Caravan review: Eden Caravans Wildtrax 21’6 offroad couples

Couples seeking a caravan that has everything and more for an extended travel experience will find it in this well-considered and beautifully finished offroader by Eden Caravans.

In brief:

• Boutique builder that takes the time to get everything right
• Generous living space with a big cafe dinette and an extended ensuite
• Set up for remote travel and off-grid camping

Eden Caravans, based in Melbourne, is a small family-owned business specialising in offroad custom caravans. Owner Paul Nedanis and his compact team are not interested in rushing the build. Throughput is measured more in quality than numbers, and in a world of cookie-cutter vans, Eden Caravans stands as a bespoke builder where excellence is the mantra. Paul and his wife, Mary, embrace the caravanning lifestyle and hook up their own Eden whenever they get the chance.

We checked out the latest Wildtrax couples van at Caravans Coffs Coast in Coffs Harbour, NSW, one of Eden’s long-standing dealers and a dedicated seller of offroad vans. The Wildtrax we’re reviewing here is a 21ft 6in (6.6m) couples van, making it larger than the average by a couple of feet. Along with the increased length, it also has a higher-than-average tare weight of 2920kg, with options for either a 4000kg ATM to suit tow vehicles like upgraded LandCruisers or 4500kg for full-sized American utes or small trucks.

The Wildtrax range displays all the features of a modern offroader. As is fitting for a rugged high-end van, the frame is built from a Henrob-riveted 25mm C-section aluminium. Steel grey composite cladding covers the upper walls, while sheets of black checkerplate protect the lower sections on all four sides. The appearance is beautifully proportioned with subtle graphics in a colour scheme that blends neatly, creating a quasi-military look that adds to the rugged appeal — a design aesthetic that remains popular at the moment

The Wildtrax 21’6 is a capable couples offroader

Closely cut sections of high-density foam fill the voids in the wall frame, while the roof and floor are single-piece composite structures for high levels of thermal insulation. The walls, floor and roof sections are permanently bonded together to form a robust body that can take on the demands of rough road travel.

Below is a heavy-duty S&M 200mm x 50mm (8in x 2in) laminated beam Australian steel chassis, finished in DuraGal and then coated with a Raptor-style finish for enhanced durability. The review van has an optional Cruisemaster Level 3 airbag suspension providing a smooth ride and featuring wireless controls for height adjustment and quick levelling when camped. At the drawbar is a Cruisemaster DO45 hitch, rated to 4500kg, along with a large square storage box with slides for a barbecue, plus space above for bike racks or a wood bin.

Plenty of storage up the front for all your camping gear

Optioned-on Cruisemaster XT Level 3 airbag suspension

I like how the Eden crew has maximised other storage options with a generous size tunnel boot, featuring a sturdy checkerplate floor and lights, along with another useful space at the driver’s side rear. External features also include a picnic table and an entertainment hatch with airbag controls. The panel also features an air outlet for the Cruisemaster system, allowing for quick tyre inflation after sections of sand or corrugations. On the driver side is a small door with a vent for the fridge to improve cooling air circulation when parked.

The rear of the van is uncluttered with a single spare mounted on a bar and a rear-view camera higher up.

Entry to the van is at the front, where a removable step highlights the high ride height and offers the practical benefit of a low-profile, single fold-down step. Double-folding steps are often prone to damage on deep drop-offs and mud holes.

Rear storage boot

Luxury and space inside the Wildtrax

A door just forward of the wheels means you enter at the foot of the bed. And while this might not work for some due to a perceived lack of privacy, it’s the best setup to maximise available space because the area at the foot of the bed doubles as the van entry, allowing longer benches or cupboards.

A beautifully designed interior with a front entry door

With the bed at the front and a large ensuite at the rear, there remains a comfortable central kitchen and living area. The result might be the ultimate option for couples wanting to dedicate extended time on the road. The island bed has easy access from both sides, and there are the usual cupboards and storage options.

The centrepiece of the living space is the spacious club lounge with a wide window to take advantage of the view. With room for a couple of guests, or just to spread out and relax, the beautifully upholstered cushions are a welcoming retreat. All joinery is CNC machined for a beautiful finish, and the colours are a stunning blend of fashion and utility — great to look at and easy to keep clean. At the driver’s side lounge, an Eastwood Tan Warwick fabric looks terrific against the Bardolino Oak tabletop, while cupboard accents are in Signature Odin. I suspect Mary had a role in the inspired choice of tones which should stay in vogue for years. The main kitchen area is situated along the opposite wall, and it looks well organised and spacious, even if the microwave seems a little high.

The extra length allows for a spacious living area and extra-large bathroom at the rear

As the bench angles out from the wall, it adds preparation space and room for appliances. Locating the pantry near the entry door is clever, as owners can easily access barbecue items from outside. To the rear of the dinette is a 12V 224L Dometic compressor fridge/freezer, which is a great size for travel.

The angled kitchen bench creates more prep space

Paul, as the designer, has taken advantage of the extra length to include an oversized bathroom that doubles as a general-purpose and storage area. Eden was one of the first local builders to incorporate the idea of larger bathrooms in couples vans — some even have twin vanities. In much the same way as we see bunk vans using a north-south split to place the ensuite to one side and bunks to the other, this Wildtrax uses the same design in its ensuite, featuring a bench and storage space on the driver’s side and the toilet and enclosed shower opposite. The layout leaves the toilet on show, and while this might not be everyone’s preference, the open plan adds to the roomy impression and allows convenient access to the shower cubicle.

The rest of the ensuite is essentially a blank canvas, as it serves as a multi-purpose utility room with a front-load washing machine. Some will take advantage of the versatile storage, while others will convert it into a pantry with room for food preparation, or you can luxuriate in the spacious bathroom. I suspect the reality will be a combination of all the above, and it’s great to have the room to spread out.

Off-grid essentials

The Wildtrax 21’6 is well equipped for an off-grid lifestyle, featuring 800W of solar panels on the roof, charging two 300Ah Arizon lithium batteries in cradles on the chassis. In addition to two 50W MPPT solar chargers, there’s also a 30A DC-DC charger for topping up the batteries from the tow vehicle.

A 3000W Victron inverter will run appliances such as a coffee machine and air fryer, as well as the efficient Dometic FreshJet air-conditioner, providing ample opportunities for staying longer at remote campsites.

Water is always a deciding factor in how long we can stay bush, of course, so the three 100L freshwater tanks on board provide a decent supply. Even so, shower times might need careful monitoring if there isn’t a local supply or a handy swimming hole. A cassette toilet is standard, but there are options for composting units to extend the time between disposals.

Electrics panel

How did the tow test go?

Positives of a big van like the Eden Wildtrax 21’6 include the spaciousness and home-like comforts we aim for. However, there’s a downside for some because the weight of all the features and the larger size are significant. This Wildtrax has a tare weight of 2920kg and an ATM of 4500kg, leaving a substantial payload — at that ATM rating — of 1580kg, and delivering plenty of capacity even with full water tanks and gas.

With the 4000kg ATM option to suit some modified LandCruisers with a 4T tow rating, the van still delivers a generous 1080kg payload, which is still substantial by any standard. In either case, you’ll need an upgrade beyond the usual dual-cab utes or even a standard LandCruiser or Patrol.

The Wildtrax 21’6 can be built with either a 4500kg ATM as shown, or a 4000kg ATM to suit a wider range of tow vehicles

Our tow vehicle for the day was a RAM TRX with a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, producing 881Nm of torque and 510kW power. It’s only rated to 3.5T towing, which was suited for our unladen van for the drive, but not as a long-term towing option. Any of the 4.5T-rated small trucks or American utes will be suitable. With long travel Bilstein suspension and a loud rumbling exhaust, the RAM TRX is more of a desert racer than tug, but there was ample power to move the Eden Wildtrax 21’6 without any issues. The van towed smoothly and predictably around the back streets of Coffs Harbour and out onto the highway, sitting perfectly behind with no sway or pitching.

Customer care

Both Eden Caravans and Caravans Coffs Coast are committed to keeping their buyers happy. Due to the high attention to detail and strict quality control, I’m told that problems with the brand are rare, but any issues are promptly addressed. The van comes with a three-year structural and water ingress warranty, subject to the usual exclusions, including misuse by the owner or driving at excessive speeds in extreme conditions.

The $149,900 price tag is great value for this high-quality, luxury couples offroader with some great options included 

Final thoughts on the Eden Caravans Wildtrax 21’6

In today’s market, the $149,900 list price, which includes the Cruisemaster airbag suspension, is remarkable value for a ruggedly built and reliably engineered van that offers comfort and style. Without the airbag option, the van is $142,900. A glance inside the van confirms the high-end build quality and upscale inclusions. The only downside I see is that the company’s modest output might mean longer wait times for your van.

Measuring up

Pros

• Well-engineered offroader
• Superb fitout and room to move
• The oversized bathroom will appeal to buyers

Cons

• Boutique builder, so delivery times may be longer
  

EDEN CARAVANS WILDTRAX 21’6 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

Extremely good value for the quality, size and capability

TOWABILITY

Needs a higher capacity tow vehicle but tows very well

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

Well-equipped and plenty of space for extended travel for a couple

BUILD QUALITY

The Eden team take their time to perfect the build

LIVEABILITY

Big bathroom, island bed and a roomy kitchen

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Set up to live off-grid

CUSTOMER CARE

Eden and Caravans Coffs Coast are two of the best in the business for looking after their clients

INNOVATION

One of the first with a big bathroom and Eden has perfected the design

X-FACTOR

Big, bold and tough

EDEN CARAVANS WILDTRAX 21’6 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Eden Caravans Wildtrax 21’6 price from $142,900

OPTIONS FITTED

• Cruisemaster XT Level 3 airbag suspension

Eden Caravans Wildtrax 21’6 price as shown $149,900

MORE INFORMATION

Caravans Coffs Coast

186 Pacific Highway

Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

P: 02 6652 5523

E: sales@caravanscoffscoast.com.au

Eden Caravans

68 Lara Way

Campbellfield Vic 3061

P: 03 9357 7709

E: sales@edencaravans.com.au

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