Aussie buyers line up for double-door Bruder caravan

Bruder's newest and most affordable caravan model to date is proving a hit with buyers, with around 15 orders so far for the $170K-plus, 22ft ADX-21 luxury off-roader since it was revealed in late-February.

With production of Bruder's first full-size caravan set to start in late-2025 at a new 6000sq.m Brisbane factory, the new couple and family model is a direct rival for a number of mainstream off-road caravan brands including Mountain Trail and Zone RV which offer similar-style, white with black-trim models in the increasingly competitive $150,000-$200,000 price bracket.

The first ADX-21 pre-production van is currently on display at Bruder's retail showroom in the Brisbane suburb of Moorooka, and it's an intriguing mix of Bruder expedition trailer 'DNA' including the patented off-road suspension with eight tuned remote-canister shock absorbers and 300mm travel, hydraulic disc brakes and air filtration system, and more familiar Aussie caravan traits like a boxy side profile with external picnic tables, roll-out awning and front bed/rear ensuite layouts.

Bruder says it will use a similar manufacturing process to build the ADX-21 as its bespoke EXP trailers, but with more off-the-shelf components like 30-55mm thick fibreglass sandwich body panels from Creative Composites, Dometic CaraD entry doors and a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling.

However, being a Bruder it's added a few unique touches to its first Aussie-style caravan, with stand-out features including the huge front tunnel boot that utilises the space under the queen bed and can be fitted on the passenger side with an EXP-style slide-out kitchen.

Then there's the option for 'flow-through' double-entry doors (one on each side) like on the pre-production model, which should also appeal to the left-hand drive North American market (Bruder has a dealership in Dallas, Texas). Bruder can also add a second awning for a home-style front and back 'verandah' set-up!

There's also the option for a third, EXP-8-style entry-door, straight into the rear offside wet-room, while Bruder is also working on a small internal 'garage' option at the rear for storing mountain bikes.

Bruder says the bold, Raptor-coated, laser-cut roof spoiler is modelled off a prime mover's and is not just there for looks.

"It helps with aerodynamics and to deflect dust off the rear and the actual van (but) it also gives it a different look (to rival vans)," explained Bruder's Business Development Manager Stuart McNeill.

As it's aimed more at the traditional holiday market he said it will take less time to build, compared to Bruder's bespoke expedition trailers that are often built for commercial or military applications which require extreme temperature or bullet-proof ratings, as well as full roll-over protection.

"The ADX-21 will take approximately 400 hours (to build), compared to an EXP which can take up to 1000 hours," he said.

Also catching the eye is the subtle Bruder signage and single pull-out entry step (the airbag suspension drops low to the ground for camping), while production versions will include an extended drawbar with front toolbox plus a chunky 18in alloy-37in tyre option.

Step inside and the 21ft (internal body length) couple's layout is unlike any other Aussie van, with the white studio-like interior, large windows and doors on both sides, 2.03m roof height and lack of overhead cabinetry, providing a very open and airy feel.

Bruder is offering four floorplans (three couple and one family), with the composite build combined with solid surface benchtops and lightweight cabinetry contributing to a below-average 2490kg Tare and decent one tonne-plus payload.

While well equipped with appliances including a rooftop air conditioner, diesel heater and induction cooktop, there's a minimalist, off-grid feel inside thanks to thoughtful touches like the colour-matched Sonos portable sound bar, in lieu of a more traditional fixed audio head unit and inside-outside speakers.

Bruder is already planning a few changes to the production version, including relocating the 200L fresh and 100L grey water tanks, and re-jigging the external compartment containing most of the standard Victron 12V power system which includes 300Ah lithium batteries, a 3000W inverter and 800W solar bank.

McNeill expects most buyers will pay closer to $200,000 once they add a few options, like the washer/dryer, stone guard protection, electric awning and an upgraded off-grid power set-up.

"We're toying with the idea of introducing a 16 foot version in around 18 months time," he said.

Currently, Bruder exports around 60 per cent of its Brisbane-built expedition trailers overseas, but expects its latest model with more familiar design and sharper pricing to attract more local buyers.

Meanwhile, the first Bruder EXP-10 has just rolled out of the factory, complete with 420 litre water tank capacity plus the option of a new, roof-top mounted atmospheric water generator from Israeli company WaterGen that will be able to generate up to 50L a day from thin air.

Bruder expects most interest in its new range-topping 2.1m wide, 20ft 6in (body length) expedition trailer to come from the Middle East, with a pricetag approaching $420,000 once options like the 2000W rooftop solar and 30kWh battery system are added; something Bruder reckons will be necessary to run all the power-hungry electrical items including the Watergen unit for any amount of time off-grid.