Caravan review: La Vista Quokka RD18.6 semi-offroader

The La Vista Quokka RD18.6 is a single-axle semi-offroad van that offers a practical layout, ample storage and some smart inclusions that make it suitable for off-grid stays. 

In brief

• Single axle van with Torflex rubber torsion suspension
• External length of 5.69m (18ft 8in)
• Designed for semi-offroad travel with good off-grid battery capacity
• Tare mass of 2250kg and payload of 450kg

Single-axle caravans are currently rising in popularity. There are a few possible reasons; there’s a weight saving element in having one axle, only two tyres to worry about and for offroad travellers, the vans are a bit more manoeuvrable.

La Vista Caravans, a Melbourne-based manufacturer, produces a range of caravans, for both on and offroad travel. The lineup includes several single-axle caravans, one being the imaginatively named Quokka RD18.6, a semi-offroad tourer with a body length of 5.69m (18ft 8in).

A rear door entry van, it has an ATM of 2700kg and a tare mass of 2250kg, so the payload at 450kg is quite reasonable. For towing, any number of dual cab utes would be more than suitable for a van like this. I mention that because towing heavy vans safely requires considerable concentration. A towing combination that’s well within the limits of the tow vehicle means that the combo and the driver aren’t going to be working hard and, in the driver’s case, getting tired.

Single axle vans are becoming popular

The VW Amarok I was using during the review was a very effective towing unit. The Quokka was well-behaved behind the vehicle and easy to manoeuvre on the road — the single axle is set well back.

For a single-axle van, the Quokka has a very solid chassis. It’s a box section design with 150mm (6in) RHS rails and drawbar. In addition, there’s a 50mm (2in) raiser. A little differently, the Quokka has 2.7T-rated Torflex rubber torsion suspension system. There are no shock absorbers, but that’s one of the benefits of torsion suspension; the rubber acts as a good damper against the van bouncing around. The 16in alloy wheels have 12in electric brakes and are shod with all-terrain tyres.

Torflex rubber torsion single axle suspension

On point, there’s a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch, which fits in with the van’s semi-offroad status, and for anyone contemplating a bit of rough road work, it’s an asset. The downside is that it requires more precision when hitching up. Standard on the Quokka are two 95L fresh water tanks, both mounted forward of the axle and a 95L grey water tank at the rear. All are protected by galvanised sheet, and the grey tank drainpipe is the most vulnerable part, as always.

A decade ago, the front boot was the most popular form of external storage. They are still around, of course, but the tunnel storage, like that fitted to the Quokka, is much more in vogue. As is a checkerplate drawbar storage bin. This one is relatively small but it’s excellent for items like hoses and other frequently-use items. There’s a smaller storage bin at the rear offside, which would suit power leads admirably.

The rear offside bin would be great storage for hoses at the like

Around the outside, the Quokka has a contemporary look with aluminium composite cladding and a lower black alloy checkerplate waistline. Underneath the skin, the meranti timber frame previously used by La Vista has gone, being replaced by a fibreglass resin plastic (FRP) design. It’s not totally FRP — the vertical struts are 300mm apart and every second strut has an aluminium extrusion reinforcement. No more wood rot issues! There are all the expected features around the outside — external speakers, external power point and TV connection, picnic table and two scene lights and a grab handle light on the nearside wall. Oh, and of course, an awning. Back in the day, an awning was an option, but these days, it’s very much taken for granted.

Heading away from the caravan park

Something interesting is that although the Quokka is not a full-blown offroad caravan, it’s still quite well-equipped for the off-the-grid department. There’s an assumption that a high-power 12V system and offroad ability go together, but that’s not true. The former is helpful if you are not really an offroad enthusiast but don’t always want to stay in caravan parks and there are some dirt roads in your travel plans. There’s one 200Ah lithium LiFePO4 battery and a pair of 210W solar panels on the roof.

A Projecta 335C battery management system (BMS) controls the power system with a 30A charging current and a solar charge controller also rated at 30A. All of which makes the Quokka suitable for more than a few days in the bush, depending on water supply/disposal availability.

For a better understanding of your caravan’s power system, check out our guide to power management here.

Projecta touch panel

What’s happening inside?

The monochrome look tends to be trendy, but the Quokka designers stepped away from that with a light blue hue for all the lower cabinetry inside. The remainder of the interior is predominantly white, apart from the timber-look bench and tabletops. Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder, but to me, the Quokka was very easy on the eye. I also like the large window area that created a pleasant open ambience. It was not so apparent until the windows were open that they were all quite heavily tinted.

For the general layout, La Vista has stuck to the tried and trusted rear door entry and a front bedroom/rear bathroom layout that’s generally user-friendly.

A popular front bedroom/rear bathroom with a rear entry door layout

Across the rear, there isn’t too much compromise in the layout, despite all the essentials included — shower cubicle, cassette toilet, pedestal wash basin and a wall-mounted mini washing machine. There’s still enough space for a cupboard and drawers. There’s a fan above the shower and a window above the loo for ventilation. Instead of the usual slider, the bathroom door is hinged. I get there’s a space issue adjacent to the toilet, but due to the van being on a slight angle, I noticed that if I didn’t hold the door as it opened fully it would hit the fridge. Having the door hinged on the other side would solve that, but I’d favour a sliding door for space use reasons.

The kitchen is a standard setup with a four-burner hob, stainless-steel sink/drainer and an overhead-mounted microwave oven. It’s large enough to offer a good benchtop space and a generous cupboard and drawer space. Adjacent to the bench, the Thetford 224L fridge features an upper fridge area and a lower freezer drawer. The fridge is set off the floor, so both are at a user-friendly height.

The fridge is at user-friendly heightThe dinette will seat two comfortably and there’s plenty of storage underneath

Across the way, the cafe dinette seats two comfortably, although I thought the seat cushions were a little high for those with short legs. A benefit of the extra height is a spacious storage area below the seats. The multi-fold table has a small cupboard underneath and power/USB points above.

A compromise in this layout is the bed area. The bed is a standard queen size (1.88m x 1.54 m / 6ft 2in x 5ft), but the walkaround space on both sides is tight. Not a major problem but a consideration for some. A feature of note in my van was the Wanderlust Ones all-in-one doona/fitted sheet. It’s designed to stay in position even when travelling on rough roads. I liked it because making up the bed every morning is a breeze.

(Check out a similar caravan-friendly sheet set review here.)

Large windows let in the light

Large windows on either side of the bed certainly give good ventilation on warm days and nights. On either side of the bed, the cupboards are more shelf than hanging space and the pillow cubby area, complete with power and USB sockets, can be accessed from side and front.

Good storage in the bathroom, but we'd prefer a sliding door 

Customer care

A factor that any potential caravan buyer should ask about these days is the warranty details and how any problems are dealt with. That’s not specified on La Vista’s website but there’s a two-year general and a five-year structural warranty offered. That doesn’t include the respective components covered by the individual manufacturers.

In recent times there has been a change of ownership of La Vista Caravans. The new owners assure me that most of the existing range of caravans will be continued and Auswide Caravans and RV’s is still a dealer. The only real change at the moment is that the company will now be known as La Vista Caravans Australia. The Quokka RD18.6 will certainly be available.

It’s a well-priced van with everything a couple needs

So, what did we think of the La Vista Quokka RD18.6?

I haven’t looked over a La Vista van for quite a while and the Quokka RD18.6 design suggested that the manufacturer has made several improvements over the years. Given the single axle design, it’s well-priced and not an overly heavy van, making it a good towing proposition. There aren’t any major design compromises inside the van and it’s a good setup for a travelling couple.

Measuring up

Pros

• Very good towing prospect
• Internal storage space
• Practical kitchen bench size
• Battery and solar panel capacity

Cons

• Bed walkaround space
• Hinged bathroom door
• High dinette seats
  
  

LA VISTA QUOKKA RD18.6 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

Excellent and well-priced for a 5.69m (18ft 8in) van

TOWABILITY

An ATM of 2700kg offers plenty of options for tow vehicle choice and the van tracks along well

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

Well-suited for a travel mode which includes rough roads and extended periods off-grid

BUILD QUALITY

Generally speaking, it's good quality and looks like attention has been paid to the fit and finish

LIVEABILITY

Great for two people who don’t want a large caravan

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

With a 200Ah lithium battery and 420W of solar panel capacity, couples will have no problem staying off-grid for a few days, depending on water

CUSTOMER CARE

There’s a two-year general warranty and a five-year structural warranty

INNOVATION

Single axles aren’t new, but having one on a van this length is a bit unusual

X-FACTOR

What’s installed into the van for the price

LA VISTA QUOKKA RD18.6 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

La Vista Quokka RD18.6 price from $67,700

OPTIONAL UPGRADES FITTED

N/A

La Vista Quokka RD18.6 price as shown $67,700

MORE INFORMATION

Auswide Caravans & RV’s

262 Princes Highway

South Nowra NSW 2541

P: 02 4421 2055

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