We’re shining a spotlight on some of Australia’s leading caravan manufacturers and how they’re shaping the industry. First up: Cub Campers.
Cub Campers has been on Australia’s RV scene since 1968 and has positioned itself as a leader when it comes to offroad-ready campers and, more recently, hybrid caravans. We caught up with the team to discuss Cub’s approach to innovation, design and how it’s meeting the changing needs of today’s travellers.
Q: What does innovation mean to Cub, and how do you make it part of everything you build?
A: Innovation and improvement are at the core of everything Cub does, as shown by our move into the hybrid caravan sector in the past three years, creating smarter, more capable units that suit the needs and travel style of modern Aussie travellers. Innovation is embedded in every stage of our process — from design to manufacturing.
We partner with respected offroad brands like Cruisemaster, Aussie Traveller and REDARC Electronics to integrate proven technology, and we’re constantly revisiting designs, reviewing customer feedback and exploring new methods of production to help shape improvements. Keeping an eye on emerging tech helps us stay ahead of the curve while maintaining the luxury, offroad-ready reliability for which we’re known.
The compact and nimble F14
Q: How does your design or manufacturing approach differ from traditional Australian caravan methods?
A: Cub’s manufacturing process has stood the test of time, with a strong focus on being genuinely Australian made. We use locally sourced materials, build our own chassis and carry out the entire manufacturing process in-house — giving us complete control over quality and design. Building on these Aussie-first values, we’ve also adopted new technologies and improved production practices to ensure precision and durability in every van. That level of care is backed by a five-year full offroad warranty covering all structural components — not just the chassis or exterior — so our customers can travel with confidence.
Q: What key trends are shaping the future of caravanning in Australia, and how is Cub responding?
A: There’s been a clear growth in the compact hybrid sector plus smarter tech integration and greater off-grid capability. Many Aussies are looking for lighter, more versatile options that don’t sacrifice comfort — and that’s where our range of hybrid offroad caravans comes in. We’ve expanded to meet this demand, including the recent launch of the C18, which delivers extra space and comfort for couples and families while still being easy to tow and take offroad.
The C18 is Cub Campers’ latest release, and it’s getting a bunk layout soon — perfect for family adventures off the beaten track
Q: How are customer needs changing around tech, off-grid living and design — and how are you keeping up?
A: Off-grid capability is now a major priority for travellers, and we’ve responded with flexible power solutions to match. Our 300Ah, 600Ah and 900Ah Off-Grid Packs allow customers to tailor their setup with extra battery storage, solar panels and water capacity. We integrate REDARC tech across our entire range to keep power systems easy to manage with minimal maintenance, while the thoughtful design of our units allows for future retrofitting should owners need to increase their off-grid capability further. Combined with full offroad suspension — and the option for Cruisemaster airbag suspension with self-levelling tech — every Cub unit is ready for remote touring without compromise.
Q: What’s an innovative product or feature you’ve introduced that surprised the market?
A: The Cub F14 — winner of the Best Hybrid award at Caravan of the Year 2025 — redefines compact touring. Its smart 14ft (4.3m) design includes a full interior ensuite, something rare in a van this size. The pop-top roof reduces height by half when towing, making it ideal for SUV and 4WD while minimising drag for easier handling. At just 6ft 8in (2.06m) towing height, it sits in line with most SUVs and 4WDs and can fit in a standard carport or garage — proof that good things really do come in small packages.
The F14 won ‘Best Hybrid’ at Caravan of the Year 2025
Q: How are you addressing the demand for better energy solutions and off-grid power systems?
A: Every hybrid in our range features integrated REDARC technology to deliver smart, reliable power management. The RedVision TVMS system provides seamless control and real-time battery monitoring, while the Manager Alpha100 BMS delivers faster, more efficient charging. With smartphone connectivity, travellers can manage their entire setup without even stepping inside the van — making off-grid living and travelling easier and more comfortable than ever.
Q: How do you balance pushing innovation with making sure your caravans are tough and reliable for remote trips?
A: We balance innovation with proven toughness by building on decades of offroad experience. Since 1968, Cub has earned its reputation for building tough, offroad-ready campers. Every van in our range is built on a rugged, Australian-made chassis and backed by a full offroad warranty. We’re continually refining our manufacturing processes to improve quality and efficiency — without compromising the durability we’re known for. This ethos underpins all our future designs as we strive to produce tough offroad caravans ready to conquer all Australian terrains.
Q: What role does customer feedback or user testing play in your design and innovation decisions?
A: Customer feedback is central to how we evolve our range. We actively engage with our owner community — including leaders like Brian Medancic who organises our owner getaway events — to hear what’s working and what could be improved. Our partnership with ambassador Harry Fisher from Fire to Fork is a great example: he tested the prototype C18 in real-world conditions, helping us fine-tune it for real Aussie adventures. We also pride ourselves on long-serving team members (some part of the team for more than 20 years) who often take Cub vans on trips for testing and leisure, giving us hands-on insight into performance and user experience.
Sleek, modern luxury inside the F14
Q: Beyond the vans, what makes your company culture or philosophy stand out as a leader in the industry?
A: Cub’s culture is grounded in being Australian made. It’s more than a label — it reflects our values and our commitment to supporting local industry. From sourcing homegrown materials to upholding world-class manufacturing standards, every van is a testament to Aussie craftsmanship. It’s a commitment that not only delivers quality you can trust but also supports local jobs across both our production line and our nationwide dealer network.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see Cub shaping the future of caravanning in Australia? Any projects in the pipeline?
A: The Cub team is always thinking ahead — refining existing models, exploring new concepts and keeping a close eye on industry trends to shape what’s next. There’s always something new in the works — including a soon-to-launch C18 bunk model designed with adventurous families in mind. Something even smaller is also just around the corner, so keep your eyes peeled. As always, our focus remains on practical innovation that suits the needs of real Aussie travellers — with our signature blend of ruggedness and luxury built in.
Head to Cub Campers’ website to find out more.
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