Tekton Expedition SVX-6 2026 Review

Tekton Expedition Vehicles does things differently.

Construction methods don’t follow the usual rules. Industry-first cutting-edge tech goes into them. Annual production is only around 30 units, and pricing is at the very premium end of the market.

The Tekton team also takes the “Expedition” part of the company name very seriously. The fundamental design intent is to produce vehicles capable of the most remote and extended travel possible while maintaining optimum livability – inside and out.

Tekton offers a range of platforms including the XT3 compact pod-style camper, the nimble SVX-4 hinged roof hybrid, the SVX-5 single axle full height van, and the new range-topping SVX-6 twin axle full height van which is the subject of this review.

The Melbourne manufacturer also does a cutting-edge composite ute canopy, the CX, which comes in around half the weight of a traditional alloy canopy.

The platforms are really only a starting point because Tekton takes a highly customised approach; building pretty much whatever the customer wants within the constraints of physics!

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The twin axle SVX-6 is the largest Tekton trailer, with a 5.46m (17 ft) body length, 2250kg tare weight and 1250kg payload as reviewed.

These key specs define it as the Tekton camper that can accommodate the most conveniences, but also the one most at home on the open dirt road rather than on steep, rugged tracks.

Having said that, the 2.16m width helps with negotiating tight spaces compared to the typical 2.4m caravan width.

There’s generous space for a proper internal kitchen, full-width rear ensuite and a true queen-sized bed, so it appeals to couples who want to get away without roughing it too much. Fans of 'gasless' setups will also be pleased with the substantial electrical system doing away with gas bottles.

But you also want to be shopping at the premium end of the off-grid hybrid market, with its $232,990 (as reviewed) price tag, plus on-roads costs.

Rather than assembling the body progressively on the chassis at its Boronia, Victoria factory, Tekton builds the floor, walls and roof into a complete shell before mounting it as a finished body. The 30mm composite panels used are not unusual for the RV industry, but the process is.

The foam core, fibreglass-skinned panels make up the floor, walls and roof. They are joined with fibreglass techniques drawn from the boat building industry, where water sealing is critical. Then a tough urethane finish in the buyer's chosen colour is applied and completed with an aluminium corner trim.

Tekton claims its shell construction method delivers superior thermal and acoustic insulation properties compared to more conventional aluminium frame and skinned 'vans. It also says its body profile is industry leading in aerodynamic efficiency, having conducted computer-simulated wind tunnel benchmarking.

The chassis is 150 x 50 x 3mm, 450-grade steel, with modified Teko independent trailing-arm airbag suspension, four shock absorbers and auto-levelling. The 'van stops with 12in electric/hydraulic disc brakes and rolls on 18 x 9in ROH Vapour alloys with 265/65 R18 BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tyres.

Tekton says it bonds the finished body to the chassis using high-strength, auto style adhesives, with bond strength optimised by controlling the adhesive bead height using rubber spacers strategically placed on the chassis.

Another big point of difference is that the SVX-6 is loaded with sensors. Tyre pressure sensors are commonplace now, and tyre temperature sensors are becoming more of a thing, but this unit has wheel bearing temperature sensors too. All of this can be invaluable information to nip a problem in the bud before it becomes an outback show stopper.

More sensors are used to measure the ride height and keep the 'van level at all times. Speed sensors also manage ride height. Tekton claims an industry-first aerodynamic mode - when the van hits 80km/h it adjusts to the lowest practical height to optimise wind drag/fuel efficiency.

It will also override manual camp levelling settings if you forget to reset them. This can prevent major damage from one side of the 'van travelling on its bump stops. 

Sensors can cause some technophobes sleepless nights, but Tekton says it's addressed this with every function having manually controlled redundancy in the event of failure.

Tekton's 'doing things differently' theme continues with the impressive pull-out kitchen. It feels a lot more like a piece of home rather than a utilitarian stainless steel unit we're accustomed to seeing.

There are three decent-sized drawers and a useful cupboard for pots and pans, and the bench top accommodates a functional sink and twin hob induction cooker, with reasonable working space in the middle. The workspace is significantly bolstered with two drop-down tables right beside the bench.

A Thule wind-out awning looks a little untidy jutting forward of the van body, but provides better coverage when deployed. Wind-outs are more user-friendly than roll-outs, and the slimline profile helps keep it out of harm’s way.

Up front, the absence of gas bottles frees up storage space. A simple and tidy-looking toolbox takes care of large items such as camp chairs. The toolbox functionality is enhanced with a platform on top to tie stuff down and a small forward-facing compartment for items such as hoses and extension cords.

A compact tunnel boot complete with marine-grade carpet is ideal for long items like fishing rods. The driver's side features a substantial storage locker with a small amount of the space occupied by an ARB twin air compressor and a twin carbon fibre-bodied dust suppression system.

The rest of the premium brand Diesel Heat system resides in a dedicated adjoining compartment.

The rear bar accommodates two spare wheels reflecting the remote readiness intent of this vehicle.

Looking from above reveals a very clean roof line made up of four huge solar panels with no air conditioning or bulky hatches on top, thanks to the under bunk air-con and angled skylights at the front and rear.

The narrowness of the SVX-6 means the queen-sized bed is not a walk-around configuration, with useful storage bins running along the side of the bed instead.

Rather than overhead lockers, a generous sky hatch enables you to enjoy the night stars if you like. A different approach to storage comes through with wardrobes with hanging space on either side of the foot of the bed. More conventional storage appears in the form of two deep underbed drawers. 

The all-electric kitchen includes an (ironically branded) Gasland twin-plate induction cooker and a 32L Breville microwave. If you have your heart set on an oven, there's the option to fit a diesel-powered combination oven/cooktop.

The 250L Vitrifrigo compressor fridge is a premium marine unit and not something you see often in an Aussie 'van.

The bench has plenty of meal preparation space to make the most of the kitchen experience.

Across from the kitchen, the long bench-style seating provides a relaxed feel without crowding in an oversized dinette. Two people can spread out, or you could accommodate one or two more guests.

The rear ensuite has very clean lines with an elegant circular mirror becoming the focal point on an otherwise blank wall.

Some may prefer to see some medicine cabinet-style storage overhead, but that’s the beauty of premium custom building. If you want it, you can have it.

Elegance continues with the pedestal basin, and the underbench storage is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

The Clesana toilet is a bit posh. It's a waterless, chemical-free, and odourless unit that uses a continuous film to line the toilet bowl. After each use the waste is heat sealed into a discreet packet and stored in a collection drawer below the bowl.

The shower looks a bit different too, with a very useful integrated seat for those who may be a bit unsteady on their feet, and a shower board which provides a great non-slip surface. Bathroom ventilation is taken care of with dual sky hatches, above the toilet and shower.

Climate control is next level with a dual zone cabin system that makes it possible to run the under-bunk air conditioning in the living quarters to stay cool, while heating the bathroom to act as a drying room.

The SVX-6 has a substantial 24V electrical system, starting with a Tekton EV 20.4 kWh lithium battery bank (800Ah equivalent to 1600Ah at 12V). It's topped up by a massive 1900W solar array and 100A Victron DC-to-DC charger. The system supports an impressive 5kW Victron inverter, making a full electric system a reality.

Having said that, Tekton follows the well-established practice of leaving water and space heating to diesel, as these are very energy-hungry applications.

The Victron/Garmin power-management system provides a central way to keep track of electrical charging and consumption, as well as an array of other functions.

The 320L fresh water capacity is amongst the largest I have come across, especially in a 'van this size. Combined with the Clesana waste-capturing toilet, this rig has the capacity to be off-grid for months at a time.

However, the 50L grey water capacity will have to be carefully managed in some locations as it can only catch 16 per cent of the fresh water. 

We've already covered off some weight and towing numbers, but here’s a recap: a 3500kg ATM and 2250kg tare delivers a 1250kg payload.

That makes the SVX-6 a genuine lightweight for its class, and the resulting massive payload is probably more than you need. However, you could have the ATM downrated to make it better suited to the GCM and GVM of less capable tow vehicles.

One caveat: the enormous 320L water capacity equals 320kg, so factor that into your thinking.

The 120kg tare ball weight represents around 5 per cent of the total unladen weight. A traditional rule of thumb is the travelling downball weight should be closer to 10%.

Others argue that a light front in its own right is not a problem but can be a symptom of a heavy rear, which can cause sway. 

The Tekton does have two rear-mounted spare wheels but not a lot of other mass at the rear. We towed the 'van unladen, apart from water in the centrally located water tanks. This theoretically made the towball percentage even lower, and we didn't experience any sway.

If you did find the 'van needed some weight added to the front, there's plenty of forward storage ready to take your cargo.

Tekton also told us that more or less weight can be shifted onto the towball by raising or lowering height at the front or rear axle. The system can even show you how it impacts the towball percentage.

This isn't done with scales, but rather the system retaining the base level towball and axle loads and recalibrating based on the van's angle.

But wait, there’s more! You can shift enough weight onto the rear axle to move all of the weight off the towball.

This could be handy if you got the rig stuck in mud and needed to unhitch the 'van. You could then winch the unhitched 'van out without it wanting to dig in at the front, with the aid of a jockey wheel slide.

With its $232,990 plus ORC, as-reviewed price tag, and relatively compact 'big van' dimensions, the SVX-6 is not aimed at buyers seeking a conventional caravan at a conventional price.

It's a bespoke, low-volume expedition camper for people who place real value on self-sufficiency and a distinct construction approach.

That makes it undeniably premium, but the money buys more than a big battery and outback styling. It's genuinely liveable inside while providing a practical yet stylish external kitchen.

The serious energy capacity, massive water storage and payload combined with a high-tech toilet, also support the longest of remote trips.

Price: $232,990 as reviewed, plus dealer delivery and on-road costs
Travel length: 6760mm
External body length: 5460mm
Travel width: 2160mm
Travel height: 2750mm
Tare: 2250kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (tare): 120kg
Body: 30mm composite monocoque body, roof and floor
Chassis: 150 x 50 x 3mm, 450-grade steel
Suspension: Teko independent airbag, trailing arms, four shock absorbers and auto-levelling
Brakes: 12in electric/hydraulic disc brakes
ESC: Not specified
Wheels: 18 x 9 ROH Vapour alloys, 265/65 R18 tyres BF Goodrich KO3 AT
Water: 320L fresh, 50L grey
Battery: Tekton EV lithium 24V 1600Ah
Solar: 1900W
Gas: None
Hot water: Diesel hot-water service with integrated diesel heating
Cooking: Gasland twin plate induction
Fridge/freezer: Vitrifrigo 250L compressor
Microwave: 32L Breville
Toilet: Clesana heat sealing bag system
Shower: Separate internal shower/toilet ensuite
Lighting: LED
Air-conditioner: Under bunk
Washing machine: Optional 2.5kg unit
TV: Yes
Audio: Yes
Supplied by: Tekton Expedition Vehicles, Boronia, Victoria