Snowy River SRC-18 2021 Review

It's no surprise that in a few short years Snowy River has become the most popular full-size Chinese-built caravan in Australia.

We were impressed when we first reviewed one of the Snowy River vans, which are imported semi-complete before final assembly and fit-out in the Melbourne factory alongside the latest Regent caravans.

While the Snowy River caravan range has expanded in recent years to include slide-outs and semi off-road models, the successful formula of an affordable, well insulated and well-equipped touring caravan that's priced to under-cut similarly specced Australian-built rivals, remains unchanged.

We recently re-visited the Snowy River range via one of the more popular 18ft SRC-18 couple's caravans which at $61,990 (drive-away, Queensland) is right in the sweet spot of many cost-conscious buyers, particularly with its relatively light, fully loaded towing weight of 2500kg.

Solid point of difference

While they sport a similar look and equipment list to many entry-level Australian touring caravans, the main selling point of all the Snowy River models remains the full fibreglass sandwich panel body construction, at a time when many locally-built rival manufacturers persist with traditional 'stick and tin' production methods.

No other Aussie caravan for the price (except perhaps Windsor) can deliver the benefits of full composite construction (lighter weight, improved insulation, superior water and impact resistance, etc) for similar money.

In the case of the Snowy River SRC-18, the timber-free construction includes the use of 32-42mm thick, vacuum pressed fibreglass composite panels reinforced with box section welded aluminium framing and XPS foam insulation, joined to a Duragal 4-inch steel chassis with a 6-inch A-frame, and all backed by a five year structural warranty along with two year manufacturer's warranty.

You shouldn't have too many problems when it comes to re-sale with a conservative brown (or alternative white) glossy external finish with contrasting black checker plate lower body protection, and single spare wheel mounted on a triple arm bar below a reversing camera on the rear wall.

Other external features include chassis-mounted battery boxes, checker plate-protected underbody water tanks and a full-width wind-out awning and two-part security door, along with a keyless drop-down picnic table with accompanying electrical connections to hook up the standard 22in TV for outside viewing.

There's enough space for the gas bottles and a firewood tray on the drawbar but no toolbox, although the camp chairs, water hoses and electrical cords will easily fit in the large front tunnel locker (with larger items only accessible through the bigger onside hatch door).

Light and easy traveller

Don't be fooled by the tough black checker plate cladding and chunky mud terrain tyres (fitted as an option on our review van); the Snowy River SRC-18 with its standard AL-KO torsion bar suspension and 50mm ball coupling is built mainly for bitumen touring with the occasional graded dirt access road thrown into the mix.

A 2in chassis raiser helps boost ground clearance, although some exposed underbody poly piping at the rear and the side-mounted battery boxes are vulnerable to scraping or stone strike if the road gets too bumpy.

We know of one Snowy River caravan owner who attempted the potholed Mereenie Loop Road in central Australia with some minor interior cabinetry damage as a result, so best to opt for a more off-road capable caravan if you plan to head well off the beaten track.

While not equipped for extended periods of off-grid camping, the SRC18 is suitable for a few days away from civilization with two 9kg gas bottles, a single 120Ah AGM battery (with space for a second), 200W rooftop solar panel and two 95 litre freshwater tanks fitted as standard.

It doesn't come standard with a grey water tank to allow National Park camping, but there is a gas bayonet, drawbar tap, mains water connection and a built-in 50amp Anderson plug for a portable solar panel, to make outdoors camping life easier.

Electronic stability control is also missing from the standard equipment list, so you'll have to budget another $1100 to get that important safety feature fitted. However, it shouldn't be necessary if you drive carefully as the van felt very stable behind our 3500kg tow rated, 2021-model Isuzu MU-X at an unladen weight of around two tonnes.

Smart interior living

Step up via the single pull-out entry step, through the two-part security door and on to the dirt-collecting plastic recess and faux timber vinyl floor, and there's a lot to like inside the Snowy River SRC-18 for travelling couples planning to head off for a few weeks, or even months at a time.

While the review van's 'white and bright' interior colour scheme including marble-look benchtops and white and grey gloss furniture adds to the welcoming feel of spaciousness, its' starting to look dated in our opinion and we'd opt for more of the darker, natural hues available from the Snowy River decor palette, without going too outlandish.

But even on the dullest days it should never feel gloomy or stuffy inside, with big windows on both sides of the front bed, along with a large LED-lit skylight and another front window to let in plenty of natural light and ventilation.

There's also plenty of storage options around the north-south queen bed, including a large space under the 188cmm x 153cm innerspring mattress, some overhead cupboards and 'his and hers' half robes, plus bedside cupboards and shelves for a book or iPad. The sleeping area also gets reading lights and twin 240V/USB sockets.

The two-person dinette boasts a sturdy tri-fold table set-up, comfy optional leather-covered seat cushions, and more overhead cupboards, together with a couple of smaller cupboards under the table, right near some 240V/12V sockets. There's also some decent under-seat storage space but it takes a bit of effort to access it.

There's another small window and skylight near the dinette and, while the kitchen is on the small side, the designers have made the most of the available space with a large stainless sink and drainer, four-burner cooktop/grille, and a rangehood mounted above the marble-look laminated benchtop.

Cooking and cleaning covered

The microwave and basic audio unit (with internal and external speakers) are both located in head-high positions in the kitchen, with decent room to store foodstuffs, pots, pans and a few utensils in the four slide-out drawers, large under-sink cupboard and a few other smaller kitchen cupboards.

Many of the electrical items including the Projecta PM200 battery manager and a few switches and fuses are housed in a cupboard above the 173-litre three-way fridge/freezer, with a display to monitor water and battery levels located near the entry door. The 12V water pump can be found in a cupboard under the fridge.

Rounding out the appliance list is a roof-top, reverse cycle air-conditioner, with the 22in TV plugging in and mounting on the side of the kitchen facing the bed. It can also be swiveled around to face the lounge/dinette.

The rear ensuite should satisfy many buyers, with a solid sliding entry door and just enough floorspace to comfortably use the Dometic swivel toilet or brush your teeth at the vanity with its ceramic bowl sink and large mirror (although taller people might have to stoop to check their hair in the morning!)

The separate fibreglass shower cubicle with frosted glass door is designed for bigger people though, and includes a 12V fan/light, shower rose and shelves for the soap and shampoo. We also liked the small opening window and additional fan hatch above the toilet, to help push the smells outside.

What's missing? Although not essential, it's worth noting the lack of a slide-out pantry and water filter in the kitchen, and reading lights for the dinette (although there's sufficient LED lighting options elsewhere). There was no washing machine fitted either, although you could possibly slot one in the ensuite area, at the expense of some storage space.

Verdict

With sharp pricing, desirable full composite construction and just about everything you want in a modern couples' caravan, the Snowy River SRC18 is a great option for first-time caravanners and budget buyers alike.

While you might miss out on a few storage and luxury features found in larger, pricier vans, you still get most of the space and comfort advantages of a full-size caravan in a relatively lightweight package that will be easier and cheaper to tow on a Big Lap behind any of the popular 4WD SUVs or dual-cab utes.

How much is the Snowy River SRC-18 caravan?

Price: $61,990 (drive-away, Queensland)
Travel length: 7370mm
External body length: 5460mm
External body width: 2390mm
Travel height: 3070mm
Tare: 1961kg
ATM: 2500kg
Payload: 539kg
Ball weight (Tare): 168kg
Body: Fibreglass composite with box section welded aluminium frame and XPS foam insulation (32mm thick walls, 32mm roof, 42mm floor)
Chassis: Duragal steel 150mm x 50mm A-frame and 100mm chassis
Suspension: AL-KO rubber torsion independent
Brakes: 12-inch electric drums
Wheels: 15x7in alloy with 235/75 R15 AT tyres (MT tyres fitted to review van)
Water: 2 x 95L fresh water tanks
Battery: 1 x 120Ah AGM
Solar: 1 x 200W roof-mounted
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Cooking: 4 burner (3 gas + 1 electric) Mobicool cooktop, plus grill
Microwave: NCE 20L
Fridge: 173L Dometic 3-way
TV: 22in LED and rooftop antenna
Hot water: Swift gas/electric
Air-conditioner: Houghton Belaire HP3500 rooftop
Audio: Finch with two internal and two external speakers
Bathroom: Separate shower, toilet and vanity rear bathroom
Lighting: LED throughout
Supplied by: Snowy River Caravans, Somerton, Victoria