Soul Caravans sets sail

An innovative new moulded fibreglass caravan is set to make its debut at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow at the Brisbane Showgrounds from June 8-13.

New Gold Coast company Soul Caravans has released computer images of the new 22ft slide-out model, which promises some ground-breaking features including a massive 4.39m long slide-out and 50in TV that swivels 180 degrees to enable indoor or outdoor viewing.

Company directors Curtis Goldring and Adam Skelton set up the new company in early-2015 after working for many years for Queensland luxury boat-builder Riviera and they plan to use “proven luxury boatbuilding techniques of laminated fibreglass moulding” in the caravan’s construction, according to a media release.  

“Soul caravans are built with just two main moulded parts - the cabin and the undertray - that are then sealed together. The result is a rigid, water-tight monocoque construction that is relatively light-weight and sound resistant,” the company says.

The Soul 22 model will also feature “one of the largest slide-outs on the market”.

“Nearly two thirds of the 22’s length is equipped with a unique electric actuated slide out, adding about 20 percent more floor space to a standard layout."

Other proposed features include a dedicated storage space for outdoor table and chairs, a hose on a fully retractable coil located in a gelcoat-sealed front boot locker, and twin 9kg gas bottles that slide-out from their own locker.

Soul Caravans says its first Soul 22 model will also offer ”the latest in home automation, allowing the owner to control lightning and sound from a tablet computer”.

Another party trick will be a swiveling 50in TV that turns a bedroom window into an outdoor sports bar.

“A large LCD TV opposite the queen bed is on a swivel so it can be viewed from the lounge, the bed  - or spin it a full 180 degrees to watch favourite programs out in the open air.”

The Soul 22 van will be offered with airbag suspension, and boast an interior fit-out “to the standard of a luxury apartment”.

It won’t be light though, with an estimated Tare weight of 2900kg, ATM of 3500kg and 245kg ball weight.

According to the Soul Caravans website, the company also plans to build a smaller 19ft model.

Soul Caravans is the latest marine-flavoured company to wade into the lucrative Australian caravan market, following the likes of Seachange Caravans from The Haines Group, Zone RV and Ultimate Campers, started by boat builder Michael Hackett.