Caravan review: Cub Campers H16LE limited edition hybrid van

While the Cub Campers H16 pop-top has been around for a while, the new LE (Limited Edition) version turns options into standard features, resulting in a van that is well-suited for extended outback travel.

In brief: 

• Pop-top hybrid camper
• Double the battery, solar and water capacity of a standard H16
  External and internal kitchen
• Body length of 4.88m (16ft)
• 2018kg tare weight

Cub Campers has a well-established reputation for building great camper trailers. In recent years, the manufacturer has also produced a range of hybrid caravans in lengths from 4.27m (14ft) to 5.49m (18ft), available in either full-body or pop-top versions.

In the mid-length range is the H16 luxury hybrid. It’s a single axle pop-top couples van, and although the design remains unchanged, Cub Campers has recently launched the LE version. Most of the modifications involve making optional features for the H16 standard, such as an upgraded 12V electrical system, a composting toilet and increased water capacity.

Ethan Varga from the marketing team at Cub was eager to explain, “The major selling point of the LE is its status as a limited-edition model, offering a unique twist on the classic H16. Features include eye-catching grey panels, black raptor-coated sections and a hot-dip galvanised chassis with a raptor-coated drawbar for a striking offroad impression. Coming standard with a range of features that would typically be options on a standard H16 removes the stress and decision-making from the process.

“The H16LE comes with Cruisemaster ATX Airbag suspension to tackle the harshest of offroad tracks, and it’s packed with lithium batteries, 720W of solar panels, 200L of fresh water and a 3000W REDARC inverter, so customers can reach more remote locations and stay for longer without worrying about water and power.”

The Cub Campers H16LE limited edition offroad couples hybrid has double the power, solar and water capacity than the original model

For a relatively small van, the H16LE has considerable capacity for off-grid living and for reaching out-of-the-way places. Additionally, the OGO composting toilet reduces the need to find a dump point.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the key differences:

The new H16LE has Cruisemaster ATX Airbag offroad-ready suspension as a standard feature

Australian-built luxury hybrid

The H16LE pop-top, as the name indicates, has a body length of 16ft (4.88m) and a travel height of 8ft 3in (2.52m). Although it’s not a particularly large van, Cub has packed quite a lot into this hybrid and still managed to create a comfortable interior. The pop-top roof rises smoothly on rams with just the push of a button.

Cub Campers uses a timber-free structure with composite panels: 30mm for the walls and ceiling, and a 40mm sheet for the floor. I like that much of the hybrid’s construction materials are Australian-made, including the body panels and the polyfabric between the walls and the pop-top roof. As an added touch of class, the external and internal benchtops are made from Rimex, an embossed stainless steel which looks much classier than its traditional plain counterpart.

A fresh look for the limited-edition H16

Cub has paid close attention to the H16LE’s general ambience. According to Varga, “The interior is unique, featuring the new colour scheme of Miami Fawn seating, paired perfectly with the Fumed Oak flooring and new white internal cabinetry. The H16LE also has exclusive black internal hardware in the kitchen tap, the showerhead and the 12V bedside fans.”

Something I particularly like is the sheer number of windows around the walls and the gusset. This design feature gives the interior an exclusive, tent-like feel, albeit with solid walls.

A fresh look for the limited edition Cub H16

Sleeping space and lounge area

The Cub king bed takes centre stage at the front, with oversized windows on either side that offer fantastic views on the surrounding countryside. Access to the bed is easy via either a small step (which also functions as an underbed drawer) or the lounges on either side. Small storage compartments are located on each side of the bed. Beneath the bed base are neat, practical IKEA storage pods, along with the more traditional under-bed drawer. Between the lounge seats, the two stylish arm-mounted tables can be used separately but you’ve also got the flexibility of creating one larger table, depending on your needs.

The king-size bed takes up most of the front area, and the Lagun-mounted tables can be split or rotated together

In keeping with the rest of the layout, the ensuite is a tidy balance of space and function. Situated in the rear corner, next to the kitchen bench, there’s enough room in the ensuite for the combo shower and now standard OGO composting toilet. Above the solid walls, the polyfabric curtains divide the bathroom area from the rest of the van. It’s well-ventilated with a screened window in the gusset and a fan vent in the roof.

Dual kitchens: indoor convenience and outdoor cooking

Many people find the Cub hybrid’s dual kitchens very appealing. They are handy features if you enjoy outdoor life but need a place to escape to in bad weather, all without too much flapping canvas.

Along the rear wall, the internal kitchen is well designed. The storage space in the available area is quite generous, featuring a full-height, multi-shelved cupboard and four drawers. There is a sink integrated into the Rimex stainless-steel benchtop, and there is enough bench space for items like an induction cooktop. A 113L Dometic compressor fridge is slotted neatly under the benchtop and can be easily accessed from the entry door.

Practical but compact kitchen

The slide-out external kitchen turns to sit against the van wall

Outside, the external kitchen offers a practical setup. There’s a fridge slide for an optional chest fridge and a slide-out kitchen bench that turns to sit against the van body. It includes a sink, a Dometic three-burner hob, drawers and an extending benchtop. The construction of the external kitchen is deceptively simple, built in the Cub style and very well put together.

Exterior storage, power and offroad features

Even though the H16LE is a fairly compact camper, it has a payload of 682kg and offers ample external storage both inside the body and on the extended drawbar. Incorporating a raised bed inside creates plenty of usable storage underneath, accessible via hatches from the outside. Part of this underbed space is allocated for the slide-out kitchen on the nearside and the REDARC electrics on the opposite side — a 75A charger/battery management system (BMS), a 40A DC-DC charger and the 3000W inverter. The REDARC monitor is positioned on a small panel behind the external kitchen bench, alongside the sound system speakers.

The REDARC components are readily accessible and there is no shortage o storage space outside

On the drawbar, the storage box can easily hold essentials such as camping chairs, a table, awning walls and even a generator (although with the 300Ah battery and 720W solar capacity, you might find one unnecessary). Sitting behind the stoneguard are a pair of 4kg gas cylinders and the diesel heater fuel tank.

Front compartment and slide-out ideal for a chest fridge

The gas cylinders and diesel tank are in a protected position

What is Cub Campers’ customer care like?

Unlike many caravan manufacturers, Cub’s warranty is easily found on its website and is among the better ones in the industry. There are various parts to the warranty, including the fact that Cub places no restrictions on where its caravans are used, but does require attention to the servicing requirements.

Structural items such as the suspension, internal framework, electrical wiring, drawer slides and latches, toolbox, mattress, and lithium batteries all have a five-year warranty. Other components, such as the BMS and gas cylinders, have at least a two-year warranty. Everything else, like the fridge, air conditioner and TV, has a minimum of 12 months or the original equipment manufacturer’s warranty. Cub has an extensive dealer and approved repairer network, but any warranty claim repairs need to be authorised before any work commences.

Final thoughts on the Cub Campers H16LE

Cub’s H16LE is a deceptively capable hybrid. It might look quite simple, yet it’s very subtle, packed with features and built on considerable experience — all of which delivers a convenient touring and camping package. With double the solar, battery and water capacity, not to mention the addition of a composting toilet, premium offroad suspension and other luxe touches, the LE model adds significantly to the appeal of the H16, particularly for travellers who desire a solid self-sufficiency package.

Measuring up

Pros

• Hybrid caravan with all the comforts
• Well set up for an outdoor, off-grid lifestyle
• Excellent towing proposition
• Well-suited to Aussie touring

Cons

• Pricey hybrid
• I’m not a fan of the black gusset — I prefer lighter colours

An Aussie-built luxury hybrid caravan that can go off the beaten track with you

CUB CAMPERS H16LE RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY — 8.5/10

Cub Campers doesn’t offer cheap products; the quality is high

TOWABILITY — 8/10

An excellent towing prospect — it’s not excessively heavy and is relatively short

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING — 7.5/10

Well designed for offroad travel in style

BUILD QUALITY — 9/10

Cub has done a great job with the fitout

LIVEABILITY — 7.5/10 

A little cramped inside, but designed for easy living, inside and out

SELF-SUFFICIENCY — 8/10

The high-capacity lithium LiFePO4 battery and solar panel capacity earn a high score in this sector

CUSTOMER CARE — 8.5/10

Cub has one of the better warranties, with up to five years for some items

INNOVATION — 7/10

Not too much innovation from the earlier H16, but Cub proves that well-appointed caravans can come in small packages

X-FACTOR — 8.5/10

The Cub Campers H16LE is a high-spec hybrid

CUB CAMPERS H16LE SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Cub Campers H16LE price from $119,990

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

Cub Campers H16LE price as shown $119,990

MORE INFORMATION

Cub Campers

23 Loyalty Road

North Rocks, Sydney NSW 2151

P: 1300 282 686

THE NEXT STEP

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