VanCraft boosts Network RV fleet

Big-selling Melbourne manufacturer Network RV has launched its latest caravan brand, VanCraft at the 2023 NSW, Caravan and Holiday Supershow.

The fast growing Cambellfield-Victoria based company currently builds full-size off-road and touring caravans under a number of brand names including Victory, NextGen and Network RV, not to mention other brands in the past like Roadhouse and Elite.

But the new VanCraft brand appears to be a distinct move into the increasingly popular off-road hybrid caravan market, judging by the solitary 16ft 6in 1660CD tandem axle VanCraft couple's van displayed on the Fair Dinkum Caravans stand at this year's Sydney Supershow.

Its full composite construction is also a point of difference from other timber and aluminium frame Network RV vans, with superior insulation provided by white fibreglass sandwich panels for the sides and roof, and contrasting black aluminium extrusion and J-Mould capping added for strength and aesthetic reasons.

The 16ft 6in VanCraft hybrid off-road van is built on a Network Engineering 150mm galvanised steel chassis with an extended A-frame that allows room for twin 9kg gas bottles, jerry holders, a mesh stone guard and a large checker plate toolbox with slide-outs and a wood carrier. A rear bar holds the twin spare tyres.

There's also a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and Tuffride trailing arm coil suspension with twin shocks, along with 12in electric drum brakes and 16in alloys with mud tyres.

Other external features on the display van included a slide-out kitchen, external shower, front and rear LED light bars, a gas bayonet, Dometic dust reduction system, roll-out awning, picnic table and TV connections, and a reversing camera.

Twin 95 litre fresh water and single 95L grey water tanks, and a 600Ah lithium battery system with 3000W Victron inverter and 400W rooftop solar are the highlights of the off-grid camping package.

Internally, the twin berth layout included a front east-west double bed with pillowtop mattress, a kitchenette with sink and mixer tap, four hob gas-electric cooktop, oven/grille, microwave, rangehood, and 274 litre compressor fridge freezer, a leatherette-lined cafe dinette, and a rear ensuite with cassette toilet, wall mounted washing machine and separate shower cubicle.

The display van also came with an instant hot water unit, filtered water tap, internal 12V fan, roof mounted air conditioner, a TV and aerial, and a stereo system with internal and external speakers.

Advertised 'show' pricing was $109,990, with the van weighing in with a 2652kg Tare, 3500kg ATM and 272kg ball weight at Tare.