Building an RV with plenty of room to move and genuine off-road ability can be a challenge for any RV manufacturer. Spinifex Caravans has focussed on meeting this challenge to produce a range of caravans that are perfect for those wanting five-star luxury that has true off-road ability, with the added benefit of being able choose the perfect custom layout.

Phil and Darlene Watkins have been travelling in caravans for years, and knew what they wanted when it came time for an upgrade. "When we started looking," Phil said, "we were a bit disappointed with what was on the market. We wanted something completely customisable, from the ground up." With this in mind they met with Steve at Spinifex Caravans, the result being the 25ft EpiX you see here.

Manufactured to Phil's exact specifications, the EpiX is the van Phil and Darlene have been dreaming of for some time. Phil made it clear this van is it for a while – "We have no intentions to upgrade any further. There really isn't anything more we could ask for from a van." With the whole build only taking five weeks from start to finish, Phil couldn't be happier with the end result Steve and his team have come up with for him and his family.

The A-frame is strong. There's certainly no way around that fact. An equally strong apron protects the front end from damage in much the same way as the tyre carrier protects the rear. The DO45 hitch is 4.5t rated and the latest caravan hitch technology currently available. The last thing Phil and Darlene would want is to see their pride and joy rolling down the wrong side of a hill!

Phil says the EpiX is surprisingly manoeuvrable, considering its size. He tows it with an F-250, which is no small tow vehicle, but said the airbag suspension that's fitted to the van helped a great deal in levelling out the ride. The bags themselves are licensed to 4.2t each, so there's plenty of head room for luggage requirements.

The first prerequisite Phil and Darlene listed when Spinifex was commissioned to build the van was this external fridge slide out. A great way to provide some extra cool storage, it also means there's minimal effort required when it's time to reach for another one on a hot summer's day.

The bathroom is modern and incorporates everything the family needs. Phil and Darlene opted to have the washing machine moved into this area rather than plumbed into the kitchen, so more cupboard space was made available for kitchen-related items. The beauty of custom RV design is having the freedom to place what you want, where you want it.

Internally, the van offers all the comforts of a custom build. Timber cabinetry abounds, and is well constructed. Phil pointed out that Spinifex's attention to detail is what really made it stand out against other manufacturers he looked at. Both he and Darlene had a number of detailed cabinetry changes they wanted to make, which Spinifex took in its stride throughout the design process.

An external electronics panel is housed adjacent to the fridge slide. Phil and Darlene's family are big on entertainment, so they had an external television bracket, marine stereo and power points installed to ensure no one gets bored. Also note the airline that's plumbed directly into the panel, and directly above where the axles are. A great way to ensure air is never far away should a fl at tyre occur.

The usual dinette option has been replaced with a more spacious U-shape lounge and dining area. The table quickly and easily collapses to turn the area into a double bed big enough to hold two kids. Phil was over the moon with this feature, and can't wait to get his grandkids out on the road soon.

To continue with their free-camping approach to RVing, Phil and Darlene had a total of six 85L water tanks installed. This guarantees the family will have a plentiful water supply, regardless of how long they decide to free-camp.

Entertainment systems can't be enjoyed without power. To keep the appliances running, a quadruple battery system has been installed in the front boot. These are backed up by solar panels to make sure the van runs in any conditions, providing the ultimate platform for free-camping.

Although it's an off-road caravan, Phil said its size does mean they probably won't be tackling any true 4WD tracks. Having said that, the departure angle is still designed to take a beating if necessary, and dual spare wheels are mounted on a bar that offers some serious rear protection. Chequerplate is also in place over the bottom of the body to keep the insulation out of harm's way.

UNIQUE SELLING POINTS

• EXTERNAL FRIDGE SLIDE

• FULLY INDEPENDENT AIRBAG SUSPENSION

• DINING AREA CONVERTS TO A BED

• QUAD BATTERY SET-UP

• LATEST TECHNOLOGY TOW HITCH

TECHNICAL SPECS

MAKE/MODEL: 25ft EpiX

EXTERNAL BODY LENGTH: 7550mm

EXTERNAL WIDTH: 2450mm

EXTERNAL HEIGHT: 3070mm

TARE WEIGHT: 3340kg

BALL WEIGHT: 360kg

ATM: 4200kg

RRP: $ 140,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION

PH: (07) 3888 2221

FAX: (07) 3888 2226

EMAIL: info@spinifexcaravans.com.au

WEB: www.spinifexcaravans.com.au

Please note that current prices may vary from this review. Please confirm with the manufacturer.