Opus changes direction with new off-grid hybrids

Opus Camper has revamped its hard-wall towable range, replacing its smaller imported hybrids and larger locally-built caravans with a new range of mid-sized, easy set-up off-grid hybrids built in China.

The latest Opus Expedition hybrid range launched at the 2026 Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow, features both 16ft couples’ and 17ft family models. Both the Expedition Pro and Expedition Max hybrids are available as either pop tops ($67,500 + ORC) or with a fixed hardtop roof ($69,990+ORC).

The Expedition Hardtop has a travel height of 3050mm compared to the Expedition Poptop's 2670mm, with both variants measuring a full-size caravan-like 2.48m wide.

It's the latest move by the Melbourne-based operation which first entered the Aussie RV market with a lightweight camper in 2013 but really made a name for itself with a world-first inflatable camper trailer in 2017. The concept has continued to be refined with a greater emphasis on off-road capability.

In 2019, Opus expanded into compact hybrids characterised by fold-out sleeping quarters. While popular at the time, shifts in the market have seen buyers opting for a simpler set-up at bedtime. In 2024, Opus also introduced an outsourced locally built twin axle full-size caravan in 19ft and 21ft variants.

However, a quick visit to the Opus website confirms that both the compact hybrids and twin-axle Aussie 'vans are no longer available, with the new single axle 16ft and 17ft Expedition models taking the middle ground and replacing the aforementioned models.

“In contrast to the compact hybrids, the Expedition hybrid models have adequate room for a permanent bed area, making them a 'no set up’ proposition," explained Opus Camper's Joel Stocklinger at the show.

"The new Expedition range also has a more external kitchen focus compared to the internal kitchen set-ups in the (previous) twin-axle variants.”

The new Opus hybrids align with the Expedition branding, sporting an impressive integrated Renogy power system including a 600Ah lithium battery pack, 3000W inverter, 50A DC to DC charger and 800W of rooftop solar.

They look expedition-ready too, with a chunky A-frame and full width toolbox upfront and a substantial platform rear bar with two jerry cans, a spare wheel and a wood box on top, plus additional storage.

While underneath there's a beefed-up trailing arm independent suspension system bolstered by twin Pedders shocks.

The front slide-out kitchen gets a flip-out table, four-burner cooker, a kitchen sink and a cutlery drawer, with an adjoining hatch with slide-out for more storage.

All this chunkiness comes at a reasonable weight premium with a Tare of 2390kg for the 16ft hardtop couple’s model and a 2450kg Tare for the bunk version. That delivers a payload of up to 610kg with an ATM of 3000kg for both models.

While right at the upper end of an acceptable ATM for a single-axle van, most Chinese imports of similar proportions sit in this weight bracket.

The Expedition variants also get a decent kitchen set-up inside, with a small sink and tap, a 130L fridge/freezer and a 20L microwave, and the option to plug in a portable induction cooker.

The cozy leatherette-covered bench seat dinette might just squeeze in a small family at a pinch, with the compact rear bathroom at the rear boasting the all-desirable separate shower plus a vanity and toilet.

The couple’s layout features an east-west double bed, with the family version available with either double or triple bunks.