Prime Edge Odyssey 2024 Review

Prime Edge Caravans can trace its roots back to 2016, when brothers Vlad and Nick Suplinovski started off building caravan benchtops in a garage, before moving on to contract-building full-size caravans for various Aussie RV brands.

After recently moving into a new factory in Epping, Victoria, Prime Edge now employs around 25 staff and offers a five-model range of touring, semi-off road and full off-road models. The extensive range includes single and tandem axle variants from 16ft to 24ft (body length), with a variety of couple and family layouts on offer.

As a low-volume manufacturer, Prime Edge specialises in custom builds at the premium end of the market, and the subject of this review, a 20ft 8in Odyssey couple's van, is a good example of the brand's typical output. Classified as a full off-road caravan, the extensively equipped luxury model has a few extras fitted, to make it even better suited to the buyer's preferred mode of off-road, off-grid caravanning.

How much is the Prime Edge Odyssey?

The Prime Edge Odyssey is priced from $134,500, and sits just under the range-topping Odyssey ATX in the Prime Edge line-up. While the six-figure pricetag is above-average for an Aussie-built off-road van, it doesn't miss out on much in the way of high-end equipment with Cruisemaster ATX coil suspension, a rooftop air-conditioner and diesel heater, 224L compressor fridge and a top-end Victron off-grid power set-up, among the long list of standard features.

The custom-built 20ft 8in review van adds a few optional upgrades including Cruisemaster XT airbag suspension, a second drop-down picnic table, and a wood box on the rear bar. However, if you want to add more it might pay off to opt for the top-spec Odyssey ATX which gets a higher 4500kg ATM to go with a more up-spec equipment list.

How is the Prime Edge Odyssey built?

Prime Edge says only "high quality materials" are used in the construction of the Odyssey, and this extends to ProBond aluminium composite external cladding over an aluminium frame, a grey-coated 150mm (6in) ARV Duragal chassis and A-frame, and a fibreglass sandwich panel roof complete with XPS foam insulation. There's also a one-piece honeycomb floor, fibreglass-lined interior walls, double glazed and tinted RV windows, and some aluminium checker plate protecting the lower body sections on all sides.

The 'built tough' ethos is carried on inside, with the use of interlocking CNC-cut cabinetry with push-button lock-safe handles, 60kg-rated slide-out kitchen drawers, and hard-wearing laminated postform benchtops; all designed to withstand punishing off-road travel.

Prime Edge vans are covered by a two-year general and five-year structural warranty, with four main retail outlets located across east and west coasts that also provide after-sales support.

How far off-road can the Prime Edge Odyssey go?

The Prime Edge Odyssey is built for serious off-road use, and has plenty of external protection including full underbody checkerplate cladding over more vulnerable items like water tanks as well as the flooring itself. There's also a large stone mesh guard and mud flaps up front to protect the van from stones flicked up from the tow vehicle.

The standard ATX coil suspension and Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling should be sufficient for most off-road work. However, the optional Level 4 Cruisemaster XT airbag suspension on the review van, adds a bit more versatility as far as adjusting the ride height and getting the van level on lumpy campsites.

The A-frame tap and nearby five-litre tank for the diesel space heater are also well protected, while the two chassis-mounted lithium batteries are IP67-rated to cope with splashes from any creek or mud hole excursions.

Four 220 watt rooftop panels feed the twin 240Ah lithium batteries, and there's a 3000W inverter to run 240V appliances like the microwave, fridge and air-conditioner, at least for limited periods.

A large vertical locker on the offside wall houses the Victron electricals including the inverter, 30A DC-DC Charger and 30A Smart Solar Charge Controller MPPT, and the in-built dust filters in the door and temperature-sensitive cooling fans help keep the system running efficiently in warmer temperatures.

There's also a premium roof-mounted motorised dust reduction unit with dual fans, to make sure the interior stays nice and clean when travelling at speed on dirt roads.

Water storage extends to two 95L fresh water tanks and a 95L grey water tank, plus there's another 62L drinking water tank with its own separate water pump.

What other external features are on the Prime Edge Odyssey?

There's plenty of external storage space, including an extra-wide, forward tunnel boot that's LED-lit and lined with marine-grade, mould-resistant carpet.

You can also pack a bit in the big A-frame toolbox which has a number of lockable compartments, including two with slide-outs for a BBQ and a generator. The front centre compartment holds the two 9kg gas bottles and there's also a top shelf for storing smaller items like BBQ utensils.

Other external features include an almost full-width Global Industries roll-out awning, a gas bayonet, and an entertainment box with 12V, USB and antenna sockets for outside TV viewing (the airbag controls for the review van are also located here).

There's also twin external Fusion speakers (the head unit is located just inside the entry door), and a full array of LED lighting including front and rear work lights and annex bug lights.

Also located on the left as you enter, and easily accessible from outside, is a pantry-style cupboard with shelves to hold your wallet and sunscreen, as well as snacks and condiments for outside dining.

There's also a chassis-mounted checkerplate box for the airbag compressor on the offside, as well as a mains pressure inlet and water tanks fillers, with the option to fit a 'fast fill' inlet.

While the rear wall is loaded up with a dual camera system (rear-view and reversing), a locker for the external hot/cold shower, and low- and high-mounted tail-lights. The optional woodbox, spare wheel and twin jerry holders are mounted to the rear bar.

What is the Prime Edge Odyssey like for towing?

With a Tare of 2828kg and 3500kg ATM, you'll need a decent 4x4 tow vehicle to safely haul the Prime Edge Odyssey around. While a regular 3500kg-tow rated dual-cab ute will do the job, a better option is a V8 Patrol or LandCruiser, or a 4500kg-tow rated American pick-up like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ we used during the photo shoot.

With its extra bulk and stability the full-size pick-up was never fazed at any time towing the Odyssey, which rides high and long with its 500mm extended A-frame and tandem axle set-up. To keep things safe out on the road the van comes standard with Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control, while the rear camera helps provide a complete view of the traffic.

What do you get inside the Prime Edge Odyssey?

A spacious and inviting couple's layout includes a front queen bed, central dining and kitchen areas, and a full width rear ensuite with separate shower, toilet and vanity. It's a thoroughly modern yet practical floorplan that packs in plenty of comfort features and storage areas, without ever making it feel cramped inside.

However, keep in mind that Prime Edge offer a variety of layout options to suit the fussiest buyers, right down to different kitchen cabinetry, lounges, and bed sizes, plus a range of appliances including induction cooktops if you're keen to go gas-free.

The kitchen in the review van is well equipped with a microwave and gas/electric burner cooktop, grille and oven, a rangehood, and a deep sink with filtered water and mixer tap, while the rear bathroom gets a solid sliding door, ceramic sink and toilet, and a separate fibreglass shower cubicle.

Climate control is taken care of with the rooftop air conditioner and a diesel space heater that takes up some of the space in the under-bed storage cavity.

What is the Prime Edge Odyssey like for camping?

Stepping inside through the rear security door is easy with a single pull out entry step and grab handle, and once inside there's plenty of headroom and floorspace for two people to move through the van.

Ventilation is excellent, with two large skylight/roof hatches plus a 12V fan hatch in both the toilet and shower. There's also two 12V fans, to go with large RV windows running down both sides of the van, including stacked bedside windows (or you can opt for a larger single window).

The walk-around queen bed with its plush upholstered bedhead adds to the 'master bedroom' feel, while the leatherette lounge with single pull-out foot rest and sturdy adjustable table is a good place to kick back. There's also an additional cushion insert to create another bed, using the drop-down tabletop as a base.

Kitchen benchtop space is plentiful, with a glass lid on the cooktop if you need more, and the sink is nice and deep for washing up. The ensuite is a good size too, with sufficient room around the toilet with the solid sliding door closed, and lots of elbow room in the shower cubicle.

Storage is excellent as you'd expect for a van this size, and includes bedside cubby holes and side robes with hanging rails and removable shelves, and a large full height pantry cupboard next to the fridge. The bathroom also gets some cupboards and drawers for your toiletries, towels and linen, plus hooks and rails for drying towels.

Being an upmarket van, there are plenty of premium 'homey' touches including soft-close drawers, LED mood lighting, a ceramic basin and toilet, and leatherette upholstered bedhead and wall pouches. Not to mention a few ceiling and reading lights, and 240V/12V sockets in all the expected spots.

The 24in Smart TV is mounted so it can be viewed from either the dinette or bed, while the all-in-one Victron colour touchscreen manager is conveniently located in an overhead cupboard.

Should I buy a Prime Edge Odyssey?

We only spent a few hours with the 20ft 8in Prime Edge Odyssey, but it's clear it's built to a high standard, blending a tough construction with premium appliances and upmarket finishes, and with a layout ideal for two people planning to spend long periods together on the road.

While its $130K-plus pricing is getting up there, it still offers a strong value for money proposition when you add up all the top-notch elements. Add in the flexibility of a custom build, and it's worth putting on the shortlist if you're after a very smart and capable off-grid van.

How much is the 20ft 8in Prime Edge Odyssey off-road couple's caravan?

Price: From $134,500
Travel length: 8700mm
Body length: 6200mm (20ft 8in)
External body width (incl. awning): 2450mm
Travel height: 3100mm
Internal height: 2000mm
Tare weight: 2828kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 110kg
Body: Aluminium frame with aluminium composite panels, fibreglass roof, honeycomb floor
Chassis: 6in ARV Duragal with 500mm extended A-frame
Suspension: Cruisemater ATX coil suspension (standard) with DO-35 hitch
Brakes: 12in electric drums
Wheels: 16in alloy with Cooper Discoverer 285/75R16LT AT3 tyres
ESC: Tuson Sway Control
Water: 2 x 95L (fresh), 1 x 62L (drinking), 1 x 95L (grey)
Battery: 2 x 240Ah lithium with 3000W inverter
Solar: Four 220 watt rooftop panels
Air-conditioner: Dometic FreshJet 7 roof-mounted
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Girard instantaneous
Cooking: Swift Hawk 3+1 gas/electric cooktop, grille, oven
Fridge: Dometic 224L compressor
Microwave: NCE 25L
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle
Washing machine: Aussie Traveller 3.2kg top-load
Lighting: 12V LED
TV: 24in Smart TV
Audio: Fusion Bluetooth internal/external speakers
Supplied by: Prime Edge Caravans, Epping, Victoria