David Hill was delighted with the opportunity to show off his latest fifth-wheeler creation. As a specialist in dedicated offroad units, this one was no exception.

David says, “This is an off-road fifth-wheeler that is fully self-contained and can go anywhere. The tow vehicle is a cut-down 100 Series LandCruiser that has had a chassis extension, which makes it very unique. It has been totally designed for the customers, Mr and Mrs Barnes, and there is not another the same. The customer has chosen all their own colours so it is very personalised.”

Elross Caravans was established in 1983 by Ean and Carolyn Hill, initially involved in caravan repairs and refurbishment. They saw a need within the industry to provide a superior and unique dedicated off-road caravan aimed at both the recreational and industrial sectors.

In 1995, the Hills’ son David joined the company. When Ean and Carolyn retired, David began to realise his ambition to build and expand the company.

Elross Caravans continue to be leaders in custom-built, high quality, heavy-duty off-road caravans, fifth-wheelers, industrial caravans and motorhomes.

They sit down with the client to discuss all their requirements. “We build a caravan to suit our customers’ needs, using the best technology available.”

EXTERNAL

The exterior of the Elross appears to be plain and simple. That style continues throughout the range of quality-built units. The fifth-wheeler is not big and cumbersome as some may be, but well proportioned in relation to the tow vehicle.

Manufactured from DuraGal 25mm tube steel frame with aluminium cladding and ply lining with 25mm polystyrene foam inlaid, this is a rugged RV. David says, “It’s designed to take the owners where they want to go.” The chassis sits on four-tonne roller rocker leaf spring suspension with shock absorbers. Add to this ALKO 10in electric brakes plus five-stud LandCruiser alloy wheels and a 75mm ball coupling to make this a serious off-road RV.

The Elross includes a good-size Dometic A&E8500 rollout awning that covers the door as well as the drop-down picnic table and the sovereign slide-out BBQ. There is a boot at the front and a large through-boot at the rear.

As all good off-roaders should have, the Elross includes two Delcor 105Ah batteries plus a Wialki 20A battery charger and two 80W Bp solar panels combined with the Honda EU20 mounted on its own slide-out. All this ensures you have plenty of power outside the holiday parks.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Chassis: DuraGal 150mm
Frame Construction: DuraGal 25mm tube
Windows: Camec wind-out tinted glass
Insulation: 25mm polystyrene
Corner jacks: AL-KO drop jacks
Waste water common outlet: Yes from 105L sullage tank
Water tanks: 2 x 150L
Water tanks covers: Yes, gal sheet
Coupling: 75mm ball
Suspension: Four-tonne roller rocker leaf spring with shock absorbers
Clearance: Off-road
Brakes: 10in electric
Wheels: Five-stud LandCruiser alloys
Tyres: 275/65R17 GT Radials all terrain
Awning: Dometic A&E8500
Boot(s): Yes, front and rear
Stoneguard: Aluminium chequerplate
Gas cylinder size/s: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Suburban SW6DEA 22.6L
Battery: 2 x Delcor 105Ah
Battery charger: Wialki 20A
Solar panels: 2 x 80W Bp solar
Entrance door: Camec security
Tap on A-Frame: Yes
Generator: Honda EU20 on slide-out
Reversing camera: Waeco camera fitted

INTERNAL

The plain and simple effect continues through to the inside of the Elross. The detailed cabinetry is first class and gives the RV added charm. It seems they keep the rest of the internals simple to enhance the cabinetry workmanship. That’s not a bad thing, just different from the run-of-the-mill RV.

Remember, this is an off-road RV so everything has to be built to a standard that will stand the test of Australia’s rough corrugated roads. The white walls and ceiling give the RV a light, airy feeling and the venetians add a touch of class.

The layout for the Barnes’ caravan is a queen island bed over the gooseneck, centre lounge and kitchen with full ensuite at the rear. The ensuite includes a solid door for privacy, a decent-sized shower, full vanity cupboard, a robe, the toilet and a washing machine. It has everything you need for life on the road.

I liked the inclusion of a washing machine in the ensuite. These are such a cost saver, not to mention the added cleanliness of using your own machine. The hand-held shower is easy to use and there is plenty of room in the shower and standing room for drying off.

The café dinette is large enough to seat four people. I personally prefer a bit more sculpture in the backrests to provide extra lumbar support, but they were comfortable all the same. There was plenty of bench and cupboard space inside, one of the great benefits of a fifth-wheeler.

I was surprised to see no television, but the owners did not want theirs fitted. The RV is built to the customers’ needs. Now that’s flexibility for you.

INTERNAL FEATURES

Fridge: Dometic RM4601 three-way
Television: Yes, LCD
Antenna: Winegard wind up
Music system: Kenwood CD player with 2x speakers
Cooking equipment: Smev 3 + 1 cook top grill and oven
Microwave: Sharp
Heating/cooling: Air Command Ibis rooftop air
Rangehood: Dometic CK 155 12V
Lighting: 12V fluoro and 12V halogen downlights
Smoke alarms: Yes
Gas leakage detector: No
Cupboard finishes: Vinyl-wrapped doors
Latches: Hafele push button
Lounge configuration: Café style
Seating capacity: Four
Upholstery: Warwick cloth
Sink: Camec single-bowl single drainer
Sleeping configuration: Queen bed
Berths: Two
Bed size(s): 6ft 6in x 5ft
Mattress: Innerspring with pillow top
Under bed storage: Yes on gas struts
Privacy screens: No
Bathroom configuration: Full ensuite
Privacy door: Yes
Toilet: Thetford C250 ceramic bowl
Toilet roll holder: Yes
Shower head: Hand held
Washing machine: LG 5kg
Clothes dryer: No
Towel racks: Yes, chrome

RATINGS

Exterior: 4/5
Interior: 4/5
Layout: 4/5
Kitchen: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

WORTH BUYING?

This is an off-road fifth-wheeler that is fully self-contained and can go anywhere. For what you get, what you pay is more than reasonable. The attention to detail, strength and durability make this an RV to consider.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Make/model: Elross Caravans fifth-wheeler
Chassis number: 6T9T21WA190AER016
External body length: 7.9m (26ft)
External width: 2.44m (8ft)
VIN Tare Weight: 2880kg
Ball weight: 350kg
NB: length and width are external measurements of the vehicle shell (and awning) only

CONTACT/THANKS

Contact person: David Hill
Name: Elross Caravans
Address: 22 Clapham St, Beckenham WA 6107
Phone: (08) 9458 6119
Fax: (08) 9458 6758
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elrosscaravans.com.au

Please Note: Prices were correct at time of filming

WORDS BY PAUL HUTCHINSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY C&M DVD CREW