Kimberley elevates 4WD campervan market

NSW's Kimberley Kampers has been a front-runner in many RV innovations and new technology over the years, including introducing arguably the first hybrid caravan, not to mention one of the first full size off-grid caravans.

Now the 30-year old off-road specialist is trying to shake up the growing B-class motorhome segment, with the release of a new all-terrain long wheelbase campervan designed for Outback off-grid adventures.

The all-new Kruiswagen model is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz 419CDI LWB AWD panel van, powered by a 140kW/450Nm 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder engine with nine-speed auto.

After two years' design, development and testing, Kimberley Kampers' Managing Director James Cockburn said the just over 7.0m long and 3.0m high Kruiswagen off-roader will come to market with a number of 'campervan' firsts including Kimberley's latest 48V fully integrated power system, a mostly timber-free, eco-friendly construction, latest thermal insulation technology and internal water plumbing; not to mention some novel storage and packaging solutions to maximise internal space.

The unique internal layout include a solid-wall combination shower-toilet directly behind the driver's seat, and two wide benchtops running down each side, with a power-operated double bed above the rear six-seat lounge/dinette that drops down from the ceiling at night.

The Kruiswagen camper utilises a number of in-house built components from the Kruiser and Karavan towable models, as well as Kimberley 'trademark' features like large caravan-style side windows to let the outside in.

Its environmentally-friendly internal fit-out include 30mm thick fibreglass composite sandwich panels for the interior walls, and floor bases made from 100 per cent recycled PET extruded foam and industrial vinyl planks.

"We've taken timber free construction to a whole new level throughout the van," he said. "We're tried to set a new benchmark in this category of motorhome."

The first Kruiswagen production model currently being displayed at shows is a top-spec 30th Anniversary Edition which comes with either a nudge bar or optional bull bar and winch, driving and spot lights, rear-mounted spare tyre, 4WD lift kit, and 16in alloys with all-terrain tyres.

The 30th Anniversary Kruiswagen also gets powered Clearview side steps/rock sliders, a UHF radio and a full length roof rack, together with remote-controlled 360 degree external spot lights and 360 degree camera views from inside.

The front passenger seat swivels around to form a mobile work-station in collaboration with a removable table top and flexible reading light, while the nearby 'vanity' sink with mixer tap and a full-length privacy curtain helps create an ensuite/change room area outside the shower/toilet.

The innovative space-saving bed-lift mechanism was adapted from existing rooftop tent technology and supports a lightweight dual layer foam mattress, with another clever design the 'table with a table' located between the two rear bench seats, with a top section that lifts off to create another outside table option when camping.

The passenger side kitchen benchtop is also fitted with an induction cooktop, while the benchtop opposite gets a wireless phone charger, 23in Smart TV mount, underbench microwave, and an under-bench drawer with slide-out steps to aid getting into bed.

Kimberley has maximised available storage space with large bins and storage pouches under and behind the fold-down lounge seat backs, some zipped storage pouches above the driver's cabin, a 'fruit basket' above the fridge, along with a number of overhead cupboards and dedicated spots for the BBQ and camp chairs.

"There's more storage than we have in the Kimberley Karavan," Cockburn said.

The Kruiswagen also gets an internal Bushman 190 litre compressor fridge freezer, Dometic rooftop air conditioner, Fusion audio system, Simarine smart management screen, and built-in Webasto diesel air and water heater.

The 48V power system stored under the seats incorporating a 5kWh lithium battery with 3600W pure sine wave inverter, 3000W AC charger and 400W rooftop solar, should be enough to run a range of appliances including the air conditioner for extended periods off the grid, with 191 litres of onboard water storage backed up by an external creek draw system that runs through a Thirsty Nomad water purifier.

Outside features include an external hot-cold shower, 4.5m electric awning, and a pull-out kitchen with sink, drawers and the choice of either a gas BBQ, induction cooker, or electric Weber.

"We've come up with one of the best outdoor kitchens you'll find on a motorhome this size," he said.

Options available will include a 190 litre long range fuel tank (up from factory-fitted 93 litres), and Starlink mobile internet complete with dish permanently mounted on the campervan roof.

Cockburn says the Kruiswagen is not designed for a 'Gunshot' crossing up to Cape York, but has been extensively tested off-road including K'gari (Fraser Island) and will be suitable for travel along the Tanami, Strzelecki, Gibb River and other corrugated Outback roads.

The 4100kg GVM campervan will have a Tare of around 3000kg in entry-level Classic spec, and around 3400kg in top-spec 30th Anniversary Edition guise.

Pricing will sit around the $190,000-$240,000 mark depending on inclusions, with first customer deliveries expected to commence around March 2024. Kimberley expects to produce around 2-3 Kruiswagens a month at its Ballina-NSW factory which currently employs around 65 staff.

"We've got six months now to work out our manufacturing processes and start to roll these out in 2024," Cockburn said.

It's not the first time the Kimberley logo has been used on a motorhome, with the boutique manufacturer collaborating with Queensland-based Unidan to produce the Unimog Kruiser expedition vehicle in 2018.