By Doug McIvor
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Demand for Western Caravans’ custom-made units has forced the WA company to relocate to the Canning Vale industrial area in Perth’s southern suburbs. 
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By doubling the size of the factory from 400sqm to 800sqm, owner Wes Ridden aims to double production. Although, with his hands-on policy, this still means only four vans will be made each week.
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“In our old Maddington factory we could only build one van at a time, whereas the Canning Vale site has room for four units in progress,” Wes says. 
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“We will also have storage space for more stock and parts, which by buying in bulk will lead to keener pricing through our 18-van range, from the small Flinders pop-top to the full size Homestead model.”
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Despite the fluctuations in fuel prices, Wes says the dual axle Homestead range has enjoyed strong sales.
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Signing up long-time dealer George Day Caravans as their agent has seen the Western Caravans product go from strength to strength.
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“George Day Caravans provides us with exposure and excellent customer service, backed up by having contacts all over Australia,” Wes says.
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“Selling more vans for us on a regular basis has helped with our forward planning and by being such a well-established company on Albany Highway, one of Perth’s main thoroughfares, George Day has helped boost Western Caravans’ profile in the industry.”
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Wes believes the resources boom currently being experienced in WA has also been a major factor in the company’s success.
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“With accommodation shortages a problem in WA’s mining towns many workers are opting for a good sized van in which to house their family while having to work away from the city chasing high wages,” he says.
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“We can custom-build one of the Homestead models to suit a family’s needs while a contract is being completed and then it can be used as holiday accommodation when the job’s finished.”
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Key factors
The experience gained over years of repairing RVs is evident when inspecting a Western Caravans model, with Wes paying particular attention to two main areas: wiring and waterproofing. 
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“All the electrical wiring in our caravans is soldered,” he says, “which eliminates the risk of wires being disconnected when travelling over corrugations or rough bitumen roads. And we run more earths, not just a few through the body.
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“Our waterproofing is a three-step process. First we fold the aluminium edges over, then apply silicon and a corner moulding, before overlaying more silicon, which is as much for aesthetics as for extra security against moisture entering the van.”
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And strength is a given with Western Caravan’s products.
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“We simply don’t build a weak product because it would always be coming back for warranty work, so it’s better to make it strong in the first place,” he says.
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“We still attend to our own warranties but I’d rather spend the time producing better quality caravans, so any repairs are kept to a minimum. 
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“We’ve also found that if you use cheap products you’ll get burned. It’s better to spend a few more dollars on a quality appliance, such as a Sharp microwave or Smev cooker, because with our increased production it only adds a small amount to the cost of each van, yet means there is less likelihood of vans returning.” 
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Wes and his small band of workers are heading for the 150-caravans-built mark and he takes on board regular feedback and information from customers, many of whom are asked about their relatively unique vans by interested travellers at tourist parks around Australia. 
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Top of the range
The full sized Homestead Ord continues the company’s Australiana theme and as the brand has evolved, fresh features have been incorporated.
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At 24ft (7.3m), this dual axle caravan has a modern ensuite, a bigger-than-usual sink, more thickly embossed ceiling ply and the seat heights have been increased while retaining Dunlop foam padding.
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The Homestead Ord gains an innerspring mattress for maximum comfort and the kitchen features a 240V element among the burners, coupled with either a stove or grill. 
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Feedback from clients has led to a change in cupboard design, with the upper cabinets having a 42mm front lip, which has strengthened the framework and stops items which may have moved in transit from falling out when the door is opened.
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Also up high is the popular ‘entertainment pack’ comprising a CD/radio, DVD player and LCD screen.
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Macro-suede upholstery offers a modern look. The decor in the van I inspected was the more typical design, and while mottled patterns are not my cup of tea, they are very serviceable considering the travelling lifestyle they cater for. Mind you, with 70 colours to choose from there should be something for everyone. 
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The same serviceability goes for the cherry wood panelling used on the interior, ideal with Australia’s red dirt, and being poly ply it’s hard-wearing and easy to clean.
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The kitchen in the display model features a fridge and a freezer, increasing the independence of its owners, whether travelling regularly or staying put for a significant time. Being up front, near the door, everything is handy for the cook, to check food simmering on the cooktop or to duck inside to replenish drinks. There is also a stainless steel microwave.
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The deep charcoal benchtops didn’t blend as well with the upholstery as I would have liked but you must remember this is the décor chosen by a client and their personal input is what makes this van a ‘Homestead’. What you do get is ample room to prepare a meal, which is probably the most important factor.
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The lounge/dining area has room for six adults, again emphasising that the Ord is big enough to live in for extended periods.
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The sleeping quarters feature an east-west queen size bed, with the aforementioned innerspring mattress, which pushes in to allow more room to access clothes and the ensuite during the day.
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Also in the bedroom are tall, deep wardrobes with drawers capable of storing enough gear to satisfy the most fashion-conscious country traveller.
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Overhead lamps on flexible arms, found above the dinette, cater for reading in bed and side tables with drawers allow room for alarm clocks (set to go fishing) and glasses of water (to dilute the extra drinks consumed as extended sundowners).
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Stretched full width across the back, the splendid ensuite features a toilet, shower with a glass door, basin and a 50cm × 90cm mirror that Wes fitted following the advice of customers.
Two big cupboards sit to the left of the mirror, below which is another set of cabinets next to the basin. The ensuite benchtop is laminated, providing a surface on which to place such necessities as toiletries bags, hair dryers and make-up kits.
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The hot water system is gas fired, but an optional 240V electric unit can be ordered.
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Finally, there is enough room for drying and dressing, with a sliding door to ensure privacy.
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On the outside
The reason the Homestead Ord feels so solid is the 150mm × 3mm chassis that extends to the spring hangers.
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The suspension is rated to 2.5 tonnes and is made up of twin axles and leaf-springs, stabilised when stationary by drop-down legs. 
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Wes says that the reason he goes for such a simple suspension setup is that it is a tried-and-tested arrangement.
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“It’s a case of set and forget,” he says, “and it works because so little can go wrong. In the years that we’ve been involved in repairing and now manufacturing RVs, we’ve yet to have one come back with towing problems or abnormal tyre wear.”
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Up front is a substantial boot, padded to serve as a stoneguard, with a 9kg gas bottle fitted on the A-frame as standard, and room for the second optional bottle.
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Alloy wheels on the two axles add a touch of class and the bright-blue-and-white-livery common to all Western Caravans sets up the Homestead Ord as a clean, crisp unit.
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Aloft is an optional air-conditioner and a standard roll-out awning, up the back is a spare wheel mounted on the bumper, while underneath are two 60L water tanks.
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The bottom line
I’m sure I’ve said this in previous reviews of Western Caravans: the Homestead Ord does the job it was designed for.
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It covers all bases with the attention to detail of the company’s owner, Wes Ridden. He cares about the final product and ensures the workmanship is quality, so “it doesn’t come back”.
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The well-proven suspension would help make towing long distances less tiresome and incident-free.
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For more information contact George Day Caravans, (08) 9493 5557 or freecall WA 1800 658 070, email: westerncaravans@georgeday.com.au
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I liked
• Full width ensuite – big enough for drying and dressing
• Workmanship – feels solid
• Interior space – room to entertain or seat a family
• Deep wardrobes and drawers in bedroom
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I would have liked
• Better décor blend – dark, plain benchtops clashed with soft furnishings 
• Curtain to conceal bedroom and ensuite
• Less weight – nearly 2 tonnes without adding food, drinks and travel gear



Western Caravans Homestead Ord 

Body length: 24ft (7.3m)

Overall length: 28ft 6in (8.7m)

Width: 7ft 7in (2.3m)

Travel height: 9ft 6in (2.9m)

Ceiling height: 6ft 5in (1.9m) 

Tare weight: 1980kg 

Ball weight: 180kg

Axle capacity: 2.5 tonnes

Chassis: Box steel DuraGal

Suspension: Leaf-spring

Hubs: Six-stud LandCruiser hubs

Brakes: Electric

Water storage: 2 x 60L

Fridge: Dometic three-way, 110L (150L fridge/freezer an option) 

Freezer: 120L (optional)

Stove: Smev four-burner (with grill or stove)

LPG: 9kg bottle (plus one optional 9kg)

Lighting: 12V

Hot water system: Gas (plus optional 240V)

Price: $51,990 (standard) plus on-road costs 
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Western Caravans Homestead Ord

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