Zone previews new expedition caravan

Zone RV appears to be entering the big hybrid expedition camper market with a tough new model similar to Bruder’s EXP-6 and new EXP-8 and fellow Queensland manufacturer OffRoad RV’s SNPX, not to mention the imported Conqueror UEV-25.

To be priced from $124,750 when it goes on sale later this year, the tandem-axle pop-top with what looks like an industrial Raptor-like finish on the computer rendered 'teaser' images released recently, shares only its name with the stubby Zone RV camper trailers that previously opened the seven-year old Sunshine Coast manufacturer’s range and won it a Camper Trailer of the Year award.

Zone says the 16ft (body length) Expedition pop-top will be its "most adventurous caravan model to date", with a full composite body, aggressive rear departure angle, stubby length and pop-top roof allowing adventurous owners to tackle some of Australia's toughest tracks and Outback highways. 

While only a few details have been released, and no interior images, Zone says it will come standard with an internal shower and composting toilet and be available with or without bunks, which allow it to sleep up to five.

There are fixed windows on the offside wall but none on the onside which is dominated by a large outside kitchen, while a full size integrated front locker should swallow a heap of gear to be carried, and incorporates a charging point for e-bikes.

There's also a rear dust-free boot that houses two spare wheels, and what looks like an electric jockey wheel on the drawings.

Set to join a growing band of full off-grid caravans, the new Expedition can be optioned up with a full roof of solar panels and Redarc lithium battery banks up to 800AH, along with height-adjustable Cruisemaster airbag suspension and large fresh (up to 240 litres in three poly tanks) and 100 litres grey water storage.

The pop-top roof is available with electric activation, and will feature an integrated roll-out awning.

Zone RV said on social media that they chose a tandem rather than single axle chassis for the 16ft Expediton due to its load-carrying advantages.

"The extra axle (and suspension) is good for carrying heavy water, food and gear loads for longer remote trips plus is safer if you blow a tyre," the cutting-edge RV manufacturer said.

No Tare or ATM weights have been announced yet but Zone said: "Our goal is to build it as light as possible without compromising strength or off-grid performance (water storage & power storage/generation)."

When released it will be available in both Zone RV’s entry-level Pioneer and fully-loaded Summit specification.

Zone RV has also announced the re-branding of its more conventional off-road caravan models, with its off-road couples vans now re-named Peregrine, while the larger Sojourn model has the option of adding bunks for family travel.

Priced from $119,750, both models are available in either Pioneer or Summit equipment level, with lithium batteries, additional rooftop solar and various water storage options available.

The cut-price Base caravan model introduced in 2020 from around $90,000 appears to have been dropped from the 2022 line-up, and is not currently listed on Zone RV's new website.

In another development at Zone RV, its service and warranty department has moved to a new facility down the road to 121 Quanda Road, Coolum Beach.

Zone RV says the move will reduce drop off congestion and the additional space will reduce lead times on service and warranty over the next few months.

Zone also recently announced it is investing in a new $7.5 million 5000 square metre production facility in Coolum Eco Industrial Park, which will boast a 22m x 5m 3D printer, said to be the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Zone said the move to the new factory would create up to 124 new full-time positions.

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