If 2020 is the year of the black caravan, then Melbourne's On The Move Caravans has taken the concept to a whole new level, in design and technology with its latest show-stopping, 24ft 6in Vortex Black Edition One Touch off-road caravan.
A star of the Victorian Caravan and Camping Virtual Show, the ground-breaking tandem axle van is based on On The Move's already impressive Vortex Black Edition off-road model, but includes a 'wish list' of technology features and design elements conjured up by On the Move owners Lennie Mifsud, a former auto electrician and his wife Jennifer, who has a background in interior design.
The enterprising couple have pulled out all stops for their dream project, adding some stand-out external features like a slick gourmet slide-out kitchen with two burner induction cooktop, sink, cutlery drawers and Weber BBQ, to go with the Vortex's standard all-black exterior treatment, from midnight black aluminum composite body panels and checker plate to the front toolbox, roll-out awning and black alloy wheels and guards.
The unique van gets its 'One Touch' model name due to a number of remote-control set-up features, activated via a Garmin smart management portable tablet that either individually or collectively controls the exterior and interior lights, multi-level airbag suspension, roll-out awning, roof-mounted satellite dish, and entry step -- not to mention other chores like winding down the stabiliser legs and emptying the macerator toilet with its 120 litre 'black' tank!
Step inside and the interior decor theme is lighter but no less dramatic, including Hampton house-style white timber cabinetry and wood panel-style wall finishes around the kitchen and grey leather club lounge.
The bespoke ensuite boasts an extra-large shower cubicle with eye-catching black framed shower screen, large shelf and subway tile-themed walls, to complement other black highlights including the kitchen sink and tapware, induction cooktop, 279L fridge/freezer, wall-mounted washing machine and cupboard handles.
Other 'One Touch' features inside include a pop-up 50in TV that faces the electric slide-out queen bed.
The one-off Vortex Black Edition is also equipped for off-road, off-grid travel with a heavy-duty ARV chassis, airbag suspension, disc brakes and DO-45 coupling, along with four water tanks and a 300Ah lithium battery system with inverter and 800W rooftop solar.
The Mifsuds have been using a RAM 2500 pick-up to tow the 4.5 tonne ATM van and while they haven't indicated any pricing, buyers interested in purchasing a similar-spec van should expect to pay substantially more than a standard Vortex Black Edition which can retail for around $85,000.
As well as a couple of Youtube videos, the unique van will also feature in an upcoming episode of the What's Up Downunder TV show.
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