Caravan review: Van Cruiser X Machine HTO Grande X17 offroad couples van

A well-engineered single axle van might be the perfect size for a couple wanting an offroad tourer. This X Machine HTO Grande X17 by Van Cruiser Caravans looks like it’s got the goods, so editor John Ford checked it out.

In brief

• A single axle couples touring van
• Engineered for offroad use
• Well-built timber frame van

Now and then, I stumble across a brand I haven’t reviewed before. Even though I have seen various Van Cruiser models at shows and out on the track over the years, we have never featured one on these pages, and the brand remained a bit of a mystery. All that changed recently when we arranged a day with the latest X Machine, and I have to say I was impressed.

Van Cruiser is a Melbourne-based business run by brother and sister team Enzo and Tania with a tight crew of 15 to 20 employees. The team has been building vans for 15 years, with an output of around three per week from their Carrum Downs factory. With this moderate production schedule, customers can bring ideas that suit their needs, and I’m told that many of these custom features make their way into the various Van Cruiser models across the range. Early in the business, Van Cruiser saw a niche market for hard-core single axle offroad models, which is now its focus. By sticking mainly to this style of van, the brand has built a strong following of adventurous owners who see the benefits of something robust and compact.

Enzo works on the floor, overseeing everything, and he keeps a tight rein on quality with nothing in the build process contracted out apart from the chassis. The team has an in-house electrician and plumber to ensure correct procedures and certification, and most staff have been with the business for five years or more.

Tania handles logistics to ensure component supply and is also more customer-facing, working on design, special requests and any warranty issues.

Our review van is an X Machine HTO Grande X17, which is a bit of a mouthful and one of 10 versions of couples and family vans between 14ft (4.3m) and 19ft (5.8m). ‘HTO’ tells the world this van is heading to Heavy Terrain Outback destinations and in grand style. When I asked Tania the story behind the name, she explained that there’s a 16ft 2in X Machine, a popular van in the range, but they decided to add a few inches to the layout to fit a washing machine and rather than invent a new model name they call the van we have here the Grande version of the X Machine.

Built for offroad travel

You don’t need logos and tough name to recognise the X17 as an offroader, though. It looks mean and ready to rumble, riding high on a hefty, galvanised chassis and 16in black alloy wheels (MPC Toro) with chunky 265x75 all-terrain tyres (BFGoodrich). Brakes are 12in electric drums. The black exterior slopes back in two wedge-shaped checkerplate roof sections at the front and finishes in a flat rear end. Modern flat-shaped black tinted windows complete the dark theme with only some battleship grey panels to soften the colour scheme. Time will tell if the dark theme is sensible under the northern sun, but to my mind, it’s a fashion trend — admittedly driven by customer demand — that defies logic. That said, it does look terrific.

The X Machine HTO Grande X17 is beautifully finished inside and out

Perhaps surprisingly, the van has meranti timber frame construction, so it relies on a traditional build that some consider passé. Timber gets a bad wrap when the build process isn’t robust and if the van hasn’t been sealed properly. However, done right, there are benefits in the flexibility and lightweight properties of wood. Any van taken over extreme offroad tracks will flex to some extent, and the Van Cruiser team believes the organic properties of timber can better tolerate this movement without cracking the metal.

Enzo and Tania are passionate advocates for their brand based on the care they take with the correct procedures. Compared to some timber frames I’ve seen being built, the Van Cruisers are works of art. The timber is uniform and free of imperfections, the joins are square and have triangular braces, the slots for electrical wiring are neat and regular, and the team uses proven adhesives. In other words, they care about what they are doing and take extra time. Once the frame is complete, the composite DIBOND exterior panels are silicone fixed to the frame, and the joins at the walls and roof get a proper seal before applying cover strips.

Enzo has developed a better method for attaching the body to the frame than most builders. The hot-dipped galvanised chassis from S&M features 135mm vertical outriggers welded to the sides. Once the floor goes down, the body sits on the chassis and secures to the outriggers with bolts, forming a strong and well-protected connection. The poly-sealed 12mm honeycomb floor is a new improvement, bringing a 40 per cent weight saving and added strength over ply.

Under the X17 is a 100mm x 50mm chassis with a 100mm riser connected to a 150mm x 50mm A-frame running back to the suspension and with a support bar where the A-frame meets the body. The suspension system on the review model was a Cruisemaster ATX coil system rated to 3T with piggyback shock absorbers. ATX airbags from Cruisemaster is an option. While under the van, I noticed heavy-duty checkerplate covers for the water tanks and protection for the plumbing, particularly the grey water tank drain, which is rare on most offroad models. These plastic drainpipes are notorious for being smashed by flying stones on rocky tracks, so it’s a move from a builder who knows his stuff.

Heavy-duty checkerplate protection covers the water tanks and Cruisemaster ATX 3T coil suspensionThe plumbing — including the grey water tank drain — is all protected which can be rare for offroad models

Up front is a full-width toolbox. You might notice in the images here that the test van had yet to be fitted with its stoneguard to protect the twin gas bottles. Van Cruiser offers a range of toolboxes, including a sizeable multipurpose version with a wood box on top. A full-width tunnel boot brings the necessary storage space, and it was good to see good quality single-piece automotive-style rubber seals all around. Further back is a versatile Swift barbecue, which I like for its three cooking options: a cooktop, grill and roasting oven. I also like the keyless fold-down picnic table because there’s nearly nothing worse than chasing the keys when trying to find somewhere to put the tomato sauce bottle.

The versatile Swift barbecue has three cooking optionsA full-width toolbox up front

There’s no step!

The X17 is relatively high but there’s no step to get aboard. That’s because Enzo knows that an offroad van is going offroad, and the entry step will be the first casualty on a rocky waterway. At least, that’s been my three-time experience. So, you get a removable plastic step that is conveniently stored inside when travelling. A heavy-duty grab handle is to the left, and the electronics control panel is at the entryway, along with the main power switch — all right where you need them.

The X17 sits fairly high so a portable step is provided

An interior that works

While the outside look of the van is impressive, it’s inside that the X17 really shines. The CNC-produced lightweight ply cabinetry and the skilled team of crafters have delivered a top-quality finish and some thoughtful touches. Importantly, the layout is the sensible rear entry, with a front island bed design most couples will embrace. This design also places the ensuite near the door, making it convenient for access from outside and reducing the amount of floor traffic with potentially dirty boots.

To the right of the entry is a 174L Thetford compressor fridge, which can be ordered with an additional drawer fridge underneath. Again, placing the refrigerator near the door gives the best access to drinks or food when cooking or relaxing outside.

A 20L microwave sits over the fridge, and a full-height cupboard with a slide-out for a coffee machine uses the space between the ensuite and lounge. A Thetford three-in-one stove, oven and grill sits opposite the lounge.

Rear entry door with easy access to the fridge

Along the rest of the back wall is a compact ensuite, which still manages to include a full-size separate shower cubicle on the driver-side wall, a central cassette toilet and a vanity with mirror. Timid souls might not like seeing the toilet from the main living space, so the sliding door with catch will be welcome.

I mentioned earlier that the X17 was born from a desire to include a 3kg top loading washing machine in a van with a compact design, and here it is, filling the space in the ensuite in the space behind the fridge. Although the rear bathroom isn't full-width, I found ample room, bright lighting and good ventilation.

The bathroom might not be full width, but there’s ample room to move around

Comfort and style

You have a wide selection when sorting out your interior colour choices, including the black on white of the review van. The mid-brown diamond pattern upholstery and and the timber kitchen bench bring a welcome homey air that is contemporary, and again, there are many options.

The layout has the kitchen along the passenger side, offering enough prep space for a couple. The cafe lounge has well-contoured and plush seating and enough legroom for two to be comfortable. Up front, there’s sensible walk-around access to the north–south bed. The brown upholstery continues at the full height bedhead padding for a classy impact. A sealed battery compartment and electronics occupy much of the under-bed space, so you miss out on the useful storage option customarily found there. I guess the upside is the batteries are well-protected compared to being chassis mounted.

The black and white interior colours are softened by the warm brown lounges and timber touches

Off-grid living

Our X17’s electronics package is modest by today’s standard, with a 200Ah lithium battery and a Victron 2000W inverter/80W charger. However, three 220W solar panels and the high-output charger will keep the power up under most circumstances. Twin 95L fresh water tanks and a 95L grey tank will last a week or two with frugal use — but having a spare 20L drinking water drum wouldn’t hurt. You can upgrade the electronics to a 3000W/120A inverter charger and more powerful batteries if you want to go full electric.

Towing a three-tonne van

Don’t be put off by the big RAM tow vehicle in the photos here because you don’t need such a beast for the X17, and a more diminutive rig might better suit narrow tracks on the way to camp. The ATM is 3000kg so think twin cab to save some dollars at the pump and initial purchase. The payload is 689kg, so even with full tanks, you get over 500kg for all your stuff. The van towed perfectly behind the RAM over our test track, and the big rig is supremely comfortable, so don’t let me talk you out of one.

For tow vehicle ideas, check out our guide to dual cab utes here.

The van towed smoothly behind the RAM

Final thoughts on the Van Cruiser X Machine HTO Grande X17

With a drive-away price of $114,990, the X17 will be a big temptation for couples looking for a top tier offroad van. Warranty is three years on the caravan body and five on the chassis which is reasonable.

Measuring up

Pros

• Beautifully finished inside and out
• Single axle suits offroad travel
• Will suit a range of mid-size tow vehicles

Cons

• Batteries take up under bed storage

VAN CRUISER CARAVANS X MACHINE HTO GRANDE X17 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

Good value for a well-respected offroad van

TOWABILITY

Towed perfectly and will suit a range of vehicles

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

Couples can hit the road in comfort and get to remote spots

BUILD QUALITY

High attention to detail delivers a stylish and beautifully finished van

LIVEABILITY

Room for a couple to enjoy life on the road

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

There’s enough on tap and more if you want to expand

CUSTOMER CARE

Three-year body warranty and five years on the chassis is fair

INNOVATION

Little features and design ideas that work

X-FACTOR

OK, black is cool

VAN CRUISER CARAVANS X MACHINE HTO GRANDE X17 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Van Cruiser X Machine HTO Grande X17 price from $114,990

OPTIONAL EXTRAS FITTED

N/A — all standard features

Van Cruiser X Machine HTO Grande X17 price as shown $114,990 including on-road costs 

MORE INFORMATION

Dealer: Caravan HQ

10 Pacific Highway

Yatala Qld 4207

P: 07 3439 8477

Manufacturer: Van Cruiser Caravans

24–25 Frankston Dandenong Road

Carrum Downs Vic 3201

(By appointment only)

P: 03 7064 6370

THE NEXT STEP

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