Caravan Review: Vision RV 14
Vision RV 14
The Vision RV 14 pop top sits alongside a lineup of extreme offroaders in the hardcore Australian tradition. Like others in our group of compact vans in this issue, it emphasises a practical way to reach remote locations and enjoy the best the country has to offer. In a market dominated by boofy big vans with every conceivable modern appliance, there are those whose mantra is that less is more.
A compact van can get you places where the current crop of 4500kg vans will struggle. Sure, you can take a heavy van to some pretty amazing places, but there are limits. - A lot of experienced travellers might even consider the Vision 14 the upper limit in practical size for more extreme conditions.
Vision RV, under the direction of owner Chris Michel, has matured into one of our most capable and well-respected brands, thanks to its hybrid manufacturing process and genuine attention to customers. Today, the main components are manufactured and assembled in China, then completed at the new purpose-built factory in Baringa on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. With the move to the new factory, Michele has narrowed his wider caravan brands to four Vision RV size variations, from 14' to 21'6", across the compact Elysium and full-size Nirvana ranges.
The Build
All Vision iterations begin with a CAD design and Finite Element Analysis to ensure maximum strength with minimum weight. The body uses German 2mm fibreglass-clad, high-density vacuum-bonded foam composite in the roof and walls, and a high-strength composite floor. The walls and floor of the 14' pop top version are bonded together to form a strong structure with a high-tensile aluminium subframe, which is then Huck-riveted to the 150x50mm hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis. The steel is high quality and metallurgically tested for strength. The subframe reinforces the lower wall structure and minimises compression damage from a hard impact. The pop top has a single-piece composite roof that locks securely to the walls, adding rigidity to the body.
Aluminium extrusions cover all vertical joins at the wall corners, and internal corrugations allow a generous amount of adhesive to add strength and weatherproofing.
The 16' Nirvana models offer a choice of pop top or hard top, but the 14 is strictly pop top. It operates on four screw-type electric rams and features double sealing at the join to prevent dust ingress. The skirt is marine-grade white vinyl.
Suspension is Vision's tubular steel trailing-arm setup, rated to 2900kg, with airbags and twin ARB shock absorbers at each wheel. Stub axles are sleeved for added strength and flanged and bolted so they can be replaced if damaged, for example, if you hit a massive pothole. Wheels, in either five or six studs to match your tow vehicle, are 17" black alloy wheels with 31" AT tyres. Stopping power is courtesy of American DeeMaxx air-over-hydraulic disc brakes. (33" tyres are an option.)
Internal furniture is laser-cut and folded aluminium with a white powder-coated finish. When fixed to the walls, the furniture adds to the van's structural sturdiness and is lighter than the organic materials found in most vans. Along with the composite body, the aluminium fitout inside means the Vision is genuinely timber-free, which matters to many buyers concerned about the longevity of their purchase.
An extended drawbar helps avoid damage to the tow vehicle when turning sharply and a Cruisemaster DO-35 hitch works well over steeply angled tracks. Rearward is, I think, one of the best-looking and most practical toolboxes in the business. It houses slide-outs for a barbecue on the passenger side and a big storage space opposite. It also includes a unique water manifold system for filling and controlling the water supply: three 90L tanks spaced out under the van. I like how the forward-facing side of the box angles down to act as a stone guard and there's space for two jerry cans and a pair of 4.5kg gas bottle holders if you want to run a gas barbecue.
Most of the build happens in Vision's Chinese factory, with the vans shipped in containers for completion at Vision's new factory. There, the team complete the Victron electronics. They also install the Gusto dust reduction system, the suspension, spray on genuine Raptor coating and apply the graphics. In all, there are 150 quality control checks in China and a further 150 in Australia. Any issues are workshopped and refined to ensure reliability.
Liveability
Raising the pop-top roof is quick and effortless. Entry is near the back via a two-piece custom aluminium door. Once inside, the high roof and well-lit interior belie the van's compact size. Zipped openings in the pop-top skirt run around the interior, and together with the sizable windows, they add to the airy, open feeling. All surfaces are powder-coated white, which looks fresh and clean. I hope you like it, as it's the only colour choice. Charcoal upholstery adds contrast, and you can add your own soft furnishings to personalise and modernise.
The Nirvana models are hybrids, meaning they are compact and the main kitchen is external. A basic internal kitchen leaves maximum space for the living area, and the 16 ft version is impressively homely. Experienced caravanners will recognise it has the essentials: an easily accessible bed, comfortable seating, a usable and sizable table, and an ensuite.
A combination shower and composting toilet is a practical solution in this size van, leaving room across the rear for a basic kitchen, useful for morning cuppas or a quick meal in nasty weather. The bench has space for an induction cooktop, a coffee machine and a jug, while a 105L compressor fridge fits under the bench.
Lounges on either side of the central section are clad in synthetic leather that looks well-made and should be long-lasting. For dining or working, a large aluminium table cantilevers out from the bed base. I was surprised how sturdy it was and how much legroom there was underneath. Because of the van's relatively narrow width and the size of the caravan king bed, there's no walkaround access. Most reasonably agile owners will find it easy to climb over the end and once aboard, the pillow-top mattress heralds a good night's sleep.
The lack of overhead cupboards in the pop top design limits storage space but Vision has made the most of what is available elsewhere. Deep drawers under the lounges and bed, in the ensuite and along the back wall all contribute to storage. Voluminous outside hatches and the large toolbox on the A-Frame should mean nothing important is left behind.
In true hybrid spirit, the main kitchen is outside under an easily deployed awning. The setup shows a good understanding of how owners use the kitchen, with plenty of storage for often-used items, space for preparation and a two-burner gas hotplate. Further forward is a drawer pantry that includes a slide-out stainless steel sink and a slide-out for a 100L fridge/freezer.
Getting Off Grid
Seen from above, the Nirvana is covered in solar panels. Vision uses 110W light-glass solar panels; there are six, split into two banks, each running to Victron 50Amp MPPT chargers. A 460Ah lithium battery is standard, with space for a second if you want to upgrade. Michel says lower-wattage panels are more efficient, especially in a hot climate. He has tested the system in various lighting conditions and is confident it has ample power for extended appliance use.
The electronics are professionally installed and easy to access for maintenance. The purpose-built board also includes a Victron 3000w inverter/240v charger and an Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger to top up the battery while driving. These components, a Heavy-duty circuit protection and a highly visible isolation switch, are all mounted on a vibration-resistant panel for protection in the rough.
Three 90L water tanks provide a generous 270L of fresh water, plus a 100L grey water tank for restricted camping and a 16L urine tank that's part of Vision's own composting toilet design.
Towing The Vision
We towed the Nirvana with Vision's Ford Ranger, which is typical of the sort of vehicle many owners would choose. A Landcruiser or Patrol would be equally at home. Tipping the scales at a TARE of 2184kg and a maximum loaded weight of 2900kg, the van is relatively lightweight for a genuine hardcore offroader. At the same time, while it's at the upper limit of the hybrid scale, it offers the usability and internal space of its competitors. It also offers a relatively narrow 2.16m width for getting down winding bush tracks, plus the benefits of a lower ride height for aerodynamic efficiency and a lower centre of gravity.
On the highway and down some dirt tracks, the van behaved impeccably: no sway at speed or lurching over bumps, with firm stopping power from the disc brakes.
On most of the reviews I've been on with Michel, he likes to prove his vans are made for hard travel. He has taken various vans to the top of the steepest mountains and demonstrated their worth over tortuous 4x4 tracks. So it wasn't a surprise he found a set of deep washouts to see how far he could twist the suspension and chassis. The photos here probably don’t do it justice, but I was impressed.
Customer Care
Vision RV has a 2-year manufacturer's warranty followed by a further five years of national third-party cover. And as impressive as that sounds, it's not the full picture. As part of my enquiring nature - Ok I’m a busybody- I continually ask owners of various vans what they think of them. Consistently, I get highly positive feedback about Vision RV.
The Bottom Line
Born from Chris Michel's desire to build the best van he can for Australian conditions, Vision RV stands out in the local market. The hybrid build method starts with overseas manufacture of major components using advanced technology, and fine finishing details are carried out in Australia, delivering a uniquely capable and visually pleasing result. With a starting price of $129,990, the Nirvana 14 is a tempting prospect.
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Pros and Cons
PROS:
- Advanced engineering for tough offroad conditions
- Timber free constructions
- High-quality, powerful electronics for off-grid living
CONS
- Pop top design limits internal storage
RATINGS
VALUE FOR MONEY /810
Priced well in a competitive hard core /off grid market
TOWABILITY 9/10
Lightweight, low centre of gravity and airbag-independent suspension and disc brakes deliver a predictable, safe tow.
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING 8 /10
Fits the hybrid category's style of external cooking and comfortable living space.
BUILD QUALITY 9 /10
Well-engineered, quality build with high-end components
LIVEABILITY 7/10
The compact interior and combined ensuite are compromises inherent in hybrids.
SELF SUFFICIENCY 9/10
Loads of solar, battery and water for off-grid living
CUSTOMER CARE 9/10
Seven years of cover and a company dedicated to customer care.
INNOVATION 8 /10
Brings together many levels of engineering and design
X-FACTOR 8/10
If you know, you know. It's the real deal.
VAN NAME Nirvana 14
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Overall length 7.12m (23ft 4in)
External body length 4.49m (14ft )
Internal body length 4.42m (13ft 10in)
Width 2.16m (7ft 1in)
Travel height 2.65m (8ft 6in)
Internal height 2.09m (6ft 8in)
Tare 2184kg
ATM 2900Kg
Payload kg 716kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 160 kg
Ball to tare ratio: 7.3%
EXTERNAL
Frame Composite shell construction
Cladding External 2mm fibreglass skin
Chassis Hot-dipped galvanised chassis (150mm x 50mm)
Suspension Single axle 2900kg ATM. Trailing arm independent airbag suspension with twin ARB shock absorbers per wheel
Coupling Cruisemaster D035
Brakes Hydraulic Disc brakes
Wheels 17" Alloy 285/70R17 Optional 35"
Water 3x90L plus 87L grey water
Battery 920Ah Arizon Lithium
Inverter 3000W/120A Victron inverter/
Solar 1100W
Air-conditioner no
Gas No ( optional for barbecue)
Sway control No
INTERNAL
Cooking Portable dual induction cooktop
Microwave No
Fridge 105L Thetford Compressor Fridge
Bathroom Combination ensuite with composting toilet
Washing machine no
Hot water Truma Combi diesel HWS/Space heater
PRICE FROM X $129,990
OPTIONS FITTED nil
PRICE AS SHOWN $129,000
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