2021 Best New Technology finalists announced
Meet the shortlist contenders for the 2021 caravancampingsales Innovation Awards' Best New Technology category
With the finalists announced for the Best New RV and Best New Product/Accessory categories, it's time to reveal the six 'Best New Technology' contenders in the 2021 caravancampingsales Innovation Awards.
The Australian RV market has seen rapid technology advances in recent years, particularly in the area of solar-generated power and battery storage for extended off-grid camping, along with 'one touch' automation systems.
The new-tech roll-out has continued over the past 12 months, with everything from a trick new off-road chassis/suspension, 48V hybrid off-grid systems and a roof mount that helps boost solar panel efficiency, in the running to win the 2021 Best New Technology award.
The inaugural caravancampingsales Innovations Awards are judged by an expert panel, with trophies to be awarded in four categories: Best New RV, Best New Product/Accessory, Best New Technology, and Best New Safety Feature.
The winners will be announced on caravancampingsales on December 8.
First seen on the eye-catching CrzrVan, the CRZR chassis features a trick live axle airbag suspension set-up, that allows the water tanks to be tucked up higher than usual for improved weight distribution and ground clearance compared to a more conventional trailing arm set-up.
The original CRZR chassis designed by Shepparton, Victorian off-road enthusiast Rhys Conti featured a “super strong” 150x50x3mm steel chassis with a “one piece member front to back”, DO-35 coupling and rear-mounted Ironman 4x4 winch and recovery points, but the left-field design is about to enter the mainstream with Melbourne's Masterpiece Caravans set to release a 'CRZR Edition' of its big off-road Optimum model in the new year.
Gold Coast-based Safiery is run by former Kimberley Karavans' boss Bruce, and specialises in state-of-the-art 48V hybrid lithium battery systems that allow owners to run all the appliances in their gas-free RVs '24/7' if required.
The off-grid power storage specialist has been busy in recent times fitting out a number of recreational vehicles for extended off-grid camping, including an all-electric Zone Summit, and a 24ft Spinifex Nomadix luxury van complete with four 48V lithium batteries equivalent to 800Ah at 12V, hooked up to a 5000W inverter and six 175W roof-top solar panels.
The beauty of the Safiery set-up is if the sun isn't shining, there's the option of the Safiery 'Scotty' in-vehicle charger that will charge the system with up to 3KW while on the move.
Popularised by Jayco, wind-up camper trailers have been the perfect entry-level RV for tens of thousands of Australian families. However, the old cable and pulley mechanism has hardly changed in decades.
Enter NSW-based Jacka Industries, which has come up with a really neat 12V electric mechanism designed to take the hard work out of raising and lowering a camper trailer roof.
The 'JackaJay' rooflift system was originally designed as a retro-fit option for older Jayco campers, but New Age Caravans was so impressed it's now fitting an adapted version as standard on all its 2022-model Wayfinder camper trailers.
It works a treat too, with the four motorised linear actuators in each corner taking around two minutes to raise or lower the roof, and it's backed up by 'foolproof' override features including in-built fault/obstruction detection that can be monitored via the touchscreen display.
Queensland's Kedron is well known for its premium off-road caravans, building a number of ground-breaking vans as well as introducing many innovative and practical features over the years.
New in 2021 is Kedron's 'Scrub Pack' option, which among other things includes a besoke roof mounting set-up designed to boost the efficiency of the rooftop solar panels.
The laser cut and powdercoated alloy top spoiler and solar panel side bracket mounting system with laser cut scallops that Kedron's Glen Gall says "allows the solar to work more efficiently (through improved ventilation) and allow more water run-off underneath".
BMPRO is a leading supplier of Australian-made 'smart' RV power and battery management systems, with the Australian-built touchscreens and battery chargers a common sight in Australian-built caravans including big-selling brands Jayco and New Age.
The BMPRO ProSmart Premium aftermarket kit is an update of its wireless monitoring technology, designed for larger caravans and motorhomes fitted with bigger fridge/freezers as well as more gas bottles and water tanks.
Basically, it allows remote monitoring via a user-friendly smartphone app of RV functions such as tyre pressures, gas levels, temperature, water levels and battery status.
It can be paired with up to 40 SmartConnect Bluetooth sensors and connects to four water tanks, along with a 12V battery and a wired temperature sensor.
What's more, it takes only a few minutes to set up and get running. Whoever said camping is hard work!
Queensland’s Australian Off Road has long been a leader in off-grid technology, introducing a few years ago a big capacity chemical-free, marine-type macerator toilet on its hybrid campers, complete with dedicated flushing black water holding tanks, that didn't have to be emptied for up to two weeks.
According to AOR, its latest silent flush, soft close macerator toilet comes with four different flush types to help conserve water (a big deal when you're camping remotely for long periods), among other things.
The flash TCM dunny is standard fitment on AOR’s up-spec Sinergi caravan where it's hooked up to a big 140L black tank. It's also available as an option on other AOR models, or can be retrofitted.
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