Little Guy makes big impression

Despite being available for sale Down Under since 2006, the Little Guy mini-van still grabbed some of the attention away from the bigger, more expensive rigs at this year’s Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow.

When we visited the Little Guy stand about a dozen punters were poring over the Deluxe Plus model, which weighs just 500kg fully optioned and at just over 2.0m wide and 3.36m long would fit into most garages.

"I was importing them (from the US) for about three years, now we manufacture them all here (in South Australia)," explained Little Guy Australia’s Graham Hooper.

"The quality (from the US) wasn’t really up to what we wanted to sell, and we’ve added a lot of extra features to them by making them here," he said.

"They came originally with just a bench (in the rear boot) and nothing else so we’ve fitted it out with a kitchen and (optional) appliances, put extra space inside, and recessed the back galley door, which used to sit on top and look a bit unslightly. We’ve just finished it considerably and they’re a very good unit now," he said.

Other features remain the same, including the 50mm x 75mm RHS chassis, Al-Ko rubber torsion axle suspension, plywood/laminated fiberglass body with R1.2 insulation, 14 inch alloy wheels including spare, roof hatch, brushed alloy guards and racy graphics.

"The (Deluxe Plus model) takes a queen size mattress, and we’ve just started making a 300mm narrower model for a double bed mattress which is a little bit lighter," he said.

Hooper says around 60 Little Guy vans have been sold Down Under, mainly to older people who appreciate the fact "they’re easy to handle, like a shopping trolley".

"Funnily enough, this year we’ve been getting more interest from younger people, but up until now it’s been mainly 55 and over," he said. "A lot of people who’ve scaled down the size of their car; they’ve been caravanners, and wanted something lighter, and more convenient… or people who have been campers and are upgrading to a closed camper rather than a tent."

Along with being easy to tow, store and manoeuvre, Hooper says the Little Guy is a cinch to build.

"We can assemble one in about three days. We keep all the components lying on the floor, and just whack 'em together," he said.

Future plans for the company include adding an off-road model later this year, and exporting 'flat pack' versions to Asian markets including Japan.

Pricing for the Little Guy starts at $8850, with the Deluxe Plus version from $9350. Options fitted to the display model, including front storage cabinet, galley appliance cabinet, queen mattress, fridge, microwave, induction hot plate, 12V and 240V power, and the side mount annexe, bumps the price up to around $14,000.

For more information visit the Little Guys Australia website.