Carbon-fibre caravan of the future revealed

What does the caravan of the future look like?

For Campbellfield, Victoria-based technology start-up, OzXCorp, it’s a ‘smart’ composite caravan that ‘drives’ itself thanks to hub drive motors on each wheel.

But for American manufacturer KZ Recreational Vehicles, it’s a feature-packed 26ft carbon-fibre caravan with solar-charged lithium battery bank and a fresh water harvesting system designed to keep you happily camping off the grid for weeks on end.

Unveiled at the 2019 RVX show in Salt Lake City, Utah, KZ claims the stealth-black Sonic X is the RV industry's first "endless solar power" vehicle, combining a 1000-watt roof-mounted solar array with a nine battery, 1000Ah lithium-ion bank for serious off-grid power capability.

For strength and also to reduce weight the Sonic X’s body utilizes full carbon fibre construction, underpinned by a Huck-bolted frame which KZ says is five times stronger than welding.

Another claimed industry first is the so-called Secondary Infinite Water System (SIWS). It ensures an endless supply of fresh water, as long as you’re near a river, lake or other water source, courtesy of a 7.6-m long hose connected to an on-board water pump that draws water through the advanced filtration system into the van’s 390 litres (capacity) water tanks.

The Sonic X also features deep-tinted frameless windows and Chroma-coated roller shades, to help keep out UV rays and improve insulation.

Externally, the 2735kg Sonic X is highlighted by matte black graphics and blue highlights, while the spacious interior offers typical American dark timber and beige décor, leather upholstery and a slide-out club lounge. There’s also lots of ambient and mood lighting and a Murphy wall bed that converts to a day couch.

Also part of the Sonic X package is an external entertainment locker with Playstation 4 console mounted behind the TV, a custom roof-mounted kayak carrier and a four bike carrier. The whole rig rides on 30in off-road tires and torsion-axle suspension, with underbody armour to cope with off-road adventures.

"We are committed to protecting the environment, so we set out to develop a concept that reflected one of our core brand missions,” said KZ RV President Aram Koltookian.

“When developing the Sonic X, we wanted to build the ultimate, self-sustainable RV that is both durable on the outside and features a modern interior for today's lifestyle.”

KZ RV has not confirmed whether a production version of the Sonic X will be available, but with KZ owned by global RV giant Thor Industries, which boasts the American Jayco and Airstream as well as Germany's Erwin Hymer Group among its large collection of RV brands, anything is possible…