Lyfe RV15f Hybrid 2022 Review

If you're after a well-equipped boxy touring caravan, pieced together using the tried-and-true 'stick and tin' construction method and priced between $60,000-$80,000, there are literally dozens of manufacturers in Melbourne's northern suburbs that fit the bill.

But if you've got a bit more to spend, and are looking for something more solidly built yet still well-equipped and comfortable, not to mention fully off-grid capable and towable in rugged and remote areas without having to constantly fret about it getting bogged or damaged, then it's slimmer pickings in Australia's RV heartland...

Enter fledgling Melbourne manufacturer Lyfe RV, which in a small factory in Epping is rolling out a select range of upmarket, hybrid pop-top and fixed roof off-road caravans using the latest full composite construction techniques, in a similar approach to more established niche off-road builders in NSW and Queensland like Mountain Trail, Rhinomax, Exodus, AOR and Vision RV.

Targeting the growing off-road, off-grid market, Lyfe RV currently offers a 15ft off-road hybrid pop-top camper and a full height 19ft off-road caravan. It also recently custom-built a 17ft (body length) version of its hybrid pop-top camper, which like the 15ft model has a narrower body width than the 19ft caravan (1960mm versus 2160mm).

All Lyfe RV models are available in either a couple or family layout, with prices starting from around $90,000.

Built for all seasons

Priced at $108,000, the Lyfe RV15f Hybrid Bunk Model pop-top reviewed here comes fully equipped for comfortable, extended off-grid touring, with everything from an internal shower/toilet, diesel heating and air conditioning to a 200Ah lithium battery system with 2000W inverter and 360W solar and 180 litre fresh water storage.

About the only extra-coast options available are a bigger battery system and airbags instead of the standard coil independent off-road suspension.

The single axle 15ft hybrid pop-top camper features a heavy-duty, hot dipped galvanised ARV 150mm x 50mm A-frame and chassis, with a Cruisemaster D0-35 coupling and XT trailing arm independent coil suspension, 12in electric drum brakes and 16in alloy wheels with mud terrain tyres.

Full composite caravan construction has numerous benefits including lighter weight, improved insulation and better water and impact resistance, and Lyfe RV uses locally made, 28mm thick Worthington fibreglass sandwich panels for the walls, roof and floor of its 15ft camper, with the option of an even lighter, thinner honeycomb composite floor.

According to Lyfe RV boss Lou Dalozzo, the Lyfe RV15ft Hybrid pop-top is built to last the distance with attention to details including 3mm laser-cut aluminium J Mould-style edging that's double screwed, urethane bonded and powder-coated to provide both structural support and additional protection when bush-bashing.

The internal furniture and fixtures are also designed to withstand the harsh vibrations of highway corrugations with a mix of PVC and alloy framing together with lightweight ply for cabinet fascias.

As he explained during a tour of the Lyfe RV factory: "Our campers are for people who don’t visit caravan parks. It’s all built to last, and the furniture is designed not to fall apart when you’re going down a dirt road."

The slim, sub-2.0m wide body and 2.5m travel height, combined with a relatively light weight Tare of 1950kg, 2500kg ATM and (unloaded) ball weight of 170kg, should also make for relatively stress-free off-road towing behind one of the larger 4WD wagons or dual cab utes, although we'd like a bit more payload than 550kg in order to carry more supplies when travelling for longer periods in remote regions.

External amenities

To further justify the six figure price-tag, Lyfe RV have ticked two other 'boxes' judged important by many discerning off-road RV buyers: minimal dust intrusion and easy set-up.

Taking up most of the space under one of the internal bench seats, Lyfe RV's bespoke 'dust buster' system is pretty much designed to prevent any dust from entering the camper when travelling on dirt roads. The industrial-strength set-up runs off the 12V battery and incorporates a Seaflo inline blower and Donaldson air filter to pump air and pressurize the cabin as you drive.

Also helping keep dust out is the lack of any internal gas appliances and associated vents.

An onboard 12V air compressor located in the same under-seat compartment runs the twin internal air rams that lift the pop-top roof in a matter of seconds at the push of a button, rather than the agonizingly long minute or two it usually takes with more conventional electric actuators.

The upside is if you don't unhitch and have to wind down the corner stabilisers, you can be in bed within seconds of pulling up for the night.

Dirt road protection

The Lyfe RV15f Hybrid Bunk Model also gets underbody protection in the form of aluminium checkerplate and tough poly water tanks, while the upswept rear and recovery hooks also help keep you out of trouble.

The black powdercoated A-frame toolbox provides some protection from stones flicked up at the front, or there's room to add a stone mesh guard on the drawbar for added peace of mind.

Cooking is outside on an impressive slide-out kitchen set-up that includes a self-supporting stainless steel unit incorporating a glass-lidded two-burner gas cooktop and sink with mixer tap, a fold-out benchtop for food preparation, two cutlery drawers and two more lidded storage bins behind the cooker and sink.

There's also a couple more plywood drawers that pull out from the side wall above the cooker, and a recessed kitchen pantry 'locker' with top-hinged door further up, with shelves to hold condiments and other cooking items.

The slide-out for the 96 litre Coolman dual zone fridge located alongside, also holds another lockable storage box, with more slide-outs within the A-frame toolbox for the Weber BBQ and a Honda generator to power the air-conditioner or help recharge the house battery when the sun isn't out.

Packed to the max

Most of the storage options on the Lyfe RV15f Hybrid - Bunk Model are accessible from outside, including the front toolbox that has a separate compartment for two 4.5kg gas bottles, plus spots for a jerry can or two and an open top rack for carrying some firewood or other 'outside' items.

Also mounted externally to the chassis are a gas bayonet and A-frame tap, mains water connection and an Anderson plug for hooking up another solar panel.

The 10L fuel container for the Webasto diesel hot water and air heater is located near the rear bumper, alongside the two spare tyres and a reversing camera.

Other external features fitted include a Thule Omnister roll-out awning, outside speakers to go with internal speakers for the NCE audio unit, and LED lights on both sides of the caravan.

The kitchen pantry area also has connections to mount and watch the 24in TV outside, along with some USB/12V/240V electrical sockets.

There are three decent-sized storage lockers on the offside wall, although some of the available space is taken up by the Webasto diesel heater, 12V water pump and associated plumbing, as well as the Zeal 200Ah lithium battery fitted to the review van.

Internal comforts

Entry to the 15ft Lyfe RV pop-top, after opening the rear-side security door and pulling out the entry step, reveals a bright, modern family-friendly layout that manages to pack in many 'big caravan' features, albeit with not much floorspace to spare.

While a family of four trying to move around all at once might cause problems, headroom is excellent and there's plenty of natural light and ventilation on offer thanks to four hopper-style double-glazed windows and fly-mesh ventilation all-round in the pop-top skirt.

The beds are also comfy and large, with the elevated north-west parents bed at the front measuring 2040mm x 1540mm, and the two bunk beds along the rear wall measuring 1740mm  x  600mm (top) and 1890mm x 700mm (bottom).

The two leatherette-lined cushioned bench seats are different widths, but should be able to accommodate three or more people, with the top bunk bed also able to be raised to provide another seating option along the bottom bunk. A small tabletop slots into the side wall between the seats, for meal times or some board games.

Lyfe RV has also managed to squeeze in a solid walled, combination shower/toilet, incorporating a fixed cassette toilet and tiny sink with matte black mixer tap. There's just enough room in between to have a shower using the black shower hose, with a ceiling-mounted vinyl skirt preventing any water splashing over the top into the living area.

While the removable bunk bed ladder might get in the way when trying to fully open the smokey perspex shower door, it's just one of many design compromises when trying to pack so many comfort features into a relatively compact camper.

Off-grid ready

The Lyfe 15ft pop-top is off-grid camping ready with a 200Ah lithium battery system incorporating a Redarc 2000W pure sine inverter which is located under the offside bench seat, near the control and outlets for the Webasto space heater.

The touchscreen display for the Redarc Redvision smart management system is located on a wall near the dinette, close to another 12V outlet and extendable arm for the Smart TV.

Lyfe RV's Lou Dalozzo said the more compact Redarc system was fitted in this case due to the extra space taken up by the positive pressure system, but space permitting Lyfe can also install the popular Enerdrive lithium system or even the latest NCE 7.1kWH chassis-mounted powerbank (a less powerful but still pricey version of the 14.3kWh lithium battery pack).

The review van also came with 180 litre fresh water and 70 litre grey water capacity, but future Lyfe campers will be fitted with bigger twin 110L freshwater poly tanks and a 110L grey tank.

The review van was otherwise well equipped with a top-spec Truma Aventa rooftop air conditioner, 12V Sirocco fan, internal strip LED lighting and bedside reading lamps, and a smattering of 240V and USB/12V internal sockets.

Internal storage was limited to two large underbunk drawers for clothes, towels, shoes, etc, and two smaller drawers located under the main bed. There's also a small side cupboard and some open storage space around the parents' bed, plus a couple of leatherette magazine wall pouches.

Summing up

Lyfe RV is a welcome addition to the growing number of upmarket composite off-road caravan builders, and worth considering if you're in the market for a premium Australian-built off-grid camper.

While our time with the Lyfe RV15f Hybrid - Bunk Model was limited, the overall quality, fit and finish and thoughtful design of the review camper provides some reassurance about it being fit-for-purpose for the intended buyer.

While on a par with many rivals, the premium pricing will put off some buyers in a market where you can pick up a Chinese copy for less than half the price.

However, being a small local operator Lyfe RV is able to provide some customisation for fussier buyers. For example, there's the option of an outside shower pod on the 15ft camper, which could help free up interior space for more storage or a larger dining and lounge area.

Lyfe RV currently has limited production slots and only one retail agent for South Australia and Western Australia, so most potential buyers will need to deal directly with the Melbourne factory.

How much does the Lyfe RV15f Hybrid - Bunk Model cost?

Price: $108,000 (as reviewed)
Travel length: 7300mm
External body length: 4575mm
External body width: 1965mm
Travel height: 2500mm (not including air con)
Internal height: 2500mm
Tare: 1950kg
ATM: 2500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 170kg
Body: Full fibreglass composite, 28mm thick XPS panels, front body stone protection
Chassis: ARV 150mm x 50mm hot dipped galvanised with Cruisemaster DO-35 off-road coupling
Suspension: Cruisemaster XT independent coil suspension with twin shock absorbers per wheel
Brakes: 12in electric drum
Wheels: Alloy with 265/75-16 MT tyres                                         
Water: 1 x 70L and 1 x 110L fresh, 1 x 70L grey
Battery: 200AH lithium with 2000W inverter
Solar: Roof-mounted 360W glass panel
Gas: 2 x 4.5kg