Big plans for new Melbourne caravan builder

Another new Aussie caravan builder has set up shop in Australia's caravan manufacturing heartland in Melbourne's north, but this one appears to be doing things a little differently in order to stand out from the pack.

Launching in late-2022, My Dream RV has been set up by an experienced caravan factory manager, and has the back-up of one of Australia's fastest growing RV dealer networks.

While built using traditional 'stick 'n tin' methods with smooth aluminium composite body cladding, My Dream RV owner Mathew John says the new vans benefit from Lean manufacturing processes at the new Epping, Victoria factory, and feature some unique design elements including a Euro-inspired curved front for aerodynamic and fuel saving benefits.

"I think innovation is the key for this industry," he said. "We wanted to create something different in the marketplace, and because everyone is doing the same square box look and fuel economy is such a big issue for caravanners we wanted to address that with our slick design."

Instead of cutting into some valuable interior space, the rounded front upper panel has helped create more room around the front bed area and deliver a 'cubby house' effect.

"Our caravan is also slightly higher in the roof section so it gives you that more open feel compared to others," he said.

As well as improving quality the adoption of efficient production processes also helps keep a lid on costs, with pricing for a five-model luxury off-road range available in body lengths from 17ft 6in to 23ft and both couple and family layouts, kept within the $80-$100,000 drive-away bracket.

"We include a lot of inclusions as standard rather than options, for example two lithium batteries and two solar panels, SOG toilet and filtered water are all standard across the range," he said.

"Our aim is to offer a range of luxury caravans but at a reasonable price."

My Dream RV sources "superior" quality, pre-assembled furniture from local supplier the Wren Group, while the 6in chassis are supplied by Proline Chassis with trailing arm coil suspension components from Tuffride.

The vans also benefit from a waterproof sealant applied on the Meranti timber frame around the shower area to help prevent rot if there's a water leak.

Otherwise, they follow the latest industry interior 'look' including handle-free glossy cabinetry and embossed leather upholstery, along with a high level of LED 'mood' lighting both inside and out.

Currently there are 13 workers producing around five vans a week at the My Dream RV factory at 7 Nexus Rd, Epping, with the vans sold exclusively through the five multi-brand retail outlets in Queensland, Victoria and NSW run by Caravan HQ.

Future plans include a game-changing new top-end caravan inspired by some of the latest European RV innovations.

"At the end of this year we'll be bringing out a luxury model which will be unique to the marketplace, and totally different to what's been seen in Australia before," he said.