Elite power for the people

Melbourne’s Elite Caravans is offering two, new pricey options for buyers who want to stay powered up for weeks, if not months, while touring off the beaten track.

One option is a big, built-in generator that can be operated from inside the caravan via a control panel; not unlike that found on some larger motorhomes.??

Unlike smaller, portable units, the 3.6kW Cummins Onan RV QG 3600 generator has the ability to simultaneously power a number of 240V appliances found in luxury caravans including air-conditioner, washing machine and multiple TVs.

Measuring 76 x 50 x 35cm, the big unit comes with its own petrol tank and resides permanently in its own compartment accessible from outside the van.

“Gone are the days when you have to lug around a generator, chain it to a tree and run power cords precariously over the ground,” says Elite’s Peter Smith.

However, it does have to be custom built into a new caravan and, due to its hefty weight (83kg) is only an option on larger models.

Even more high-tech and expensive is the other option of fitting a European-sourced Efoy fuel cell to any Elite caravan.

According to the Efoy website, the fuel cells work like a ‘mobile power socket’ to automatically recharge batteries as required.

Powered by methanol, Elite says the fuel cell can “create up to 210Ah of 12V battery power per day. Combined with three, 130 watt solar panels, six volt batteries and 50 amp battery charger, you have power for up to six months without plugging into mains power”.

However, the catch is it won’t directly power 240V appliances like air-conditioning, so you’re limited to what the van's battery system can run via an inverter.

However, the fuel cell is a ‘clean’ energy source, with the only waste water vapour, heat and some carbon dioxide. It also provides up to 10 times as much electricity as solar panels, according to Efoy.

Other advantages are that it's quiet, maintenance free and at 8kg, is small and light enough to be easily installed in a caravan. It also comes with a display monitor.

Elite is offering the fuel cell as part of an optional ‘Armageddon pack’ which on the display model at the South Australian Caravan & Camping Show, added $36,000 to the cost of a ‘standard’ 20ft Elite Balistic off-road caravan (bringing the overall price to $136,990 plus on-road costs).

Also included in the Armageddon pack is a Fusion 700 sound system with sub woofer, and Cruisemaster’s dual shock air suspension and 12in disc brakes.

Smith said Elite is an official distributor of Efoy fuel cells in Australia and the Efoy Comfort 210 system fitted to the display van itself cost around $16,000. However, he claimed: "If you’re going to travel for three or four years, that fuel cell will pay for itself, plus it’s good for the environment."

He wouldn't say how much the in-built generator costs to fit, only that it was "quite expensive" and less than the fuel cell.

Elite is also set to introduce a new, high-capacity freshwater storage solution, to ensure you won’t go thirsty while enjoying all your generator or fuel cell powered appliances out in the bush!