Crusader launches 2025 caravan range

Big-selling Melbourne caravan manufacturer Crusader has pulled the covers off its latest 2025 range, which incorporates a bold exterior and interior redesign and unique new finishes, a thicker composite roof, and the availability of more upmarket off-grid power and off-road suspension set-ups.

Crusader Caravans' Managing Director Michael Paidoussis said it was the first time the entire Crusader caravan range including full-size hardtop and more compact hybrid models, had been subject to a full redesign since the Melbourne manufacturer moved to full composite construction around four years ago.

The "ground up" revamp includes a new, more aerodynamic exterior shape on all models except the entry-level Lifechanger, although like all new MY25 Crusader models it does benefit from fresh exterior graphics and decals.

Also new and highlighted on an eye-catching XCountry Mad Max off-road model, is an external locker with 'cocktail bar', while the new range-topping van is also one of the first Crusaders to be fitted with Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension and a more upmarket and bigger capacity Victron lithium battery and rooftop solar power set-up including big colour touchscreen.

The MY25 Crusader off-grid models are also available with a diesel heater and induction cooktop as well as gas appliances.

"We've specced them up so people can go off-grid for longer, if that's what they want to do," Paidoussis said.

The interior fit-outs also feature the latest modern decor, hidden ambient lighting, and smooth cabinet fascias, as well as various finishes that are currently exclusive to the Crusader range, including new ribbed furniture fascias, textured fabrics and trendy over-size catches, as well as tapware and sinks in a range of colours.

Other stylish touches include fold-out magazine holders at the end of seat bases, instead of foot-rests, and coloured instead of white wall partitions.

"The interiors are completely different to anything that we've ever done before," he said. "For our up-spec models including XCountry and Excalibur we've tried replicate a top-end apartment feel; so if you want something that's unique and luxurious there's nothing else out there like it..."

Crusader has also beefed up the fibreglass sandwich panel roof from 30mm to 40mm thick across the range, to better cope with the increased weight of multiple glass solar panels, air-conditioners, etc. Various width EcoLite sandwich panels continue to be used for the walls and floor.

"The roof has become really expensive real-estate, as more people want to put more and more things on the vans, which is great but it becomes quite a heavy conveyance, so we've made it stronger..."

He said the thicker roof also adds to the thermal and acoustic insulation of the Crusader vans, which are one of few Melbourne-built vans that benefit from full sandwich panel construction instead of a separate frame, insulation and panels.

He said many of the new features will be included as standard rather than options on many models, based on customer feedback. As a result it's likely that pricing across the board will rise, although full model details including pricing won't be revealed until October.

The new 2025-model vans will be built at Crusader’s two-year old mega-factory in Epping which currently employs more than 200 people and produces around 2000 vans a year.

The unveiling of the new 2025 models took place at a special 'soft launch' event at The Timberyard in Port Melbourne, where around 300 guests including industry leaders, dealers, sporting celebrities and media gathered for presentations before the grand reveal...

The new MY25 models are now available to order. Further details on the Crusader Caravans website.