Kimberley goes back to basics

Ballina, NSW-based off-road RV specialist Kimberley has turned back time on high technology on its latest model, the Kimberley Karavan 'Future Classic'.

It’s priced at a relative bargain $77,777 - 'relative' because most 'Karavans' sell for more than $100,000. 

It's also about half the price of the company's range-topping Kimberley Kruiser off-road luxury caravan, which sells in the $135,000 bracket with options.

Eschewing the sometimes intimidating cutting edge electronics, space ship control panel and high-tech gadgetry that has given its Eco Suite and Limited Edition Karavan models a cult following amongst well-heeled and tech-savvy outback travellers, the new 'Future Classic' Karavan offers lower tech as its core attraction.

In contrast to its ‘brothers’, the Future Classic misses out on advanced items like Lithium Batteries, Smart Touch Display, Ethernet wired sensors, Air Suspension and several other 'add-on' items that are offered exclusively on Limited Edition and Eco-suite Karavans.

Instead, it makes do with 200Ah AGM batteries, 'classic' low maintenance independent trailing arm and coil spring independent suspension and a simple digital water meter.

Yet there’s still enough hidden technology to make 'Classic' owners feel securely smug, like electronic controlled disc brakes, 220W of solar, an Intelligent 40A charger, a ceramic diesel cooktop, a one-touch electric toilet and a remote high speed compressor for greater efficiency from the 133 litre fridge/freezer.

Kimberley boss Bruce Loxton refuted the suggestion that the new model is in response to tighter trading conditions and more competition in the luxury off-road market, saying that Kimberley sales have been growing at a consistent 20 per cent per annum.

Instead, he said the new entry level Karavan followed the successful introduction of a sub $35,000 'Classic' Kimberley Kamper model around a year ago to entice customers away from similar looking, but inferior Chinese-built campers.

"I have worked with the Chinese for 30 years and understand how they work," he said. "They can copy, but as no-one camps in China, they can't design campers because they have no experience."

Loxton said the new Classic Karavan had been created because of customer demand for a lower tech product. "They love the look and concept of the Karavan, but only want its engineering and the technology focused on safety and function," he said.

In a way it has brought the Karavan back to its roots. Released in 2006 under an international patent for its novel electrical lift and opening system (developed at a cost of around $1 million according to Loxton), it was the first fibreglass off-road caravan in Australia and cost around $54,000.

Since then nearly 800 have been built, with its retail price rising about $10,000 a year as more and more technology has been added.

Kimberley's growth of both its Kampers and Karavans has been steady for some time, according to Loxton, who has owned the company for the past 12 of its 20 years.