Caravan review: BruderX ADX-21 expedition-grade couples van

Purpose-built for global overland travel, the BruderX ADX-21 blends military-grade chassis tech, off-grid power and unmatched ride quality into a lightweight, offroad capable full-size caravan. 

In brief:

• Expedition-grade, full-size Bruder caravan
• Advanced airbag suspension system
• Dual-door layout for flexible access
• Premium build at Bruder’s lowest price point yet

BruderX doesn’t build caravans — it builds expedition-grade machines engineered to survive, function and thrive where others fail.

Based in Queensland but sending vans worldwide, BruderX has carved out a reputation for building military-inspired, aerospace-influenced units that are as refined in design as they are rugged in execution. Its overland vans have toured the deserts of the Middle East, the snows of Scandinavia and the wilds of South America — often in the hands of filmmakers, explorers and emergency services. But until now, its lineup has focused on compact, low profile and ultra-premium offroaders. Enter the ADX-21: longer, wider and still relatively light, it’s Bruder-X’s first van with the scale and amenity of a true caravan — without sacrificing the brand’s expedition DNA. And it might just be the most complete expression of their philosophy yet.

Tow testing the BruderX ADX-21 on tracks in the Glasshouse Mountains, Qld

From expedition to caravan: Where the ADX-21 lands

Before the ADX, BruderX’s reputation was built on the EXP series — compact, ultra-tough and tech-laden expedition trailers. These weren’t caravans in the traditional sense. They were self-contained, go-anywhere survival pods, often smaller than 5.5m (18ft) long and built to be towed behind 4WDs through extreme terrain. Prices for the EXP range start at around $137,700 for the EXP-4 model, $260,000 for the EXP-7, climb to well over $350,000 for the EXP-8, and can surge higher depending on spec and customisation. These trailers appeal to adventurers with serious budgets — often international buyers or specialist operators.

The ADX-21 shifts the focus. It’s longer (6.8m/22ft 3in), wider (2.4m/7ft 9in) and more caravan-like with more emphasis on the internal liveability you’ll find in a traditional van while still retaining BruderX’s hallmark toughness. At a starting price of $211,200 plus on roads and options, it opens the door to new buyers while still sitting well above most local rivals. Competitors like the Zone RV Sojourn, Sunland Federation and Sunseeker Desert Storm offer similar layouts and offroad intentions, but none match the structural engineering, modular power systems or suspension sophistication of the ADX. The price? Premium. But the gap is justified.

Built for the ones who go further

The ADX-21 isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly the point. This is a caravan for experienced travellers who know how to live remotely, travel light and fix things when the need arises. It suits couples or solo explorers looking for long-haul capability, exceptional ride comfort and the flexibility to tour anywhere from Arnhem Land to the Cape, across the Gibb or out to remote desert tracks where backup might be days away.

Simply said, this is not a van built for the holiday park loop. For families wanting to head on an off-the-beaten-track Big Lap, there is an optional bunk layout.

A tough, go-anywhere construction

BruderX is known for breaking industry rules and tradition when it comes to its vans and construction methods. The ADX-21’s body is built using bonded composite panels layered for strength, thermal efficiency and longevity. The result is a structure that shrugs off moisture, resists impact and remains tight and quiet on rough roads. The floor structure mirrors this engineering-first approach — a sealed, insulated panel system bonded directly to the chassis. No gaps, no flapping underfloor sheeting and nothing exposed that shouldn’t be.

The BruderX ADX-21 is built to go anywhere

The body is mounted to a proprietary 125mm x 75mm x 3mm chassis, CNC-cut, TIG-welded and fully sealed using the same techniques it borrows from the EXP range and is finished in a durable in-house painted surface borrowed for the trucking industry. Integrated recovery points, underbody guards and a millimetre-perfect tie-in to the bonded floor complete the picture. It’s built more like a defence-grade component than a touring chassis — and that difference matters when you are hours from the nearest tow truck.

And then there’s the suspension. Developed in-house and fitted with remote-reservoir dampers, it’s the most technically advanced system we’ve seen, with more travel, articulation and control than any rival. But the proof is in the pudding and the big question is, how did the ADX-21 tow?

BruderX’s airbag trailing arm suspension

Tow testing the BruderX ADX-21

We towed the ADX-21 through the winding dirt tracks of the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland, into the sand and corrugations of Noosa North Shore and along the beach toward Double Island Point — exactly the kind of mixed terrain this van was designed to conquer.

At the heart of its composure is BruderX’s airbag trailing arm suspension, which links the bags left-to-right and front-to-rear for balance. At camp, it can be levelled remotely. More than a gimmick, this system smooths out bumps like nothing else under a trailer. When one corner hits a washout or rock, the spike in air pressure is shared across the network — slightly raising the other corners and pre-loading them to absorb the next hit. Think of it this way: the front-left bag hits a rock, it compresses and that pressure bleeds to the others, keeping the van poised and flat. It’s mechanical magic.

Yes, the system can be compromised if a line fails, but it’s easily isolated. And let’s be honest — if you’re buying a Bruder, you’re already mechanically inclined or at least mentally prepared for minor field repairs.

Tow testing the BruderX ADX-21 with an INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster

Our test van weighed around 2800kg loaded, with a tare of 2480kg, ATM of 3500kg, and ball weight at tare of 175kg.

We towed with an INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster. It handled the load confidently and returned 22–23L/100km across varied terrain. We’ll have a full tow-test in a coming issue, but in short: its 7000kg GCM, 3550kg GVM and moderate kerb weight meant we could legally tow the ADX-21 at max-weight and still have a usable payload — a rare thing.

You’ll want a serious tow vehicle for this van — think Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Silverado 1500, Ranger V6 or D-MAX. Anything with a genuine 3.5-tonne rating, decent payload and low-range will do the job, but few will feel as settled as the Grenadier did.

Tough and tidy exterior

Like the rest of BruderX’s range, the ADX-21 focuses more on capability than showy looks. Up front, a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch provides plenty of articulation, while the short A-frame makes reverse parking in tight spots a breeze. There’s provision for MAXTRAX recovery boards and twin front-mounted jerry cans, and future models will offer a toolbox and 300mm drawbar extension — ideal for long-range touring setups.

Along the sides, there’s no external plumbing at the neat optioned-on kitchen — a deliberate choice to reduce clutter and plumbing complexity, though it’s an option we’d always tick. Inside the front passenger-side hatch is a dual-zone Engel MT-V60 fridge on a full-extension slide, and there’s the option to add on a Weber barbecue. External hatches include flush-mounted lockers for recovery gear and hoses. Every latch, panel and line is tight, clean and made for movement, and the 5m electric awning is a nice touch.

A neat and tidy exteriorAn expedition-style exterior

Down the back, a laser-cut rear bar carries the full-size spare, 6000lb winch mount and leaves a generous departure angle. Up top and towards the front BruderX’s own dust reduction system (DRS) — first developed for the EXP range — pressurises the cabin under way, keeping red dust out no matter the road ahead.

Dual doors for flexible living

Like we’ve said, Bruder likes to break away from tradition. And while this is their most ‘conventional’ van yet, it still throws a few curve balls. The dual access doors aren’t only for show — they change how you can live with the van. Positioned parallel across the front of the van, the dual doors create a cohesive flow around the van and open up countless liveability and campsite setup options. And by adding on the optional second awning for the driver’s side, you can always chase the best views. We’d use this second awning area to set up swags for mates, giving them cover without crowding the cabin or external kitchen area. It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed — until you use it.

The dual entry doors creates a cohesive flow around the entire van

Spacious interior layout

Step inside and you’ll appreciate just how much this layout benefits from having two entries. It divides zones naturally — bedroom up front, kitchen and ensuite to the rear — and makes airflow and movement feel unrestricted.

Inside, the ADX-21 feels more spacious than its footprint suggests. Ceiling height is exceptional and the addition of a skylight over the bed along with the dual doors brings in both natural light and a feeling of openness. The north–south queen bed has all the amenities and storage you would expect, with a large under-bed storage space perfect for gear you don’t need every day.

The bedroom area up the front benefits from the dual door access

Materials are clean and tough, with smooth-lined cabinetry, high-quality hinges and thoughtful detailing throughout. The rear ensuite works beautifully, with the shower on one side and a composting toilet opposite — no chemical smell, no cassette and minimal fuss. It’s smart, clean and entirely on-brand for a self-sufficient build.

The rear ensuite

Heating and hot water are handled by a diesel-powered Eberspacher system, while cooling comes from an Eberspacher air-conditioner that can run from the inverter — no generator or 240V required.

Continuing a tried-and-true method, the kitchen and club lounge take up the middle of the van, featuring large windows, a twin-plate induction cooktop (which can be built-in or portable), plenty of prep space, a full-height 224L compressor fridge and tidy storage — but no oven. For some, that’s a compromise. For us, it’s just a good excuse to fire up a barbecue or hot plates under the awning and keep the cooking smells outside where they belong.

The spacious club lounge and kitchen area

Off-grid power and water

The ADX-21 is built for long-term, long-distance travel where power security is non-negotiable. It comes standard with a 600Ah lithium battery, expandable up to 1200Ah. Power is delivered via a Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-32 inverter-charger, which combines a true sine wave inverter, powerful 120A AC charger and automatic transfer switch into one unit. It’s widely regarded as a gold standard in overland builds — robust, globally supported and capable of handling heavy loads like the Eberspacher air-conditioner and theinduction cooktop inside without hesitation.

The solar setup is equally powerful. The ADX-21 comes standard with 1200W of roof-mounted panels, expandable to 1600W. The solar power is managed by Victron MPPT charge controllers with Bluetooth and Cerbo GX LCD monitoring and full system integration. It’s a smart, modular system that experienced off-gridders will appreciate.

Water capacity sits at 265L fresh and 130L grey, with the option to add a second 130L freshwater tank which can either be plumbed into the existing system or kept separate with another fill point and filter. That’s ample for cool-weather travel, but in summer heat, water — not power — will run out first. Consider jerry top-ups or a water source if you’re remote for more than five days.

In the real world, the 600Ah battery and 1200W solar power setup will suit most. If you use induction and AC sparingly and park in sunny spots or drive decent distances every few days, it’ll hold up. But if you’re parking for a week and cooking up a storm during a muggy summer heatwave, maybe not — and that’s exactly why the system is built to upgrade.

The ADX-21 is built for long-term, long-distance travel and it has the power to back it up

Customer care: Supported, not spoon-fed

BruderX offers a five-year structural warranty on the ADX-21, with support handled directly through its Brisbane headquarters. Given the nature of where these trailers travel, the company encourages self-reliance and proactive maintenance, and it backs that with comprehensive documentation, remote support and a growing network of experienced owners.

The BruderX owner community is one of the most valuable resources available — a group of like-minded, mechanically capable travellers who freely share tips, troubleshooting help and clever mods. Whether it’s isolating a punctured airline or diagnosing a charging quirk, chances are someone’s solved it already and posted the fix.

This isn’t a plug-and-play caravan — and that’s the point. It’s built for people who want to understand, maintain and trust their gear, no matter how far they roam.

MAXTRAX recovery boards and twin jerry cans on the front of the van — and future models will have a toolbox and 300mm drawbar extension

The BruderX ADX-21: Built for experienced travellers

The BruderX ADX-21 is what happens when you apply aerospace logic, military-grade engineering and real-world overland experience to the world of caravanning — and refuse to cut corners. From its linked airbag suspension to its modular Victron-based power system and minimalist-but-robust design, this is a van that prioritises performance over polish.

But what makes it memorable isn’t just the spec sheet — it’s how cleanly it all works. There’s a quiet confidence in the way it tows, camps and powers itself. No rattles. No second guessing. No overdesign. Just capability.

You don’t walk up to the ADX-21 and admire it. You crouch. You open hatches. You track lines and wiring runs and notice how little needs explaining. It’s not built to be admired — it’s built to be used and to last.

Yes, it’s expensive. But for the buyer who values engineering integrity, remote touring reliability and the kind of ownership that comes with knowing you bought the best — it’s worth every cent.

The BruderX ADX-21 is built to be used and to last

Measuring up

Pros

• BruderX build quality and suspension
• Dual-door design improves campsite setup and internal flow
• Modular Victron power system with serious upgrade potential

Cons

• Standard water capacity limits summer off-grid stays
• No plumbed external kitchen in standard spec
• Price climbs with must-have options

BRUDERX ADX-21 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

There’s serious engineering here for the price, but we’d add the larger battery pack, more water and external kitchen water to what’s already been added — likely pushing the real-world spend over $235,000, approximately.

TOWABILITY

For its size and weight, it’s the best-handling van we’ve towed to date — stable, composed and unbothered by terrain

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

Add the key options and you’ve got the ultimate off-grid Big Lap companion. As-standard, it still leans more ‘adventure couple’ than ‘full-time tourer’

BUILD QUALITY

Near flawless — and genuinely impressive given this is the first production run of a new platform

LIVEABILITY

Adding the extra 130L freshwater tank, extra battery and a second awning would make long stays more comfortable — but what’s here is clean, clever and well resolved

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

More than capable with upgrades, but in standard spec the water is the limiting factor in hot, remote use

CUSTOMER CARE

Solid documentation and strong community support, but all servicing currently runs from Brisbane — something to consider for interstate and international buyers

INNOVATION

The suspension remains unmatched. The rest of the systems are excellent and familiar to high-end offroad caravan buyers

X-FACTOR

A true BruderX starting at approximately $211,200 plus options? That's not just rare — it’s disruptive

BRUDERX ADX-21 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

BruderX ADX-21 price from $211,200

OPTIONS FITTED

• MAXTRAX mounted on front with additional mounting pins
• 35in wheels and tyres, six-stub hubs
• L/H 5m 12V electrical awning with tension rafter
• Front-mounted jerry cans
• External kitchen
• Aussie Traveller ashing machine/dryer
• Bruder spare wheel bin/storage bag

BruderX ADX-21 price as shown $230,546.80

MORE INFORMATION

BruderX
21 Fulcrum Street
Richlands Qld 4077
P: 07 3172 8838
E: sales@bruderx.com

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