First full size van for Australian Off Road Campers

The award-winning Australian Off Road Campers has released pricing and specifications for its first full size, off-road caravan.

Building on the Queensland manufacturer's Quantum pop-top model, the new Matrix is said to be "a full size, full feature van with all the same off-road capabilities as the Quantum, only with internal cooking and living facilities".

Despite its higher, fixed roof, the Matrix is similar in weight to the Quantum, partly due to a strong yet lightweight composite construction consisting of vacuum bonded fibreglass inner and outer layers core-filled with 'Divinycell H' (polyurethane foam).

Aluminium RHS door frames and a 'Plascore' (polypropylene honeycomb)/ fibreglass floor, both bonded to the high tensile chassis, help ensure a "waterproof, rot proof, shockproof body", says AORC.

The Matrix is 2.7m high, 1.95m wide and 4.9m long (full length is 6.4m). Tare weight is 1700kg with an ATM of 2200kg.

Inside, the kitchen cupboards are built from Nycel, a waterproof, plastic composite material, and overhead cupboards from vinyl covered aluminium. The internal walls are covered in padded white vinyl, and the only timber used is in the bed base.

Aerodynamically, the Matrix features 'rounded' roof sides while the front of the van has been steeply angled to reduce drag.

While sharing many of the Quantum's off-road features including entry angle, independent trailing arm suspension with four shockers, and "armour guarded" water tanks, the Matrix goes further with the elimination of the door step and increased rear exit angle.

Priced from $85,000, the Matrix comes standard with ALKO 12in electric brakes, D035 off road coupling, two large external storage bins, Weber Baby Q bbq, triple lock entry door, and roll-out awning.

Inside, there's a kitchen benchtop with sink and mixer tap, three burner gas cooktop, 130 litre fridge, two person lounge/dinette, shower and vacuum flush toilet, and queen-sized bed with inner spring mattress.

Other niceties include gas fired hot water, 300 watt inverter, 240V points, LED lights, CD/MP3 player, two 4.5kg gas bottles, and filtered water.

Hinting at its extreme 'bushability', the Matrix also comes with two 100aH AGM batteries, two 135 watt solar panels, and a firewood carry rack.

An extensive options list includes air conditioning, diesel heater, reversing camera, bike rack, aluminium toolbox, and full annexe.

Two Matrix prototypes have been extensively tested over dirt roads in recent months, including a month long, 2000km trek through the outback.

The Matrix boosts AORC's range to  four main models, which includes the $52,000 Odyssey Export Signature, winner of two 2011 Off Road Camper of the Year awards.

For further details see the AORC website.