Sneak Peek at 2011X Series Karavan

2010 Model Karavan Karavan X series

The Kimberley Karavan was developed for the customer who wants to go anywhere with inside living and the comfort of a shower and toilet with no “canvas” or pop-top vinyl sides.

 

 After producing several hundred Kimberley Karavans, we are pleased to release a new model for the customer who wants:

• to go anywhere with a lighter vehicle
• to cook in a large galley kitchen outside (Both BBQ and Large single Burner are standard)
• to still have the comfort of a secure “inside space” for cold wet nights
• to have the option of inside backup cooktop and vacuum toilet

 

This new model is designed with the maximum eco-camper™ sustainable technology on board for long stays without need of a generator.

 

The most distinguishable feature of this Karavan is the large outside “Galley” kitchen measuring nearly 2 m along the side of the Karavan, about 500mm high and a pullout cooking/BBQ slide with a large stainless sink and integrated hot and cold water. The sink surround and foldout prepartion bench are Stainless steel skinned Aluminium Honeycomb for lighter weight and excellent durability.

A separate fold down bench top opens up a slide for either an optional second fridge/freezer of 40/50 litter capacity or an optional large pantry in addition to the standard 133litre upright fridge inside. The inside benchtop, refrigerator top and inside sink and formed from a Corian Equivalent material as seen on the "Inside features" Youtube Video. This surface has been on test for 3 months in difficult conditions with excellent results. It is the standard for the X Series..

 

The optional outside awning is lightweight with "clears" as window covers to let the light in but keep the wind out. It has zip on walls hanging from the Kwik Awning that takes minutes to put up. It is complete with an integrated ensuite is located in the end section with direct access to the external hot and cold shower.

 

There is 160W of solar as standard with the option of an integrated fuel cell for virtually 90-120 days of energy without need for external power, in fact in the right circumstances; independence could be for much longer with power from the towing vehicle between stays.

 

With this model focusing on outside living, the inside shower and toilet are not standard but available as an option with the deletion of the second fridge/freezer slide. There is also the option of the inside ceramic cook-top that operates on diesel.

 

This model is more than 100kgs lighter than the Karavan and with the batteries positioned directly over the axle has less than 80kg drawbar weight for those lighter tow vehicles.

 

It is perfect for the Kamper trailer customer wanting electric one touch open/close and Kwik setup without any canvas or pop top vinyl.

The retail Price is $74,590 plus dealer delivery and charges. Detailed Pricing is already available on the online Quote system or see your Dealer.

Video of Inside Features of Kimberley Karavan April 2010

New Opening and Closing Video of a Kimberley Karavan (Limited Edition with Options) April 2010

March 2010

We are taking a 2010 Kimberley Karavan on a special test trek.

It is being filmed for 2 episodes of Whats Up Downunder.

At the same time we are testing new materials and options for the Karavan.

 

 

 

Exterior Karavan LED Light

3 Watt LED Super Bright LED

Non UV 6500 Kelvin LED: reduces insects

Powder coated 4 piece end caps/ supports

Angled down at 60 degrees

Rocking Switch included 12V DC

 

 

 

Priced at $129 plus Freight. Can be purchased on-line with other Karavan accessories

http://www.eco-camper.com/component/virtuemart/category/39/external-accessories.html

Kimberley Karavan Carpet

Cut Exactly to the shape of entire Karavan floor
area in single piece

Marine Grade Carpet for water/dust/dirt applications
UV stabilised polypropylene fibres

Mold, mildew and stain resistant

Easy to maintain

Premium quality

Luxurious under foot

Resilient fibres to withstand traffic and retain original beauty

Superior colour fastness

Uses Aqua Trac: a heavy duty rubberised backing

Priced at $390 plus freight. Can be purchased on-line with other Karavan accessories
at http://www.eco-camper.com/component/virtuemart/category/40/internal-accessories.html

 

Installation of Fuel Cell (Large 2200 - 186Ahrs/per capacity) in Multibox of Kimberley Karavan

This is photo of installation of Fuel Cell and cartridge in front Multibox of Kimberley Karavan.

This will automatically top up batteries only when the voltage drops to a chargeable point and will do so completely automatically.

The unit weight 7kg, is virtually silent and is left to automatic for entire trip. Kimberley have added the exhaust vent and an additional fan which is running all the time (less than 0.1Amp) to accommodate the higher temperatures.

The Front Multibox has a filtered inlet now as well.

Thank you to Roger and Shirley Brideson for their confidence in the soltion which is added to a 2009 Kimberley Karavan.

To Purchase a Fuel cell and for more technical information go to:

http://www.eco-camper.com/component/virtuemart/category/7/fuel-cells.html

 

 

 

Kimberley announce a Second Bedroom available for New and existing Karavan Owners.

This room has a sewn in floor with the "all weather" hooded window on the drivers side and an open door with mesh screen inside door on the off-drivers side.

This bedroom will take 2-3 children. It attaches by adding nylontoggles to the bed rail runners on each side. It can be added to any existing Karavans.

 

 

December 18th 2009

Kimberley announces their new range of commercial products at www.kimberleykonvertible.com

This is a Trailer designed for tradesmen and contractors who can use it actively during the week
in their business and then convert it’s use for camping and boating on the weekend. Hence the name “Konvertible”.

It is not called a camper trailer as it is targeted primarily for business use. The main part of the trailer is a Toyota Hilux Ute Body (Extra Cab Body) with a Dual Skin ABS Canopy (from TJM) that has steel supports and a fixed roof rack.  This integrated  "PRO-RACK" roof rack can carry 100kg Dynamic load and 4 times this as a static load.

The Toyota Hilux Extra- cab utebody/canopy can be fitted out with tool trays and work equipment t for tradesmen.

Fitted as standard on the roof rack is a MYCUBE roof top tent which can be used a day rest station on job sites.

At the back of the Roof top Tent is the integrated Star Awning which clips in and pulls out in minutes and weighs less than 6kg.

On the front of the Trailer is a choice of 2 Storage Pods:

• Gullwing Storage Pod with 3 different Gullwing Doors for 1500 litres of storage which can be dustproof.
• Quadpod: Open Alloy carry frame. This is strong and big enough to take a 300 kg quad bike or 2 dirt bikes. These may be needed for the work environment.

If it is an eligible business asset then you may be able to claim back the GST and depreciate the unit over a period of time. You may also be able to finance the purchase as a business loan. Note that personal use for camping may be an FBT activity. Please consult with your Tax accountant before committing to purchase.

 

 

December 1st 2009

Kimberley announces their new range of eco friendly camping products at www.eco-camper.com

November 6th 2009

 

Pete Blasina (Channel 7) interviewing Bruce for a special technology in business section of David Koch's Show in Channel 7. It will show in Sunday Morning before Christmas. Bruce is showing Pete the Fuel cell and 1 small battery (35Ah) that can run the Autofridge 75 Litre fridge for 3-4 weeks without other power sources. The filming was done at Ballina, with Customers and in Kimberley's Head Office in Sydney.

October 26th 2009

Casey Stoner recuperates in a Kimberley Kamper and takes on the world!

Casey Stoner has returned to dominating form after a break from the hectic world of MotoGP.

During his break, Stoner spent 3 weeks fishing in Cape York travelling with his new Kimberley Kamper.In his first race back he finished 2nd and then has won his last two races. During August

Casey personally picked up the Kamper direct from the factory. After a factory tour and handover with Ron Borton (Kimberley Sales Director), it was time for the most important part of the visit – signing autographs!

All of us at Kimberley Kampers send out our most enthusiastic Congratulations to Casey and wish him the best for 2010.

September 2009

Kimberley Announce the 2010 Model Karavan and Karavan Limited Edition.

There are 2 options which are now standard in the new models..

1. The Grey Water Tank which will be needed for access into selected National Parks and Tourist Areas is included. Once released, this tank is available as a retrofit for any Series 3 Karavan.
   
   
2. A permanently installed 20W Solar panel on the rear roof section is standard on every model. This panel feeds a 4 stage controller mounted closer to the batteries. The 4th stage on this controller "equalises" the batteries on an automatic cycle. This will trickle charge the batteries and condition them while in storage as well as on the road, providing there is sufficient light available. The Solar Panel is a high efficiency mono-crystalline unit.

September 2009

New Western Australia Dealer: Care-A-Van

Kimberley is pleased to announce the appointment of Care-A-Van as the Kimberley Dealer in Western Australia.

 

In this Photo are Jamie and his wife Michelle with Raelene and her husband Simon.

 

They have had a year of experience with Kimberley Customers and Kimberley Products performing customer handover preparation, warranty and service work for the previous dealer.

 

As you all know, doing warranty work can be full of frustrations but despite this the Team love the product and are eager to grow their business with new sales.

Jamie has received his sales licence and will manage sales.

 

They have a great a depth of technical knowhow and are keen campers! (with a “K” now, kampers….)

August 26th 2009

Kimberley announces a significant order from Saudi Arabia.

Kimberley has secured an important order for export of the Platinum range of Kampers with Bedouin Awning, and special Awning on Drivers side for an all round Bedouin :Tent". Shipment starts in October 2009.

August 25th 2009

Kimberley will have a price rise and Model update for the 2010 Models released on September 26th 2009.

Customers purchasing now for delivery in 2010 can have the option of taking the new model at the difference in retail prices to the 2009 Models.

All quotations using the online quoting system have an expiry date of September 25th 2009.

August 9th 2009

Kimberley adds Fuel Cells to lightweight efficient energy alternatives

 

 

There are now 5 ways to charge the batteries on a Kimberley:

• Whilst driving from the vehicles alternator
• At a powered site
• From a generator
• From Solar Panels
• From a Fuel Cell

There are an increasing number of National Parks that do not allow generators to operate.

 

Kimberley now has a simple and foolproof solution: Solar panels as the primary energy source and a Fuel Cell for top up and back-up.

This technology from SFC in Germany has grown in maturity with over 14,000 in use. The fuel cell uses pure methanol as a fuel source.  The units operate as silently as a laptop and exhaust water (minute amount of CO2 equivalent to a baby’s breath!)

 

This unit has it’s own “intelligent battery condition sensor” and would be programmed to only come on when there was insufficient charge from the solar panels and the battery condition required charging.

 

The performance we expect is:

a Kimberley Karavan with a 140W solar panel array on the roof would use about 10 litres of Methanol in a typical 60 day trip. This is assuming an average of only 3 hours peak hours per day. With 20Litres on board, there is sufficient for 90+ days in the Karavan.

 

With the Kamper Trailer, we expect 120+ days for a Platinum Model with 2 x 65W panels on board.

 

We will release our pricing and special “customer buy back” policy at the National 4 x 4 Show in Melbourne in September 2009.

The dimension comparisons are:

		cms
Model	Weight Kgs	Length	Height	Width
Generator: Honda EU10i	13	45	38	24
Generator: Honda EU20i	21	51	43	29
Fuel Cell: EFOY 2200	7.9	51	35	30

 

 

Sustainability – Practical use of new Technology: Fuel Cells

A Fuel Cell is an alternative to a generator charging a battery. They produce around 12-14V in a noiseless chemical process that transforms methanol and oxygen into an electrical current without any combustion. Methanol is a form of alcohol. Byproducts of the fuel cell are small amounts of water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), approximately equivalent to a child exhaling.

The fuel cell uses “fuel cartridges” which contain Methanol and is easy to handle, package and store. It is derived from natural gas but can also be produced from organic materials, and the resulting organic methanol, or bio-alcohol, is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based hydrocarbons. Methanol is biodegradable, dilutes quickly in large bodies of water, and is considered a clean alternative fuel by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In Europe the number of installed fuel cells in motorhomes and boats has been growing in popularity because of the positive environmental savings. There are thousands used.

Honda have released the FX Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car powered car in the USA on trial. Watch the video here.

What are the advantages?

• Lightweight and compact – typically less than 8kgs, smaller than a generator.
• Quiet – about as loud as a computer!
• Reliable, easy and safe - generates power reliably and effortlessly day and night, regardless of the weather.
• No messy operation to 'refill' them with fuel;  exchange a fuel cartridge
• High tech for clean energy - they’re economical and they’re non-polluting. Aside from electricity, the only other by-products are water and carbon dioxide in about the same amount as in a small child’s breath.
• Completely automatic - The Automatic Charge Control regulator constantly monitors battery charge. If the voltage drops below a specified voltage, the fuel cell will switch on, recharge the battery and shut off automatically. You needn’t worry about a thing.
• Extremely easy - you don't need to know all the technical stuff, it just works.

What are the disadvantages?

• Availability of Fuel Cartridges – limited network of fuel outlets.
• Cannot produce 240V directly – only with an inverter from the batteries.
• Cost is higher than an unleaded petrol generator – around A$6,500 to A$8,000

Limit on operating temperature of 40 degrees c when operating.

What is the best application then?

• As a backup to Solar – rather than use as a primary power source (as they do in Europe).
• Virtually unlimited power in National Parks that do not allow generators.
• Suitable for energy efficient Camper Trailers and Caravans where refuelling is in frequent.

What could be a typical scenario of use?

• Energy efficient appliances and lighting installed
• Easy use of Solar Panels
• 2 x 10Litre Cartridges (about same weight as 20litre Jerry Can of unleaded) is enough fuel for 1600+ Amp Hours of power
  

 

	Installed Solar	Typical interval of Running Fuel Cell (may be automatic)	Estimated time in days typical use for 2 x 10L Cartridges
Kimberley Karavan	140W on roof	Once every 3-4 days	90 days +
Kimberley Kamper	130W on Delta Gullwing	Once every 4-6 days	120 days+

 

Who makes it?

The manufacturer is a German company, SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG. The company is the market leader in mobile power supply based on fuel-cell technology for leisure-time, industrial and military applications.

Are they available?

They are available now in Australia. However, before selling, Kimberley will do the following:

Install and test the powered ventilation of storage area to ensure there is minimal rise in operating temp above the ambient temperature. (already done this on the Gullwing Packs with the installed refrigerators).

Install and test the integration of the remote control panel for one touch operation. It would be set to come on automatically below a specified voltage, or you can switch the unit on and off manually from the panel.

Install and test for vibration.

Set up Fuel cartridge replacement locations in Darwin, Alice Springs, Kununurra, Broome, Cairns, Mt Isa as well as major capital cities.

 

 

Ballina business named NSW Medium Business of the Year

 

22 July 2009 – Kimberley Kampers of Ballina last night took out two awards at this year’s prestigious New South Wales Telstra Business Awards.

 

The company was announced as the NSW winner of the Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award and the AMP Innovation Award.

 

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Awards Ambassador, Deena Shiff, said the judges were impressed by the market leadership the company had demonstrated.

 

“The Telstra Business Awards applaud and inspire the strength and spirit of Australia’s entrepreneurs, and Kimberley Kampers well deserves its place among the select group of businesses which have been recognised as award winners over the past 17 years,” Ms Shiff said.

 

“Kimberley Kampers is a successful regional employee which has demonstrated that manufacturing can succeed in Australia. The company embraces new technologies in order to set itself apart from its peers and deliver greater market responsiveness. Over 350 units of their new Kimberley Karavan have been produced and have achieved design and production maturity in less than 3 years, which is exceptional for an advanced product. ”

 

They use lean manufacturing processes that enables them to configure at the last point of assembly using standard options, eliminating the need for custom build orders. It has been a successful strategy for the company, selling through distributors Australia-wide and also exports to the USA.

 

Kimberley Kampers designs, manufacturers, markets and distributes camper trailers, off-road caravans, modified, long wheelbase vehicles and roof top tents, that are specifically tailored towards the growing baby boomers market.

 

Bruce Loxton, Managing Director of Kimberley Kampers, said the company was surprised with the high level of demand for sustainable energy solutions in their Kampers, Karavans and now Roof Top Tents. “We have invested in applying energy efficient technology that is practical and beneficial to all our customers.”

 

“Going forward, our goal is to help more people travel and discover their country, and to do so with the best technology to give ease of set up, and comfort for any off road camping location in many countries.”

 

Meet some of the early adopters of the Kimberley Karavan with 18 Karavans camping at John and Heather Renyard's property Timboon, Vic in April 2009. The feedback from customers has guided the improvements and development over the last 3 years. Summary of Series 3 Changes in Kimberley Karavan This is a summary of the major changes since the release of the original Karavan in 2006. The Series 2 Karavan released early 2008, has the gel coat inside and centrally position diesel hot water giving a bigger boot area. The Series 3 has all the major improvements customers had asked for. (Some of these items are options) When making improvements, one of the biggest challenges we face in design is squeezing extra space out of the smallest footprint and reducing weight for the same functionality! We try to design every item with this in mind. We also keep upgrading our energy and sustainability standards. Our vision is100% sustainability so you can camp anywhere for any period of time with minimum impact on the environment.
Dual Lift: Gas Cylinder Electric Lift	This change introduced a robust 45mm gas strut in front of the lifting block. The electric winch pulls from behind the block. The winch is still the primary lifting mechanism; however, each system is redundant and independent. The canopy is supported on the way down and can also be lifted and lowered without power in an emergency.
Suspension	The suspension has longer travel with larger mono-tube shock absorbers for the big bumps and corrugations. We have integrated the bump stops into the shock-absorber to help achieve this. Warranty on the Chassis and Independent swing arms is still 3 years.
Inside Finish	We have upgraded the inside décor after design changes by a Team led by a woman with the ladies in mind.
Grey Water Tank Ready	We moved the large water tank to the rear so that when the regulations insist on a grey water tank in the National Parks, we can easily add one in the front under the shower. One of the requirements we strive for is that the Kimberley Karavan can go into any National Park (that allows campers). We have to be ahead of the curve in terms of future requirements to keep this approval.
Solar Panels	We have increased the solar capacity that can be carried to 220W and freed up boot space. There is now 140W capacity available on the canopy roof on the chamfered top edges. This is permanently connected. An additional 80W stores discreetly between the multi-box and the Canopy. This is sustainable capacity for most users.
Kwik Awning	The Kwik Awning can be retained on the side in the zipped up pocket while travelling. It is opened up very easily and quickly. The support poles are anchored off the Karavan wall.
Aircraft Grade Fasteners	A major initiative for the Series 3 is the introduction of aircraft grade HUCK-CLINCH® rivets instead of fasteners with locknuts. This investment reduces weight and reduces maintenance over the long term. These are the same type of rivets used by many aircraft manufacturers. It is another RV industry first.
New Bedslide Design	This is not an easily noticeable change but our new bed-slide is lighter, stronger and easier to operate. The pole storage is easier to retrieve. The under-bed membrane heater with dual controls is available.
LED Lighting	We have expanded the use of LED lighting to be 100% throughout the Karavan. The majority of the lighting is a high “colour temperature”, minimising attraction to insects and making it easy on the eyes while camping.
Dust Sealing	We have found a solution to significantly seal the air-conditioner which was a major source of air escapement. We have also significantly stiffened the rear hatch edge for dust sealing.
Sustainability There are 15 major items supporting sustainability with reduced energy consumption and reduced dependence on LPG in particular. In addition to Solar and LED lighting features above the other major sustainable features are:
Hot Water System; pump from stream	The Diesel Hot Water System is a diesel heater that heats “coolant” which in turn passes through a heat exchanger to heat the water. This means that the water can be of virtually any quality/ condition and it is heated by the coolant which has its own buffer tank. The temperature transfer is more even. The water tanks and water heat exchanger can be completely flushed out at the end of a trip! Starting the diesel system is a simple push of the button. The water temperature rise time in the Karavan is a matter of minutes as it is a 4.5kW hot water heater. The water source can be either the large on board tank, or, with a turn of a valve, water can be pumped form a billabong or stream for endless hot water!
Internal Bathroom Toilet	Based on vacuum technology, we use as standard a lightweight toilet with a porcelain china bowl. Our vacuum toilet uses NO chemicals. As a result the waste can be disposed of without harm to the environment. The inner liner is easy to clean white porcelain and the outer case is white smooth plastic. It is a simple, efficient, and very hygienic with a remote removable cassette. Advanced vacuum technology means the Vacuum is maintained in the system at all times. The bowl is instantly cleared and the waste is moved through the piping at 2 metres per second to the remote cassette. No chemicals are needed to break the waste down nor eliminate the smell
Space Heater	The Space heater in the Karavan uses the circuit reserved for the hot water “coolant” with an activation that when turned on, passes through the space heater. A quiet ball bearing fan (as used in a computer) circulates the air into the Karavan. This results in a very quiet and extremely efficient heat that is perfectly safe. It typically operates for 30-60 minutes at a time and then quietly depletes the energy of the stored coolant as a heat source. This is a very energy efficient solution.

 

April 15th

80W Solar Panel on Kimberley Karavan

The 80W Solar Panel mounts in a special tray that can be locked with the overcentre catch (photo on immediate right) and is very discrete on the front of the Karavan. The photo on the right has the panel in position; the photo on the Left has the top up so you can see the panel laying flat

The 80W panel is a Mono-crystalline Solar Panel

The panel comes with a regulator and 5 m of cable with an Andersen plug. We recommend plugging it into the front Andersen plug of the Karavan.

This panel can be added in addition or separate to the 140W of Solar panels on the roof.

 

The items that makeup this assembly are:

1 x 80W Panel

1x Solar regulator 10A

1 x Panel storage kit

1 x support leg for panel to be approx 38 degrees to sun.

5m cable

1 x Andersen Plug

The retail Price is $1,710

The new S3 Karavan is ready to accept this kit.

April 3rd

Series 3 Karavan released.

This has 7 new features incorporated into the Karavan and Karavan Limited Edition to make it easier for customers to use.

There is a price of $1,478 for this upgrade to 2009 Models.

(All 2008 Models and Most 2007 Models can be upgraded with the Dual-lift Powerglide through your Dealer. Details will be published at end of April)
The changes are:

1. Dual-lift Powerglide
   
   This change introduces a very robust 19mm gas strut in front of a new lifting block with the winch pulling behind the block. The winch is still the primary lifting mechanism.However, each system is redundant and independent.
   
   
2. Lifting position LED
   An LED is added that indicates with a bright visible Red light when the canopy is in the upper lifted position.
   
   
3. Grey Water tank ready
   The non drinking water tank has been relocated to the rear so that a grey water tank can be introduced to the front easily when National Park regulations make them mandatory.
   This is expected in selected National Parks (WA) in 12 – 24 months time.
   
   
4. Solar Panel on top ready
   
   The Upper Canopy will be prewired for direct charging by roof mounted solar panels. The wiring will be terminated in the centre console for easy access at a future date if the solar option is not taken initially.
   The Solar Panels are a standalone option
   
   
5. Additional Solar carrying panel ready
   The space between the front Multibox and the Canopy will be optimised to accept an 80W size mono-crystalline panel (as we specify) so that storage in the rear is not needed. This will make it easy to plug this panel into the Andersen plug on the front and increase capacity to 220W. The 80W Panel and holding bracket are priced separately.
   
   
6. Rear Roof LCD for Bedroom ready
   For customers wishing to view DVDs from the Queenside Bed, we will prewire to the centre console additional DVD output RCA cables from the front media unit so that the DVD can be viewed on an optional roof mounted LCD screen (11.1inch nominal or 15 inch Nominal).
   
   
7. Diagnostic LED Indicator for Refrigerator
   There is a new LED in the dash panel which is the diagnostic indicator for the 130litre refrigerator. It will flash up to 5 diagnostic codes if there is a refrigerator problem. This feature is unique to Kimberley.
   
   

March 5 th

Existing Customers now have direct access to Service Manual Updates, operating guides and service bulletins. Go to Enjoy: Support Service Menu Tab and select "Service Bulletins". For access you will need your email address and your VIN number (not chassis number).

January 17th

Our new 24 Page Brochure is now available. You can request your copy on line now.

 

December 22nd

A new interior set of finishes will be released for March delivery with a complete "new look" interior, design by a team lead by a top interior designer (woman) and Kimberley's own Sharon Shields. Sharon has years of experience in the Caravan industry. The woman's touch is now clear to see! It transforms the man's van into the most stylish true off road caravan in the market.

The first unit is on display at South East QLD Campers and Gear at Caboulture from December 21st.

Kimberley has shipped over 300 Karavan units since inception and is now the market leader in sales in off-road caravans that are self contained with toilet and hot water systems on board.

 

 

December 20th 2008

Kimberley releases the new Karavan Kwik Awning. This uses the patented Kwik Awning system used on Kimberley Kampers since October 2007. The awning stays in a zipped on flat bag on the side of the Karavan canopy, It takes miniutes to unroll and the J-poles clip into the overcentre catch loops on the side of the Karavan. There are no vertical poles needed in the simple setup.