Premium Queensland brands down-size

The current squeeze on the caravan industry took shape at the recent Queensland Caravan Supershow, with three of Queensland’s high-profile makers adding new price-leading entry-level models to their ranges.

Kedron’s new 16ft x 7ft 6in CP5 ‘Compact’, ZoneRV’s latest 17ft Off-Roader and Sunland’s new 19ft 6in ‘Blue Heeler’, all set new entry benchmarks for their respective ranges.

The 2018 Blue Heeler is a downsized version of Sunland’s original and long-standing semi-off-road 21ft 9in Blue Heeler, but in a more compact 19ft 6in configuration and with a more tempting $84,990 tow-away price, as displayed at the Supershow.

Retaining the model’s trademark cut-away rear end and its tandem suspension, the new model lacked only the interior dimensions and ‘bling’ of its big brother, but still comes equipped with a full oven, a Sirocco 12v fan and a 2.5kg top-loading washing machine, along with a rear-view camera, Dexter Stability Control and a massive 1095kg payload.

Zone RV added extra value to the entry-level model of its Off-Road series, up-sizing its former 16ft 6in model to 17ft for no increase in its $102,900 price.

Zone RV co-founder Matt Johns said everything but the size of the two models remained the same, but the extra length made the model more economical for ZoneRV to build, as it allowed more commonality pf their modular furniture and also accepted the automotive wiring harness used in larger models.

While the focal point of Kedron’s usual extensive display at the Queensland Supershow was the monster tri-axle, $220,000 off-road caravan that it purpose-built for a customer, the smallest van on their stand – the new 16ft x 7ft 6in Compact -- was perhaps the most interesting.

Selling for a base price from $95,925, the Compact significantly undercut the smallest offering of its main market rivals Bushtracker and Trakmaster in terms of bang for buck.

Up-market standard features of the aluminium-framed and ribbed-aluminium skinned Compact include a 200AH Enerdrive lithium battery, twin 150W roof-mounted solar panels, a large grey water tank  and a new-model Vitrifrigo 140 litre two-door fridge with a remote compressor.

As displayed, the Compact was also equipped with Kedron’s new pop-out front window shade, complete with flexible solar panel.

The only surprise was the Compact’s relatively small payload of 465kg for an off-road caravan on top of its 2285kg Tare.