Crusader reinvents family van

Melbourne’s Crusader Caravans has released a value-packed new family caravan just in time for Christmas.

Part of the Epping, Victoria-based manufacturer’s new 2015 entry-level Musketeer range, the 20ft 6in tandem axle Musketeer Aramis packs in plenty of features as well as some unique interior design touches for its sub-$60K pricetag.

Externally, the Aramis family van also features Crusader’s latest ‘blunt’ nose design, which creates more room in the front tunnel boot to carry a generator.

The new model also features a tougher ‘Alupanel’ aluminium composite roof and one-piece solid flooring, to go with more traditional ribbed aluminium side cladding and checker plate protection.

But it’s inside where the Musketeer family model really stands apart, with a long lounge ‘bench’ stretching along much of the off-side wall, incorporating a fixed, island bench-style table that could fit five or six people.

Twin (or triple) bunks run along the rear of the van, with handy storage nooks for each bed, or these can be deleted to fit longer beds for lanky teenagers.

Another ‘novelty’ is the over-sized, combination shower/toilet, which features a single, large ‘wet’ area including shower, toilet, sink and overhead cabinets.

Otherwise, there’s a north-south queen bed up front (with built-in side cubby holes and 240V sockets for CPAP machines) and a good-sized kitchen complete with four-burner cooker and grille, microwave and 186 litre Dometic fridge/freezer.

Other features include a 21.5in TV/DVD player, CD radio player, double glazed windows, 2.5kg washing machine, roof-top air-conditioner, 100Ah battery and 120W solar panel, two 9kg gas bottles and 190 litre water storage.

To keep the price down, there are just three interior colour options and only minimal scope for changes, unlike Crusader’s other, more expensive custom-built models.

Currently on display at Crusader’s stand-alone Campbellfield,  Victoria dealership priced at $56,000, the Musketeer Aramis rides on rocker leaf spring suspension and has a 180kg ball weight, 2240kg Tare and 2640kg ATM.

See the Crusader Caravans website for further details.