Caravan review: Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in

As a two-time winner of our Caravan of the Year event, the team at Spinifex Caravans doesn’t have much to prove. Spinifex’s vans are a blend of high-end luxury, comfortable interiors and exceptionally capable build quality, designed to tackle the most challenging outback roads.

In brief: 

A roomy and comfortable couples offroader that has an impeccable finish and high-end off-grid ability. This is a van designed for long-distance travel and caravanners wanting a top-level experience

About Spinifex Caravans

Spinifex Caravans is a boutique builder from southern Queensland specialising in offroad caravans. Since the early 2000s, Spinifex has built its reputation on making tough, durable models that can handle corrugations, rough tracks and long off-grid journeys without losing the basic comforts most people expect on the road.

Each caravan is built with a high level of attention to detail, which has earned Spinifex a solid following among buyers who prefer high quality over mass production. Spinifex builds in smaller numbers and allows a wide degree of customisation, letting customers tailor layouts, finishes and power setups to suit how they actually travel.

Many owners use their caravans for long, remote trips, and the designs reflect that experience. There is a loyal base of owners, some of whom have upgraded as many as three times to a new Spinifex as the brand and electrical systems evolve.

The Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in is a high-end couples van built for offroad adventures

Chassis, construction and build quality

Spinifex has a dedicated fabrication factory that produces the custom chassis, aluminium toolboxes and custom hatches before they are shipped to the main factory, which has four bays housing the different stages of production. The first process involves fitting the chassis with water tanks, suspension and basic plumbing, before the composite floor is secured in place and the hand-built furniture structure and electronics are installed on board. Aluminium U-sections are riveted together in jigs, and the walls are fitted before proceeding to the fibreglass cladding and final fitout.

I was fortunate to see the team fitting one of the fibreglass walls to a caravan on the production line. The Spinifex team cut the single sheet of 4mm fibreglass by hand to accommodate any custom features, then glued the sheet to the aluminium frame with a high-strength adhesive.

Fitting a fibreglass wall at the Deception Bay factory

By using an aluminium frame, Spinifex continues the Australian tradition of building the toughest offroad vans with a proven track record established over many years and millions of kilometres of outback travel. The Australian steel chassis is also extremely strong, featuring a 150mm x 50mm x 3mm A-frame with underslung 8mm reinforcing bars at the stress points. The chassis comprises twin 75mm x 50mm x 3mm rails. Once the rear bar is welded in place, the whole steel structure is hot-dip galvanised in Brisbane.

Suspension is Cruisemaster ’s proven 4.5T XT Freestyle system with twin shock absorbers and Body Control System (BCS) for airbag tech, offering a smooth ride over rough ground and automatic ride height when underway. It also levels the van when camped for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Furniture is handmade in-house by a team of long-term employees. Spinifex owner Steve Thompson insisted during our review that hand-built joinery, where the solid timber frames are glued and screwed together and fixed to the aluminium frame, is the best and most durable construction method. He then hung from an overhead installation and bounced up and down to prove his point.

Exterior walkaround and storage

Spinifex sorts its models by internal dimensions rather than by the more typical external body length, making the Nomadix Premier we reviewed quite imposing for a 20ft 6in (6.28m) van. No matter how you look at it, the new Nomadix Premier has a striking presence. Riding behind Steve’s bold black Chev Silverado 2500 (which we rated the best tow vehicle at Caravan of the Year 2025), the Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in draws plenty of attention. And it’s deserved because it has all the style and authority of the real deal.

With a 4000kg ATM this van needs a big tow vehicle to pull it

With an ATM of 4000kg, we see a Cruisemaster DO45 hitch and higher-rated chains, but you can specify the van for an ATM between 3500kg and 4500kg, depending on your tow vehicle and the desired payload.

Spinifex uses a Cruisemaster 2T slide jack rather than an electric one. Although the body of the van is gas-free, there’s a pair of frame-mounted 4.5kg gas bottles for the external barbecue. That means an electric jack would sit too close to a potential spark source and flout Queensland gas compliance.

A stoneguard shields the giant toolbox, which has slide-outs and large lockers for storage on the top. Doors open on each side for easy access and packing, and two large jerry can boxes sit to the side of the gas bottles. An advantage of having a higher payload (1060kg) is the ability to carry all the equipment needed for extended travel. So, having ample storage space matters a lot, and the storage up front has been well thought out by builders who use their vans regularly to ensure everything works effectively.

The large toolbox and twin 4.5kg gas bottles up front

Because these Spinifex vans often travel outback roads where passing traffic can shower the van with high-flying rocks, a custom padded bra shields the body above the toolbox from damage.

Custom storage boxes and fold-out tables along the passenger side provide space for a slide-out external kitchen, and there’s a new-style combination picnic table and pantry above the wheels, with power for a TV and controls for the airbag suspension. Owners can, of course, opt for a built-in cooktop, but many buyers coming to the brand will be experienced travellers who like to keep things simple and who already have their own cooking appliances.

Combination picnic table and pantry above the 17in alloy wheels

Spinifex makes all its own toolboxes and hatches, and their sturdy, tidy appearance adds to the overall appeal. I like how the Spinifex team utilises unused spaces to fit practical storage options or utilities, such as the water tank taps on the rear driver-side, and a general-purpose box for longer items, like chairs, a ladder and tools.

Spinifex has optimised storage space all around the van

Interior layout and living space

A feature of Spinifex’s Caravan of the Year entrants that has consistently won high praise from the judges was the beautifully crafted interiors. That aesthetic continues with this model, where conservative warm colours, large windows and organic textures through natural timbers and leather create a welcoming interior space.

This is a couples van with the widely accepted layout of a rear door, a rear ensuite and a front bed. The design just works, giving easy access from outside to the ensuite, privacy at the bed and the best ergonomics between the kitchen and dining space.

A beautifully designed interiorPlenty of underbed storage

The extended kitchen bench on the passenger side has no built-in stovetop, giving it an elegant and uncluttered appearance. A portable induction cooktop is stored in a drawer when not in use. Under the bench is a four-in-one Camec microwave, which vents through the benchtop to a hidden range hood and extractor fan. A Thetford 274L fridge-freezer is internally vented, and because all the internals are gas-free, the van is sealed to minimise dust ingress.

An elegant and uncluttered kitchen

Topping off the striking interior is a full-width ensuite with a couple of cool touches. Firstly, the shower offers plenty of room to move, and hot water is supplied by a Webasto diesel heater, so long showers are definitely an option if that’s your preference. Additionally, the iRV composting toilet is the first of its kind to feature an external extraction point, similar to a chemical toilet, which means you avoid carrying waste through the van to empty it. Interestingly, the shower roof hatch is the only roof opening in the van, as the rest of the roof is completely covered in solar panels.

The rear door entry provides easy access to the full-width ensuite and keeps the bed area private

Simplified off-grid power and electrical system

For a company that has pioneered solar technology over the past decade, it was unusual to see Spinifex switch this van to a 12V system instead of its usual 48V one. The team explained that some customers find it hard to understand 48V power and prefer to deal with the 12V systems that have been common in caravans for generations. So, Spinifex offers a choice, and as we shall see, there may not be too many compromises.

Spinifex has remained with OzX Corp for the chassis-mounted battery, which here is a 12V 942Ah LiFePO4 with a five-year warranty. SunPower solar panels on top produce a total of 1580W of solar charge through two Victron 12/24V 50A SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 chargers, monitored by a remote Victron energy monitoring setup. A Victron Multiplus 3000VA/2400W inverter supplies 240V power to the van. This is a very useful amount of power, and it will run an air-conditioner, fridge, Englaon TV and cooking appliances without a worry.

With ample solar power and a composting toilet, water might be the limiting factor for longer off-grid stays. However, using 320L of shower supply and 80L of dedicated drinking water capacity carefully should keep couples going, especially if camped near a swimming hole or beach. There’s an 80L grey water tank for those camps that require one.

How did it tow?

Being a solidly constructed big van and stacked with features, the Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in weighs in at 2940kg, with options for an ATM between 3500kg and 4500kg, so it should match best with a heavy-duty tow vehicle. We towed with a Chev 2500, and I suggest it’s a perfect match. It will be interesting to see the take-up of the new 4500kg tow-rated Ford Ranger Super Duty, which looks like it was made for a beast like the Spinifex.

Every Spinifex I have experienced towed smoothly, and this one was no exception, with the Cruisemaster suspension working well without pitch or yaw. The air over hydraulic disc brakes are smooth and powerful.

The Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in towed smoothly behind the Silverado Chev 2500

Final thoughts on the Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in

The Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in we reviewed here was number 584 off the Deception Bay production line in Queensland, and it continues the company’s steady evolution and attention to market demands. Not everyone wants or fully understands the high-tech end of solar power, and this 12V option keeps things simple while still delivering a high-end off-grid capability. As tested, the van is $199,500, and in today’s market, that’s about what you would expect for a top-level offroader. Buyers at the end of the market aren’t chasing bargains. They want the best in comfort, ruggedness and a van that will last the distance.

Measuring up

Pros

• Impeccable finish
• Extended off-grid ability
• Sturdy and offroad capable

Cons

• Needs a high-end tow vehicle

SPINIFEX NOMADIX PREMIER 20FT 6IN RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY — 9/10

Just short of $200k, it’s costly for a reason

TOWABILITY — 7/10

Tows well with a suitable vehicle, but needs a 4500kg capable rig

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING — 9/10

Perfect for couples who want to avoid crowds in amazing places

BUILD QUALITY — 10/10

Beautifully finished with high-end materials

LIVEABILITY — 9/10

Roomy with a beautiful ambience

SELF-SUFFICIENCY — 8/10

High-end 12V system and composting loo will keep you sustained while off-grid

CUSTOMER CARE — 9/10

A company with a high reputation for looking after customers

INNOVATION — 8/10

Beautiful design and smart approach to customer needs

X-FACTOR — 9/10 

Looks the part of a tough outback wanderer

SPINIFEX NOMADIX PREMIER 20FT 6IN SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in price from $199,500

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

Spinifex Nomadix Premier 20ft 6in price as shown $199,500

MORE INFORMATION

Spinifex Caravans

21 Imboon Street

Deception Bay Qld 4508

P: 07 3888 2221

E: sales@spinifexcaravans.com.au

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