Van Cruiser goes hot and cold

Washing machines, dishwashers, air-conditioners, satellite TVs… today’s caravanners are rarely forced to slum it, with some RVs better equipped than your average city apartment.

However, in the constant search for something new, Victorian custom caravan builder Van Cruiser has fitted its latest ‘caravan with the lot’ with a built-in ice maker.

Unveiled (and unmissable with Ferrari red paint and matching wheels) at the 2014 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow, the new Grand Torino off-road model is aimed at buyers who like to have all the comforts of modern life in the middle of no-where.

Normally retailing for around $200, the 240V powered Maxkon automatic ice maker resides in its own external hatch, connected to a 2000W inverter and water tap to ensure a constant supply of ice cubes.

Van Cruiser boss, Enzo Gnocato, believes the standard inclusion is a first for the Aussie RV industry, and decided to fit one into his new flagship model as it’s something he likes to have handy when camping.

“I’m obviously a fan of, we won’t say scotch and coke, we’ll say iced teas,” he joked. “What I build I use as well, I take away, and I always take an ice maker with me, so I decided to build one into the caravan."

“I think it’s a first, I haven’t seen any other van that has got one.”

To power the ice maker, as well as other small appliances, the Grand Torino is equipped with a serious 12V power system including 315Ah deep cycle batteries and 400W solar panels.

For more power-hungry appliances like the air-conditioner, washing machine and microwave, there’s a checkerplate box on the rear bumper to carry a generator.

Along with everything else you’d expect on a modern luxury van, the Grand Torino comes with two dedicated heaters -- a Truma gas heater as well as 240V door-mounted unit – and two coolers, including a main fridge/freezer and smaller ‘wine’ fridge located under a lounge seat. ??

The outdoor entertainment system also delivers the tunes in multiple ways: wirelessly via Bluetooth audio streaming from a mobile phone, or from more traditional radio or CD.

With a heavy-duty galvanized chassis, Control Rider independent, dual-shock suspension, Hyland coupling and beefy off-road tyres on 16in alloys, Gnocato said the Grand Torino is “built to go anywhere your vehicle can go”.

It also comes with a 12 month warranty that covers the van for all off-road travel.

However, the downside of fitting almost every available appliance is serious bulk, with a Tare weight of 2780kg and ATM of 3280kg.

“It’s a bit of a fat cat, but that’s what happens when you put so much in a caravan, it ends up looking like me,” Gnocato joked, referring to his own hefty build.

Buyers do have the option of leaving out a few appliances to reduce weight, for as a “boutique” manufacturer Van Cruiser will customise most aspects of the caravan, including painting it a different colour to red if preferred.

Pricing for the Grand Torino starts at $59,990, with the optioned-up model on display at the Melbourne Supershow priced at $89,990.