Evolve RV joins composite caravan crowd

The full composite caravan trend is gathering steam in Australia, with another Victoria-based manufacturing start-up recently rolling out a new line of stylish, 'timber-free' off-road caravans.

Evolve RV joins a growing number of Victorian brands including Crusader, Network RV's VanCraft, Lyfe RV and On The Move, to ditch 'old-school' frames and wall cladding still used by many Melbourne caravan builders, for the latest Euro-style fibreglass sandwich and composite panel construction, designed to deliver superior insulation along with other benefits.

The new low-volume builder's full composite range is currently sold at retail outlets in Victoria and Western Australia, with Wendouree, Victorian dealer BMG Caravans displaying six of the striking white and black Evolve RV off-road vans.

Describing the build quality as "pretty awesome", BMG Caravans' salesperson Chris Bird said he had sold a few Evolve RV vans this year to early-adopter customers looking for something a bit different at the pricier end of the market.

"As a full composite and fully insulated off-road van they're targeting the top end of the market; in some ways they're very similar to a Zone (RV caravan)," Bird said.

"They come with off-grid lithium set-ups, optional airbag suspension and Raptor-coated chassis, so are very much aimed at buyers of premium off-road and long-range touring vans."

He said Evolve RV had a 'soft launch' of its new three-model range of full height off-road composite caravans in late-2022. The business was started by industry veteran John Morris, who previously worked in management roles at Essential Caravans and Royal Flair Caravans before deciding to head out on his own.

As well as adopting the latest lightweight, bonded, composite construction methods, he said Evolve RV is also going against convention by setting up its factory in the bushy Kinglake area; around 50km north-east of Melbourne's busy industrial suburbs of Epping, Somerton and Campbellfield where the majority of Australia's caravan and chassis manufacturers are located.

The Evolve RV vans are built on ARV chassis with either Alpha or Cruisemaster independent coil or airbag suspensions, with the also locally-sourced fibreglass sandwich panels for the sides, roof and floor protected by some Raptor side body protection along with a Raven coating for the front toolboxes.

Depending on the model, they come well equipped with an anti-sway stability control unit, electric awning and powered steps, together with off-grid power systems with up to 300Ah lithium batteries and 570W rooftop solar power.

They also come with top-end components including a Dometic security door and electrics from the BMPRO and Enerdrive ranges, along with twin 4kg gas bottles and 180L fresh and 95L grey water tanks.

Standard appliances include a 188L compressor fridge freezer in the fully equipped internal kitchen, and a 24in Smart TV and Fusion stereo, with a cassette toilet and extra large shower cubicle for the ensuite.

Complementing the slick composite build, the interior layouts boast the latest decor including hidden cabinetry handles, black tapware, diamond double stitched upholstery and pillowtop mattresses.

The Evolve RV website describes three tandem axle models -- SUV, RTV and RTV-XT -- offering different levels of off-road, off-grid capabilities. Six couple and family floorplans are on offer, with body lengths ranging from 18ft 6in to 22ft.

While advertised prices on the BMG Caravans website range from $119,777 for a 20ft 6in Evolve SUV couple's model, to $148,500 for a 21ft 6in RTV couple's van.