Prototype Test: Stealth EVO XR6

Stealth Caravans revealed their first unit in October 2018. The Evolution XR6 (or EVO XR6 for short) is an upmarket 3-berth pop-top on-road caravan priced at under R300 000.

Caravan & Outdoor Life has had a couple of good looks at the EVO XR6, including being at the first reveal at the official press launch, as well as at dealers and shows.

But now we finally had a unit to take on the road for a few days to get a real feel for it.

EXTERIOR

Hitching up and heading out, I immediately noted the width of the EVO XR6 – at 2 399 mm, it’s quite a bit wider than the Isuzu D-Max I was driving, which is only 1 860 mm. So a towing mirror would be preferable.

Still, with a length of 5 276 mm (overall 5 300 mm tip to tip) and height of 1 950mm (closed), it’s not in a class of the bigger caravans on the market. In fact, this size is the most popular in South Africa.

One of the best features of Stealth caravans is the construction: There’s no wood used in the body, which means no chance of rot.

The exterior walls are constructed from 2mm reinforced fibreglass, the interior walls are 1.2 mm fibreglass skin, and the core is 23mm high density RTM-X Styrofoam core.

The EVO XR6 is built on a chassis constructed of 2mm hot dipped galvanised duplex steel (3 times stronger than mild steel), with a 1,6 ton rating. The axle mounting system has been reinforced to take on the deteriorating SA roads

The chassis also has been pre-punched for optional Ewiks caravan mover fitment.

Outside there is a kitchen on the passenger side near the nose, consisting of a two-burner gas stove, washbasin (with running water) and stainless steel work surface. Stealth have included a stainless steel wind guard, something that is essential when you prefer making your food outside, as it doesn’t take the strongest of winds to extinguish the flame from any gas stove. Plus, if you are like me, a little wind is not going to stop you from living outside your caravan!

To the right of the kitchen (above the wheel) is a fold-down hatch that creates more workspace, and behind which you’ll find a small storage space – including for your crockery and utensils.

On the passenger side there’s a multi-function LED light, which can be set to white, amber or “party mode”.

The EVO XR6 is powered with 220 volt mains, with 12 volt transformer for lights and water pump.

INTERIOR

Stepping into the EVO XR6, there’s a two-seater dinette area directly to your right in the back of the caravan. This area can be converted into a single bunk bed.

The dinette is made for only two people, which means single seats and small table. This definately helps create a sense of openness and space on the inside, other than caravans that have seating for four people.

In the middle of the caravan inside, on the driver side is a big 158 litre fridge/freezer, and packing space on the passenger side.

A double island bed (1 435 mm wide) is situated in the front of the caravan, with bedside cupboards on both sides.

There’s tons of packing space in the EVO XR6, inclduing overhead Lockers above bed, bedside storage cupboards, under bed double draw units on both sides, hanging wardrobes, and pantry cupboard (accessible from inside and outside).

‘PROTOTYPE’

The EVO XR6 we travelled with is one of the first units built, and as such is being put through it’s paces to find out what can be fine-tuned to ensure it’s ready for the market.

Stealth have informed Caravan & Outdoor Life of a few changes coming to the EVO XR6, including an improved better roof, a drink cupboard is to be fitted, gas struts for the bed (to reach storage underneath).

---

360° Interior of Stealth EVO XR6

Images are best viewed in full screen. Open the image and click the top right corner icon to enlarge image.