Zone teases new Expedition Hardtop

Around 18 months after releasing the first pop-top version, Queensland's Zone RV is introducing a new hard-top model of its innovative Expedition hybrid off-road composite caravan.

So far, Zone has only released some computer renders and a Youtube video announcing the new Expedition Hardtop, which will be largely based on the tandem axle Expedition Poptop but with some subtle interior changes including a redesigned lounge and new overhead cupboards.

The new Hardtop will have the same 5.25m body length and 2.05m external width as the Expedition Poptop, but at 3.16m tall will ride 500mm higher than the Poptop when towing. The Hardtop's internal height is expected to be 2053mm (same as the Poptop's), although final figures are still to be confirmed.

The new Hardtop version will also feature an upgraded interior ensuite with washing machine. Zone RV says it will have a starting weight of 2550kg, or 10kg heavier than the Poptop, while it will also be $10,000 more expensive with a starting price of $178,500.

Zone RV founder Dave Biggar said the introduction of the Expedition Hardtop was in response to a number of potential Expedition buyers preferring the insulation qualities and convenience of a fixed-roof configuration.

"From the day we brought out the Expedition Poptop there has always been a percentage of the customers who walk in here, look at it, and maybe shift their thinking over to a full size van because they really just want the convenience of a full hardtop body," he said.

"We understand that if you are a person that's spending a good amount of your time in the cold areas then canvas is definitely not the best application for that (and) that also doesn't work out so well in the hotter climates...

"It was pointed out to us a few years ago when we really got our battery capacities up there that people were able to extend the period in which they travel north in Australia, if they were able to run their air-conditioners off-grid and if you're using canvas in a pop-top it is really hard to get your air-conditioner to cool your van in those hotter climates when you're trying to go to bed."

Biggar said production of the Expedition Poptop at its Sunshine Coast factory has been ramped up to four vans a week over the past 12 months. The first pre-production prototype of the new Expedition Hardtop is expected to be completed in coming weeks, after which he will subject it to shakedown testing in "some of the toughest spots in Australia".