Before going into the Tanami’s details, it’s worth looking at the company’s interesting background. Explorex was started by Greg and Jen Ferguson in 2003. Back then, the prototype of their first caravan was built on their farm near the WA wheat belt farm of Beverley.

Explorex’s first caravan was made for a drilling company seeking a mining tough steel-framed caravan. The exploration company was obviously happy with the outcome as word got around and so did the orders. Today, Explorex offers durable and long life span caravans that are much sought after by mining companies nationally and internationally.

Over the last three years, Explorex has been developing their domestic caravans, incorporating many of the off-road features notable in their range of mining company caravans.

A lot of mining takes place in remote and inhospitable areas of outback Australia, so Explorex caravans are built to withstand being towed anywhere they are needed. The Tanami is somewhat large in size, so LandCruisers, Patrols or any 4WD with three to 3.5-tonne towing capacity is recommended for towing. For getting across dry creek beds, the Tanami has excellent approach and departure angles. Rugged coiled independent suspension made by Cruisemaster in QLD certainly neutralises bumps, corrugations and potholes. Solid water tank guards are built to protect the caravan’s vital water supply when travelling through the unforgiving outback. Generous ground clearance combined with heavy duty offroad mag wheels are important additions to the Tanami’s off-road credentials.

Handy for the Toyota owners, the LandCruiser stud pattern makes the spare tyre dilemma much less complicated.

EXTERIOR

The fully welded galvanised-framed Tanami with aluminium cladding looks like what a proper off-road caravan should look like. Chequerplate body armour on the front and sides of the Tanami not only looks smart, but is able to take those flinging stones when travelling along unsealed outback roads. When travelling at night, the Hella LED driving lights provide great visibility.

Ample external storage areas, front and back, are easily accessible. Even though there is ample living area inside, most people enjoy being outside, especially during those balmy winter days up north. The huge retractable awning provides more than enough shade.

Outdoor living is further enhanced by a fold-out bench, which is just the ticket for nibbles and refreshments around that 5pm mark. An optional slide-out barbeque kit completes the package. A slide-out generator set that fits neatly away when travelling is an excellent optional extra when powered sites are not an option.

Mounted firmly on the 150mm by 50mm drawbar are two big gas bottle and water container holders plus mountings and full wiring for on the roof solar panels. Explorex can add the solar panels as an optional extra. The Tanami caravan we reviewed had two 130W solar panels fitted.

Coming as standard are two 85L water tanks, with provision for two more 85L tanks as optional extras. Separate water tanks are a great safety feature. One single big tank is useless if it gets a puncture and you lose all the water while doing the Tanami Track, for example.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Chassis frame construction: Fully welded galvanised framed
Windows: Dometic windows
Insulation: Foam
Corner jacks: Yes
Waste water common outlet: Separate
Water tanks: 85L x2 standard
Water tank covers: Steel
Coupling: Treg style
Suspension: Independent coil, Cruisemaster, QLD
Clearance: Off-road, 550mm
Brakes: 12in x 4
Wheels: R16
Tyres: 265/75 R16
Awning: Dometic
Gas cylinder size: 9kg x 2
Hot water: Dometic gas electric
Battery: 2x Full River
Battery charger: Five-stage

INTERIOR

When I entered I was immediately impressed by the clean, spacious and uncluttered appearance of its interior. Well built pale-coloured wooden floors and storage panelling makes the caravan appear light and airy. The clever openplan layout, including the tuck-away dining table, makes this caravan anything but claustrophobic. Full American oak timber furniture adds a touch of class and luxury. In addition, customers have a choice of kitchen, bedroom, and lounge designs and layouts.

The kitchen is well appointed with standard features such as a generous-size 190L fridge/freezer. Included is a full-size Smev stove with oven and grill with stainless steel splashbacks.

If you are going to include a bathroom in a caravan make it a good size, and to me this fits the bill.

The bathroom is conveniently located at the front of the caravan. The Thetford cassette toilet and moulded shower module is located at opposite ends of the bathroom. This allows ample showering area, even for the larger caravanners amongst us. Between the toilet and shower is enough space for ample storage in the vanity. There’s even space for a good size front-loading washing machine as an optional extra.

The Dometic windows and adjustable screens make letting in the fresh air and keeping out the bugs a breeze. Of course, when it really heats up or cools down, comfort is guaranteed with a Dometic reversecycle air-conditioner. The air-con also comes as standard.

INTERNAL FEATURES

Fridge: Waeco 190L fridge/freezer
Television: 19in
Antenna: Winegard
Music system: MP3/CD
Cooking: Full-size Smev stove with oven and grill with stainless steel splashbacks
Microwave: Yes
Heating/cooling: Dometic reverse-cycle air-cond.
Rangehood: Yes
Lighting: LED and fluorescent
Cupboard finishes: Timber
Seating capacity: Four
Sink: Stainless steel
Bed: Queen size
Berths: One double or two singles
Under bed storage: Yes

RATINGS

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

WORTH BUYING?

The Explorer Tanami is a topnotch offroad caravan, built with rugged durability in mind yet laced with the creature comforts as well. Provided you use an appropriate towing vehicle, there’s no reason why you can’t have a touch of luxury out there in the outback.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Make and model: Explorex Tanami
External body length: 5.6m and 6.2m (not including front boot)
External body width: 2.4m
TARE Weight: 5.6m/2400kg & 6.2m/2640kg
Ball Weight: 250kg to 300kg, depending on load

CONTACT/THANKS

Name: Dave Hancock
Address: 66 Prestige Parade, Wangara, WA 6065
Phone: (08) 9302 2295
Fax: (08) 9302 2211
Email: [email protected]
Website: explorex.com.au

Please Note: Prices were correct at time of review.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL AND JANE PELUSEY