Talvor Hayman Motorhome 2014 Review

The popularity of large motorhomes escaped us until this week when we actually experienced one first hand. Big, Winnebago-size rigs had been of slight interest – viewed from a distance. We had been in smaller models before and a succession of campervans and caravans all of which failed to ignite the "self-contained adventure" spirit in our belly.

But Brisbane-based outfit Talvor offered up a 400km drive and two nighter in its latest Hayman model which looks like a five star hotel on wheels complete with a push button, side slider expandable bedroom and dining area. It retails at a snip under $160,000 and is aimed directly at the so called "Grey Nomad" market - cashed up retirees hitting the road and spending their kids inheritance.

Can’t blame them really and if throwing your swag aboard one of these mobile domiciles for six months appeals, we get it. Probably the biggest insight the short sojourn aboard good ship Hayman provided was the enforced relaxation element of the experience.

VALUE

Vehicle specs include ABS, stability control, two front air bags, aircon, cruise control and an audio system but there’s no satnav nor Bluetooth phone or audio streaming. At 3115mm high there’s no bending or ducking inside and the width with the slider stowed is 2465mm. The slider adds about 600mm.

TECHNOLOGY

The Ducato has a 3.0-litre, four cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 130kW and 400Nm output which makes a reasonable fist of moving the large luxury motorhome. Fuel efficiency suffers if you push too hard but the 125-litre tank gives a good touring range. The automated six-speed manual gearbox operates a bit like a conventional automatic but not quite as smoothly. It does the job driving the front wheels and a sequential mode is easily accessible if you want to take charge.

DESIGN

They put together all the components that make up a Hayman in Brisbane and it’s a generously equipped vehicle with two double beds one over the cab, one in the slider 'bedroom' towards the rear, mains air conditioning, TV, hot water system, audio inside and outside, full kitchen with gas cook top, oven, micro-wave, fridge freezer, stainless steel sink, electric water pump and town water supply connector.

There’s an ensuite down the back complete with toilet, shower cubicle and vanity and even an outside shower with hot and cold running water. All appliances are known, quality brands. Talvor fits Hayman with an outside TV antenna plug and bbq gas bayonet so you can really enjoy the outdoors and the vehicle we drove had a wind out awning that took perhaps a minute to wind in or out. Numerous exterior storage compartments make setting up a simple relatively quick procedure.

But it has too many different locks which mean a fistful of keys. Plenty of roof vents with screens and blinds add to the light coming in from the numerous and similarly equipped windows. The electric door step is handy as is the reverse camera mounted on the dash. We like the look of it with the high Luton (roof over cab) and the neat style of the accommodation box. Even liked the Talvor folding camp chairs they provided.

DRIVING

As soon as you get behind the wheel you seem to slip into a calmer, less frenetic frame of mind probably due to the fact that you can pull over anywhere you like, kick back and enjoy without having to "move in" and unpack like you do in an apartment or hotel room. Or, heaven forbid, pitch a tent.

You simply can’t hustle one of these four tonne plus vehicles like a passenger car or SUV. It majestically makes progress along the road rather than with any real urgency. So, you can’t sprint to your destination - you waft there nearly up at semi-trailer level. Mind you, with a Fiat Ducato cab chassis host vehicle under the US made 'accommodation box' the Hayman can easily maintain a comfortable highway clip with some in reserve.

VERDICT

This is an impressive rig spoiled only a tad by the number of keys needed to lock everything. Hope the kids like it...

2014 Talvor Hayman motorhome
Price: under $160,000
Engine: 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 130kW/400Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD