Crusader boosts tough mini-caravan range

An enticing new off-road version of Crusader's premium Melbourne-built mini-caravan is hitting the dealerships.

Boosting the big-selling Melbourne manufacturer's CRV full composite range to four variants, the new Crusader CRV Gladiator Force sits between the mid-range Gladiator and top-spec Hurricane variants, delivering some more Hurricane-style glamping features for off-grid adventurers seeking a lighter weight caravan.

The award-winning Michael Valentino recently provided a sneak-peak of the new CRV Gladiator Force while it was displayed at the Crusader Caravan Melbourne dealership, and in the walkaround video (below) said the new model offered more features and interior living options than the standard 13ft Gladiator, thanks partly to the use of the larger 14ft 6in (4400mm) body from the range-topping CRV Hurricane.

Described as a "tough little unit", the CRV Gladiator Force off-roader boasts a galvanised six inch chassis, Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and trailing arm independent coil suspension, together with 16in alloys and all-terrain tyres, a stone mesh guard and a front toolbox with BBQ slide and gas bottle storage.

Extras included with the Gladiator Force include a bigger 200Ah lithium battery system with twin 210W rooftop solar panels, a wireless reversing camera and front and rear light bar, together with twin 95 litre fresh water tanks and a grey water tank, a roll-out awning, powered entry steps and an external entertainment locker and picnic table.

Inside, the extra 450mm body length allows for the fitment of separate dinette/lounge seating that's missing from the standard Gladiator, to go with the two front single beds that can be converted to a double, and the kitchenette and combination shower/toilet located towards the rear.

The CRV Gladiator Force gets other Hurricane-style features including a second Sirocco 12V fan, a 28in Smart TV/DVD, big 186 litre compressor fridge/freezer, an RV Wi-fi unit, pillowtop innerspring mattresses and a Truma gas space heater, to go with the rooftop air-conditioner, four burner cooktop and grille, rangehood, microwave and an audio system with inside and outside speakers.

The 2022 CRV Gladiator Force also gets a new eye-catching white/grey and turquoise exterior colour scheme, to make its full fibreglass sandwich panel body stand out from other CRV variants.

The feature-packed new model is expected to weigh a bit more than the standard Gladiator, which has a Tare weight of around 1650kg and 2700kg ATM. It's also expected to cost around $9000 more than the $60,000 Gladiator, with a starting price for the Gladiator Force of around $69,000.

The top-spec CRV Hurricane variant that comes loaded with upmarket extras including airbag suspension, disc brakes and satellite TV is currently priced around $90,000.

Waiting lists for all Crusader models including the CRV currently stretch out to early-2023 or later, although the order books are expected to ease after Crusader moves into a bigger new factory later this year. See the Crusader website for further details.