Harvok all-aluminum caravan range coming

Yet another evolution of the ground-breaking 48V Harvok caravan is on its way to Australia, with the first batch of aluminium monocoque 16ft single-axle ‘Suit of Armour’ caravans expected to arrive down under before July 2023.

Dandenong, Victoria-based Harvok RV launched its first cut-price 48V all-electric Powerbank caravans in Australia in late-2021, followed by the world-first steel monocoque version in early-2022.

After shedding weight to deliver a more tow-vehicle-friendly 3500kg version in late-2022, the innovative Australian-Chinese company is now launching its first aluminium monocoque ‘Suit of Armour’ caravan which will be much lighter again compared to the original, robot-welded steel versions.

Like the Harvok steel body shells, the new aluminium chassis and body vans are being built in an automotive factory in China, with hot-dipped galvanised steel used for the A-frame and suspension supports.

“Our frame and monocoque shell will be 100 per cent manufactured from marine-grade 6 series aluminium and 5000 series ensuring durability and longevity,” Harvok RV Regional Director – Pacific, Adrian Cappola said. “Additionally, to provide extra strength, we will be incorporating 4mm gal dipped steel for the A-frame and lower deck holding the suspension.”

The first Harvok Suit of Armour AI (Aluminium Intelligence) model, a 16ft (body length) single-axle off-roader, will be available in both couple and family bunk ensuite layouts and like the steel versions feature expanded polyurethane foam insulation to deliver 25mm-thick side walls and up to a 65mm-thick roof.

Although final weights are yet to be confirmed, Cappola expects the new 16ft off-grid van to have a Tare weight of around 2200kg and an ATM of 2800kg.

Harvok is also close to launching an all-aluminium 3500kg ATM rated version of the 19ft 6in tandem-axle Suit of Armour caravan, which is expected to have a Tare weight of around 2700kg, or around 400kg less than the current steel-bodied version.

“We’re now going with aluminium to really open up the market to buyers with (3500kg rated) tow vehicles,” he said.

Further weight savings of up to 100kg are expected with the adoption of Cruisemaster XT independent coil suspension as standard, with the option of airbags.

For the latest Harvok AI vans, a 10kWh lithium battery pack will be mounted under the chassis in an IP67 casing (similar to the Australian-designed OzXCorp 51V set-up), with a 3000W inverter and 800W rooftop solar also part of the 16ft Harvok’s standard off-grid package.

The fully equipped vans will also come standard with more familiar appliances including an induction cooktop and compressor/fridge freezer from Dometic and tinted windows and entry door from the Aussie Traveller range.

What’s more, Cappola said Harvok RV Australia will be adopting a fixed price, Tesla-style agency-sales business model, and is launching the latest models with ‘aggressive’ pricing, including an ‘early bird’ offer of $79,990 for the 16ft AI Harvok and $89,990 for the tandem-axle 19ft 6in AI version.

Final weights and specification will be announced closer to when the first production versions have arrived in Australia and have been fitted out at Harvok’s Melbourne facility.