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NEWS
Zone RV heads downmarket
Cheaper, entry-level on-road models coming from Queensland composite off-road caravan specialistHot on the heels of its success with its range of hi-tech off-road caravans, Coolum Beach specialist manufacturer Zone RV is planning to spread its wings with a new entry-level, all-road range.
Known internally as the Adventurer series, but likely to be re-branded by launch in late April due to Jayco’s release of its similarly named off-road caravans, the new three-model range is designed primarily for on-road use to give Zone RV a foothold in the growing $80,000-$90,000 touring market.
The key difference between the off and on-road ranges will be found underneath, with more compact Cruisemaster CRS trailing arm suspension replacing the heavy duty ATX coil spring or optional Cruisemaster air bag suspension in the interest of both weight and cost-saving.
As Zone RV rates its vans as ‘off-road’ based on a combination of their rough road-ability and off-grid performance, ‘Adventurer’ models will be designed for around three days of consecutive free-camping versus at least a week for Zone RV’s premium range.
A lighter chassis, reduced ground clearance and a lower standard spec will be other features of the new models, although Zone RV’s trademark timberless construction, unique one-piece composite floor and upper body panels and aluminium framed PVC cabinetry will be retained, as will the caravans’ signature high-tech bonded monocoque construction.
“The new range is designed for those who don’t intend on travelling to remote areas, but the caravans will still be capable of coping with corrugated roads, rocky terrain, dirt tracks and rough bitumen roads,” is how Zone RV co-founder Dave Biggar describes their spec.
Customers will be able to upgrade solar power, battery and water storage for extended off-grid travel or free camping.
Biggar said the new range will start to roll out of the company’s current and increasingly crowded factory in June, with three models offered initially: the Z 18.6 (18ft 6in), Z-20.6 (20ft.6in) and Z-21.6 (21ft 6in) -- all tandem axle.
The aim, through a targeted weight-shedding programme, is to keep the full range under two tonnes Tare, while endowing all models with a minimum of around 600kg payload.
As Zone RV’s existing Link Crescent, Coolum Beach factory is already busting at the seams, with up to seven large caravans under construction on the floor at any given time and cabinetry already moved to a second nearby facility, the hunt is on by Biggar and his former luxury boat-builder co-founder partner Matt Johns for a new, larger facility where everything can take place under the same roof.
When that happens – Biggar hopes by later this year – he boldly predicts that Zone RV will expand from its current build rate of seven caravans a month towards its ambitious target of 11 vans per week (around 500 annually), which if achieved, would make it Queensland’s largest caravan manufacturer.
With a 2015-16 turnover of $4.4 million, Zone RV is looking to book $6.6 million in revenue this financial year on its way towards an eventual and very ambitious target of $100 million.
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Written byMichael Browning
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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