Transcript
Tested
Karakampa Series II
In brief... Full fibreglass construction Family car-friendly Combined shower/toilet ensuite Double or twin bed layout
Pics JACK MURPHY
THE VIDE
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Despite the arrival of more new lightweight European vans, the locally designed and built Karakampa remains unique in its Series II evolution.
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Karakampa Series II
Clockwise from far left: Space utilisation, practicality and quality are blended well in the Series II; the new Karakampa model has upped the ante; huge tunnel boot has new front quarter locker doors; a rear door requires a rear awning; large sky-hatch over the bedroom.
“The first Karakampa was a breath of fresh air for the caravan industry and the Series II improves on its strengths”
W WORDS MICHAEL BROWNING
Measuring up I liked... Spacious, very useable layout Ease of towing Instant set-up
I would have liked Easier access to the corner stabiliser legs Not much else!
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hen we reviewed the original allcomposite Karakampa in Caravan World in mid-2013, we called it a gamechanger. An Australian-designed and built lightweight, fully-fibreglass caravan measuring just 4.6m long and weighing around 1300kg empty with an island double bed, a combined rear ensuite, generous storage space and a huge kitchen, was unique then. Eighteen months on, it still is, but the Karakampa Series II has further upped the ante on its European opposition with a facelift, new colours, better access to storage spaces and improved seating. Casual observers probably won’t spot the differences. About 75 Karakampas have hit Australian roads since designer Ross Elliott built his first in 2009 – 50 of them produced by Centaur Products Australia in the outereastern Melbourne suburb of Kilsyth, since the composite materials specialist acquired the business in May 2012. However, owner loyalty is strong and feedback from them has led to many improvements and changes in the Series II model. Some improvements and changes are unseen, like the box-section galvanised steel chassis, which has been widened by about 10mm, yet
simplified for a weight saving of nearly 15kg. The van’s aerodynamic wedge shape remains much the same when viewed from the front, but the cheery, high-gloss white with canary yellow and black stripes of the Series I model has been replaced with attractive, but more muted, grey striping on the lower flanks in the Series II. Centaur will also happily colour-customise your Karakampa if you’d prefer something different, perhaps to match your tow car. Also new in the Series II are the large front quarter locker doors that give even better access to the huge front tunnel boot. They, like the deep moulded fibreglass external boot up front, are now shielded from stone damage by a wraparound vinyl ‘bra’ that is stretched taut to the side of the Karakampa by four short elastic cords that are easily and quickly released to allow tunnel access. The vertically-mounted, vinyl-covered spare wheel ahead of the boot in the centre of the 80x50mm A-frame – immediately behind the (exposed) single 9kg gas cylinder – provides further stone protection. But it’s at the rear of the Series II that keen Karakampa spotters will notice the greatest external change – the rear panel, which incorporates the van’s rear entry door with its separate security door/flyscreen, has been
remoulded to achieve a cleaner line. A roll-out rear awning extending the full width of the Karakampa provides shade and rain protection, while a separate roll-out side awning is an option.
A MATTER OF WEIGHT Before you enter the Karakampa via its folddown aluminium step, a word of caution: if it’s unhitched from your tow car, make sure you have the rear corner stays wound down, otherwise its minimal 80kg ball weight will not be enough to stop you tipping the van on its tail. Alternatively, send your partner in first to sit on the bed! However, once it is ‘cornered’, the Karakampa feels reassuringly solid inside. One of the
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Karakampa Series II
Karakampa Series II Weights and measures Overall length 5.9m (19ft 4in) External body length 4.6m (15ft 1in) External body width 2.4m (7ft 10in) Travel height 2.85m (9ft 4in) Internal height 2m (6ft 7in) Tare 1380kg ATM 1700kg Ball weight 80kg
External
Frame Fibreglass/composite material Cladding Fibreglass sandwich panel Chassis Full box galvanised Suspension Al-Ko independent rubber Brakes Electric 10in drum Wheels/tyres 14in alloy with 195R14LT tyres Water 1x82L Battery 1x100Ah deep-cycle Solar Optional Air conditioner Dometic Gas 1x9kg ESC Optional
Internal advantages of creating an all-composite caravan is that you can use every centimetre to your advantage, creating storage space out of voids while adding structural strength. The Karakampa does this superbly and you’ll need to keep an eye on what you pack to stay within its 1700kg maximum laden weight, as there’s so much storage room. The first impression inside is one of space – an unbelievable amount of it for a caravan with an internal length of just over 4m. Some of this comes from the simple but very functional layout, with an island double bed up front, an L-shaped dinette on the nearside and a very long kitchen on the offside. But it’s the size of
the combined shower and toilet ensuite to the left of the entry door that is truly impressive. Not only is it large, but it incorporates a corner washbasin and a wall mirror. My wife Wendy says it would be even better if there was a shallow cupboard with a mirror door above the toilet that could double as a vanity and perhaps one of those retractable clotheslines for drying socks and ‘smalls’ on the move. Her comments actually apply to most combined shower-toilet Clockwise from top: Space-efficient rectangular table allows easy access to the bed and the dinette; smart placement of appliances allows more kitchen bench space; the single battery is stored in an external locker; rear entry door; three-burner cooktop.
ensuites. There you go, darling, I promised I’d mention it! The kitchen bench is also huge, not just for a caravan of the Karakampa’s size, but for most caravans we come across these days. True, some of this space comes from having the compact 80L 12/240V Waeco compressor fridge under the benchtop and the Daewoo microwave mounted in its own ‘pod’ above, rather than both being located in a space-consuming tower as in most caravans. The three-burner Dometic gas cooktop and separate round sink bowl are both a bit smaller than you’d find in a typical, larger Aussie van, as well. While the Karakampa can be used for
extended holidays, it’s a strictly on-road caravan that most owners will use for weekend or short breaks, so the fridge and cooktop capacity should not be an issue. The floor area is also generous in the Karakampa. The L-shaped lounge with its single pedestal rectangular table are both space efficient and allow easy access to the front double bed that is neatly recessed into the nose of the van, flanked by cavernous built-in moulded hanging robes and bedside clothes storage cupboards. A large sky-hatch above the bed is good for ventilation, while sliding flyscreens and blockout blinds on it and the double-glazed side
Cooking Three-burner Dometic Fridge Waeco 80L 12/240V compressor Microwave Daewoo 20L Toilet Thetford cassette Shower Combo with toilet Lighting LED Hot water Truma gas/electric
Options fitted Microfibre seating/trim upgrade, $800
Price as shown $46,495 (ex-factory, Vic)
Supplied by Centaur Products Australia, 42 Canterbury Road, Kilsyth, Vic 3137, (03) 8727 7000, www.bellmont.com.au
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Karakampa Series II
Ratings 1. Value for money 2. Towability 3. Setting up and hitching up 4. Suitability for intended touring 5. Layout 6. Quality of finish 7. Build quality 8. Creature comforts 9. Innovation 10. X-Factor
also working on a 1m longer Karakampa with a side entry door. Stay tuned.
THE BOTTOM LINE
windows flood the interior with natural light, or keep both unwanted insects and light out as required. At night, a profusion of LED lights take over. The bed also lifts up, revealing excellent, unobstructed storage space beneath – ideal for folding outdoor tables, chairs, etc. Alternatively, you can get the Karakampa Series II with twin single beds rather than the double setup and with this configuration there is a large robe located in between. And if you want even more space, Centaur is
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Clockwise from top left: Lighting, ventilation and views are excellent in the bedroom; LED lights, including reading lights, are plentiful; under-bed storage space is ideal for bulky items.
The first Karakampa was a breath of fresh air for the caravan industry and the Series II improves on its strengths. There are cheaper lightweight ensuite caravans around, including the latest entrylevel European Adria and Knaus, and British Bailey and Swift models, but few that offer a better blend of space utilisation, practicality and quality of its all-composite construction. Like its imported rivals, the Karakampa’s headline attraction is its ability to be towed by just about any large family car or compact SUV, whether two or four-wheel drive, making it an easy accessory to any active lifestyle.
Tested
Karakampa Series II
The only issue with all its space is if you fill it all, you are almost certainly overloaded! You will also need to be careful packing such a light caravan as the Karakampa to avoid upsetting its excellent balance and towing stability. Thanks to the beautiful Warburton Caravan Park, (03) 5966 2277, 30 Woods Point Road, Warburton, Vic 3799, for providing the scenic backdrop for our photoshoot. Visit www .warburtoncaravanpark.com.au Above: Power and light switches conveniently located in kitchen. Right: The combo ensuite is a decent size.
TEBBS CANVAS PRODUCTS PTY LTD 33 Brooklyn Ave. Dandenong Vic. 3175 Ph. (03) 9793 2044 … Fax (03) 9793 4011 Email.
[email protected] Website. www.tebbscanvas.com.au Custom made… Rv. AWNING WALLS & ANNEXES Spare wheel cover Front pebble guard Front (full height) bug guard Awning storage cover Replacement pop-top (vinyl) tent sections
We Also Repair Dometic A&E roll out Awnings
Distributors For… Aircommand Airconditioners & Dometic/Waeco Caravan Accessories
CVW-HH-5014543-CS-529-XCC
KIT FORM FLYOVERS TO SUIT ON SITE CARAVAN & ANNEXE
