Zone launches new Bruder rival

Queensland's Zone RV is now taking deposits on its latest full composite 19ft 9in pop-top hybrid caravan, with first customer deliveries expected later this year.

Priced from $139,000, the new Zone Expedition couple's model is set to compete with other premium priced, Australian-built hybrid off-grid vans from the likes of Mountain Trail, BruderX, Track Trailer, AOR and Rhinomax.

The new tandem axle pop-top features a hot dipped galvanised chassis and composite moulded body with an automatic pop-top roof supported by hydraulic struts, and measures 7.25m long overall, with a body length of 6.03m, external width of 2.05m, and a travel height of 2.5m (3.15m high in camp mode).

Production examples are expected to have a starting Tare weight of around 2200kg, and deliver up to a one tonne-plus payload with an ATM of 3500kg.

The 19ft 9in Zone Expedition rides on Cruisemaster ATX airbag manual suspension, with a DO-35 coupling, 17in alloy wheels, disc brakes and off-road tyres also part of the premium all-terrain package.

Also helping it traverse rugged terrain is an "aggressive" departure angle, with a dual reversing camera, recovery points and single spare wheel also fitted standard at the rear.

External storage includes a lockage front box, while the large outdoor recessed kitchen includes a fixed dual induction cooktop, sink with mixer tap and 85 litre fridge.

The Expedition's standard off-grid package includes a Redarc 400Ah lithium battery system with 3000W inverter, 720W rooftop solar panels and a Redvision display, along with 300L fresh water and 100L grey water storage.

The two-berth internal layout includes a 2.05m x 1.58m north-south queen bed up front, with a cafe dinette and kitchenette with 175L fridge/freezer and portable induction cooktop in the centre, and a full width rear ensuite with separate shower and composting toilet.

Internal storage options include a large underbed cavity also accessible from outside.

Other standard features include twin Sirocco fans, a powered awning, diesel water heater and air heater, Wi-Ti security, 24in Smart TV, outside shower and GPS odometer, while extra-cost options include ultra-light composite cabinetry ($3500), 2kg washing machine ($1650), rooftop air-conditioner ($2500), and an upgrade to a 800Ah lithium battery system ($6400) with 1060W rooftop solar ($1750).

Zone RV first used the Expedition model name a few years ago on a range of single axle 10ft and 12ft hard-walled camper trailers which retailed at the time from under $50,000 but were later discontinued.

The latest Expedition pop-top with its more caravan-style comforts and off-grid camping appeal will be built at Zone's Coolum Beach factory alongside Zone's two other full-size, fixed roof composite caravan models; the 19ft Peregrine and 21ft Sojourn.