By Tom Olthoff
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While looking for some information on the Internet we came across a site from a well-known motoring organisation. The heading on the page grabbed our attention with the words “Thinking of doing the big around Australia trip in 2006?” The next line read, “If so, you’ll need a 4WD to tow whatever it is you’re going to call home”.
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Is it any wonder why people get confused about the type of towing vehicle to use?
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Before going on, I should make it clear that I have nothing against 4WDs and offroad RVs, after all both have provided some tremendous holidays. 
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The concern is that there are people who tell those new to caravanning that you must have a 4WD and a trailer with offroad capabilities, but there are many passenger sedans and touring caravans that are most suitable for long-term caravanning.
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At a recent show we decided to look for a van that would be a good match for a Commodore or Falcon. In our search we came across the Olympic Javelin.
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With an interior length of 17ft (5.2m) and an ATM of 1890kg, it is ideal for large passenger sedans.
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After being around for nearly 20 years, the Olympic brand is probably not as well-known as it should be, particularly when the number of vans it has produced is considered. One reason for this is that many caravans that left the Olympic factory over the years had different names. 
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This was not an attempt on the part of Olympic to hide its presence, but was the result of many caravan dealers who wanted to market Olympic’s vans under their own name.
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They recognised the ability of the Olympic factory to turn out quality and value for money caravans and pop-tops. These days all the vans that leave the production line proudly carry the Olympic name.
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Krume Valjanovski and his family started Olympic in a rented factory in Thomastown, Vic, in 1988, producing two or three vans a week.
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Within three years Olympic had outgrown the premises and purchased a bigger building nearby, which met its needs for about 13 years.
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These days the Olympic vans are built in a large modern factory in Campbellfield, Vic, with the second generation Valjanovski, Goran, in charge. Krume is still actively involved but prefers to be in the factory rather than the office.
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Currently, Olympic has 10 dealers scattered from Rockhampton, Qld, to Port Lincoln, SA, and including Norm Lockwood’s Southside Caravans in Adelaide, where we picked up our test caravan. Customers can choose from a generous range of standard layouts or Olympic can custom build.
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Four models make up the range: the economical Sprinter pop-top, the Javelin medium sized pop-top and caravan, the feature-laden Javelin SP, and the top of the range Champion, which forms a great base for those who want to customise their van.
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CW’s review Javelin SP had loads of features with great personal appeal. It was a hardtop, which has many advantages, the bedroom was at the front providing a more aerodynamic shape and it had a lounge as well as a dinette.
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Looking externally
The Javelin, like all Olympics, starts its life with a strong corrosion resistant Supergal chassis. Suspension uses leaf springs with each axle rated at 1450kg capacity. Alloy Performance 14 x 6 wheels are fitted with eight-ply 195R14C light truck tyres. Electric brakes are fitted to all wheels.
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Olympic uses a tried and proven conventional method of body construction which utilises Meranti framing with insulation covered by profiled aluminium sheeting on the outside and timber ply on the inside walls. Galaxy wind-out windows are used all around.
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At the front is a lockable storage boot with gas struts to support the door when open. 
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The boot is very spacious as the spare wheel is carried on the rear bumper, while the 9kg gas cylinder sits on the drawbar. There is also a padded pebble guard and front window 
protector shade.
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Further investigation reveals an 80L water tank with protective guard, lockable water filler, easy to use Al-Ko drop-down stabiliser jacks, 8in jockey wheel, exterior power outlet, annexe light, mudflaps, a tap on the A-frame, plus an A&amp;E rollout awning.
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Compact and comfortable
The entry door, located behind the wheels, allows the tandem suspension assembly to be positioned for optimum balance. Inside, the kitchen with a large L-shaped bench sits along the rear.
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The four-burner Spinflo cooker and stainless steel sink are below the rear window with the Dometic fridge. A set of drawers alongside sit against the right-hand wall, with a Sanyo microwave positioned above them. Further forward is a comfortable three-seater lounge with a spacious dinette opposite.
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The bedroom has a 6ft (1.9m) long island double bed with lift-up base to access storage space underneath. An innerspring mattress, quilted bedspread and halogen reading lights are standard. Mirror-fronted wardrobes are tucked in the corners alongside the bed.
A triangular cupboard sits in each corner near the foot of the bed.
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Other appealing standard internal features include a Dometic roof-mounted air-conditioner, radio/CD player, smoke alarm, pull-out pantry, fluorescent light over sink, rubber-backed curtains, mains pressure tap, Laminex splashback, fire extinguisher and three round fluorescent ceiling lights. 
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In fact it is hard to think of anything the Javelin SP doesn’t have.
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The decor has been thoughtfully decked out with Winter Maple polyester wall panelling and Green Malibu Gloss Laminex on the post-formed benchtops and table. 
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White net curtains offer a degree of privacy without obstructing the outward view. Flooring consists of timber-look vinyl throughout.
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The bottom line
The 17ft (5.2m) Olympic Javelin is neither too small nor too big. As a result, the layout is spacious inside yet compact enough outside to not be a hassle when parking. 
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It tows well on the road and suits a large number of tow vehicles including a Falcon and Commodore.
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While those wishing to venture off the beaten track may be looking for more ground clearance, as an all-round touring caravan the Javelin SP has much to offer. 
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And at less than $35,000 with all the features mentioned above this Olympic contender is a winner.
For more information and dealers contact Olympic Caravans, 81 Lara Way, Campbellfield, Vic 3061, (03) 9357 6668.
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We liked
• Practical features and value for money approach without skimping on quality
• Abundance of storage space
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We would have liked:
• Two 4.5kg LPG cylinders in place of one 9kg
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OLYMPIC JAVELIN SP C 170x76-2

Internal length: 17ft (5.2m)

Width: 7ft 6in (2.25m)

Tare mass: 1490kg

GTM: 1760kg

ATM: 1890kg

Axle: 2200kg

Chassis: Supergal RHS steel

Suspension: Tandem leaf spring

Hubs: Five-stud 1450kg capacity

Brakes: Four wheel electric

Wheels: ROH Performance 14 x 6 1050kg capacity

Tyres: Dunlop light truck 195R14C

Frame: Meranti

Water tank: 1 x 80L

Flooring: 12mm water resistant ply

Window type: Camec Galaxy wind-out

Stove: Dometic Spinflo Minigrill

Refrigerator: Dometic RM 4401 90L three-way with electronic ignition

Microwave: Sanyo 800W 

Lighting: 12V

Spare wheel: 1 on rear bumper bar

LPG: 1 x 9kg 

Price: Less than $35,000 
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Olympic Javelin

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