Kedron goes on a diet

If you've ever watched one of The Gall Boys gung-ho, off-road caravan videos, you'll know there are few gnarly tracks or treachorous river crossings the adventurous lads are afraid to tackle while towing their big Kedron caravans.

But not everyone has the same enthusiasm for hauling a heavyweight van off-road, or for that matter owns a tow vehicle like the latest LandCruiser with enough grunt to tow 3500kg.

Enter the Kedron Cross Country 3, a new, slimmer off-road van from the Queensland caravan specialist renowned for its bigger than Ben Hur off-road rigs.

The new model is aimed at those with mid-sized tow vehicles like the Toyota Prado who still want to tour long distances and occasionally test their van off-road but without going to extremes.

Designed with the same bullet-proof design principles of the rest of the Kedron range, the new XC-3 features a hot dipped galvanised six inch beam chassis, aluminium interlocked wall frame with high-tensile steel rivets, and welded aluminium roof frame.

It rides on coil spring, dual shock trailing arm suspension, with 12in commercial brakes and 16 inch alloy rims.

With insulation in the roof and walls, the van also features light, natural tones and earthy fabrics throughout the interior. The lightweight timber furniture is v-nailed for strength, with metal side ply-base drawers and marine grade plastic door catches.

The kitchen incorporates a four-burner hotplate/grill, microwave, and 180 litre three-way fridge, and there's an internal shower/toilet as well as external shower.

Electrics are taken care of with a 120aH AGM battery, 25amp three stage float charger, and solar panel provision. The gas hot water system is connected to two water tanks with 100 litres for the shower and 60 litres for drinking.

Other standard features include a 19in DVD TV with portable satellite wiring and windup TV antenna, air conditioner and a Four Seasons hatch.

Kedron Caravans' Glen Gall said the new model had been developed from the ground up with a focus on weight reduction whilst maintaining strength.

He said the company had responded to requests for a van that was lighter than existing models, but could still tackle National Park trails and the like and be towed by a range of mid-sized SUVs which are increasingly popular in Australia.

The XC-3 range is available in three body lengths: 5.4m with 2055kg Tare and 2500kg ATM; 6.4m with 2250kg Tare and 2800kg ATM; and 7m with 2450Tare and 3000kg ATM.

Pricing starts at $69,450 for the 5.4m van, while the 6.4m model costs $78,800.

See the Kedron website for further details.