Kimberley Kruiser E-Class 2022 Review

When NSW's Kimberley Kampers changed hands in 2019, one of the first things the new management did was to attend a get-together of some of the owners of the 7000-plus Kimberley campers and caravans sold since 1994.

It was a smart move, as 'repeat business' reportedly accounts for 50 per cent or more of new Kimberley sales; a remarkable statistic in a market with so many models and 150-plus RV brands to choose from.

We recently spent some time with one of many Kimberly Kampers' 'groupies', Rob and Lee Wyld from South Australia. The semi-retired couple started off with a Kimberley Kampers hard-floor camper trailer around 12 years ago, before upgrading to a Karavan expander-van and, more recently, a Kruiser E-Class off-road caravan.

The near-new, single axle Kruiser E3 was on display at the Mount Barker showroom of South Australian Kimberley dealer The Dirt Off Road Campers until recently, and we managed to check out the 'van at the couple's farm property before they headed off on a two-month Outback adventure...

Geared up for Outback touring

Looking like something from outer space, the first Kimberley Kruiser off-road caravan arrived about 10 years ago in the form of the top-spec, 'Black Caviar' tandem axle model, with more affordable, single axle couple and family versions rolling out a few years later.

A front-runner in introducing RV technology, the first Kruiser 'vans were ahead of the off-grid pack when it came to gas-free appliances, big lithium battery systems, airbag suspension and disc brakes, and advanced multi-media and remote area communication systems.

While the off-grid caravan market has since caught up in many ways, the Kruiser 'vans still lead the way with their fully moulded composite construction, eye-catching aero styling and innovative, user-friendly interior layouts.

The single axle Kruiser E-Class models are available in three similar, north-south front bed and rear ensuite layouts, with sleeping for up to six people. The Wyld's E3 example has the basic couple's layout, with a queen size electric adjustable bed up front that can be used for seating or for sleeping, a kitchen galley and bench seat dinette, and a separate shower and toilet at the rear.

Pricing starts at $105,550 for the E-Class Classic, with the top-spec E-Class E3 starting at $136,590. Even the basic versions come well equipped with a hot dipped galvanised chassis, full composite body construction with a black polyurethane coating for protection in vulnerable areas, airbag suspension, disc brakes, diesel powered hot water and air heater, and at least 190 litres water storage and minimum 200Ah lithium battery system.

However, with an options list as long as the Tvan's, it's easy to push pricing well past $150,000, with the Wyld's top-spec E3 a good example with additional features like a microwave and the top-spec 600Ah lithium battery system.

Tough going

Like many Kimberley owners the Wylds have enjoyed many fuss-free trips in remote Outback locations, and they're expecting similar off-road dependability with their latest Kruiser E-Class they bought in 'near new' condition in late-2021.

"Their reputation is second to none, they're tough," explained Lee, who should know after previous trips along iconic off-road tracks like the Gibb River Road and Old Telegraph Track (a busted wheel bearing and flat tyre the only hiccups!)

To cope with the corrugations the Kruiser rides on an in-house adjustable airbag suspension set-up incorporating race-style mono-tube shocks, along with vented disc brakes, 17in alloys and off-road tyres, a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and ARK jockey-wheel.

With a Tare weight just over two tonnes and around 450kg payload, it should be relatively easy to tow behind their Holden Colorado dual-cab ute as they head off on their first big Outback trip, up the Ooodnadatta Track to William Creek, before heading to the Big Red Bash, and on to Outback Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Outside features

There are two main, large external lockers to navigate on the Kruiser: the compartment on the onside wall housing the outdoor kitchen, and a large pod 'toolbox' on the A-frame.

With overhead protection from the roll-out awning, the user-friendly recessed kitchen is beautifully packaged behind it's top-hinged door, with slide-outs for the portable Thetford gas cooker and stainless sink with tap, alongside a side-folding benchtop for food prep. There's also a food 'pantry' courtesy of some built-in shelving.

"I love the whole set-up," Lee said. "I couldn't have a caravan without an outdoor kitchen.

"With our Karavan we only ever used our inside cooker once when it was a horrible day."

The extra-large sealed and vented fibreglass storage box on the extended drawbar, is big enough to hold extra jerries, gas bottles or even a generator. There's also a sealed compartment inside for various battery components and the airbag compressor.

Otherwise, the smooth timber-free body boasts well-sealed compartments for the offside shower and drinking water outlet, and an onside toilet cassette locker (not required with a composting toilet fitted).

There's a reversing camera high up on the rear wall but no rear bumper with the spare tyre neatly tucked up underneath.

Free camp ready

The Wylds are planning to mostly free camp with the Kruiser, and it's well up for this with their 'van optioned up with a 600Ah lithium battery system, 3000W inverter and 600W ultra-thin Merlin rooftop solar panels -- enough to run power-hungry appliances like the air-con and washing machine even on cloudy days if required.

The Kruiser also comes with two gal-protected 120 litre and 70 litre poly water tanks, and a 60 litre grey water. There's an in-built filter to treat bore water, and plumbing to bypass the water tanks and pump directly from any water source, such as a creek or dam.

There are also twin jerry can holders, along with a 9kg gas bottle, mounted on the A-frame.

Inside advantages

Having endured more basic camping set-ups provided by Kimberley's smaller models, the Wylds are really enjoying the extra interior living space and comforts of the bigger Kruiser, including its full width ensuite.

"This has a separate shower and toilet at the rear so it's a lot more comfortable to travel in," Lee explained.

The Kruiser's 'one-piece' body construction allows for fewer windows than you might find on some of its 'big-box' Aussie caravan rivals. However, it doesn't feel gloomy or cramped inside thanks to the light modern decor, high roof, a large window on each side and a layout that tries to maximise internal floorspace without compromising too much on storage.

There are also three roof fan hatches spread throughout the living areas, and the 'surround' windows boast midge-proof screens and reflecting blinds.

While luxury touches like the recessed mood lighting, solid surface teardrop table, soft-close drawers and leather upholstery on E3 spec versions, help support Kimberley's claim of a 'luxury yacht' feel inside.

Versatile bedding

Lee is also impressed with the multi-angled powered bed with its plush innerspring mattress, that easily converts from extra seating to a large double bed, while freeing up more space around the bed. There's also some clever underbed storage 'nooks' along with two large pull-out clothes' drawers, and some camper-style netting for your hat, wallet and phone.

As well as adding to the feeling of spaciousness, the Kruiser's big 'snout' allows fitment of optional 'vee' bunks above the main bed, which along with a single bed dinette conversion, caters to parents travelling with kids.

There are quite a few options available on the Kruiser in regards to kitchen appliance selection, and the Wyld's 'van features a built-in, two plate induction cooktop, 130 litre compressor fridge/freezer and microwave, along with plenty of sapce on the Corian-look benchtop that incorporates an integrated sink with mixer tap.

Comfort and convenience

Most of the controls and displays for the electronics including the 'Smart Touch' panel (which among other things displays shock absorber temperatures!) are conveniently located above the under-bench fridge; making it child's play to operate the off-grid systems for older or less tech savvy owners like the Wylds.

"I am so impressed by the technology, I can push the button on the inverter and boil up the kettle as if I was plugged into a powered site," Lee said.

It should be easy to maintain a pleasant temperature on hot or cold days inside the well insulated body, with the combination of rooftop air-conditioning, Sirocco 12V fans and Webasto room heating.

"Apparently you can power the air-conditioner for up to eight hours on the batteries alone," Lee said.

It's a relatively tight fit in the 'fully moulded' ensuite with the sliding door closed, but it's all there including solid surface benchtops, dual overhead powered fans, a waterless toilet, ceramic sink with tap, large mirror and separate heating vent.

Opening the curved door to the fibreglass shower cubicle, reveals decent size standing room along with a built-in seat if required.

Lee is in two minds about the 2.6kg top-load washing machine fitted, which occupies otherwise valuable storage space next to the shower, as they've become accustomed to running big loads of washing at caravan parks rather than regular small loads inside the 'van.

"That's something I probably wouldn't have chosen to have in it, but it's there so I'll use it," she said.

The Kruiser also comes with a 28in TV and wireless audio system, but buyers can pay thousands more for things like an optional satellite dish and mobile internet repeater/booster, to stay better connected with the 'outside' world.

Summing up

There's a lot of competition in the premium off-road caravan market, but it's easy to see why the Kimberley Kruiser continues to grab a decent share in the $100,000-plus segment, with its enticing blend of modern construction and technology with excellent towing and off-road capabilities.

For adventure-loving grey nomads like Lee and Rob Wyld, it ticks all the boxes... that's until the retirement funds permit another upgrade to the range-topping, tandem axle Kruiser T-class T3!

How much is the 2022 Kimberley Kruiser E-Class?

Price: From $105,550 (Classic); $136,590 (E3)
Travel length: 5990mm
External width: 2270mm
Travel height: 2890mm
Tare weight: From 1740kg (Classic): 2060kg (E3)
ATM: 2495kg
Ball weight: 120-250kg
Body: Insulated fibreglass composite panels, with aluminum/stainless steel frame
Chassis: Hot dipped galvanised steel, with DO-35 coupling and ARK fold-up jockey wheel
Suspension: Independent trailing arm with adjustable airbags, monotube shocks
Brakes: Vented electric discs
Wheels: 17in alloy with Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ tyres
Water: 120L and 70L fresh plus optional grey tanks
Battery: 200Ah lithium, 40A charger and 400W inverter (standard)
Solar: 300W roof-mounted ultra-thin panels (standard)
Gas: 1 x 9kg
Hot water: Diesel instant
Internal space heater: Diesel
Air-con: Truma Aventa reverse cycle roof-top
Cooking: Internal induction cooktop with rangehood, external gas cooker
Fridge: 130L Bushman internal compressor
Microwave: Optional
Audio: All-in-one panel (E3)
TV: 28in Smart LED (E3 standard)
Washing machine: 2.6kg top-loader
Shower: Separate internal, with electric or optional composting toilet
Lighting: LED throughout
Supplied by: The Dirt Off Road Campers, Mount Barker, South Australia
More info: Kimberley Kampers, Ballina, NSW