Australia's first two-storey family caravan rises up

Aussie remote travel caravan builder CRZRVAN continues to stretch the boundaries of how comfortable off-the-grid caravanning can be, as well as how far off-the-beaten-track a big family caravan can go.

Dubbed "Australia's best family touring caravan", the latest CRZRVAN K2 from the Shepparton, Victoria-based business is a step up from the five-year old, custom manufacturer's tricked-up tandem axle family bunk van revealed earlier this year.

As can be seen in the Youtube walk-through video (below), the heavyweight six-berth K2's biggest party trick is its powered pop-top roof, that raises up by around one metre to create a "spacious retreat for children... featuring up to four single beds and accessed via a full staircase".

While pop-top RVs are quite common, it's rare to see one that creates a separate second-level living area, at least down under and not counting the odd multi-million dollar motorhome.

The parent's retreat below features a six-seater leather club lounge, along with a drop-down electric king bed, powered tabletop and lockable firearm storage. The ground floor also gets an impressive kitchen that includes a double gold sink and matching twin taps, along with a super-sized ensuite and shower cubicle, with an opening hatch inside the shower big enough to enjoy the surroundings outside while lathering up.

Climate control extends to two rooftop air-conditioners (one for each level) and a diesel space heater with ducted vents throughout. While off-the-grid power is taken care of by an 800Ah lithium battery system with 6000W inverter, 2200W rooftop solar and 1500W vehicle-to-caravan charging.

All up, there are eight glass solar panels of various sizes located on the roof, including one on a rear roof spoiler, while the K2 can also hold up to 600 litres of water in underbody tanks.

Electrical items like the internal and external ambient and mood lighting are controlled by a CZONE digital panel, while there's also an iPad located in the external entertainment hatch, that can be used to adjust the airbag suspension, audio system and powered awning.

Other external highlights include a slide-out kitchen with induction cooktop, a built-in 32in TV, and a rear platform bar with twin 35in spare tyres and space for four jerry cans. There's also a large front toolbox with a BBQ slide, pull-out drawers and a wet-box compartment; all with central locking.

The CRZRVAN K2 is constructed with one-piece PVC core composite panels, protected by aluminium extrusions and a black spray-on coating. The big off-road van rides on CRZR's solid axle air-ride suspension, with remote reservoir shocks and on-the-move ride height adjustability via the iPad app.

The K2's body measures 7040mm (23ft) long and 2300mm wide, while Tare is listed at 3720kg and ATM at 4495kg.

With the first example built specially for CRZRVAN founder Rhys Conti, there's no mention of pricing although like all CRZRVAN creations, you'll require deep pockets if you want to put something with similar eye-popping appeal in the driveway. To give you an idea there are currently two, near-new $200K-plus CRZRVANs listed for sale on caravancampingsales.

"The biggest limitation to a large ensuite in a family van is the position of the bunks, by moving the kids area upstairs this allows space for a full size ensuite perfect for full time travellers," explained Conti who also runs a refrigerated trucking business.

"The CRZRVAN K2 represents the ultimate in family touring, blending luxury, functionality and ruggedness to deliver an exceptional travel experience."