New fifth-wheeler makes Kool debut

A luxurious new fifth-wheeler built for tough Aussie conditions and able to sleep up to 10 people made its debut at the recent RV & Camping Leisurefest in Bendigo, Victoria.

Kool RV displayed its new Family 10 Metre fifth-wheeler, the first and biggest in a new range of fifth wheeler, motorhome and caravan models from the Melbourne-based manufacturer.

Despite its substantial 10m length and 4495kg ATM, Kool RV director Peter Liversidge said the fifth-wheeler was specifically matched to Australian tow-vehicles and towing regulations.

“You do need a bigger vehicle to tow this, an F250 or smaller Chev truck or an Iveco daily, but there are a lot of vehicles available to tow this sort of weight now. Five years ago it would have been a truck,” Liversidge explained. “The next model down, the 8.5m, you can tow with conventional Aussie utes with three tonne braking capacity.”

Liversidge said the advantages of a fifth-wheeler over a large caravan or motorhome, was that it’s “easy to drive, not affected by the wind, no speed wobbles and you have the ability to drop off a big unit and keep going in your tow vehicle”.

The fifth-wheeler was two years in development, and Kool RV builds everything from the chassis up including the electric slide-out.

According to Liversidge, the body panels are of “structural building material” quality and utilise composite materials to ensure rigidity and strength without the need for internal framing.

“It’s also incredibly well insulated -- R6.5, in a 30mm composite polyurethane foam, so you get excellent insulation properties,” he said.

The interior is luxuriously-appointed and on the display model included five TVs, three DVD players, two CD players, ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning, instantaneous, mains pressure, gas hot water, and a range of 12V and 240V power options.

“At the moment it has two, 100Ah batteries, which will run the lights, TVs and the fridge for about five days,” he said. “Add some solar panels and another two, 100Ah batteries, and you can run everything.”

A unique feature is the one-piece roof which catches and diverts rainwater to the in-built storage tanks.

“This model can have 700 litres of water tanks, and you can configure it however you want,” he said.

The fifth-wheeler range begins with the Family 6 Metre from $75,000, while the Family 10 Metre on display was priced at $145,000. 

A variety of layout options are available, although Liversidge said “we will build any layout that anyone wants, as long as we can warrant it”.

For full details go to koolrv.com.au