JB boosts off-road caravan armour
Raptor chassis and underbody protection among latest upgrades to Gator X off-grid caravanBig-selling Melbourne manufacturer JB Caravans has moved into new off-road territory with a number of ground-breaking features fitted to its latest 2021-build Gator X off-road caravan.
These include a full nose-to-tail Raptor spray-on coating of the heavy-duty steel chassis; new stylish European heat-resistant adhesive vinyl for all internal splashbacks, and the addition of a bed-side UHF radio.
Although not uncommon in the Australian RV industry, it's believed to be the first time a 'Top-10' caravan manufacturer has treated the underbody components of an off-road model with stone and scratch-resistant Raptor protective coating.
Initially applied to a 17ft 10in Gator X single axle couple's caravan, the black Raptor coating runs the entire length of the chassis, including A-frame and chains, side bush bars and rear bar.
Exposed underfloor areas have also received a thick layer of the Raptor epoxy primer and protective coating, to enhance its stone-chip and anti-corrosive properties.
JB Caravans' factory manager Paul Rodriguez said the textured Raptor coating can not only be cleaned quickly with a high-pressure washer after a dusty trip, but easily touched up if required using a spray can.
He said it delivers similar durability to a hot-dipped galvanised chassis, but without the significant weight penalties of the galvanising process.
Stylish stick-on splashbacks
According to Rodriguez, the European-sourced Cover Styl adhesive vinyl used inside the latest Gator X van offers a more durable, stylish and lightweight alternative to traditional kitchen and bathroom perspex splashbacks.
The thermoformable architectural covering is resistant to heat, water, chipping and cracking, as well as delamination, and available in a wide range of smooth and textured finishes including timber, stone, concreate, marble and metallic.
JB is so confident of its longevity that the Cover Styl splashbacks will be covered by JB's five-year structural warranty.
Stay in touch at all times
JB has followed the lead of Queensland camper trailer builder Patriot by also fitting a UHF radio to the 2021-build Gator X. Wired up permanently inside the van near the TV connections, the Midland 5W two-way radio allows families to stay in touch when camped or out exploring in remote regions.
The new off-road, off-grid features add to an already impressive list of standard equipment on the 2021-build Gator X off-road caravan, including Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension, a 200Ah Enerdrive lithium battery system including 2000W inverter and 340W rooftop solar, 190L freshwater and 95L grey water capacity, Thetford 274 litre compressor fridge, Dometic Ibis 4 air-conditioner and NCE 3kg wall-mounted washing machine.
The 2021 Gator X 17ft 10in rear-door, off-road caravan has a retail price of $89,550, with the Raptor-protected van weighing in at 2281kg Tare and boasting an ATM of 2800kg.
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