Cheaper Evernew ATX tough-roader released

Change traditionally has hastened slowly at 57 year-old Evernew Caravans, but the pace has quickened noticeably since 2017 when retiring co-founder Bruce Bailey sold the business to Bib Dani and former Trakmaster Operations Manager Richard Metcalfe joined as Technical, Design & Sales Manager.

Last year the Ivanhoe, Melbourne-based company showed what it was capable of when it released the full off-road, four tonne ATM E2000 RTX-40 that came fully loaded for $134,000 with every conceivable option that you could tick on an Evernew order form.

Then, shortly after its released came the 3.5 tonne ATM E2000 RTX-35, based on the same chassis, suspension and layout as the RTX40, but with a slightly trimmed features list that allowed for a lower tare weight of 2950kg and a lower RRP of $121,000.

Both models were always intended to be eye-openers, not volume sellers and now Evernew has released a new model at the entry end of the RTX scale. The new E800RTX-28 incorporates many of the RTX-40’s high-end features, but rides on a single axle and costs more than $50,000 less at $82,998 (depending on equipment specified).

Using Evernew’s best-selling, full off-road 17ft 1in x 7ft 5in E800-RT (Rugged Terrain) caravan as a starting point, the RTX-28 – as its designation indicates – is a 2800kg ATM  van available in either full-height or pop-top formats, with either a north-south queen bed or twin single beds up front, both with a full ensuite at the rear.

However, the  RTX-28 is built to a more premium, heavier duty specification than the RT, employing a strengthened 150mm x 50mm G&S Chassis equipped with a DO-35 off-road coupling and sitting on Cruisemaster 2800kg ATX coil spring suspension, with 46mm piggyback monotube shock absorbers and 16-inch MPC Grid alloy wheels shod with 26575R General Grabber A/T tyres.

Additional underbody protection includes aluminium checkerplate protection for the twin 95-litre fresh water and similar-sized standard grey water tanks, while standard equipment includes a Savvy Level caravan levelling system, a three- way Swift gas slide-out BBQ, front and rear work lights, additional high level tail=lights at the rear and a twin lens reversing camera.

Battery power has also been upgraded compared with the RT model, with the RTX-28 fitted as standard with a 200AH Enerdrive lithium battery, 40Amp DC2DC Charger, 40Amp AC Charger and an EPRO Plus battery monitor.

To complete the package, the van has two 150W roof mounted solar panels that can be supplemented with a portable panel via an input socket, a roof-mounted dust-reducing scupper vent, while there's an external gas bayonet for the twin 9kg gas bottles. As with all Evernew caravans, Dexter DSC stability control is included as standard.

Inside, Evernew has upgraded many of the RT appliances, with the new model’s standard equipment including a Fusion stereo system with external speakers, 24-in TV/DVD, Dometic Ibis 4 air conditioner and a water filtration system

Leather upholstery is standard, as is a full height padded bedhead, premium splashbacks, a larger mirror in the separate rear shower/toilet ensuite, magazine holders, twin 12v Sirocco fans and a Dometic 184 litre compressor fridge/freezer.

Like its larger RTX brothers,  the RTX-28 is supplied standard with smooth aluminium composite wall cladding over the timber frame, with 600mm aluminium checkerplate lower body protection. To make it legally towable by Prados and other medium SUVs, the RTX-28’s tare weight has been kept down to a 2250kg, allowing a loading capacity of up to 550kg.

At its price in the low $80,000 range the new Evernew enters a very competitive segment of the Australian off-road caravan market, with a number of other manufacturers re-cutting their cloth to entice new, or repeat buyers.

However, by selling direct and with its considerable experience of customer demands, Evernew’s new RTX28 deserves to be taken very seriously.

Also read:

Evernew RTX-40 Review/Video

Evernew seeks perfection