Newlands 18ft ensuite van

SIMPLE PLEASURES

If you've heard of the Newlands caravan brand you've either got your finger on the pulse, or you've been caravanning for longer than you can probably remember.

Concept Caravans sales and marketing manager Wayne Freeman explains: "We launched the Newlands brand as a separate subsidiary company to Concept Caravans about six months ago - it's a new company, but the name itself harks back to caravans of the 1970s.

"Newlands is a range of entry level shower vans. There's a 21ft family model with a triple bunk at the back, a 19ft model with a separate shower and toilet, and now this 18ft model with a combination shower/toilet," Wayne continues.

"Basically, these vans are a cheaper option to the shower/toilet vans already out there."

Each of the three models is available in the one floorplan, and Wayne says that the Newlands models are produced in batches. That means the extent to which you can customise your caravan is relatively limited. For example, the polyply walls and cabinetry are only available in the one colour, although customers have a choice of two laminates and three kinds of upholstery.

FEATURES
As a look around our review 18ft Newlands quickly demonstrates, that limited amount of choice doesn't equate to a miserly level of specification.

In fact, there is a stack of good quality gear thrown in as standard in a Newlands caravan, including features such as an awning, air-conditioner, a large 150L Dometic fridge/freezer, an extendable Posture Slat queen-size bed base with innerspring mattress, Spinflo four-burner cooktop and grill and a Swift rangehood with light.

There are still some options on offer, however, such as a Winegard antenna, an oven, a gas bayonet, a fold-down picnic table, easy lift jacks, gas/electric hot water service and an illuminated grab handle.

Stepping through the rear nearside Camec triple-locker door of the 18ft model reveals a compact but comfy and modern living space, with quality timber-lined benchtops and cupboards, polyply cabinetry and walls, a white textured ceiling and stainless steel handles and fittings.

The van enjoys a good amount of natural light courtesy of sizeable Galaxy windows, each with flyscreens, lightweight curtains and full blockout curtains. A large Four Seasons hatch helps with the ventilation, while a Dometic air-conditioner is also on hand for when things heat up.

There's a stack of storage space available here, from nicely crafted cupboards and pull-out drawers to overhead lockers - the latter fitted with gas struts and ‘travel lock' style pushbuttons, which can remain extended when you're not travelling, providing easy access without needing to lock them when you shut the doors.

Throw in the space under the dinette seating and under the bed (also fitted with gas struts), and you really can't complain about having to cram things in, despite this shorter 18ft format.

The cosy but comfy four to five-seater dinette is covered in a textured, single colour fabric, the lack of any sort of design or floral print adding to the van's modern feel. The cushioning is comfortable, and I liked how the corners of the table have been trimmed.

Opposite the dinette is a great benchtop area that's perfect for food preparation. There's a heap more storage in the cupboards below, with more overhead lockers and the JVC CD/radio unit above. Next to this is an LG microwave at head height, with that sizeable 150L Dometic fridge/freezer below.

Further storage cupboards are located above the microwave and below the fridge, and you'll find double powerpoints above the sink and over near the fridge.

In our review van, the fridge door opened away from the kitchen, but Wayne tells us it can be hinged either way. Make sure you check this with your dealer.

HIDDEN SECRETS
The rather inconspicuous bathroom is ‘hidden' behind a polyply door in the offside rear corner, between the kitchen and that food preparation area. It's a moulded fibreglass affair that contains the shower with adjustable shower rose, a Thetford toilet, a small basin with flick-mix tap, a hatch with a 12V fan and a light.

That leaves the front bedroom, an inviting space thanks to large Galaxy windows on three sides. There are hanging wardrobes either side, plus more cupboards.

There's a small vanity mirror positioned on the offside wall at the foot of the bed, but it's a bit low due to the position of the van's circuit breakers - those above average height will find they have to stoop a little.

A television isn't included in the Newlands package, although you can have a section of wall reinforced for the fitting of a television as an option.

Lighting is handled by a mixture of large fluoroscent and smaller halogen lights, the latter found at each end of the dinette and either side of the bed.

Outside you'll find all the usual gear. The Dometic awning is a welcome standard feature, as are the twin 9kg gas cylinders on the drawbar, where you'll also find a tap and a Breaksafe breakaway switch.

The front boot is certainly spacious, but in part this is down to the fact that the Newlands models come without any battery system. It's a way to keep the van's costs down, although all three Newlands models come wired to accept the battery/SmartCharger of your choice.

Our test van was fitted with an optional blue pebbleguard, but if you don't want to go down this route then you'll find the Newlands comes with a checkerplate stoneguard as standard.

The whole plot rides on a 4in DuraGal chassis, the twin axles fitted with four 14in light truck wheels (with 10in electric brakes all round), which in turn have been mated to an Al-Ko leaf-spring/shock absorber setup.

The Newlands 18-footer has an ATM of 2170kg, which will require a mid-size 4WD territory for comfortable towing.

THE BOTTOM LINE
In this easy-to-tow 18ft format, and with its good quality fit and finish, the Newlands is sure to strike a chord with those who want to hit the road in a shower van with a minimum of fuss, without spending a fortune and without being weighed down by countless options and choices.

The fact the Newlands name is here once more is proof enough that all is well at parent company Concept Caravans, and we're sure the same care and high level of craftsmanship that goes into the Concept range will keep Newlands owners smiling, too.

Springvale Caravan Centre, 723 Springvale Road, Keysborough, Vic, 1300 2272 8267, www.springvalecaravan.com.au

For more information about the Newlands range of caravans, including your nearest dealer, contact Concept Caravans, (03) 9357 6190, www.conceptcaravans.com.au

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