Shadow Cruiser aimed at big families

Looking for a caravan that can accomodate up to nine people?

Melbourne's Cell Caravans has introduced the American-built Shadow Cruiser Homestead, a larger-than-life 28ft van with a bedroom at each end and plenty of kitchen and living space in between.

Marketed as a caravan "like no other on the Australian market", the Shadow Cruiser is the third model from Indiana-based manufacturer Cruiser RV to join the Cell Caravans line-up, following the introduction of Fun Finder X and ViewFinder models late last year.

The Shadow Cruiser Homestead is based on the American S-280QBS model, but with a few changes to comply with Australian regulations and tastes.

"In America it's 8ft 1in wide, but it's been reduced to 7ft 6in (2.29m) wide to suit Australian conditions," explained Cell Caravans' general manager, Josh Ryland.

The front bedroom includes a walk-around double bed measuring 1.52m x 1.88m, while the rear bedroom contains three bunks and an office/study area incorporating a washing machine. Both sleeping areas have concertina doors for privacy.

A huge slide-out measuring 3.75m x 0.95m helps create the spacious living and kitchen areas, with a separate dinette and lounge that can be converted to double beds measuring 1.04m x 2.05m and 0.71m x 1.83m.

The Homestead has an overall length of 32ft (9.75m), Tare weight of 2500kg and an ATM of 3150kg, so a heavy-duty tow vehicle is required.

Built with aluminium framing and gel coated laminated fibreglass walls, the Homestead features a curved front panel and sporty body graphics, as well as "the industry's strongest laminated crowned roof", according to Shadow Cruiser's American website.

Other external features include an electric awning, outside shower, tinted glass windows, alloy wheels, and an outside kitchen with a sink, two burner stove, Waeco fridge, and Weber BBQ.

Inside there's a separate shower/toilet, ducted air-conditioning, and kitchen with 185 litre fridge, laminate benchtops, dual stainless steel sink, convection microwave, and gas/electric cooktop.

The American-style furnishings include fabric night shades, maple cabinetry, and bronze hardware, while the entertainment system includes zoned listening areas and two TVs.

Water storage comprises 136 litre freshwater, 144 litre grey and 144 litre black tanks.

Ryland said two Homestead vans had been sold since the van debuted at Melbourne Leisurefest earlier this month, with most interest, surprisingly, coming from couples.

"We’ve had a lot of interest from couples who want a big van that they live in and travel around in... you can take the bunks out and put whatever you like in the back section really," he said.

Priced from $87,850, the well-specified van has only a few options including solar power and extra house battery.

See the Cell Caravans website for more.