Billabong Grove 1

WE LIKED:

>> White polyester interior décor
>> Good use of windows
>> Generous drawer space in kitchen

NOT SO MUCH:
>> A few rough edges could do with a sandpaper
>> Some drawers require a decent tug to open
>> Lack of shelving in lower bathroom cupboard

Gold Coast-based Hinterland Caravans is, strangely enough, not really based in the Gold Coast hinterland but there’s nothing unusual about the caravans it carries, including the simply named Grove 1.

One of the newest models in the Billabong range, the front bedroom/rear-bathroom Grove 1 looks pretty standard on the outside but it’s certainly a bit different on the inside. Although there’s nothing radical about the layout, it’s the internal décor that really strikes you.

The interior is predominantly a stark white, offset by chocolate brown upholstery, doors, pelmets, and, in some cases, door frames.

In caravan terms, it’s a very contemporary look that might not be to everyone’s taste but is a nice change from the ubiquitous timber finish we so often see.

SIT BACK AND RELAX

The café style dinette is the place to sit back and take in the rest of the van. Although it doesn’t have hinged foot rests, the seat backs do extend around the van wall and the tri-fold table makes an excellent place to park the sunnies.

Speaking of sunnies, all the windows in the Grove 1 come with slim-line venetian blinds and, although some folks don’t like the amount of dusting they require, the blinds are excellent for varying shades of light control.

One of the best features of this dinette is that although the overhead lockers have doors (all white), the normal under table cupboard does not – it’s just open shelving.

While this does mean nothing can really be carried when travelling, the shelves are a heck of a lot easier to get at.

One odd thing about the dinette is the powerpoint. Although it’s good to have one, it’s located just under the overhead lockers, which makes it look like an afterthought.

WELL-LOCATED KITCHEN

Ask any keen chef and they’ll tell you the kitchen is the most important part of any caravan and should always been centrally located.

This one is certainly well-located on the mid-offside wall and contains all the important features such as a four-burner cooktop with grill, stainless steel sink with drainer, Dometic 186 litre two-door fridge and microwave oven located in an overhead locker.

At first glance, the kitchen bench looks a bit small but that’s deceptive because it comes with five drawers (which are an excellent use of space), a two door cupboard and one floor locker.

In another overhead locker, near the microwave, is a radio/CD player and about the only problem with this is that a short person or one who wears multi-focal glasses may have a little trouble focusing on the controls.

Those who love fresh air and natural light are really going to appreciate the front bedroom. The 1.85 x 1.52m (6ft 1in x 5ft) bed won’t completely accommodate taller adults but has large windows all around it and a Four Seasons hatch above which ensures a light-filled area (by day at least) with good cross-flow ventilation.

There are the usual side wardrobes and cabinets with a good-sized bedside shelf plus three drawers and three overhead lockers above the bed.

BATHROOM WITH THE LOT

At the other end of the van, the bathroom has a Thetford cassette toilet, separate shower cubicle and rear cabinet which includes both a wash basin and an offside corner top-loading washing machine.

The lower cabinet has one-and-a-half cupboards. Both are the same height and width but the one nearest the shower cubicle has less depth to allow for the shower cubicle door being opened.

Instead of normal overhead lockers, two small cupboards are fitted either side of the wall mirror.

CONVENTIONAL EXTERIOR

On the outside of the van, the body structure is fairly standard with a timber frame, aluminium cladding and insulation. The acrylic hopper windows are tinted and the entry door is a standard Camec triple-locker.

For external storage there’s both a good-sized front boot and tunnel storage directly behind it. Inside the boot itself are the standard electrical items – 100Ah battery and charger plus a well put together panel for everything including the 12 fuses.

Under the Dometic awning, you’ll find an antenna connection, 12V socket beside the picnic table, a 240V outlet above, and an LED strip light to keep things illuminated at night.

Like any good caravan, this one rides on a 100 x 50mm (4x2in) railed box section chassis that has the same sized drawbar rails which run back to the front suspension mounts.

Simple leaf spring suspension which attaches to the chassis via a 50mm (2in) riser is fitted to the tandem axles.

A ball coupling, twin 9kg gas cylinders and mesh rack are affixed to the front drawbar while at the rear, the spare wheel rides on a loop end bumper bar.

On the road, the 6.4m (21ft) van handled quite well. Given its ATM of 2590kg, something like a Toyota Prado could be used with careful loading, otherwise a mid to large size 4WD will be needed.

VERDICT

If you’re looking for a van with a unique interior, then this is it. There are some things that look very familiar about this van but the internal colour scheme certainly sets it apart.

That said, the Billabong Grove 1 is very well-appointed for long term touring and while it’s more a caravan park style van than an offroad tourer, it certainly has the capability to go many places throughout Australia.

BILLABONG GROVE 1

Overall length: 8.35m (27ft 5in)
External length: 6.4m (21ft)
External width: 2.39m (7ft 10in)
External height: 2.68m (8ft 10in)
Interior height: 2.01m (6ft 7in)
Nameplate ATM: 2590kg
Nameplate Tare: 2190kg
Ball weight (advised): 160kg
Frame: Timber
Chassis: DuraGal
Suspension: Leaf spring
Cooktop: Swift four-burner/grill/oven
Fridge : Dometic RM4601 186 litre
Microwave: Sharp Carousel
Shower: Separate cubicle
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Lighting: 12V LED
Gas supply: 2 x 9kg
Hot water heater: Suburban 23 litre
Fresh water: 2 x 90 litre
Price (on road Qld): $69,990.00
Supplied by: Hinterland Caravans, Burleigh, Qld