Snowy River SRT-16 2026

Snowy River's new 48V models were among the stars of the show at this year's Melbourne Leisurefest.

Not because they introduced technology and features we haven't seen before, although the new integrated BM Pro/Autory 48V set-up is a first for those brands.

48V caravan systems have been around for years, but with a few exceptions they're a pricey option for those who want to power the appliances for extended periods when camping off-the-grid.

Now Snowy is flexing its muscles as one of Australia's biggest RV importers, and fitting power-packed 48V systems as standard to its SRT off-road caravans, SRH hybrid and SRM motorhome ranges -- all for around 12V caravan money!

To see what all the fuss is about, we took a closer look at the smallest model in the new MY27 SRT fixed-roof range...

Related: 12V off-road caravans 'dead' in 12 months, predicts Snowy River boss

Related: Snowy River launches 'best value' 48V caravans

Related: Beginner's guide to 12V, 24V and 48V power systems in caravans

The SRT-16 is a new 16ft entry-model, single axle couple's 'van with 3000kg ATM, designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers with its desirable front walkaround bed/full width rear ensuite layout, and more compact, lighter towing footprint.

With $83,990 tow-away pricing, it's also for those after more off-grid grunt for the money, with one of the best off-grid power packages on the market for a sub-$90K caravan, including a 5kWh lithium battery, 700W rooftop solar, 4000W inverter and 48V 30A DC-DC charger.

Bigger, pricier models in the SRT range, like the range-topping SRT-22 ($94,990 tow-away), get a larger 10kW battery/950W solar set-up.

However, the 5kWh battery system is sufficient to run on-board appliances like the air-conditioner and convection microwave, at least for shorter periods when the sun isn't shining.

The SRT-16 also doesn't miss out on too much when it comes to standard kit, with a washing machine, diesel heater, induction cooktop and 175L fridge also included.

You do have to pay $750 more for optional Trailer ESC (stability control), and the fact that Snowy is yet to offer airbag suspension as either standard or optional on any of its towable RVs, could be a dealbreaker for some.

The MY27 SRT off-road range also benefits from new flat tinted windows, and a fresh palette of colours including seven different exterior decals and nine interior colour options.

The six-inch steel chassis is protected by a Raptor coating, and now comes fitted with Snowy's SR-Xplor symmetrical coil suspension (first seen on the SRH), along with 12in electric drum brakes, 16in alloys, chunky mud tyres, and a DO-35 coupling.

There's some external protection for the white fibreglass composite panels too, including matte black aluminium J- moulds around the joins, black checker plate around the sides, and some textured stick-on rubbery material on the front toolbox that looks easily replaceable if it starts to look shabby.

Underneath, there's more checker plate around the water tanks, some brush skirts to collect flicked up stones, and the chassis-mounted battery box is IP66-rated.

The cabinetry is made from a mix of plywood and PET-core, with a melamine or laminate finish. It all looks pretty solid including some piano hinges for the doors, although we'd like to see a positive-lock or double-lock mechanism like you get on many off-road 'vans, for added reinforcement.

Snowy River has 14 dealers around Australia and backs its 'vans with a five-year structural warranty, and two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

On the gooseneck drawbar is a removable jockey wheel mounted in front of a large toolbox, which has separate enclosed sections for the twin 9kg gas bottles, plus two empty storage areas -- one with a slide-out for a generator or additional fridge.

There's a slot for the 10 litre fuel tank (with gauge) for the diesel heater, and mounting points on top for an optional bike holder.

It's a tight fit around the 'side winder' jockey wheel; we had to pop the lid on the gas bottle compartment to provide enough clearance to wind the jockey wheel up and down.

The tunnel boot is a good size and LED lit, but didn't appear to have a full waterproof lining as you find on many full off-road 'vans. The location of the hot water heater on the offside also eats into some of the storage space.

The SRT-16 comes with a 12ft roll-out awning, picnic table, external speakers, and a gas bayonet on the onside for hooking up a portable BBQ. There's also an external TV box to watch the supplied 24in TV, with 240V/12V sockets for hooking up a portable induction hot plate or coffee machine outside.

A platform bar at the rear incorporates two jerry holders, a wood box, and an enclosed 'slot' perfect for storing the fishing rods.

Front and rear spotlights, a wireless rear camera, rear recovery hooks, an external hot cold shower, and an Anderson plug for running another portable solar panel, complete the exterior picture.

The SRT-16 is a good option if you want to spend most of your time outside caravan parks, with its 5kW/700W battery/solar pack, together with 190L fresh and 95L grey water capacity.

Most of the battery electrical components are neatly packaged under the bed, including the Autory BMPro DC-DC MPPT solar charge controller, RV intelligent controller, 48V-12V converter, DC-DC charger, and 4000W inverter charger.

We had a play with the new 'BMPro by Autory' 7in touchscreen and it's quite user-friendly as far as touchscreen managers go. There are numerous menus and functions that allow you to view energy and water usage, and provide finger-tip control of lighting and various appliances including the air-conditioner, in lieu of using the remote control.

There's also a handy tyre pressure gauge and a pitch/roll read-out, to help with levelling on uneven campsites.

We ran the 48V air-conditioner off the battery for about 20 minutes, which sapped about five percent of battery power and left around six hours' battery charge. Not bad, considering it was too cloudy at the time for much in the way of solar power generation. The Dometic air-con unit impressed too, with its quietness and efficiency.

The SRT-16 also comes with a USB-C Point to connect a Starlink Mini.

Snowy River has done a nice job with the latest interior refresh, with eight other colour palettes available if you're not partial to the review 'van's Coastal Luxe theme.

However, we're fans, especially with the matte black handles, sink and tap, and matching appliances.

The interior feels more spacious than you expect, but that could be due to a few compromises like the narrow kitchen benchtop, with the adjustable dinette table nearby another option for chopping up vegies.

There's no kitchen cutlery drawer either, partly due to the space taken up by a big 4-in-1 microwave under the benchtop.

Other than that, the kitchen comes well equipped with a twin hob induction hotplate, rangehood, deep rectangle sink with water filter, and the NCE 29L 4-in-1 convection microwave oven, grill and air-fryer.

Well-padded leather upholstered seating makes the bench-style lounge a pleasant spot to eat or relax, with excellent lower back support, and matching wall pockets and bedhead. 

There's a decent stereo with lots of connectivity options and big touchscreen, and another set of connections facing the bed for the 24in TV, which I reckon is on the small side and should be at least 28in for this size 'van.

No complaints about the LED ceiling lights (with dimming function), under-cabinet strip lighting, bedside reading lights and wireless phone chargers.

Given the 48V power system, most of the powerpoints inside the 'van are double 240V sockets, while climate control is taken care of with twin 12V fans around the bed, the rooftop air-conditioner and the diesel air heater, fitted under the dinette seats, with twin vents. The air heater controls are conveniently located near the bedhead.

The 'bedroom' also benefits from an innerspring mattress, roof hatch and a big offside window for letting in the natural light and views.

The rear ensuite is another nice space, and includes a large shower cubicle with fan hatch and light, a vanity with bowl sink and mirror, and an opening window above the cassette toilet.

Headroom throughout the 'van is excellent, except for a couple of spots like the sloping roof at the very front, and the ensuite sliding door entry.

Except for the jam-packed kitchen, interior storage options are pretty good overall with quite a few overhead and under-bench cupboards spread throughout the 'van, including in the ensuite, as well as bedside robes and some under-bed storage.

The tow vehicle for our brief tow test was a Ford Ranger V6 Wildtrak (supplied by Bayford Ford), and it proved a good match for the SRT-16.

While we didn't go far off-road, the 'van with its new Xplor coil suspension for the most part tracked smoothly behind, and its circa two and a half tonne (unloaded) weight was no problem for the powerful ute, which always had plenty of get-up-and-go in reserve.

It might be relatively compact but the SRT-16 sits at over three metres tall, so I had to keep an eye out in some tree-lined spots, particularly with the Milenco dust reduction TV antenna jutting out prominently from the roofline.

The new 16ft SRT-16 is a welcome addition to Snowy's off-road caravan range, and makes sense if you're after a more affordable, full-height off-road 'van that doesn't miss out on too much when it comes to standard features, interior space or comforts.

Snowy's triple-fuel approach (gas hot water/diesel space heating/48V battery system for everything else) should appeal to buyers who aren't fully convinced yet about a full 'gas-free' caravan. Add in a petrol gennie and that's four power sources!

In the end, it's the tow-away price tag that will sway many buyers, and a list of standard features that not that long ago would have been seen as a sharp deal on a six-figure priced, locally built 'van.

Price: From $83,990 tow-away
Travel length: 7532mm
External body length: 5039mm
Travel width: 2390mm
Travel height: 3180mm
Tare: 2391kg
ATM: 3000kg
Ball weight (tare): 235kg
Body: Aluminium-frame fibreglass sandwich panels, 42mm floor, 32mm (walls and roof)
Chassis: 150 x 50mm steel, Raptor coated
Suspension: SR-Xplore Symmetrical Coil
Brakes: 12-inch electric drums
ESC: Sway Command optional
Wheels: 16-inch alloys, LT265/75R16 Goodride Radial M/T
Water: 2 x 95L fresh, 95L grey
Battery: Autory 48V, 5kWh with BMPro battery management
Solar: 1 x 200W, 2 x 250W 48V roof-mounted
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Fogatti instant gas
Cooking: Dometic internal twin induction, NCE 29L 4-in-1 convection microwave
Fridge/freezer: Thetford 175L 12V compressor
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Internal and external
Lighting: LED
Air-conditioner: Dometic Freshjet 7 48V
Space heater: AuFocus 2kW 12V diesel
Washer/dryer: Chobo 2.5kg wall-mounted
TV: Chiq 24in LED Smart
Audio: Multimedia touchscreen with indoor/outdoor speakers
Supplied by: Snowy River Caravans, Somerton, Victoria