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NEWS
Super-sized American vans get cheaper
New importer LUX Caravans offering 30ft-plus slide-out vans from around $85,000The demise of Melbourne-based Cell Caravans earlier this year left a hole in the market for super-sized American ‘travel trailers’ but a new Australian company is hoping to fill the gap.
While the Queensland-based LUX Caravans can source almost any US-built caravan through an arrangement with Michigan RV dealer, Gillette’s Interstate RV, LUX Caravans’ Marketing Director Carl Witherspoon said it will initially focus on specific models from major brands including Cruiser RV, Forest River, Flagstaff and Coachmen RV.
However unlike the Cell caravans, which were ‘reverse engineered’ and built to Australian-spec in the factory, LUX Caravans is modifying new US-spec vans to meet Australian standards in the US after they come off the production line.
“All caravans are fully converted to meet with Australian standards including the replacement of gas and electrics, installation of new signal lights and the placement of a secondary door on the passenger side,” Witherspoon said.
He said this will also help keep prices down, as much as 40 per cent less than the equivalent Cell caravans.
“In comparison to Cell Caravans we are two thirds if not half the price of some of their models. Most of our caravans come in around the $85-90,000 mark, where Cell were often around $120-140,000.”
He said LUX Caravans has signed an “exclusivity agreement” with Indiana-based Cruiser RV, which used to supply Cell Caravans, and arriving in Queensland next week is a 28ft 10in, fibreglass-bodied Shadow Cruiser tandem axle van complete with king bed, double bunks, separate shower and toilet, island bench, two slide-outs, 2689kg Tare weight and fresh, grey and black water tanks.
“The Shadow Cruiser 282BHS is a great example of the type of caravans that LUX Caravans are bringing to the Australian market place,” he said.
“Our American built RVs boast a huge list of high end inclusions that are simply unrivalled in comparison to our direct competitors.
“Many of the models come with standard power tongue jacks, power stabilising jacks, electric awnings with built in bluetooth speakers, outdoor kitchens, entertainment centres with built in fireplaces, under floor ducted heating, fully ducted air-con, full size king residential bed and much more.”
“Most are 'ultra lite' models which results in the vast majority being under three tonnes regardless of their 30 feet-plus length and at least one 'ultra slide'.”
For buyers who dislike the dark timber decor found in many US caravans, Witherspoon said that for 2018 many US manufacturers will be switching to more Euro-style ‘light maple’ interiors. The imported vans will also be retro-fitted with roof-mounted electric door awnings to ensure they comply with local 2.5m maximum width rules.
LUX Caravans is also planning to offer new 2018-model Coachmen vans fitted with ‘smart’ digital switching technology, although these more upmarket models are likely to cost around $10,000 more.
“So the electric awnings, sound systems, power stabilising jacks can all be run off your phone,” he said.
To help push prices down further, LUX Caravans will not offer traditional dealerships, although the plan is to have display vans located in eastern seaboard states that will also be exhibited at shows.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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