Dryden Explorer 25 fifth wheeler 2006 Review

By Chrissy Eustace

The Explorer is truly a landmark model. It definitely contains the sought after ‘wow factor’ and easily competes with the best of the imports. The internal finish is full timber – high gloss New Guinea Rosewood – and is absolutely stunning. While it’s not a slide-out model, it does come with the best hydraulic levelling system in this price range.

A problem that has plagued owners of larger fifth wheelers is the very limited choice of tow vehicles. This isn’t a problem in the case of the 25ft (7.6m) Explorer, as it can be towed effectively by vehicles such as an Iveco Daily, Nissan Navara, Nissan Patrol, Toyota LandCruiser and Mitsubishi Triton.

Making life easy

You don’t normally come across hydraulic levelling gear on non-slide-out fifth wheelers, and the system used on the Explorer is exceptional.

Firstly the method of operation is truly idiot-proof. All you do is plug in a lead with a switch on the end into a socket near the wheel you wish to raise.

There are three points at which to raise the Explorer, and this system is so strong that you can completely raise one side and change either wheel. All the controls are  neatly installed in a front locker out of harm’s way. We also appreciated the oversized feet for soft ground.

The Explorer is a very strong unit with the chassis being made from galvanised 100 x 50 x 4mm RHS. The side frames are all welded and filled with foam insulation on 450mm centres. Dryden uses solid sheets of fibreglass which adds considerably to the overall strength of the walls. The interior plywood is glued in place and so you can’t see a solitary staple. This process is very labour intensive, but the result is a great smooth finish. Dryden will fit out the tow vehicle and interestingly the company insists that the tow point is directly above the rear axle.

We come across many fifth wheelers where it is behind the axle in caravan style, and apparently in doing so you lose all the semi-trailer-type towing advantages.

Braking capacity is extremely important. The Explorer’s Al-Ko 10in electric brakes on all four wheels do a fantastic job. Tyres give a fair bit of reserve capacity and run on Sunraysia wheels, while the unit also uses the Al-Ko rubber suspension.

This suspension has been tuned to the load and avoids the nasty shocks that can cause plates to break.

However, it’s the external storage that makes a fifth wheeler unique in the RV field. The massive boot across the front houses twin 4kg gas cylinders with a couple of gas valve access holes that allow easy access to the cylinders, yet keeps the door locked – an excellent solution to a common problem.

The floor of this locker is made from small, galvanised steel mesh, providing the best possible ventilation for both the gas and the batteries. To the left in this compartment are two 6V 220ah Trojan batteries. We liked the easy access to the 100ah isolator. The other generous sized bins are all carpet lined.

We also liked the push-in external Dryden table – brilliant for Happy Hours or roadside snacks. A twin Omnistor electric step comes standard, as does an external and internal grab rail.

Dometic windows are fitted and these have built-in blinds and flyscreens. This unit exudes class, which is evident in the detail around pelmets and mirrors, and in the addition of an A&E awning.

A long home

This unit is unashamedly set up for two people in luxurious surroundings. The bedroom is huge and contains a full sized double bed and a bedside table for each partner. A 6ft person can easily be accommodated with zero bending.

There is also a full length wardrobe opposite with lots of shelves. You have a choice of privacy either from a concertina door across the bathroom or the other at bedroom level.

The extra large bathroom and toilet are both separate, and span the width of the unit. Two towel rails, as well as plenty of cupboards under the sink and a wall-mounted Caroma cabinet are helpful extras.

The kitchen in this unit has heaps of bench space and is ideal for those into cooking and entertaining. The Smev oven and the easy to use pull-out pantry are set perfectly into a good sized area.

All benchtops are a tasteful granite finish with flick taps in the sink. Refrigeration is via a 190L Waeco Coolmatic. This fridge has a brilliant locking system which seems absolutely foolproof. A handy U-shaped lounge goes right across the back of the van, with the table modified to make it very stable for general use.

An Omega front-load washing machine is mounted up off the floor. You would never guess that it hides behind a beautiful wooden roller shutter. This machine takes a massive 5kg and doubles as a dryer. The ballast weight it needs due to the extra-fast spin speeds is unfortunate but worth it for the convenience.

Reliable Four Seasons hatches are fitted over the main bed and in the kitchen, and would give excellent summer ventilation. A roof-mounted Dometic air-conditioner completes the ventilation system.

The Explorer is extremely well equipped in terms of the entertainment unit it offers. There’s a 17in flatscreen LCD in the lounge and another in the bedroom. These are hooked up to a Winegard wind-up aerial. The combined DVD/CD player sounds awesome through the four-speaker surround sound system.

Water and sullage is a very strong point on this unit. All tanks are fully welded aluminium with a generous 170L fresh water tank and 120L for grey.

Hot water is supplied via a Suburban gas unit with auto ignition. It was nice to see a stainless steel heat deflector fitted to stop delamination problems.

This unit is set up well for roadside stops and bush camping. Two 80W solar panels drive the two 6V 220ah batteries. We liked the way all wiring is effectively insulated from the main frame using adhesives.

This positively stops all chance of movement and eventual failure. The solar regulator is the fairly popular ProStar 15. Lighting in this van is superb as are the generous supply of powerpoints. An external light and powerpoint makes life extra easy.

The bottom line

The Explorer 25 is a beautifully made fifth wheeler designed to take on the harshest conditions Australian roads can throw at it. The unit is set up for bush camping for up to five days where water is available. The overall finish is up there with the best units and it won’t fail to satisfy the most fastidious purchaser.

It tows like a dream and its suitability with tow vehicles makes it the fifth wheeler of choice in the 25ft range.

For more information contact Dryden Trailers, 1 Lions Park Road, Yatala, Qld 4207, (07) 3807 2544, or visit www.drydentrailers.com.au.

We liked:

Superb timber finish.

Value for money.

Exceptionally good levelling jacks.

Great build quality.

Outside modern decals.

Excellent utilities locker.

Massive storage.

Excellent outside removable table.

Very practical washing machine off the floor.

Drinking water filter as standard.

Sullage and water hoses supplied.

Two electric leads supplied.

We would have liked:

A high window in the bathroom or toilet.

Better visibility of solar controls.

Easier water filling away from mains.