On The Move No Limits

WHAT WE LIKED

• best of both worlds: luxury interior, off-road durability
• massive kitchen
• rugged good looks

NOT SO MUCH

• washing machine cuts into kitchen storage space
• cramped bathroom/toilet
• hot-dip gal chassis should be standard at this price

With literally thousands of caravan models for sale in Australia, it’s no easy task trying to stand out from the rest of the white van brigade.

In only a relatively short time, Melbourne’s On The Move caravans has carved itself a niche with some innovative designs, high-quality fit-outs and a focus on the premium, off-road end of the market.

On a recent visit to On The Move’s factory in Campbellfield, Victoria, we witnessed the construction of the company’s eighth Ultimate Escape model; a unique design which combines a six-berth van with a tinnie and trailer that slides out from under the body for fishing on the go.

But On the Move doesn’t just cater to the avid fisherman, with a range of custom-built off-road and touring models to suit couples and families on a range of budgets.

The main reason for our visit was to review the range-topping No Limits 24. Priced from $105,000, this luxuriously-appointed off-road van is aimed at couples who want to head off into remote locations for extended periods but without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Our review van, which retails for $115,000, was built for the 2010 Melbourne Leisurefest show and fitted with a few options to show what‘s possible for those desiring all the bells and whistles.

BIG FOOTPRINT

The first thing you notice about this 24ft 10in long, tandem axle off-road van is its jacked-up road clearance; there was no problem crawling underneath to get a closer look at the heavy-duty underpinnings.

The second thing is the pronounced ‘nosecone’; almost Luton-peak-like with flat surfaces rather than the gently curved front of many vans. Despite the unorthodox shape, it still incorporates a conventional front boot lined in this case with wood ply (galvanised steel is also available).

Despite its size and hefty 3490kg ATM the No Limits, as its name suggests, is built with serious off-road work in mind, starting with a 30 degree angle, rear ‘upsweep’ and extended 76in drawbar for extra manoeuvrability in the bush.

Construction is traditional Meranti timber frame with fully-insulated aluminium body, but there’s significant checker plate protection around the lower body and front and rear of the van to cope with the knocks. 

Sitting on a 150 x 50mm Duragal chassis, this particular van also had optional undercarriage protection (aluminium and polyurethane membrane) to keep moisture at bay during water crossings.

G & S Control Rider independent suspension is standard (with airbags an option), and this van was also fitted with two, 95-litre water tanks.

Adding to its ‘bushability’, two spare wheels with all-terrain tyres were mounted on the A-frame, either side of two, 9kg gas bottles; all protected by a neat, optional mesh protective frame. A 3500kg-rated Hyland coupling completed the off-road package.

Other standard external features include an Aussie Traveller retractable awning, "external TV box" with TV mount and connection to the Winegard antenna, barbeque and picnic table, and Al-Ko stabilisers.

Options fitted to this van included a sizeable checker plate toolbox mounted across the rear (very useful for carrying large tools, generator, wet gear, etc), external hot/cold shower, two 120W solar panels, and rear-mounted reversing camera and spotlight.

TOUCHES OF CLASS

On the Move Caravans is a family business in the true sense, with various members contributing specialist skills including Lennie Mifsud (auto electrical) and wife Jennifer (interior design), while Lennie’s dad is an experienced cabinet-maker and has been building caravans since Lennie was a kid.

The result is a modern, functional interior layout with some neat design touches to set this model apart. Designed to comfortably accommodate two (with the lounge converting to a bed for visitors), the layout includes a rear club lounge/dinette, central large kitchen area, and separate bathroom/toilet and shower and master bedroom towards the front.

While the lightly-stained Meranti timber cabinetry is par for the course, the extensive use of brushed stainless steel for the kitchen splashbacks and bathroom benchtops isn’t, and adds to the contemporary, upmarket feel.

As does the "internal mood lighting" option, which features LED light strips behind the black glass-fronted overhead lockers throughout the kitchen/living areas, for a relaxing glow in the evening.

The mood lights are complemented by numerous LED downlights (plus additional reading lights) throughout and just like a five-star hotel room, these can be ‘zoned’ to create just the right amount of illumination at night.

The cabinetry feels solidly constructed and neatly finished inside and out and, like the marble-look, post form Laminex benchtops, looks like it would take a beating.

The plush, C-shaped leather lounge is comfy, and the table swivels for easy access and seating for up to five adults.

The two, 110Ah AGM house batteries, boosted by a Redarc charger, are located under the lounge seating, with a radio/CD/DVD unit and two speakers nearby.

There are 240V outlets in the lounge and kitchen areas, but no separate 12V outlets, apart from those provided at the three TV mounting points. The roof-mounted, reverse-cycle Ibis air-conditioner takes care of heating and cooling.

KITCHEN DUTIES

The kitchen is extra large for a caravan, with two long benches on opposite sides of the van providing enough room for separate washing, food prep and cooking areas.

The offside bench should satisfy the keenest cooks with a Swift four-burner cooktop (three gas, one electric), grille and fan-forced oven. The cooktop has a hinged, glass/aluminium cover that doubles as a splashback.

The LG microwave is located under the bench at around knee height, under which is a cupboard containing the 14-litre hot water unit. The rangehood has the only halogen light in the van.

The shiny, stainless steel sink takes up much of the benchspace on the nearside, with its two drainers and a domestic-style mixer tap with separate switch for filtered water. Very flash.

There’s a good range of kitchen storage options, including a narrow but full-height, pull-out pantry, although it would have been nice to see some internal racks or shelving inside some of the cupboards to help constrain items.

Oddly, opening a cupboard door below the sink reveals three very shallow shelves. Further investigation reveals the space behind is taken up by a front-loader washing machine, accessed by another door on the left as you enter the van.

Other appliances include a huge 258 litre Novakool stainless-steel fridge, with separate freezer handily located at the bottom, and a Coast to Coast tank and battery monitor.

COMING CLEAN

Just before the entry to the rear bedroom area are two frosted glass doors: the one on the right for the bathroom/toilet, and on the left, the shower recess.

The enclosed shower is a good size with flexible shower hose, skylight/electric fan and two downlights. The bathroom opposite feels a bit tighter, having to squeeze in a Thetford china bowl cassette toilet, china basin and vanity in an area about the same size as the shower's.

It was a tight squeeze sitting on the dunny (I’m 192cm tall) with the door closed, although shorter folk may not have this problem.

The front bedroom has just enough room for a north-south, queen-sized bed with walk-space on all sides, plus the usual furniture including bedside cabinets,  half-size wardrobes and a full length mirror.

The floor has been raised slightly in the bedroom, reducing head height from the otherwise 200cm , but providing more storage room under the bed.

The thick, coil spring mattress sits on a posture-flex base and sturdy steel frame, which lifts up on gas struts to reveal the expansive tunnel boot storage area (also accessible from outside). There are also two ‘hidden’ compartments located within the raised steps on either side of the bed, which would be handy for storing shoes.

Like the rest of the van, the bedroom is well serviced by Dometic Seitz windows with built-in. retractable screens and blinds. Along with the two large bedroom windows, there’s an extra-large skylight above the bed; perfect for star gazing in the Outback perhaps...

VERDICT

You'd expect a lot of van at this six-figure price point, and judging by the workmanship and level of appointments on this van, we’d have to say the No Limits delivers.

The stylish interior offers most of the comforts of home, while the off-road-oriented spec also makes it a suitable van to take off the beaten track for extended periods.

Given its considerable size and weight though, you’ll need a suitably capable heavy-duty tow vehicle to match.

On The Move is a relatively new player in the Aussie RV industry, but with its focus on innovation and quality, there’s bound to be plenty more of the company's vans on the road in the near future.


ON THE MOVE CARAVANS NO LIMITS 24

Overall length: 28ft 10in (8.8m)
External body length: 24ft 10in (7.57m)
Overall width: 7ft 10in (2.44m)
Interior height: 6ft 6in (2.0m)
Nameplate Tare: 2990kg
Nameplate ATM: 3490kg
Unladen ball weight: 260kg (advised)
Frame: Timber
Chassis: DuraGal
Suspension: Control Rider independent
Wheels/tyres: 16 inch alloy, off-road tyres (two spares)
Cooktop: Swift four-burner, grill, oven
Fridge: Novakool 258 litre
Microwave: LG
Shower: Separate cubicle
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Lighting: 12V LED
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Fresh water: 2 x 95L
Price as reviewed: $115,000 (tow-away, Vic)
More info: On The Move Caravans