Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6”
A New Day
Words COTY judges, Pics Allison Watt, Josh Hanger and John Ford
Backed by 60 years of experience and a loyal following, the Evernew Caravans GTX Platinum 19’6” entered COTY with a newly adopted aluminium frame and a beautifully executed design that impressed the judges, earning it one of this year’s much-coveted awards.
Best Value for Money
It was great to see the heritage Evernew Caravans brand return as an entrant this year, as we rate the vans highly for their superb finishes and considered design. Evernew has been in production for more than 60 years from its factory in the Melbourne suburb of Preston. Based outside the main caravan building hubs, Evernew is proudly independent, sells directly from its showroom and specialises in custom builds. The buying process allows customers to engage directly with the builder to ensure the van is tailored to their expectations.
This year’s aluminium-framed COTY entrant, the Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6”, marks a departure from the company’s traditionally built timber-frame versions, which have been the mainstay for generations. We still see decades-old Evernew models in the remotest of locations, and their sturdy build proves the worth of a well-constructed and properly maintained timber van.
At 19ft 6 in (5.97m), the GTX Platinum has the quintessential couples layout that delivers the best use of space and a sensible towing weight that won’t require a monster truck to move it.
Great looks, stacks of off-grid and offroad chops and a build quality that will serve owners for years, all combined to convince the judges the Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6” was the winner of Best Value for Money in the 2026 Caravan of the Year event.
Customer care
With sales from the factory, there is a direct relationship between the customer and the builder, rather than through a dealer. In line with Evernew’s policy of sending photos of the build to the customer as the van progresses through production, the company has strict quality control procedures in place to minimise warranty issues.
Factory tours are welcome for prospective customers to check out processes and ask about how their van will be built.
The structural warranty, G&S chassis, Cruisemaster suspension and Arizon fitout of the Victron electronics are all covered for five years, and major components such as the air-conditioner, fridge and diesel heater have three years' cover.
Importantly, and not common in the industry, the warranty is transferable to a new owner during the warranty period.
The warranty document complies with Australian Consumer Law, and the exclusions are the usual ones relating to misuse, abuse or excessive speed.
Self-sufficiency
The GTX Platinum is configured for remote travel and extended off-grid living for a couple, with a 12V electrical system supplied by Arizon and a mix of Arizon and Victron components. Notably, Evernew has chosen not to install the system in the void behind the fridge, as many manufacturers do, because the team believes it would force the fridge to protrude too far into the living space and could create a heat issue in the void.
Two chassis-mounted 460Ah Arizon lithium LiFePo4 batteries give a handy 920Ah supply. They are fed 1080W of solar power from a mix of flat and glass panels — four 215W slimline panels on the roof and a 220W glass panel on the forward sloping section of the van. This mix of panels requires three 50A MPPT Victron solar chargers to achieve optimal efficiency. There’s also a 50A DC/DC charger for topping up the batteries from the tow vehicle while driving and a 120A AC/DC supply in the combination Victron MultiPlus 2 3000W inverter. The electronics and water tank levels can be monitored on the Victron GX Touch 70 touchscreen.
To keep the van within its 3500kg ATM, water capacity is limited to two 95L freshwater tanks (plus a single 95L grey water tank), which is sensible and should be sufficient, especially when camped near a water source for bathing.
Adding to the van’s off-grid ability are an OGO composting toilet and a 221L compressor fridge/freezer. Additionally, an Eberspacher diesel furnace eliminates the need for electrical power for hot water or room heating.
There’s enough solar and battery capacity for a couple to run the air-conditioner when needed, with ample power for the usual appliances. So, off-grid living will be comfortable with the proviso that, without a local water supply, it will be prudent to keep showers to a minimum.
X-factor
Part of the new GTX Platinum’s appeal is its strong 60-year history and repeat-buyer loyalty. Evernew owners are passionate about their vans and will share their enthusiasm whenever they get the chance.
But for me, the classic understated style and beautifully balanced appearance is a winner. Here’s a genuine offroad caravan that doesn’t have to flaunt its ability with flashy decals and bold colours. The Evernew styling team has gone completely the other way from current trends, creating a minimalist impression that I love.
And when you step aboard, the colour, layout and fabric choices are stunning. I haven’t seen anyone who wasn't amazed by the interior, including at the 2026 Victorian Caravan and Camping Supershow, where punters were taken by surprise.
Build Quality
Evernew’s build quality is centred on a clear shift in construction philosophy, moving from traditional timber framing to a fully aluminium structure — and, importantly, one that is Henrob-riveted rather than welded. That’s a significant decision. Riveting allows for a small amount of controlled movement through the frame, which helps absorb loads and reduces the risk of stress cracking over time, something that can occur in welded aluminium structures. It’s a smart, durability-focused approach.
The structure itself is well executed. The walls use insulated composite construction, while the roof stands out at 61mm thick, combining an alloy frame, insulation batts and a 21mm composite layer to manage both heat rejection and retention. It’s a well-considered system for Australian conditions.
Underneath, the G&S hot-dipped galvanised chassis is built from four- and three-millimetre Australian steel, with a gusseted A-frame, and backed by a five-year warranty. Paired with Cruisemaster ATX 4500kg (Advanced BCS) airbag suspension system and Bosch stability control with ABS, it’s a high-end, proven platform.
Detail work is equally strong. Locally made alloy hatches, copper plumbing in vulnerable areas, and laminated-ply cabinetry with alloy drawer framing all point to thoughtful execution.
Fit and finish throughout is exemplary, reinforcing what is a very well-built, premium product.
Liveability and Ease of Use
Liveability and ease of use are where the Evernew GTX Platinum really stands out, and it’s as much about how it feels to live in as it is about the features on paper. Step inside and it’s immediately clear this is a very well-resolved space — one of the best-looking interiors in the field and genuinely a place you’d want to spend time.
The details support that feeling. The seating is trimmed in locally sourced leather from New South Wales, paired with a quality mattress from Melbourne-based Beds Direct, backed by a 10-year warranty. The Laminex benchtop is another highlight — durable, hygienic and capable of handling heat, making it well-suited to real-world use.
From an ease-of-use perspective, the GTX Platinum is equally strong. The electric awning and Black Jack electric jockey wheel make set up simple, while the NCE washing machine and windows are proven, user-friendly inclusions. The Dometic FreshJet air-conditioner is efficient and effective, and the OGO composting toilet extends time away from facilities.
Storage is well thought out, with good overhead space, a usable pantry and considered touches like the wine drawer.
The Evernew GTX Platinum is a van that feels as good as it looks — and that matters.
Innovation
Innovation isn’t where the Evernew GTX Platinum immediately stands out in the traditional sense. There are no headline-grabbing systems or left-field ideas here. In fact, the most obvious inclusion is an integrated vacuum, which feels more like a convenience feature than a genuine innovation.
Where this van does innovate is in its evolution. Under Dani Bibb’s ownership, Evernew has taken a legacy brand — one known for vans that are still on the road decades later — and refined it into something that feels completely current without losing its core strengths. That’s not easy to do. It’s the result of working closely with suppliers, selecting proven components and focusing on what actually improves the ownership experience.
The move to a Henrob-riveted aluminium frame is a good example of that thinking. It’s not flashy, but it’s a meaningful step forward in durability and construction.
Ultimately, the innovation here is in the execution. This is a brand that has learned how to build a better product over time, and the GTX Platinum feels like the culmination of that — a highly resolved, thoroughly considered caravan.
Value for Money
We may cop some criticism for bestowing the Best Value for Money award at this year’s COTY to a caravan with a purchase price of $185,640 — the Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6”.
There were several good reasons for this decision. First and foremost, the cost of building caravans has increased significantly in recent years due to higher labour, materials, and parts costs, among other factors. That cost has to be passed on to the consumer. As time moves, $150,000 is now the new $100,000. Competitors in this class of offroad couples van are priced around and over the $200,000 mark.
Additionally, after six decades in business, Evernew has switched to aluminium frames on its vans, which come with higher costs than traditional meranti timber frames.
Evernew is also marketing its vans to a younger demographic, and these customers are savvier about their requirements — they want better quality and more advanced features.
The quality of the fit and finish is obvious in the Evernew GTX Platinum: piano hinges on all cupboards, Italian metal catches and latches, leather lounge chairs, a dedicated drawer for wine and — in a first for COTY — a built-in vacuum system.
Evernew has a reputation for building caravans that last. It’s not uncommon to see 30 and 40-year-old Evernews out on the road, still going strong. Their owners love them and are extremely loyal to the brand — so much so that 45 per cent of Evernew’s sales come from repeat customers. You earn a reputation like that through actions, not words.
Towability
Another reason the Evernew GTX Platinum won this year’s Best Value for Money category was its weight. It has a tare weight of 2890kg and an ATM of 3500kg, giving you a payload of 610kg. So, you’re not having to put your hand in your pocket to buy a big US truck as a tow rig once you’ve purchased the van.
I towed the GTX Platinum along some dirt tracks around Strath Creek with a new VW Amarok and it was a good combination, aided by the Cruisemaster ATX Unleashed upgraded suspension with full adjustable M60 shock absorbers and an advanced body control system which includes horizon levelling, active ride height, a tyre inflation module and mobile app connectivity.
Suitability for intended touring
The Evernew GTX Platinum offers discerning couples a supremely comfortable travelling experience.
It has the build quality and self-sufficiency credentials to take its owners to the most remote corners of the country and stay there indefinitely — water permitting, of course. Its military green exterior colour makes it stand out from the crowd at camp.
Inside, it’s classy and comfortable, with all the appliances and features you’ll need for extended travel — and some you didn’t even know you needed! These include a spacious ensuite with a top-loading washing machine, ample storage and an OGO composting toilet. In the kitchen, there are built-in induction hotplates, an NCE flatbed microwave and a Thetford 221L compressor fridge that’s raised so you’re not bending over to reach the freezer drawer. There are leather lounges, a Beds Direct mattress with a 10-year warranty, air conditioning, diesel heating, and a nifty vacuum cleaner tucked away at floor level that sucks up your floor sweepings at the flick of a switch. The wine drawer is another luxurious touch.
Storage is generous throughout the layout — the carpeted space under the bed is completely devoid of any appliances and electrics and can be used solely for storing your gear.
The interior aesthetic is just beautifully executed as the rest of the caravan, with sage green cabinetry, timber-look benchtops and flooring, gold tapware and latches. The Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6” really is a lovely caravan to be in, bringing together comfort, capability and attention to detail in a package that feels cohesive, practical and ready for extended travel.
EVERNEW CARAVANS GTX PLATINUM 19’6”
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Overall length 8.27m (27ft 1in)
External body length 6.02m (19ft 8in)
Internal body length 5.97m (19ft 6in)
Width 2.49m (8ft 2in)
Travel height 2.98m (9ft 10in)
Internal height 1.95m (6ft 5in)
Tare 2890kg
ATM 3500kg
Payload 610kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 230kg
Ball to tare ratio 8% (calculated)
EXTERNAL
Frame Aluminium walls and roof
Cladding Walls Probond aluminium, roof composite fibreglass
Chassis G&S hot dip galvanised, 150mm x 50mm x 3mm main rails and drawbar
Suspension Cruisemaster ATX airbag Unleashed, 4500kg rated
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes 12in electric drums
Wheels 16x8 Dirty Life alloy with 265/75R16 Cooper AT3 tyres
Water 2 x 95L freshwater, 1 x 95L grey water
Battery 2 x 460Ah Arizon lithium LiFePo4
Inverter 3000W Victron MultiPlus 2
Solar 1080W (4 x 215W slimline, 1 x 220W glass panel)
Air-conditioner Dometic FreshJet 7 Pro
Gas Gasless
Sway control Cruisemaster/Bosch TSC and ABS
INTERNAL
Cooking Two-burner Induction cooktop
Microwave 23L NCE flatbed
Fridge Thetford 221L compressor
Bathroom Full-width ensuite with separate shower and OGO composting toilet
Washing machine NCE 3.2 Top loader
Hot water Dieselheat D15 diesel water and room heater with Eberspacher furnace
PRICE FROM $185,640
OPTIONS FITTED nil
PRICE AS SHOWN $185,640
GTX Platinum available in all Tandem sizes
MORE INFORMATION
Evernew Caravans
20A Reserve Street
Preston Vic 3072
P: 03 9459 7516
E: info@evernewcaravans.com.au
W: evernewcaraavans.com.au
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COTY Reviews: Evernew GTX Platinum 19’6”