Caravan review: CRZRVAN 20ft 5in Bunk van

Even if you’ve checked out every van there is, you probably haven’t seen what’s under this unique custom van from CRZR Industries. Although, if you’re a fan of the Toyota 79 Series 4WD, you may recognise some of the running gear. 

Now, you might be wondering what a Toyota LandCruiser 79 and this custom CRZRVAN have in common. Quite a few things in fact. They both excel in offroad conditions, are built tough and are designed to perform well for long-term use — and most notably, they both have a very similar suspension system that features solid axles using radius arms to keep them running straight while giving excellent articulation. This similarity is no accident, as the designer and owner of CRZRVAN, Rhys Conti, is a great fan of this style of suspension on his offroading 4WDs. 

Rhys is based in Shepparton, Victoria, and he got thinking about how he could design a better offroad caravan without going down the standard van suspension route. It’s not like the CRZRVAN suspension hasn’t been tested. Just look at how many Toyota 79s are being used and abused with this style of suspension throughout the world. What was new, though, was developing it for use on a caravan. 

Where we tested

Queensland’s Double Island Point and its kilometres of beaches was the playground for our tow test. It certainly wasn’t the toughest of locations but as the reviewed van is part of a hire fleet, it has seen plenty of rough kilometres over its time. Trips from Cape York to Birdsville and back again have been a great test of the van’s style of suspension and its long-term capabilities. This made quite a change to our usual review vans, which tend to be just out of the factory. Getting to test out a van that’s driven so many kilometres gave us a good look at how well it has held up over time. At the risk of spoiling the ending, it’s performing as good as new. 

A unique build

Each van built by CRZRVAN is custom designed for the customer, meaning there are no compromises on features or design elements and every van has its own unique character. Once the design is firm, the build begins using Aussie 150mm x 50mm x 3mm steel for the chassis. There is a one-piece chassis member that runs the length of the van, from the drawbar to the rear. A winch can be added here although our review van didn’t include this. The drawbar has a Cruisemaster DO45 hitch to connect with the tow vehicle and houses the two toolboxes for a Weber barbecue and generator plus tie-down points for other items. There is even a ladder to access the roof.

The chassis also has members that run the full length at the edge of the outside walls which creates a rigid structure but also protects the van walls from being impacted from below. This would be like having rock rails built in, although, given the underbody clearance it would have to be a very difficult rocky trail to come close to impacting.

The suspension is the most unique feature of the CRZRVAN, using live solid axles and brakes from Cruisemaster mated with Toyota 79 style radius/trailing arms, bump stops and panhard rods. The remote reservoir shocks and Firestone airbags combine with the rest of the suspension setup. This suspension design means the van tows extremely well over both tarmac and rough offroad tracks, and if any elements of the suspension are damaged in the future, replacement parts can be accessed around Australia.

The van had large 35in tyres which ride well and look the part. The stud pattern and tyres can be matched to most tow vehicles, which will allow interchangeable spares between tow vehicle and van. Flared wheel guards are built over the tyres, which extend past the van walls to aid stability of the van given its narrow body width of 2.05m/6ft 7in (2.35m/7ft 7in including the wheel guards). A narrow body width is an advantage when travelling on rough offroad tracks which are not normally accessible to a larger caravan.

The body of the CRZRVAN is constructed using 29mm PVC core composite panels that provide both strength and insulation properties while being light at the same time. The walls and roof are one-piece panels which prevent any ingress of water or dust, and bonded corners of these panels are protected by aluminium capping. 

On the outside

The air suspension makes it a breeze to level the van when setting up camp on uneven ground, but it’s also quite handy on flat sites when you can lower the height for easier entry given the excellent ground clearance of the van. 

A large wind-out awning provides plenty of protection when accessing the exterior kitchen, which can be found behind a hatch towards the front of the van. 

The slide-out kitchen setup features a single induction hotplate, meaning there’s no need for gas, a cutlery drawer and a sink with hot and cold water. Above this main station is deep drawer suitable for use as a pantry, and close by is the main fridge: a Dometic CFX3 95L fridge/freezer and can be configured in different combinations. A hatch with the main control centre LCD screen for the electrical systems is found on the rear wall of the kitchen. An antenna point, 12V power and TV bracket are also found in this hatch.

Forward of the fridge is a tunnel boot that can be accessed from either side of the van, and is ideally sized for storing long items. Heading around the other side of the van there are a couple more storage hatches with access to the plumbing and water heater, while the rear bar stores the twin full-sized spare tyres. 

The roof houses the Copperflex solar panels which produce an amazing 1400W of power going into the batteries. This is enough to allow a positive inflow to the batteries while running the Dometic air-conditioner at the same time. This truly is an off-grid van.

It’s family time

Luke and Kristy are the lucky owners of this CRZRVAN, which was custom designed for them. The only stipulation Luke had was the king-sized bed, while Kristy ensured the rest of the interior was designed to perfectly suite their family of four.

The north-south king-sized bed is situated up front, but heading down the other end the east-west bunks make use of the full width of the van’s back wall. Each bunk enjoys a window at either end, providing excellent cross ventilation and natural light. Under the lower bunk there is a compartment for shoes. And next to this is a laundry chute, conveniently located next to the bathroom door.

We often see van’s this size with a combo bathroom, but this CRZRVAN’s bathroom features an enclosed shower which is a nice touch and helps prevent water getting on the toilet. There isn’t a basin or vanity unit included in this setup, but there is a wall mirror.

While the exterior kitchen might see more action, the van does have an indoor kitchen with a double induction plate, stylish sink with hot/cold and filtered water and decent bench space. Instead of a large upright fridge, there are two 30L Dometic fridge drawers giving a total of 155L including the external fridge. More than enough for a family of four. 

In any van, space is at a premium and people have different priorities on how to use that space. One feature I particularly like is the dinette with a L-shaped lounge twice the length of what you’d find in similarly sized vans. It has two adjustable tables that can be independently moved to suit the needs of whoever is using them. The lounge will easily seat the family of four plus visitors. This is great for those times when it’s too hot or wet outside.

There’s plenty of internal storage for clothes, food and gear in, and even a cupboard that has a pull-out drawer housing the coffee machine with power included. This is the beauty of a custom van designed with specific needs and requirements in mind. Clothes can be stored in the overhead cabinets above the lounge, and the kitchen has plenty of extra storage space.

Power to go

The massive amount of solar input of 1400W means excess power can be generated even when the air-conditioner is running. Power storage is done using Safiery CANbus hybrid Lithium batteries which can store 600Ah at 12V. A full Victron system comprising of 5000W inverter/charger, DC/DC chargers and MPPT controllers are employed to direct power where it’s needed at the correct voltage. All this is laid out and labelled very neatly underneath the large lounge. 

With such a large solar/battery combination, and induction hotplates serving all the cooking needs, there is no need for gas in this CRZRVAN. Hot water is supplied by a Eberspacher diesel water system which also combines to supply hot air for those cold nights. For those hot days and nights, the Dometic Harrier soft start air-conditioner will keep you cool.

A detachable Garmin glass display is used to wirelessly control and monitor the electrical and water systems via the Safiery integrated control system. This control system also has a fixed touchscreen in an outside hatch with the entertainment outlets. These screens provide all the information and control to ensure that all systems are functioning while controlling lights and power. We’ve come a long way since analogue gauges and switches.

 Off-grid use

Given the amount of solar input, battery capacity and 340L of water storage, the CRZRVAN will take you off-grid easily and allow you to stay there for a very long time if that’s what you choose. And you will do it comfortably too, even if the temperatures are high or low.

How does it tow? 

I gave this away at the beginning. From all accounts the CRZRVAN tows very well whether is tarmac or corrugations. And it will do it reliably too. If you use all the payload of 1350kg and take it to its ATM of 4500kg, you will need a strong and capable tow vehicle with a good GCM. Luke uses his RAM as a tow vehicle and had no problems in the soft sand of this test. 

The bottom line

Given the pedigree of the components that make up the CRZRVAN, it is a thoroughbred that will go anywhere your tow vehicle can. You will be able to stay as long as you like while remaining comfortable no matter the conditions. As it’s a custom van with quality features, it will not be in everyone’s budget. It’s good to dream though. If you like the look of this CRZRVAN, you can rent it for you next trip from Luke and Kristy at Off Grid Caravan Hire.

HITS AND MISSES

Hits

• Custom build using quality components
• Unique suspension that will take you far
• Not an off-the-shelf product

Misses

• Price means it’s not for everyone
• This layout might not suit you, but you can design your own

CRZRVAN 20FT 5IN BUNK RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY 
Custom builds will cost more, but they are tailored to your specific needs

TOWABILITY 
Needs a suitable tow vehicle, but will go anywhere the tug can take it

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING
Excellent for touring anywhere

BUILD QUALITY
Quality components ensure great build quality

LIVEABILITY
More than enough space and comfort for a family of four

SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Excellent off-grid living with large water and battery capacity with plenty of solar

CUSTOMER CARE 
Customers rate the service highly

INNOVATION
A lot of innovation throughout, but especially down under in the suspension

X-FACTOR 
Definitely a head turner

CRZRVAN 20FT 5IN BUNK SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

CRZRVAN 20ft 5in Bunk price from and options fitted: All vans are custom designed

CRZRVAN 20ft 5in Bunk price as shown: $250,000

MORE INFORMATION

To enquire about this caravan:

CRZRVAN
12 Sofra Drive
Shepparton Vic 3630
E: admin@crzrindustries.com

THE NEXT STEP

If you need help choosing your first caravan or are considering upgrading your existing one, check out the caravans available on TradeRVs today.

The sellers will be happy to help and answer any inquiries you may have about the products advertised for sale.

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