GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #29 | Page 9

RV REVIEW The offside kitchen comes with a cooktop and griller that’s recessed into the bench. A hinged section of bench above the cooker provides a good amount of bench space when closed; however, the kitchen window pelmet prevents this lid from opening flush with the wall, angling it forward somewhat. The switches for the hot water service and water pump, along with the water level indicator, sound system, and digital Projecta voltmeter are all mounted to the cabinetry above. From an aesthetic point of view, I did wonder if these would be better located in an overhead locker. The forward bedroom has a queen-size bed; however, much of the under-bed storage space is occupied by the Finch air-conditioner/ heater unit. Given there’s a lot of storage space elsewhere, and the fact that roof-mounted air- cons make lifting a pop-top roof hard on the back, this is a worthwhile trade-off. Each wardrobe has a niche with light, and 12V and 240V powerpoints, but one aspect of the bedroom design I really loved: a slide-out table each side. They’re unobtrusive, work well, and no doubt would be extremely handy. SUMMING UP I’ve long found Paramounts to be well behaved under tow, and that was the case here. We towed it in grim winter conditions – heavy rain and wind, and some mud – and the Thunder didn’t twitch or sway on the towball. It felt well- planted to the road. For the Prado and Pajero owners of the world, the Paramount Thunder 186 should be on your list. “ I'VE LONG FOUND PARAMOUNTS TO BE WELL BEHAVED UNDER TOW, AND THAT WAS THE CASE HERE. ” / 9