Chinese hybrids in the Crossfire

Melbourne’s On The Move is the latest caravan manufacturer to release a compact, hard-walled model that blurs the lines between an off-road caravan and a camper trailer.

The new Crossfire range includes a single axle, 10ft 6in (body length) hard-top model with a double bed and cupboards inside and an external kitchen, while a larger, 13ft 3in pop-top variant manages to also squeeze in a combination shower/toilet.

A third, family model with rear bunks instead of an ensuite is also in the works.

On display at Melbourne Leisurefest was a top-spec, pop-top model built for the rough stuff with heavy-duty Supagal chassis, Control Rider independent twin shock suspension, 12in brakes, 16in alloy wheels and off-road tyres, DO35 hitch, scrub bars, and front stone guard.

The interior layout incorporated an east-west double foam bed that converts to a two-seat lounge/dinette, with the combination shower/toilet in a rear corner, together with various cupboards, benchtops and 140 litre fridge.

Externally, there were two 4.5kg gas bottles and a shower hose hooked up to a gas/electric hot water system and two, 62 litre fresh water tanks.

The Crossfire’s electrical system includes dual 155W solar panels and solar regulator, two 100Ah batteries and charger, and LED lighting, with an internal TV point, digital antenna and LED TV all optional extras.

Internal kitchen appliances include a microwave and 140 litre 12V/240V compressor fridge, while the slide-out stainless steel kitchen accessed externally features a gas cooktop and Weber Baby Q bbq.

The Crossfire's body is built with an aluminium frame and insulated composite walls and one-piece floor.

Measuring 6.67m long overall, 1.93m wide and 2.25m high, and with a Prado-friendly 1491kg Tare, 2500kg ATM and 107kg ball weight and drive-away pricing (ex-Melbourne) of $52,990, On The Move boss Lennie Mifsud said the Crossfire pop-top delivers a “winning” formula.

“No-one else in the industry with this size van has a toilet and shower,” he said.

Mifsud said the Crossfire is the smallest caravan the company has built, as well as the first pop-top.

“It was just a market that we needed to meet. The Chinese manufacturers are trying to over-take the Australian manufacturers, but we’ve now kicked them in the head,” he said.

“They’re still $15,000 dearer than us, but we’ve got the Australian quality and the backing.”

A number of options are available including air-conditioning, premium entertainment system and a Finscan lithium battery package.

Following a ‘shakedown’ run from Birdsville to Rainbow Beach including a hair-raising run up Big Red (see video below), Mifsud said he hopes to sell “at least three or four a month”.

Different versions of the Crossfire are also being distributed by at least two locally-based Chinese camper trailer brands, including South Australia’s Eagle Trailers & Campers and Melbourne-based Mars Campers.