill climate.
Sleeping

A double bed size of 1.86m (6’2”) by 1.34m (4’5’’) is something to boast about and superior to many. Add the 15cm (6’’) wonderfully resilient mattress depth and its slatted base for Sunseeker’s sleeping tackle to rank with the very best. Roof lockers are handy for any amount of folded clothes and lifting the entire bed on its gas struts gives immediate access to all the outdoor clobber and sports gear needed on that long distance tour you’ve always promised yourself. In warmer weather the fly-screened roof vent and windows on night latch position will give useful ventilation.Only missing was some form of shelf for the inevitable book, watch or whatever we all have by us at night.
Kitchen This is where the spacious feel of this Motorhome can be really appreciated. After all if the chef is calm and unbothered the chances are the nosh will be imaginative and tasty. In fact I have it on good authority that this galley is pretty well ideal – for its wide preparation area, for the Spinflo oven, grill and hob, a fridge you don’t have to stretch for and the stowage planned in detail. What else? Excellent lighting, effective ventilation and a view of the outside world while roasting the pheasant. A safe place for the power point is helpful and the glass tops for the sink and hob are marked as virtually unbreakable – commonsense on this issue will probably be helpful though. An unusual multi use feature was the large fold down flap to the right of the workspace that helped to keep the galley tidy and serve as a dumb waiter for breakfast in bed. Only the lack of an indicator light for mains operation of the fridge was missing.
Washroom

This concept of en suite washroom with the hand basin and locker outside it is fundamentally fine. The shower area in particular has plenty of space surrounding it and a very practical non-slip shower mat with anti-bacterial qualities. Thetford’s cassette loo and its flush button are sensibly placed, although the impossible position of the toilet roll holder suggests the designer was on holiday when it was fitted. There is a heating duct for the chilly mornings, while the separate hand basin and its locker are practical at any time.
Stowage On the basis that Motorhome ownership is about travelling to exciting and distant places a good storage capacity is essential to enjoying the journeys and the destination. Climate is a fickle happening though, so whether in the UK or with wider horizons you need the clothing and the apparatus to stay comfortable whatever the weather. The basement under the bed is enormous and helpful especially if it is organised. Under both couches there is generous space but have a care of the heater and electrics in the offside one. Roof lockers are plentiful throughout and there are several possibilities in the space above the cab. Add pockets and lockers in the cab for what is needed en route and the total space will swallow all but the proverbial Jet Ski for which you need a trailer.
Summary Sunseeker 155 is big but not huge, square but not angular and overall comfortably spacious. The price is definitely value for money when compared with other models of similar size but different brand names. If you haven’t driven a Motorhome before or even if you have ask for a test drive. Sit in it; get the feel of it and you may well come to the same conclusion as we did that here is a comfortable machine at a tolerably comfortable price. Incidentally, there are seven other Sunseekers in the Elddis line up should you opt for an alternative layout or more berths. West Country Motorhomes have been with Elddis for more than twenty years now – a testament to the quality of the product and its popularity.
TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification: Elddis Sunseeker 155, two-berth Profile MotorhomePrice of vehicle tested: £36,549Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: West Country Motorhomes, Turnpike Road, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN26 7EA, Tel: 01793 726666

CONVERSION

Overall length: 7.20mOverall width: 2.69m incl mirrorsOverall height: 2.99mMPTLM: 3500kgsPayload: 650kgsConstruction: insulated bonded construction with aluminium outer shell and polystyrene insulationFresh water capacity: 45-litres Waste water capacity: 45-litresGas storage capacity: two x 7-litre kg cylindersAuxiliary battery: 75AhRefrigerator: capacity Dometic 92-litre fridge/freezerSpace and water heating: Truma 3002 Ultraheat for gas and electric operationLighting: mix of spotlighting and circular ceiling lightsUpholstery: Abstract pattern autumn shade fabric

BASE VEHICLE

Type: Peugeot MLW chassis cabPower unit: 2.2-litre turbo diesel motorMaximum power: 100bhp @ 2900rpmMaximum torque: 250Nm @ 1500rpmTransmission: five-speed manual to front wheelsSteering: power assisted rack and pinion Braking: Disc brakes with ABS and EBD

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: 30mpg estimated Maximum speed: 70-80mph estimatedComfortable cruising speed: 65-70mph