What the Experts are Saying... Read the details in the magazines listed
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March 2007 Australian Caravan & RV Magazine Review by Editor Isaac Bober
“To abuse a well know saying, the Kimberley Karavan is a small step for a camper trailer builder but a huge leap for RV manufacturing. Other RV makers would do well to take a leaf or two out of Kimberley’s book when it comes to design, and using non-traditional materials in construction. So if you’ve outgrown your camper trailer and want something just as capable in the bush, but infinitely more comfortable, then look no further than the Kimberley Karavan. Its well designed, tough, incredibly easy to tow and it makes bush-camping a dream.” |
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November 2006 "Overlander" Test Review by John Denman
“Kimberley has done everything it can to maintain it’s position in the market and with the introduction of the Karavan it would seem that place is assured!”
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Sept 2006 "Caravan World" Test Review by Malcolm Street
“Innovative is probably the best word to describe the Kimberley Karavan. And this is not only because of it’s design concept, ie, a folding caravan that is reasonably lighter, but also because a number of new ideas and features have been tried out benefiting the avid deep bush explorer.” |
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July 2006 "Towing Test Edition 4x4 Australia" Review by Alan Whiting
“The Karavan is an off-road capable camper that bristles with creature comforts and state-of-the–art systems.” |
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December 2006 "rvpoint.com.au" Follow-up Review by Malcolm Street The Karavan is innovative from top to bottom, from its sheer design to the technology of it’s various features. Not Only is this a fresh approach for the avid bush explorer, but energy efficiency and self-sustainability have ben kept in mind too- which these days can only be a good thing!” |
More than TWICE the number of Signature Features of any other off road Caravan - in a class of it's own!
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The unique Kimberley Karavan:
It will go off-road anywhere and everywhere;
It is completely self sufficient with diesel powered cooking and hot water system;
It has a monocoque composite shell & unfolds from a cocoon only 5m long, 1.85m wide, 2.1m high.
There is no canvas in it’s design
Kimberley Karavan |
Typical 16.5ft |
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Overall length |
5190mm (includes Treg Coupling) |
7100mm |
Overall Height without Airconditioner |
2190mm (reduced to 2150mm for garage) |
2350mm |
Overall Height with Airconditioner |
2275mm (reduced to 2235mm for garage) |
Most Probably higher |
Overall Width |
Mudguards 1950 mm |
2300mm |
| Overall Length When Opened Up | 6510mm | 7100mm |
| Open Internal Height to console | 1970mm | generally much lower height |
Liveable size when open |
4950mm x 1750mm 16.25ft long, 5 ft 10inch wide |
5000mm x 2290mm 16.5ft long, 7ft 6 inches wide |
| Awning Length (internal floor space) |
3560mm | |
| Awning Width (internal floor space) | 2200mm | |
Tare dry Weight |
1450kgs |
1800kgs |
No of Axles |
1 |
2, Tandem |
Suspension |
Independent with toe adjustment, |
Independent Some "sugar glider" |
Brakes |
Disc is Standard |
12 inch Drum Electric Brakes |
Toilet and Shower Recess |
Vacuum Standard |
Chemical Standard |
External BBQ and Sink |
Standard and Option |
Option |
Jerry Can Holders |
Standard |
Option |
Monotube Shock absorbers |
Standard |
Option |
Stone Deflecter Shield |
Standard |
Option |
Hot dipped Galvanised Chassis |
Standard |
Option |
Hot Water Supply |
Diesel Powered – 3 water sources |
Gas powered – 2 water sources |
Cook Top |
Ceramic – diesel powered |
Open gas hob |
We have adopted the compact folding design so that the unit can be matched
in off-road performance to most towing 4WD's.For example: (Specifications subject to change by vehicle manufacturer)
Kimberley Karavan |
Example of Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series GXL Diesel Manual Data from published website and review articles in Overlander magazine. |
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| Clearance at kerb weight | > 450 mm |
210 mm |
| Width | Mudguards 1950 mm Body 1870mm |
1940 mm |
| Approach angle of | Follows vehicle |
31 degrees |
| Departure angle of | 26 degrees |
26 degrees |
| Ramp-over | 27 degrees |
25 degrees |
| Wading depth | 600mm-900mm based on preparation |
600mm nominal |
| Sand (and mud) tyre indentation pressure (typical gross axle weight per tire compared to a 100 series Lancruiser with moderate load in rear) | Karavan Wheels have typically 850kg of force on the tyre imprint |
Rear Wheels have typically 750kg of force on the tyre imprint |
| Track width of tyres | track 1620mm with selected Swing Arm |
front track 1620mm rear track 1615mm |
| Turning Circle of | 12m - follows vehicle |
12m |
| Rear Suspension | Independent stub axles, swing arms, coil springs, monotube gas dampers and polyurethane mounted bump stops with anti-over travel tie down straps |
Live axle, trailing arms, coil springs, Panhard rod, gas dampers and rubber mounted anti-roll bar. (data as published 1/2/2006) |
The design philosophy behind our products is that true camping is most enjoyable “off the beaten track” - which often means “off-road”! Our campers need to be reliable and a comfortable home at the heart of your adventure and true “off-road” camping. This is why our overriding and first design principle is that our campers have to travel everywhere that your vehicle can safely go.
Secondly, most people prefer to travel as light and compact as possible. Traveling light is also more than just weight and space – it is also ease of quick access and setup. Our range has to suit couples traveling on quick trips as well as families for longer stays. This requires both a range of models and a range of canvas options. Most of our features are built around a design requirement that if you can’t set it up in a few minutes – it is not the right design.
Thirdly, there is a growing demand on sustainable energy use. In preference to providing oversized batteries, chargers and power hungry fridges, we have selected the most energy efficient devices with lowest maintenance using the latest proven technology. You can stay longer and travel lighter with our energy systems.
Finally, quality is most important factor when you are 10 hours from nowhere and just want to enjoy your trip without problems. For that reason we focus on quality. We don’t outsource or partner with contractors in the building of our campers. We build 100% in house. Raw materials come into the factory, Quality campers and caravans go out.
