Crusader CRV Esperance 2021 Review

With the plethora of decent, affordable, 3500kg-tow rated dual-cab utes now available, it’s hardly surprising many caravans sold in Australia these days are quite generous when it comes to size and weight.

Those after a lighter weight RV trailer usually go for a more off-road oriented tent trailer or smaller hybrid camper.

Apart from the odd lightweight locally-built offering, those after a sub-1500kg Tare, full-height ensuite caravan usually have to look further afield to the UK and Europe, with Adria probably the biggest exporter of lightweight caravans to Australia at the moment.

But for those after a smaller, lighter, but still well-equipped caravan with ‘Australian Made’ credentials, there’s now another good option with big-selling Melbourne caravan manufacturer Crusader recently launching its new 13ft (body length) CRV range.

From the outside in

Crusader is best known for its range of larger touring and rough-road caravans, but the Epping, Victoria-based RV builder recently dipped its toes in the mini-caravan market with the hybrid-style Chameleon box camper, followed by the similar-sized CRV full-height compact model.

Like the Chameleon, the new CRV range is built with a European-style full fibreglass composite sandwich panel construction, which delivers superior insulation not to mention hailstone resistance compared to your typical ‘stick and tin’ Aussie caravan.

To make it more like a traditional-style large caravan, the CRV gets a rear side entry door and full internal kitchen in lieu of the Chameleon’s rear entry door and more hybrid-style external pull-out kitchen.

Like the Chameleon, the Crusader CRV sits on a galvanised chassis and is available in both on- and off-road spec to suit different budgets and holiday preferencess.

When production begins next year, pricing will start around $45,000 for the entry-level CRV Esperance which, with its independent torsion beam suspension, 50mm ball coupling and payload of around 450kg, is aimed primarily at tarmac tourers who prefer caravan parks to free camping.

Off-road and off-grid ready

Two other pricier, heavier and more off-road and off-grid oriented CRV variants are also available, both with bigger payloads; the 2700kg ATM rated, circa $55,000 CRV Gladiator which gets independent coil spring suspension, a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, front toolbox and bigger water and battery capacity, among other upgrades.

Priced around $85,000 and with a 3000kg ATM, the range-topping, hardcore off-road CRV Hurricane comes fully loaded with adjustable airbag suspension, central heating, dust suppression system, and hydraulic disc brakes, etc (click here for further details).

All three CRV variants offer a similar, cosy two-berth couple’s layout including a kitchenette and combination shower/toilet at the rear; a centrally located full height wardrobe, upright fridge and microwave, and two single beds at the front that can be pushed together to form a double, or used as seating for a dinette with a removable swivel table positioned in between.

Entry-level hits the spot

Given its competitive pricing and reasonably long list of standard equipment, Crusader expects the entry-level CRV Esperance to be the most popular in the new range.

As well as those with smaller tow vehicles and more experienced RV travelers looking to down-size, the Esperance is aimed at the increasing number of first-time caravan buyers entering the market due to current restrictions in overseas travel.

It certainly ticks many of the boxes for a modern, comfortable caravan with two 9kg gas bottles, a roll-out awning, 15in alloy wheels, 10in electric brakes, a 62 litre freshwater tank, gas bayonet, external entertainment/TV locker, picnic table, 190W rooftop solar panel, 105Ah AGM battery and charger, and rear-mounted spare tyre on the standard features list.

You also get many of the internal appliances found in larger caravans like a four-burner cooktop and grille, rangehood, 108 litre fridge/freezer, microwave, rooftop air-conditioner, roof hatch, 12V fan, double glazed windows, 24in TV, stereo with inside/outside speakers, hot water unit and a digital control panel.

Euro look for Aussie tastes

The relatively clean, Euro-style glossy white exterior on the Crusader CRV Esperance also looks different to many of the colourful, heavily stylized vans that roll out of Melbourne caravan factories these days.

There’s a refreshing lack of checker plate body armour and underbody protection apart from some gal sheeting for the poly water tank. That’s fine for a touring caravan, although the lack of any front stone protection could be of concern for buyers wanting to venture down the occasional dirt or gravel road.

Perhaps Crusader could think about offering a removable padded caravan ‘bra’, or something similar to that offered by British caravan importers in the past to prevent stone chips on the smooth front section.

If you do plan to regularly head off the beaten track, the CRV Gladiator or Hurricane version with their mesh stone guard, additional checkerplate protection, boosted ground clearance and off-road coupling could be a better option.

Although the offside chassis-mounted battery box hangs quite low, there’s sufficient ground clearance on the Esperance for light off-road travel. Crusader, however, is planning to increase ground clearance by 50mm on production versions, as well as boost ball weight to around 110kg by pushing the rear axle back slightly, which should add to towing stability.

Easy towing potential

We didn’t get to tow the CRV Esperance during our brief time together, but with a plated Tare of just 1328kg it shapes up as a hassle-free towing experience ideal for nervous or inexperienced caravan owners.

Even at its fully loaded maximum of 1800kg, it should sit nicely behind a range of popular, medium SUVs and wagons, and feel even more settled behind a larger dual-cab ute or 4x4 wagon.

At just 2.2m wide and close to 2.8m high, it should also be relatively easy to back into tight campsites, and even light enough to be pushed into place by hand on flat ground, although there were no grab handles fitted.

Set-up should also be relatively easy, with just a removable jockey wheel, four drop-down corner stabilizers and a user-friendly Dometic wind-out awning to deal with before settling into Happy Hour.

Also easily accessible on the offside wall are the 240V inlet, water tank filler and mains water connection, along with the locker for the toilet cassette, while a large picnic table, gas bayonet, small awning light and an entertainment 'hutch' with 12V/240V/TV aerial sockets and adjustable arm for the 24in TV are located on the onside wall.

For external storage, there’s a large front tunnel boot, which holds the various winders and jack, while leaving plenty of room for camp chairs, a fold-up table and perhaps a small BBQ.

Unlike the up-spec versions, there’s no internal light or durable checker plate lining in the Esperance's tunnel locker to protect against ‘wet’ items like hoses and cords (the other versions also get a front toolbox to store wet items).

Jam-packed interior

Entry into the cosy interior is via a Camec security door, which on pleasant days can be held open with a latch on the rear side. There’s a pull-out entry step and grab handle, although it’s not much of a step up to the checker plate protected, drop-down entry recess.

Immediately to the right is the kitchen, which is of decent size although apart from a sliver of spare bench space on the right of the sink (near a couple of 240V sockets),  food prep is confined to the glass lid covering the four-burner cooktop. A cutting board cover for the sink would be a handy addition here.

There’s also a small grille, rangehood, and flick mixer tap for the sink, along with a couple of ceiling lights to go with the rangehood light for night-time meal preparation.

The 108 litre upright fridge/freezer is not far away, located below the microwave which sits at a convenient height. Crusader has opted for a compressor fridge that runs off battery or mains power, given the Esperance is set up for caravan parks.

Showering room with a view

Although a combination unit, the fibreglass ensuite cubicle in the rear offside corner is surprisingly spacious, with the front shower rose and small corner basin with mixer tap separated from the fixed cassette toilet and overhead storage cabinet by a shower curtain.

There’s no 12V fan hatch so you’ll have to open the small side window when showering to avoid fogging up, and there could be an issue with water splashing on to the window if you're not careful.

However, we really like the big mirror on the front of the solid ensuite door – large enough so you can see yourself getting changed from outside the van with the door open, if desired!

Bed and breakfast

Crusader has tackled the problem of trying to fit bedding, a lounge and dining area into the remaining front area by coming up with a largely successful three-in-one system.

By day, it sets up as two single beds, with a decent-sized, removable swivel table that slots in between for meals, reading or playing board games.

At night, couples have the option of removing the table and slotting a supplied plyboard insert between the two beds in order to slide the two singles together to make a double bed.

The biggest problem we envisage is where to store the tabletop, table leg, and additional bed base when not in use – possibly in the tow vehicle, with not a lot of spare space inside the van.

Apart from romantic couplies having to remake the bed every night, the makeshift double bed is not overly wide or long (my 6ft 3in frame hung off the end), so best check sizing before purchase to ensure both you and your sleeping mate have enough stretch-out room. The coil spring mattresses feel pretty comfy though.

Room to store

Another big surprise in the CRV Esperance is the amount of interior storage options. There are decent sized cupboards above and below the kitchen benchtop, as well as small and large drawers for food and cooking items.

The central wardrobe with its deep, open shelves and lower drawers should also swallow enough clothes, towels, etc for a decent getaway, with three overhead lockers above the beds, another drawer under the onside bed and another small locker under the fridge for back-up.

The overhead cupboard above the toilet should also hold enough toiletry items for two people.

The hot water unit is located under the offside bed, with switches and controls for the 105Ah AGM battery, charger and 190W solar panel located above the fridge, with a control panel on the side wall near the entry door.

Electrical sockets inside the van are mostly 240V, with another set of connections and adjustable arm for the TV on the wall facing the offside bed.

Battery and solar power and 62 litre water capacity should be sufficient for a few days free camping,  but if you want to go off-grid longer, the other CRV models offer more in the way of solar, battery and water capacity.

Despite being fitted with four double-glazed windows and a skylight, there’s not as much natural light inside the CRV as you get in a bigger caravan. The beige gloss furniture and white walls in our review van made it feel bright and airy though.

Along with some ceiling lights there are two reading lights for the beds, while a dark brown leatherette bedhead and matching padded head protector above the door add to the contemporary feel.

The rooftop air-con and single 12V fan facing the beds should also help with maintaining an ideal inside temperature.

Other things to consider

The CRV Esperance boasts decent interior headroom, at least until the air-con unit, roof hatch and sloping front roofline cut into the headroom of taller people around the middle and front sections of the van. You also have to watch your head from banging against the overhead cabinets when getting in and out of the beds.

While Crusader has done a good job of fitting many big caravan features into the 13ft CRV, it does come at the expense of interior floorspace, with a tight squeeze in places for two people trying to move around the van at the same time.

There are also some packaging limitations, with the big ensuite door swinging open onto the space in front of the main cooking area, and the outside mounted TV clashing with the drop-down picnic table.

Unlike the other CRV models, the Esperance appeared to miss out on USB points for charging devices, although we did notice a 12V socket located on the rear bumper bar (perhaps for plugging in a torch at night).

Otherwise, like other Crusader vans fit and finish appeared top notch, although the pull-out drawers in the kitchen felt flimsy when opening and shutting them.

As well as all the benefits of full fibreglass composite construction, Crusader says the CRV boasts other durability features like a plastic rather than timber supporting base under the shower, and a chassis made from strong 450Mpa steel – all backed by Crusader’s two year factory and five year structural warranty.

Verdict

If you’re not fussed by the temporary double bed set-up and lack of dirt-road and off-grid capability, the Crusader CRV Esperance at around $45,000 makes smart buying for new and more experienced RV travellers alike.

Easy to tow, relatively easy to set up, fitted with most of the modern-day caravan must-haves and boasting full composite construction, it’s a welcome addition to the locally-built compact caravan market.

2021 Crusader CRV Esperance

Travel length: 5950mm
External body length: 3950mm
External body width: 2205mm
Interior height (maximum): 2030mm
Travel height: 2780mm
Tare: 1328kg
ATM: 1800kg
Ball weight (Tare): 90kg
Body: Fibreglass composite walls with closed cell foam insulation, 29mm roof and walls, 39mm floor
Chassis: Galvanised 150mm x 50mm steel chassis with 50mm ball coupling
Suspension: Torsion beam independent
Brakes: 10in electric drum
Wheels: 15in alloy with 205/70 tyres
Freshwater: 1 x 62 litre
Battery: 1 x 105AH deep cycle AGM
Solar: Roof-mounted 1 x 190W glass panel
TV: 24in with Dometic wind-up aerial
Audi: CD/Bluetooth radio, with four inside/outside speakers
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Gas/electric HWS
Air conditioner: Houghton Belaire 2400 roof-top
Cooking: Swift 500 Series four gas burner internal cooktop/grille, plus NCE microwave
Fridge: 108-litre Dometic two-way compressor
Shower: Internal
Toilet: Fixed cassette
Lighting: LED inside, plus exterior awning light
Price: $45,000 (approx.)
Supplied by: Crusader Caravans, Epping, Victoria