Tough Tekton hybrids gain traction

Some of Australia's most off-road capable campers and caravans are produced in a small pocket in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs, including legendary compact models from Track Trailer and Vista RV as well as larger caravans from Trakmaster.

And you can now probably add Tekton Expedition to that list, with the fledgling family-run business pumping out limited numbers of premium hybrid campers from a small factory in the leafy suburb of Boronia not far from its more established rivals.

Established in 2017, Tekton Expedition manufactures a three-model range of compact pod and hybrid pop-top and full-height caravans at its 500sqm factory that on first appearances look like a cross between a Bruder expedition trailer and more caravan-style hybrids like the Cub C16.

However, the father-son team behind the operation is doing things a bit differently; not only to cater to discerning clientele but help build a loyal following mostly via word of mouth, with an order bank now stretching out to 2024.

"We're a niche manufacturer and we want to keep our production numbers relatively low to ensure not only quality but so that our orders don't stretch out too far, so 12 to 20 vans a year is our maximum," Tekton co-founder Jonathan told caravancampingsales.

The family duo combine backgrounds in property development, construction, engineering and legal and business know-how with lifelong passions for off-road touring that includes family trips to far-flung places like the Kimberley and Cape York towing various camper trailers and caravans.

Like many buyers of a Track Trailer Tvan or Vista Crossover, most of Tekton's orders to date are from serious Outback adventurers or experienced travellers that have owned a number of RVs and have a clear idea of what their ideal off-road camper should be.

"Most of our customers would be on their third or fourth van, we're not really attracting first-time caravan buyers," Jonathan explained.

While it started off building fully customised campers, Tekton now offers three standard models with limited customisation available, including the entry-level, pod-style XT-3 trailer that with its snug two-berth interior and rear tailgate kitchen has a similar design and pricetag to the Brisbane-built Bruder EXP-4.

Then there are two bigger single axle hybrid caravan models: the 13ft SVX-4 pop-top and 17ft full height SVX-5, both with a narrow body and the choice of couple and bunk layouts including an interior kitchen and ensuite.

Using locally-sourced or in-house built components, the Tekton campers are manufactured from 30mm fibreglass composite panels to form a fully sealed one-piece unit, with the urethane spray-on protective finish available in a choice of colours.

The certified engineered chassis are built in-house with a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and modified Teko Tuff Ride airbag suspensions, delivering up to 250mm (9.8in) wheel travel.

Sitting towards the top of the off-grid hybrid market, the XT-3 pod camper starts at $92,500, while buyers can expect to pay at least $132,500 for the SVX-4 pop-top and $162,500 for the single axle SVX-5 model.

For this, you get a pretty substantial off-grid set-up as standard including a 100Ah lithium battery, 400W rooftop solar and 110 litre fresh water on the XT-3, and a 500Ah lithium battery system with 3000W inverter and 750W rooftop solar and up to 270L fresh water on the two hybrid caravan models.

The top-end Victron battery system with 7in touchscreen can be optioned up to a 1500Ah lithium battery pack and 1500W rooftop solar for those who want even more power when camping off the beaten track.

Other standard features on the XT-3 pod camper include a 65 litre compressor fridge, hot/cold outside shower, custom wood rack, gas cooktop, hot water unit, leatherette upholstery trim and a carbon fibre housed Dust Suppression System (DSS), while the two hybrid caravans also get an internal and external kitchen with induction cooktop, Sirocco fans, compressor fridge/freezer, diesel water and air heater, and an internal shower and toilet, among other caravan-style comforts.

Other luxuries like an air conditioner and wall-mounted washing machine are optional extras.

With a focus on using lightweight materials including ABS composite cabinetry, the 'gas free' hybrid caravan models should provide relatively stress-free towing depending on your choice of 4WD tow vehicle, with Tare and ATM weights of 1450kg and 2800kg for the SVX-4 and 1900kg and 2800kg for the SVX-5. The XT-3 pod camper boasts a sub-one tonne Tare and 1750kg ATM.

As for the future, Tekton is planning to introduce a new in-house suspension set-up, while the first ($168,500) tandem axle SVX-5 family and couples hybrid caravan is due to be produced later this year.

"Our most popular model so far has been the 13ft SVX-4 with its queen bed, internal ensuite and the option of bunk beds, with many buyers moving up from a smaller Vista or Tvan camper," he said.

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