Zone expands Expedition range

Queensland's Zone RV has upgraded production versions of its 10ft Expedition ‘box camper’ and added a larger internal shower-toilet 12ft model to the range that's now the Sunshine Coast innovator’s best-seller.

When caravancampingsales previewed the 10ft Expedition model last December, we returned the prototype with mixed feelings and a ‘to do’ list of things we felt would allow it to realise its full potential for many would-be buyers.

These included safer access to the optional roof-top bed and overcoming difficulties in opening the large rear access door from inside the Expedition.

These issues have now been resolved successfully in the latest production versions, to the point where both models are a real alternative to hybrid caravans for many buyers, rivalling the best of them in set-up time and under-cutting many in price, while still enabling them to go to the hard places that most camper trailers can.

The entry-level Z-10 Expedition is still priced at $49,900, but the rear entry door has been made narrower, allowing the roof access ladder to be more centralised for easier access to the optional rooftop queen bed with its front hinged-pop-top.

But now there’s an easier alternative via an internal access ladder and a hatch in the upper bed’s base that enables an adult and a child to access and exit the upper area without the perils of scaling the vertical exterior ladder after dark.

The pop-top tent can also be lowered easily from inside now, via a pull-down strap, with its vented sides easily tucked in by hand in the process.

When the upper bed is not required, its base can be pushed up, where struts hold it in place, allowing full standing room inside the Expedition.

The new Z-12 12ft model, which Zone RV expects to become the more popular Expedition, uses its extra length to accommodate a fibreglass combined shower and cassette toilet module in the right hand rear corner.

While still designed for outside living, with a recessed kitchen with sink and a cabinet fridge on the left hand side beneath a 270-degree wrap-around awning on both models, the larger Expedition with its swing-away table allows travellers the extra comfort and security of inside living after dark, with room to sit and eat, if required.

Getting out of both Expedition models has also been made easier, with a cord connecting the low entry handle now accessible at a convenient height via a strap held in place by Velcro further up the door.

Tare weights put both Expedition models in between campers and hybrids, with the Z-10 starting at 1340kg before options and the Z-12 coming in at 1340kg. At the 2019 Queensland Caravan Supershow, an optioned-up Z-12 with a retail price close to $75,000 tipped the scales at 1660kg.

Both models boast similar strength and off-road capability, employing the underpinnings and fully insulated one-piece sandwich wall construction and Raptor protective coating on lower surfaces of the larger Zone RV caravans. Lithium battery power is fitted as standard along with Cruisemaster XT coil spring suspension.