Avida launches tough new caravan range

One of Australia’s biggest motorhome manufacturers, Avida RV will launch its first new range of caravans in 35 years, at the Penrith RV Expo in NSW later this week.

It’s the first time since 1978 that Avida RV (formerly Winnebago) has built caravans, with the NSW manufacturer utilising similar, full fibreglass sandwich panel body construction to its motorhomes to create what it claims are “the strongest caravans in Australia”.

By using 49mm thick, insulated sandwich panel floors with laminated metal underbody protection, and a 45mm one-piece insulated composite roof that can hold the weight of another van (see video below), Avida says it “has created the strongest and most durable caravan that’s suited to the tough Australian conditions”.

‘Superlight’ 33mm thick insulated body panels also help reduce weight, with Tare weights ranging from 1172 to 2289kg.

With 156 configurations in total, the new Avida Sapphire caravan range is available initially in four body lengths (17ft 8in to 23ft 7in), 13 different layouts, and in on-road Tourer or off-road Multi Terrain specification.

Underpinnings include a Duragal chassis with 6in main rails and alloy wheels, with a choice of suspension types including AL-KO leaf springs or independent, or Cruisemaster XT off road independent coils.

Sleeping from two to six people, the various layouts incorporate queen size, single, bunk and slide-out beds, as well as ensuites with shower and toilet and washing machines on some models.

Claiming an industry-first, the vans are available in three fibreglass exterior colours -- arctic white, frosty silver and champagne gold -- with a choice of 13 exterior decal colours.

Also adding visual appeal are large dual pane tinted windows, while the contemporary style interiors come with LED mood lighting and the choice of 13 different upholstery fabrics and three different ‘ultra-leather’ trims. Every layout features a kitchen including fridge, cooktop, microwave and sink.

A long list of standard features across the range include remote controlled reverse cycle air conditioning, battery system with charger, external hot and cold shower, roll out awning and an outdoor TV entertainment unit.

After-sales support includes a two year factory backed, nationwide warranty and five year structural guarantee, two years’ free roadside assistance, and a free first service.

Avida RV sales and marketing manager Max Mayo says the new caravans are built basically like “a motorhome without an engine” and offer a number of Australian RV industry ‘firsts’, including full sandwich panel construction and heavy-duty roof.

Priced from $58,990 to $79,990, Mayo said the Sapphire range “are not the cheapest caravans in Australia, but they’re certainly the best”.

After their public debut at the Penrith RV Expo, at the Panthers Leagues Club in Penrith on September 6-8, the new Avida vans will be displayed at a number of other caravan shows around Australia this year including Melbourne Leisurefest (Oct 5-8) and the Sunshine Coast RV Caravan and Camping Show (Oct 18-20).

For full details visit the Avida RV website.