Van Cruiser launches new gas-free caravans

Boutique Melbourne caravan manufacturer Van Cruiser has released a new series of 'gas-free' off-road caravans, loaded up with enough off-grid electrical equipment and upmarket gear to live a life of luxury when camping off the beaten track.

Priced from $139,990, the new Van Cruiser Outlaw SEV (Special Electric Vehicle) model is currently available in two well-equipped, twin-berth ensuite variants: the 3000kg ATM, 17ft 10in single-axle Outlaw Rustler, and 4500kg ATM, 20ft 6in tandem axle Outlaw Bronco.

In a number of firsts for the 14-year old Aussie manufacturer, they both come fitted with a top-spec Victron 24V lithium battery system, TerraGlide off-road suspension, and the latest Autoterm hot water and space heater that runs off either diesel or electricity.

Van Cruiser’s Tania Costanzo said the company has previously built a 'gas-free' van for a customer, but this is the first time it's being offered as a regular-production model.

"We normally run a 2000W or 3000W 12V system (in our off-grid caravans)... but you can't run all the (240V electrical) appliances at the same time, whereas the 5000W 24V system offer more opportunities for doing that," Tania explained.

"We also usually run Cruisemaster suspension but on the new models we're using the new TerraGlide set-up; the 3.5 tonne rated coil suspension for the single axle, and 4.5 tonne airbag suspension on the tandem axle."

The hi-tech Victron 24V electrical system (most of the components are located under the bed) in the 17ft 10in Outlaw Rustler, incorporates two 150Ah lithium batteries (equivalent 600Ah 12V), a 5000W inverter and 800W rooftop solar -- enough to run the many on-board 240V appliances including internal and external induction cooktops, 174L compressor fridge freezer and 30L drawer fridge, microwave, 3kg washing machine and a rooftop air-conditioner.

Among a long list of standard external features is an extra-large A-frame toolbox and woodbox (offering more storage space thanks to the omission of twin 9kg gas bottles), a 12V cabin pressure dust hatch, rear camera, outside shower and 240L fresh water and 50L grey water tanks, while a striking interior fit-out includes designer curved bedside panelling, diamond-stitched, distressed-leatherette upholstery, and a square, matte-white granite sink in the kitchen.

Also included in the price is a wide variety of internal storage options including a slide-out for a coffee machine, while the multiple inside and outside LED lights include an awning sensor light and hidden strip and mood lighting inside. In a clever use of space the top-load washing machine in the rear ensuite is tucked away in a cupboard behind the two fridges near the entryway.

Currently in construction, the first 20ft 6in tandem axle Outlaw Bronco van gets a Cruisemaster DO-45 coupling to go with its adjustable airbag suspension, plus around 400 litres' water capacity, while special Van Cruiser touches inside include full timber benchtops and a carved timber-style bowl sink in the bathroom.

"We've also made some tweaks to the layouts, to differentiate them from our other models, while still focussing on what we do well with the rest of our Van Cruiser range," Tania said.

Both Van Cruiser Outlaw SEV variants will be on display at the Go Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Sale at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds (October 31-November 3).

Related: Van Cruiser Family HTO 2023 Review