Caravan review: Cub Campers C18 luxury couples offroader

Cub Campers steps up with its biggest caravan yet — the C18. This full-size, twin-axle offroader blends hybrid smarts with serious comfort and off-grid power.

In brief

• 18ft (5.48m) offroad van
• Cruisemaster ATX upgraded airbag suspension
• Hybrid style with both an internal and external kitchen
• High-capacity electrical system

Cub Campers is well known as a boutique manufacturer of camper trailers and, more recently, several 14ft and 16ft hybrid models. It also has the rare claim to fame of being a Sydney-based manufacturer and, most recently, a full-size caravan manufacturer. At the NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow, Cub unveiled its biggest and first tandem axle caravan, the C18. It’s a logical step for Cub, with all the manufacturer’s experience with its hybrid development.

Some photoshoots almost don’t happen. This one was in the planning for some weeks and delayed for various reasons, but looming deadlines meant it had to happen, no matter what. The complication was that Sydney, where the C18 was coming from, had a week of wild weather during our review window. I opted for a trip to the old mining town of Glen Davis on the western side of the Blue Mountains, where, although it was raining, it was only a light sprinkle and Cub’s new C18 proved to be an all-weather unit.

My tow vehicle for the day was a Toyota HiLux, a little different to the increasingly common Ford Ranger but still a competent tow vehicle, nonetheless. It showed no hesitation on either the Great Western Highway or the Glen Davis tracks. The C18 has a tare mass of 2743kg and an ATM of 3500kg, so any ute is a good fit for towing. However, if you’re carrying a bit more than the usual load, then something heavier duty would be a consideration.

To find out more about choosing a dual cab ute for towing, check out our guide here.

The Cub C18 towed well behind the Toyota HiLux, despite the weather

A completely local build

Like Cub’s camper trailer and hybrid range and the C16 single axle van introduced back in 2022, the C18 is very homegrown. Starting with the chassis, Cub builds it from BlueScope DuraGal 3mm steel. It’s hand-welded using 150mm x 50mm (6in x 2in) for the main rails and drawbar and then coated with Hammertone for adequate stone protection.

The C18 comes with Cruisemaster ATX Coil suspension as standard. Our review came with the Platinum Pack, which includes Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension rated at 4.5T — it’s height adjustable whether on the road or at the campsite. The 285/70R17 X-AT Yokohama tyres are also included in the upgrade.

On the drawbar is a Platinum Pack inclusion — a Cruisemaster DO35 coupling as well as the standard ARK XO750 jockey wheel. Unlike most jockey wheels, the ARK XO750 snaps up out of the way when not in use.

Using a contemporary construction method without a frame, fully composite panels are used for the body structure. Featuring a fibreglass and gel coat exterior with an extruded polystyrene (XPS) centre, the walls are 30mm thick and the floor sheet 40mm. The C18 has quite a distinctive look, which is a plus when many caravan models look the same.

The van on review has the Platinum Pack upgrade, which included Cruisemaster ATX suspension

A sleek aerodynamic design with Cub's signature Aussie-made toughness

Smart storage and external features

A notable feature of the C18 is the number of external hatches. Some are dedicated to items like the REDARC electricals and the external kitchen. The front tunnel storage is ample enough for a chest fridge/freezer, and I particularly liked the compartments above and below it that were built into the front of the van. It’s a very effective way of using all available space. In addition, the drawbar storage box has two separate compartments inside and outside, a diesel heater fuel tank on the offside and the 4.5kg gas cylinder on the near side.

Robust toolbox up frontSmart storage space up front

Another great feature is the external pantry built into the mid-wall. It’s large enough for all the necessary ingredients for cooking up a storm. Notable is the compartment designed to hold a coffee maker that can be accessed from inside and out.

Regarding cooking, the external kitchen is well appointed with a dual zone induction hob, stainless steel sink and dual drawers, one being for cutlery. In true Cub style, it’s very beautifully finished in Rimex-embossed stainless steel that will stand the test of time.

The external kitchen has everything you need and looks great too

Next-level off-grid power system

The C18’s electrical system is highly impressive. It’s a REDARC Alpha100 battery management system (BMS) with a 3000W inverter, plus a REDARC total vehicle management system (TVMS). The six 150Ah (900Ah total) lithium LiFePO4 batteries will keep the Eberspacher air-conditioner and induction hob running without a problem, and the 1080W solar panel capacity will keep the batteries well topped up. The C18 Platinum Pack offers an optional Starlink-ready socket, catering to those requiring satellite internet connectivity during off-grid adventures.

The 200L freshwater tanks and the 100L grey water tank provide good capacity for remote campsites. An option is the OGO composting toilet, which solves the cassette emptying issue.

REDARC electricals and batteries are easily accessible from an external hatch

Inside the C18: Smart, comfortable design

Constructed with luxury in mind, the C18 offers a spacious interior featuring a 2.1m x 1.6m (6ft 11in x 5ft 3in) pillow-top mattress, a 32in TV with a swivel bracket and soft-close drawers. Cub’s internal decor is straightforward to the eye, and the LED lighting scheme is very subtle. The general layout is an imaginative variation of the prevalent front bedroom/rear bathroom arrangement and it’s very user friendly.

The spacious main bed occupies most of the front area

The bed takes up most of the front area of the van. It’s higher than most vans (there’s a step at the base of the bed) and offers good window views without necessarily sitting up in bed. The bed has small compartments on both sides, Sirocco fans, the usual reading lights and sound system speakers on both sides. At the base of the bed are a couple of charger points, and the offside occupant gets the Eberspacher heater control as well.

Along the nearside wall, the kitchen bench has a deceptively simple look with the induction hob and square sink but, like many Cub products, it is very practical. There are three good-sized drawers, one large cupboard and a smaller one that can hold the aforementioned coffee machine for internal and external use.

The pantry compartment with coffee machine is accessible from both sidesThe coffee machine cupboard can be accessed from either side

There’s no need to worry about fridge capacity in this van. The 175L Thetford compressor unit has separate fridge and freezer compartments. Above the fridge is an NCE microwave oven. The C18 comes with the complete package, including the slide-out external kitchen.

Opposite the internal kitchen and using something that works well in a van this size, the L-shaped lounge is just large enough for two people. The end of the lounge adjacent to the bed can also be used as a step for those who might find getting their feet on the bed box step a little awkward. The table mounted on a Lagun fitting can be swivelled around as required.

No wasted space in this layout and plenty of internal storage

I’ve seen some bathrooms that, although fully equipped, look plain. Cub has made some effort to add a few things that are pleasing to the eye: the Rimex benchtop, the mirror with semi-circular ends and the non-white shower cubicle all make a difference. The bathroom is laid out in the familiar style — full width with shower cubicle on one side, composting toilet on the other and vanity cabinet in between. Included in the bathroom fittings is a wall-mounted washing machine.

The general bathroom finish is very well doneThe shower cubicle finish is a little different in Rimex stainless steel

Cub’s warranty and nationwide support

Getting to the topic of where many manufacturers could do better, Cub Campers impresses by providing a five-year warranty on the suspension and chassis, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Appliances and other inclusions not directly manufactured by Cub, such as the microwave, fridge and TV, will have the recommended manufacturer’s warranty applied.

Being an Australian-owned and operated company, Cub offers nationwide support, ensuring assistance is readily available across the country. Cub Campers’ warranty document is available on its website.

Final thoughts: Is the C18 right for you?

Cub’s C18 is very well equipped for a couple who desires to explore remote areas and have a van with hard walls. Not being oversized, it’s excellent for people who prefer a small towing rig and the ability to get to hard-to-reach campsites. Features like the larger-than-usual front bed and the well-equipped external kitchen, including the built-in pantry, are all enticing drawcards. After a succession of nimble pop-top hybrids following the C16, it’s no surprise that Cub built a full-size van for those who like extra room to move.

A great all-weather unit for couples who want off-grid ability with modern comforts

Measuring up

Pros

• Well-equipped external kitchen
• Larger-than-usual bed
• Storage compartments everywhere
• Easy towing proposition

Cons

• Pricey but quality fittings throughout
• Do I have to give the keys back?

CUB CAMPERS C18 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

This isn’t a budget offering but fits in well with Cub being a high-end niche builder offering a quality product

TOWABILITY

It’s not an excessively large van and a great towing proposition

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

A well-rounded traveller for the rough, smooth and off-grid

BUILD QUALITY

Cub always does a great job on the fit and finish; the C18 is no exception

LIVEABILITY

It’s slightly different from a conventional caravan layout, but it’s ideal for couples who like the outdoor lifestyle with interior comforts

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The 900Ah of lithium battery capacity and 1080W solar panel power plus the composting toilet tick all boxes

CUSTOMER CARE

Five-year warranty on the suspension and chassis, plus nationwide support

INNOVATION

What stands out about the C18 is that it looks a little different to many other offroad vans

X-FACTOR

Cub’s move into a full-size/full-height caravan looks good — it turned a few heads on my travels

CUB CAMPERS C18 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Cub Campers C18 price from $124,990

OPTIONS FITTED

• OGO composting toilet
• Platinum Pack:
  • Cruisemaster ATX 4.5T airbag
  • Alloy 17in wheels and 285/70R17 X-AT Yokohoma tyres
  • Cruisemaster DO35

Cub Campers C18 price as shown $175,894

MORE INFORMATION

Cub Campers

23 Loyalty Road

North Rocks NSW 2151

P: 02 8838 8600

E: sales@cubcampers.com.au

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