All-new Design RV HC-X Hybrid hits the road

The first full composite, compact hybrid off-road caravan from Pakenham, Victoria-based manufacturer Design RV is on its way to dealers, after making its public debut at the 2024 Melbourne Leisurefest last month.

Aimed at buyers after a smaller, hybrid-style, three-tonne ATM off-road caravan packed with luxury and free-camping features but without breaking the bank, the new 16ft Design RV HC-X Hybrid blends a comfortable caravan-style fit-out with plenty of off-grid capability including 'gas free' cooking and heating, a 300Ah lithium battery system and fresh and grey water tanks.

It's built on an ARV Supagal 4in heavy-duty chassis, with 3000kg-rated Alpha Extreme coil trailing arm suspension, Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, 12in drum brakes, and alloy wheels with mud tyres.

Measuring 2.3m wide and around 3.0m tall, the HC-X Hybrid also boasts Design RV's top-spec full composite construction that combines an aluminium frame with fibreglass/XPS foam sandwich panels, including a 30mm thick one-piece roof and side walls, and one-piece 15mm composite floor.

Outside storage options include a king-size, Raptor-coated front toolbox with wood rack, wetbox and slide-outs, with matching black laser-cut roof rails, a front LED light bar and rear camera, roll-out box awning, and twin picnic tables among other external highlights.

The 2025 HC-X Hybrid also gets the clever new, solid fold-out entry-step system with built-in hand rail, that's also fitted to the latest Highlander model made by sister company Essential Caravans.

The 'gas free' set-up on the show van includes an induction cooktop for both inside and outside kitchens, while for off-grid camping there are two 65L fresh water tanks and a water filter, plus a 300Ah lithium battery system with three 160W rooftop solar panels, Projecta 3000W inverter and 30A DC-DC charger. There's also a chassis-mounted 20L diesel tank that feeds the Truma diesel hot water and air heater.

The internal kitchen also boasts a 148L compressor fridge-freezer and microwave, with the floorplan also incorporating a walk-around queen bed with pillowtop mattress up front and a central cafe dinette with leatherette upholstery. The full-width rear ensuite also comes well equipped with a cassette toilet, vanity with bowl sink, a wall-mounted washing machine and a large fibreglass shower cubicle.

The HC-X Hybrid also gets lightweight CNC cabinetry, a roof-top air conditioner, Smart TV and stereo, LED strip lighting and a Projecta digital display, for its $89,990 advertised price.

Like Design RV's other touring and off-road caravan models, the HC-X Hybrid is built at the Design RV factory in Pakenham, Victoria, and is backed by a five-year structural warranty. Buyers can choose from a range of internal decor and external decal colours, as well as various options, and other HC-X layouts will be available, according to the Design RV website.