Caravan review: On The Move Adventure 5.5 Black Series

This single-axle couples van has the same innovative engineering as the rest of the On The Move Caravans Adventure range but offers better manoeuvrability and a lighter towing option.

In brief

• Single axle, offroader
• Well-appointed couples design
• Composite construction

On The Move’s caravans extend between 5.5m (18ft) and 7.2m (23ft 6in) across three Australian-made and four imported versions, with some in standard trim and a black version, making dozens of variations across the range.

Even more impressive is that its innovative imports were conceived, designed, tooled up and delivered in only three years. Driving the business is a team with years of caravan manufacturing experience that can deliver innovation in design and engineering.

The Adventure 5.5 on review here is the Black Series upgrade of the smallest of the Adventure range. It shares the styling and features of the larger vans packed into an 18ft 6in footprint. The 5.5 is a couples van, but a 5.7 version offers a slightly larger model for family travel. Both versions sit on a single-axle chassis with advanced engineering familiar to the automotive industry.

Upgrades across the Black Series include the signature exterior colour — black, of course — plus beefed-up electronics and extras like a diesel heater, all-round cameras, a slide-out kitchen and internal fans.

The Adventure 5.5 is the smallest of the Adventure range

On The Move’s innovative construction method

An innovative approach to construction starts with a Desert Master chassis made from 550-grade high-tensile steel. Rather than being built from the box section tube that we usually see, it’s a 175mm C-section with large, punched penetrations that save weight and, because of the flanged shape, is more robust. In another departure from tradition, the sections are bolted and rivetted together instead of welded. This modular construction allows the same design to be modified across different-length vans. Once completed, the chassis is hot dip galvanised, powder-coated in glossy black with bright red tones on the A-frame.

Punched chassis

The Esy-Tow suspension is a sturdy 70mm round tube single wishbone setup with twin airbags. Vertically mounted twin shock absorbers at each wheel allow for superior efficiency. The twin airbags offer a superior ride and redundancy against damage on the track, and pressure can be adjusted with the onboard compressor to allow for differing payloads. Unlike many suspension systems, the wishbone style works laterally — moving across the line of travel rather than transversally like a trailing arm setup. The design allows independent contact for each wheel with road surfaces and a compliant movement for a softer ride. It’s especially superior on corners and side slopes because the arms adjust for camber to keep a solid footprint on the road surface.

Wishbone suspensionAirbag suspension pressure controls

To ensure correct placement along the chassis, the suspension is housed in a relocatable cradle, with 50L water tanks positioned on top for optimal weight distribution. Our review van’s yellow-painted suspension was rated for a 2850kg ATM, but future versions will feature a 3000kg maximum and will be finished in red. The payload is set to increase from 550kg to a practical 700kg.

For a refresher on caravan weight terminology, check out this feature. 

Composite body construction

A big part of the appeal of the imported On The Move range is the advanced composite body panels used in the construction. These panels are heat-bonded layers of fibreglass around a core of high-density foam. The wall, roof and floor panels are CNC cut and fixed together to form a unified structure. We often talk about the benefits of this build method because, when done correctly, it’s light, strong, weatherproof and has high insulation properties. The Adventure 5.5 is built carefully and with all the correct ingredients by employing robot technology for assembly.

The fibreglass exterior of the walls has a high glass content that maximises strength and durability. CNC-produced lightweight ply furniture slots into grooves in the 40mm honeycomb floor before the walls are assembled into their perfect location. Then, the single-piece 55mm panel for the ends and the roof are glued and bolted into place. The result is powerful and well finished.

Ready for offroad adventures

At the front, a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch connects to the tow vehicle on the extended A-frame. Storage is ample here, featuring a sizeable full-width toolbox with gas storage, slide-out compartments and jerry can holders. In front of the toolbox, there’s extra space for hoses and smaller items in three lockable bins.

Plenty of storage up the front

The Adventure 5.5 is a cool-looking offroader with dark bodywork, black alloy wheels and tinted flat-panel windows. The lower sections are finished in a protective paint finish that’s highly robust, lighter than checkerplate and more easily repaired. Exterior features along the passenger side look to an outdoor lifestyle that couples in this style of van expect, including a slide-out external kitchen with three gas burners, a stainless-steel sink and cutlery drawers, two folding picnic tables and an entertainment hatch with a TV mount and power. The latest van has a pull-out awning with an 800W solar panel that significantly boosts charging. I also noted the air pressure panel has moved in new versions from the A-frame to a more convenient box near the entry step.

The slide-out external kitchen is part of the Black Series upgradeRear storage box

I like the rugged and practical rear bar setup where two spare wheels have dedicated lockable storage over the top that doubles as a firewood rack. A couple of compact bins on either side make a handy spot for recovery gear and tools. It’s a great-looking setup with built-in rear lights and blinkers that are easily seen and well protected. With the van’s airbags set to travel mode, it rides high on its chunky mud terrain tyres, so a twin fold-down step allows easy access the cabin. If you’re camped for a few days, dropping the pressure and lowering the van closer to the ground is easy. You can do the same for a level setup on uneven ground.

A cosy interior

Only a few years ago, it was apparent when stepping inside many imported vans that it wasn’t an Aussie-built product. Fittings were cheap, cupboards didn’t line up and the colours and laminates looked dated. That was never the case for On The Move, and its presentation has always been a cut above. This latest example takes build quality even further. It looks excellent with on-trend colours, hidden handles and beautifully finished joinery. The matte finish of cupboards, walls and upholstery adds elegance and pride of ownership.

A compact caravan like the littlest Adventure might make you rethink your expectations about the size of a caravan because most of what you need and some added creature comforts are neatly packed into the 5.5m (18ft) space. The rear entry door/front bedroom layout is the most popular across all vans for couples, and the island bed is a caravan queen with a north–south configuration, so access is straightforward.

A popular layout that works, and the large windows allow plenty of natural light

The full-width ensuite has all the essentials for off-grid stays

The rear bathroom is full width and has a roomy separate shower, a workable vanity, a wall-mounted front loading washing machine, a cassette toilet and ample ventilation and light. It’s roomy and looks terrific with black taps and adjustable lighting at the vanity.

You probably notice compromises over a larger van in the central living area. The kitchen bench is small, and there’s not much room between the furniture and the bed. But it is workable, with a big 188L compressor fridge and a low-mounted microwave. (This is always a winner with me, as it removes some of the risks of lifting down hot items from high up). For relaxing moments and indoor dining, the L-shaped lounge with extensions for spreading out is roomy and comfortable.

Is it suitable for heading off-grid?

When you add the four 200W panels on the roof to the new solar awning standard on the Black Series, there’s 1600W of charging, which is impressive. Two 200Ah Renogy lithium batteries run a 3000W inverter for the microwave, coffee makers and air fryers, and you could run the air-conditioner indefinitely on a sunny day. Water can be a limiting factor for more extended camps in the bush, so having 340L of fresh will keep things tidy for a couple of weeks with frugal use, but you need to consider payloads if you fill the tanks. The batteries live in a box on the chassis to comply with the latest regulations, and the rest of the electronics are together for easy monitoring in a cupboard alongside the kitchen.

The electronics in the Adventure 5.5 are stored neatly in a cupboard

The Adventure 5.5 has good ground clearance for offroad travel

The tow test

Don’t take the photos here as typical for the type of tow vehicle needed for the Adventure 5.5. You don’t need a RAM to tow it. When loaded, the van’s maximum weight is 3000kg, so many mid-range 4WDs, including the Prado, Pajero and twin-cab utes, will suit.

Check out our guide to choosing a dual cab ute for towing here. 

For our drive, we found some picturesque cane fields towards the coast from Caravan HQ’s dealership in Yatala, south of Brisbane, where the van didn’t put a foot wrong. It felt surefooted on winding country roads and farm tracks and sat steady and silent on the freeway. Four cameras gave superb views to a relocatable 7in screen for all-round views, which was fantastic on the open road and for getting into tight spots.

When it comes to the ‘offroad’ classification in caravans, you can apply a degree of flexibility to the definition. When discussing an offroader, we generally mean a ruggedly built version able to tackle long sections of corrugated roads found nationwide. Some hardcore travellers might push things further and want to traverse tight rocky tracks into more secluded campsites, and it’s here that a big van can’t cope. At least without a lot of work and some panel damage. To me, if you want to go that bit further, a compact offroader makes sense, and this is where the Adventure 5.5 will shine. It has the ruggedness and engineering to cope with hard travelling and can also manoeuvre down to your favourite spot alongside a billabong.

The electronics in the Adventure 5.5 are stored neatly in a cupboard

Final thoughts on the On The Move Adventure 5.5 Black Series

The Black Series from On The Move delivers valuable features that elevate the Adventure range’s appeal. The upgrades include 12V fans by the bed for added comfort, four-way cameras for better visibility and safety, and the racy black exterior. Practical improvements like an onboard airbag pump, slide-out external kitchen, diesel heater and an impressive electronics package enhance the appeal. So, at $106,990 driveaway, it offers a mix of practicality, comfort and style.

Measuring up

Pros

• Composite timber-free body
• The light weight suits a variety of tow vehicles
• Well-equipped solar setup

Cons

• The dinette table is a bit squeezy to access

ON THE MOVE ADVENTURE 5.5 BLACK SERIES RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

There’s a lot of value in the many extras included in the Black Series compared to a standard Adventure

TOWABILITY

The On The Move Adventure 5.5 Black Series tows exceptionally well and suits many mid-range tow vehicles

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

A sensibly sized and well-equipped couples overlander

BUILD QUALITY

Well-finished body and chassis and looks great inside

LIVEABILITY

You don’t miss out on much despite the compact size 

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The solar awning is a step ahead … plenty of power and water 

CUSTOMER CARE

Three years’ warranty on the body and five years on the chassis/suspension is good cover

INNOVATION

One of the industry’s leading innovators

X-FACTOR

Looks cool. Roll out the awning for some wow factor

ON THE MOVE ADVENTURE 5.5 BLACK SERIES SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

On The Move Adventure 5.5 Black Seriprice from $106,990

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

On The Move Adventure 5.5 Black Series price as shown $106,990

MORE INFORMATION

On The Move Caravans

18 Business Street

Yatala Qld 4207

P: 1800 668 436

THE NEXT STEP

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