Choosing a new motorhome is exciting… but challenging. In Australia, there are so many incredible motorhome destinations, places to stay, things to see and do. Your choice of motorhome can really help you to maximise your enjoyment so you want to make the right decision. There are a lot of factors which will make one motorhome more attractive than another but one of the fundamental decisions you face is how your future home-on-wheels makes the best use of its footprint. Do you go for a model with innovative slide-outs that dramatically expand your living area when parked, or do you opt for a non-slide-out design that masterfully uses every centimetre with clever 'smart space' solutions?

At Roberts RV World, we are your Avida Melbourne dealer so of course we are going to be talking about slide-out motorhome models vs smart-space motorhomes as it relates to the 2025 Avida RV motorhome line-up but the principles readily apply to other motorhome brands too. So, let's dive in and explore the world of slide-outs versus smart space, helping you decide which approach might be the perfect match for your Australian adventures.

The Expanding Horizon: Understanding Slide-Out Motorhomes

Slide-outs are a marvel of modern motorhome engineering. With the touch of a button, a section (or sections) of your motorhome wall glides outwards, transforming your interior from a travelling space into a spacious living zone.

The Allure of Added Space:

The most obvious advantage is the significant increase in internal floor space. This can mean:

• More room to move around freely, especially if you're travelling with family or pets.

• The ability to have more residential-style layouts, like an island bed with walk-around access (as seen in models like the Avida Silverton where a small bed slide-out creates a convenient corridor to the rear bathroom).

  

• Larger floor space around the lounge or dinette areas, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The popular Avida Birdsville and Avida Esperance feature a slide-out that incorporates both the bed and dinette, really opening up the central living zone.

  

• For those seeking truly expansive living, larger motorhomes like the Avida Freemantle, and the flagship Avida Longreach utilise substantial slide-outs to create incredibly spacious interiors.

  

Things to Consider with Slide-Outs:

While the extra space is a huge draw, there are a few practicalities:

• Weight: Slide-out mechanisms add some weight to the vehicle.

• Maintenance: More moving parts mean, theoretically, more potential for maintenance over the long term, though Avida’s robust engineering is designed for reliability.

• Campsite Space: You'll need to ensure you have enough clear space beside your motorhome to fully extend the slide-out(s).

• Internal Access When Closed: Consider how accessible the bathroom needs to be when the slide-outs are retracted for travel or quick roadside stops - not an issue if you store the bed in the shorter configuration.

The Genius of Smart Space: Non-Slide-Out Motorhomes

The new range of ‘Smart Space’ / non-slide-out motorhomes rely on ingenious design and multi-functional features to create a comfortable and surprisingly spacious environment within a fixed footprint. For many, the appeal of our 2025 Avida Bruny and Avida Beechworth appeal lies in their inherent simplicity and clever efficiency.

The Advantages of Simplicity & Efficiency:

• Lighter Weight: Generally, non-slide-out models are lighter, which can contribute to better fuel economy and potentially offer more available payload for your gear.

• Mechanical Simplicity: With fewer moving parts, there's an appeal of straightforward operation and potentially less long-term maintenance in this specific area.

• Agility & Access & Free Camping: Often, these models can feel more nimble on the road and generally work better with tight campsites or free camping.

• Surprisingly Spacious: Don't underestimate clever design! Features like electric drop-down beds, versatile lounge configurations, and well-placed amenities can make these motorhomes feel incredibly roomy.

• The compact Avida Leura, for example, is Avida’s smallest motorhome (excluding campervans), yet its central living area, innovative electric drop-down bed, and huge rear bathroom create a very liveable space.

  

• The new 2025 Avida Bruny and Avida Beechworth are brilliant examples of modern non-slide-out design. Both are built on the robust rear-wheel drive Iveco 50C chassis and often feature a desirable rear lounge – perfect for enjoying the view – with smart layouts and often electric roll-down beds that maximise daytime living area.

  

Potential Trade-offs with Non-Slide-Outs:

• Static Space: The interior space you have while travelling is the same space you have when parked – there's no expansion.

• Layout Feel: While very functional, some layouts might not feel quite as "open" or offer the same degree of separation between zones as a motorhome with its slide-outs deployed.

Which is Right for You? Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

To help you lean one way or the other, consider these questions about your personal travel style:

1. How critical is maximum internal living space when you're parked for extended periods and could any limitations be solved with an awning?

2. What's your typical travel pattern? (e.g., Long stays in one spot where you can fully set up, or lots of shorter stops where quick setup/pack-up is key?)

3. How many people (and pets!) will usually be travelling?

4. What are your priorities regarding mechanical simplicity versus added features?

5. Will you frequently camp in national parks or areas where campsites might be narrower or have restrictions?

6. Do you have any specific driving comfort levels or storage restrictions at home for your motorhome?

Finding Your Fit: Scenarios & Avida Options

• A Slide-Out Motorhome might be perfect for you if: You often travel with family, love to entertain inside your motorhome, or simply desire that extra spacious, residential feel when you're set up for a few days. For couples wanting a dedicated bedroom space that feels open, the Avida Silverton's bed slide-out is a clever touch. Couples or those who enjoy a larger central living area would appreciate the Avida Birdsville or the more substantial Avida Esperance (just remember the Esperance 5200kg GVM requires a Light Rigid licence). And for ultimate space, the Avida Freemantle or Avida Longreach are kings.

• A Smart Space, Non-Slide-Out Design could be ideal if: You prioritise agility, mechanical simplicity, and often make quick overnight stops and free camp in side streets in built up areas. If you're a couple or solo traveller, the efficient and luxurious layouts of the Avida Leura (Fiat Ducato front-wheel drive) or the new 2025 Avida Bruny or Avida Beechworth (both on the Iveco 50C rear-wheel drive chassis) could be just the ticket, offering fantastic comfort and features without the need for slide-outs. Their rear lounge setups are particularly appealing for scenic camping.

The Best Choice is Your Choice

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer in the slide-out versus smart space debate. Both design approaches offer fantastic ways to enjoy the motorhoming lifestyle. The best choice is the one that perfectly aligns with your individual needs, how you plan to travel, and what makes you feel most comfortable and capable on the road.

The great news is that Avida, Australia’s leading motorhome manufacturer, offers an extensive range of both slide-out and non-slide-out models, each crafted with quality and the Australian adventurer in mind PLUS at Roberts RV World, we stock a range of quality Aussie built motorhomes from a range of brands so come and have a look through the options all undercover in our huge one-acre showroom.

Ready to explore these designs in person?

• Visit Our Showroom: Roberts RV World, Avida Melbourne –1602 Sydney Rd, Campbellfield VIC 3061. We’d be happy to show you around.

• Browse Our Range Online:

• New Avida Motorhomes & Campervans: https://robertsrv.com.au/new-avida-motorhomes-melbourne

• Quality Used Motorhomes: https://robertsrv.com.au/used-motorhomes

• Get in Touch: (03) 9357 4555 – or send us an enquiry through our website here: https://robertsrv.com.au/contact

We look forward to helping you find your perfect space for adventure!