Caravan Show 2022 is back with a bang! What’s new, what’s upgraded, what everyone is talking about

ADVENTURE  XTREME  CARAVANS

There’s a new kid block and it’s set to cause quite a stir in the gravel road caravan and trailer market. Not only did we get up close and personal with the Adventure Xtreme range at the Caravan Show 2022, but we also had the opportunity to take a tour of their factory where this hardy range is manufactured. The Adventure Xtreme range is clearly built tough and most importantly, it’s affordable.

It’s a great companion on gravel or tar. This makes their range of caravans perfectly suited for first time caravan users or for those that want to downscale from their large and heavy on road caravans to something more compact and better suited for gravel roads or wild camping.

For more pictures and to enquire about Adventure Xtreme CLICK HERE

AFRISPOOR

Afrispoor was buzzing with excitement to show off their two newest models, the Caracal and the Wild Cat! These two-sleeper campers have fixed beds and a second door for easy access into the bathroom. The Afrispoor Caracal was released end of 2020, but this year was the first time it roared into a proper industry show. With a permanently set up full-size queen bed and double door entry, the Caracal is super quick to set up.

It also features a pop-up shower and a fully functional kitchen. The Wild Cat has all the same features as the Caracal, it is just a bit smaller with less packing space.

For more pictures and to enquire about Afrispoor CLICK HERE

BADGER CARAVANS

Badger Caravans launched their range at the Caravan Show at Gallagher Estate in Gauteng in 2020, and in 2022 their flagship Extreme All- Terrain was back on the floor to turn heads. If you are not familiar with Badger, what makes their caravan so unique is the patented fold-out bed. The king-size bed can be set up in two different positions: Day Bed (not fully extended) in order to create more space inside, and Sleep Bed (fully extended).

Badger caravans are light to tow because they are built from fibreglass – in fact, Badger has been in the fibreglass industry for over 20 years, so you know they know what they are doing. At the 2022 show, Badger showed off their improved Extreme, with a new version of the slide-out concept, a new age clip and fold design, and also the new en suite bathroom with shower (hot and cold water).

Katie Nieman from Badger Caravans, says: “We were absolutely blown away at how busy it was at the show! Right from the moment the doors opened on Friday, it was full speed ahead for three days. We made our first sale right on the first morning, which was great! “Our Badger Extreme had evolved quite a bit since our last show in 2020 and most of the improvements were well received. We had existing owners who came to the show who are already booking their caravans in for upgrades.

“The shower unit was a hit. Additional storage in the door and a new hanging cupboard proved popular both with existing and new customers.” The Extreme has an outside kitchen which comes standard with a two-plate gas cooker and plenty of space for a microwave, kettle, toaster and cutlery. The standard slide-out pantry boasts space for a fridge/freezer and well as extra storage. There is also an option for a washing up station, which uses hot water from the gas heater via the showerhead.

For more pictures and to enquire about Badger Caravans CLICK HERE

BORDER X

New to the Border X family is the Overlander camping trailer. Werner Pretorius told CaravanSa more about their latest offering: “The idea is to have a beginner trailer – so you buy the shell, and add your own accessories as it pleases your camping style – for instance a fridge, rooftop tent, water system, power, etc.

“The trailer comes standard with side doors and is fully rubberised on the inside… great for the guys who like hunting, as you can put a deer in the back, and wash out with a hose.” There’s a deck in the lid/roof area, which is perfect for storing tables, chairs, etc. The entry-level Overlander has a Tare of 440kg, and is built on a 1500kg axle that you can upgrade to 2200kg.

For more pictures and to enquire about Border X CLICK HERE

BUSH LAPA

All Bush Lapa models have been upgraded to now come with gas/electric geyser, and the smaller modules (the gogga reeks – Kerwer, Miskruier, Boskriek) now include solar panels, which used to be an optional extra.

Baobab 2

The Baobab model was designed to fill the gap between the smaller “goggas” (Rooimier, Vlooi, Kewer, Boskriek, Miskruier) and the big Ratel. Original was a 3 or 4-sleeper, and you guessed it, the Baobab 2 is a two-sleeper. Quite a lot of changes, the most significant is that the entrance door moves from the left side to the back. Because of this, the exterior kitchen area on the Baobab 2 has two fold-down hatches, as opposed to the 3 and 4’s one big hatch.

Still a slide-out for your fridge at the front. There’s also additional packing space outside on the righthand side, due to there being no fold-out bed – your main bed (queen size) is over the nose area. The Baobab comes standard with Bush Wing, sides, draft skirt, stabilizers, Jacks/High lift jacks, heavy duty jockey wheel, aluminium checkered noseboxes, Jerry cans, deep cycle batteries, 150 Litre stainless steel water tank under chassis with automatic pump, Hansen GE3 geyser (gas/electrical).

Ratel 4i

Variation of the Ratel 4, offering campers seating and a table inside. The double bed from the normal Ratel 4 has been converted into a dining area , that can still be turned into a double bed.

The washbasin and working surface (with packing space underneath) from the Ratel 4 moves to the middle of the caravan at the back of the seat of the dining area (or next to bed when converted). The rear cupboards move from back right to the left back in the corner

For more pictures and to enquire about Bush Lapa CLICK HERE

CUSTOM CAMPERS

It was impossible to miss Custom Campers at the show – walking in at the front gate of Gallagher Estate, visitors came face to face with a massive motorhome. The Eurocargo from Fred Oosthuizen’s workshop is a serious motorhome, that comes with all the bells and whistles for proper overlanding. Inside the convention centre on the showroom floor, visitors had some more eye candy with a second huge Iveco motorhome conversion from Custom Campers, as well as their stunning Gray caravan.

Fred tells CaravanSA: “The Gray is the most luxurious caravan ou can get for this price in South Africa. “It is also one of the safest – through all our work with overlanders, we have learned to build sturdy, safe vehicles. We apply these principles to our Gray caravan as well, from the structure to the fittings like cupboards. “The Gray comes standard with all the safety features you need as standard, including the imported German-engineered chassis.

“Because we give our customers ultimate luxury, the finishes on the Gray is the best quality you can get. “We also provide the best warranty in the business, a full 18 months on the structure.” Fred says the Caravan Show 2022 was phenomenal, for Custom Campers and for the caravan industry as a whole: “We got great feedback, this was definitely a buyer’s show.

“I have to commend the organiser, we also got good feedback from clients who had high praise for Hampie and the team.” For the 2022 show, Custom Campers revealed to the public the new shape of the Gray, which has undergone some upgrades in the looks department (not that it needed it!) and now has a more aerodynamic shape.

The Gray has a new tent, which Custom Campers say is designed for African conditions. Fred also revealed to CaravanSA that there are two new models lined up for the future – so if you are into luxury caravanning, make sure to watch them closely. There is also a limited edition range of the Gray coming out soon, of which only 10 models will be built.

For more pictures and to enquire about Custom Campers CLICK HERE

DESTINATION CARAVANS

Destination Caravans launched their brand new Wish and Nature models at the Caravan Show in Midrand. The Wish is smaller than other models, but just as luxurious. Andre van Helsdingen from Destination, says: “For our first show since Covid, we are excited to introduce our new Wish – it’s smaller and more compact than our other models, but you’ll be surprised at how roomy it is on the inside.

“Of course, it’s still of the highest, Destination, quality.” A brand new concept introduced in the Wish is the toilet, which does not have a cassette inside anymore – everything is outside! And even though it’s a smaller model, the Wish still has a full bathroom, with a shower!

In the bedroom, the Wish has a double bed with bedside tables, including reading lights and USB points. The air conditioner above the bed comes standard. The kitchen has a full-length fridge/freezer, microwave oven and an impressive amount of working surface. The full kitchen is on the outside. On the outside, the Wish has nice packing space in the “boot” (where the split unit of the aircon is housed) as well as in die nose cone

The new Nature is built on the base of the Destination Wonder caravan, a design that is already loved by the caravanning community. This model was developed because it’s being built in a strict production line, which makes it more cost-effective, but no less luxurious.

For more pictures and to enquire about Custom Campers CLICK HERE

ECHO 4X4

Echo 4×4 rolled out their signature red carpets for the Caravan Show 2022 to give visitors the royal treatment as they showed off their new Ultimate Kavango KA2 Legend and Kavango KA1 HQ. Both these models are variations on the well-known Kavango, giving clients more options to choose a caravan that suits their outdoor lifestyle needs. The Kavango Legend is a 4-sleeper, with one bed over the nosecone and the second bed (in the back) that can be converted into a dinette.

The new KA1 HQ is a two-sleeper, with the bed in the back inside the caravan. The area in the front where the Kavango Standard’s other bed is, has been changed into packing space.

For more pictures and to enquire about Echo 4×4 CLICK HERE

EDGEOUT

The new Edgeout took the internet by storm in late 2020 – in fact, our article on the teardrop trailer made from plastic and recycled material, has been read almost 40 000 times! And in 2022 it made its first appearance at a national industry show. The Edgeout consists of two separately molded units – a sleeping cabin and a kitchen at the back. The sleeping cabin is a triple layer shell made from a layer of Polymer Composite, then a foam-insulated Polymer Composite, and the inside is lined with acoustic panels made from recycled material.

The eye-catching design drew a ton of interest – not just because of the unique body design, but also because of the well-designed kitchen with its neon lighting!

For more pictures and to enquire about Edgeout CLICK HERE

ELXV – ELITE LUXURY OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

What would a Caravan Show be without a brand new manufacturer on the show floor? The event is known, after all, as the launchpad for the outdoor industry in South Africa. This year’s new entrant to cause a big stir is ELXV, which stands for Elite Luxury Off-road Vehicles. CaravanSA spoke to Hugo Botha, the owner of ELXV, to get the full story…

Hugo says: “Our concept started when I wanted to buy my own caravan. I went to a well-known SA manufacturer and found something I liked – it has a nice bathroom, but I thought how much time do I spend in the bathroom? “It has a nice bed, but I don’t need to walk around a bed. “Most of the rest of the caravan was great, it was basically my dream vehicle… but then I started asking for some changes; for instance, I didn’t need it to have sleeping space for four people. So I asked if they could move some things, but they said ‘no’.

“So I went home and started drawing what I want, something that nobody is building. “Two weeks or so later, Covid hit. Because we own a restaurant, we were closed and sitting at home, so I began researching. “Two months later, I bought myself a chassis and started building a caravan, and that was the first ‘Spoor’.

“When lockdown ended I was busy at the restaurant again, so for a few months, things stood still. “When I started on the project again, a friend told me he has a camper that when he comes back from Botswana he is going to sell it, and then I have to build him a van. “So I stared up again and for 18 months I was talking to experts, like the guys making my chassis. I wanted an alumimium chassis because I wanted it light, and I wanted it strong.

“I also wanted strong suspension. In the end, I waited 16 months for our first system to come from Australia. Alko Enduro-X air suspension from Australia. We are the only guys in the country who are allowed to have it… I brought in 90. “After more research, I bought an Iveco to start building my friend’s unit, and then the caravans. “I wanted ultimate luxury for 2 people – everything you can think about, it has it, standard. We don’t have an extras list.

“The smallest caravan, the Spoor which is not offroad, even has a 2000W inverter, 100 Amp hour battery, solar panels, water tanks. I wanted luxury wherever you go, with a five-minute setup. Also, we have a two fridge policy – one inside, one outside. Everything is stainless steel, no wood. For the caravans, we use the best material available. There is lots of packing space, like even two drawers under the bed (600 x 750). The pop-up systems are imported from Australia (that’s why it was not available for the show). We also import our own windows. All caravans have queen-size beds, with Fusion radio speakers, Truma aircon, hot water, double glazed windows, automatic steps, electric awnings… it’s get-up-and-go. And everything electronic is controlled from the phone via Bluetooth. This is the best that money can buy.”

Hugo says that ELXV is aiming to build 10 caravans per month. They have already put in this order for chassis, and they have the suspension. They have also pre-booked Iveco’s for the motorhomes, so Hugo says they can almost guarantee units to customers: “We can build the box, and when we get the chassis it’s ready in three days.”

ELXV currently have three
> U-Go Expedition Vehicle (motorhome) – available in three models
> Ghari Off-Road Caravan – available in two models
> Spoor Semi-Overlander Caravan

For more pictures and to enquire about Edgeout CLICK HERE

LEEFEK

Wondering who Leefek is? Leefek is the new name behind Jurgens, Sprite, Gypsey and Safari caravans and trailers. After Jurgens Ci and Jurgens Campworld were liquidated, Leefek Managing Director Tian Muller and his Leefek team stepped in to acquire the brands and the right to manufacture them.

Tian says: “The first thing we did after acquiring the brands from the old company, was to have extensive design meetings to see how we can improve the products and give the public what they want. We are making all our products better, of higher quality, and ensuring they are long lasting.”

On the show floor for Leefek were, among others, the new Penta and Exclusive Purple Editions, the new Sprite Tourer SX Enduro, and the upgraded Gypsey Impi. Exclusive and Penta Purple Edition
The naming of the Exclusive and Penta as “Purple” edition, comes from the fact that the caravans have been upgraded with equipment and movers from the Purple SA company.

As opposed to the previous GS edition, the Exclusive Purple Edition now comes with a lot more standard accessories such as movers, roof-mounted air conditioner, auto stabiliser, inverter, 100 two 100A batteries, and 318L fridge. The Purple edition also gets a nice tech upgrade, with touchscreen control system (the software developed by Leefek specifically for the caravans), split air conditioner, lithium-ion batteries, bedroom control panel, USB points, and mood light system.

Underneath, the big upgrade to the Purple Edition is that the caravan now comes with Alko Enduro Independent Tandem Suspension. Ina Dreyer from Leefek tells CaravanSA: “With this latest Exclusive we’ve also gone back to thinking of the caravan as a family unit, so we have an extra bed in the back, and instead of a separate bathroom is has a full wet room. The kitchen is still on the outside, where we know the South African family likes to live when they go camping.”

The Penta Purple Edition is basically the same as the Exclusive, just smaller (single-axle, pop-top, without wet room). It gets all the upgrades of the Purple range, plus an auto-lift roof. Both models come with full modular tents.

Tourer SX Enduro
“Think of the Tourer as a Sprite Splash on steroids,” says Ina.

The new SX Enduro model is now the biggest in the Tourer range and comes with a reinforced chassis on Enduro independent coil spring suspension.

Gypsey Lite Impi
The little caravan has been a very popular model since launching a few years back. And it was no different at the Caravan Show 2022. The Impi model has had its roof upgraded to a full pop-top.

For more pictures and to enquire about Leefek CLICK HERE

MOBI LODGE

One of South Africa’s biggest caravan success stories, Mobi Lodge, was back at the Caravan Show 2022 to impress the crowds. In the past couple of years, Mobi Lodge has moved away from having various “models” like the Expedition, Deluxe and Ultimate, and is now only available in the form of the Mobi Lodge Continental. The Continental comes with all the quality and features you have become used to from Mobi Lodge, and of course, there are still a variety of customisation packages available.

Originally launched in 2020, the Continental introduced a new open floor plan to the Mobi Lodge. What catches the eye outside is the panoramic window above the outside kitchen (which also has a new layout with microwave), and the new washing station. The interior kitchen cabinet with dining table extends the full width of the panoramic window, and the eye-level fridge (tested in the Australian Outback) is a very popular feature.

The luxury bathroom cabinet has a basin, swivel faucet and height-adjustable shower head. Back outside, crank awnings are now above the kitchen and slide room, and an upgraded suspension has been installed.

For more pictures and to enquire about Mobi Lodge CLICK HERE

MOTORHOME-WORLD

South Africa’s leading motorhome manufacturer showed had their popular Discoverer models on the show floor. And if you thought these motorhomes could not get any better, think again, because their vehicles now come with airconditioners from the renowned German brand Truma.

The air conditioning systems are installed on the roof of the motorhome or caravan, instead of a skylight, and the air distributor inside the vehicle is especially flat so as not to cause any obstruction. If you already own a motorhome or caravan, don’t worry, Truma units can be fitted as an aftermarket installation.

For more pictures and to enquire about Motorhome-World CLICK HERE

NAYELA

Since its launch in 2019, it seems the only way is up for Nayela and their Okapi off-road caravan. Niel Marais tells CaravanSA the past three years have been a massive success (they currently have orders booked up for five months in advance), and it’s only getting better…

Niel says: “While our core concept of the Okapi has stayed the same, we’ve made quite a few upgrades to the caravan. “The biggest change is that we are now manufacturing our own chassis through Van Zyl Staal.

“We have also done a serious upgrade to the Nayela’s power system, including a bigger battery, touch screen control panel, Victron chargers, etc. There have also been a few cosmetic changes like more slideout cupboards in the kitchen, which have been well received. Customers have some more options for extras, such as a choice between a Maclaren or Dometic aircon, or to have an insta awning, which is proving popular for the guys who are just parking somewhere for a day before moving on. f course, we still have the rally and full tent option.”

For more pictures and to enquire about Nayela CLICK HERE

OKTO CARAVANS

Going from strength to strength, Okto Caravans have launched another incredible model, the Okto Castello. The Castello is a slightly smaller version of the top-of-the-range double axle Chateau, coming in just under 7m long. The new model (single axle) is fitted with bigger wheels to accommodate the deteriorating road conditions in South Africa.

The Castello comes with a queen-size double bed and a full bathroom in the back. Also on the floor at the Caravan Show 2022, was Okto’s new variants of some of their other models. Caravanners can now choose between four models of the Villa, the very first Okto caravan.

The Villa Gravellor upgrades the suspension of the original model to allow it to travel gravel roads, while the Villa En-Suite upgrades the original model with a full bathroom in the back. And if you want it all, then the Villa En-Suite Gravellor is the caravan for you!

For more pictures and to enquire about Okto CLICK HERE

OUTBOUND CAMPER

It’s been a busy two years for Outbound Campers, who had some new models at the Caravan Show 2022. Following the success of the original Outbound Thunder, the manufacturer has now expanded their range with the imported Hurricane and locally-produced Breeze, Blizzard, and Cyclone. While the Hurricane is the big brother of the Thunder, the other three new models can all be towed with a B license!

The two-sleeper Breeze (the latest addition to Outbound Campers) has a Tare of just 350kg. The galvanized chassis is supported by 15” wheels and a leaf spring fixed axle. The Breeze camper comes with a pop-up rooftop tent from Ripstop polyester, with the sleeping that cabin has Vynabreeze screening for ventilation. Access to the load bay is from the back, and the camper has a mounted slide-out to allow easy access to all items.

The executive kitchen slides out from the righthand side and includes a three-drawer cabinet and top mounted two plate gas stove, with space for a fridge/freezer (optional). The latest model to be released is the Blizzard, a compact four-sleeper gravel roader. The Blizzard has a double fold-out tent, with one double bed over the nose, and at the back a four-seater dinette that can convert into a second bed.

The Blizzard will come standard with a full awning. The Cyclone is a B-license gravel-road caravan. Entrance to the Cyclone is from the back (via an extra-wide door), and inside is a dinette area that can be converted into a bed. The exterior kitchen on a slide-out has a 2 plate gas stove with wind shield, three drawers, and space for a fridge.

For more pictures and to enquire about Outbound Campers CLICK HERE

STEALTH

Stealth Caravans launched their new Overlander at the Caravan Show 2022. The offroad caravan has full 4×4 capabilities, can sleep four, and has a wet bathroom inside. The Overlander comes ready to go anywhere (galvanised steel chassis rated 2500 kg, on a 2-ton axle), with standard accessories including a Bundu-Awn awning, 120L water tank (upgradable to 240), gas geyser, two-plate gas stove, full lithium battery power system (100 Amp) and flexible solar panel.

The Overlander has a Tare of 1250 kg, with a GVM of 1800 kg. Entrance to the Overlander is behind the passenger-side wheel; on the left is a fold-down hatch kitchen area, as well as a slide-out for the fridge. Your washing station is fitted at the back of the caravan. Inside the caravan has a double bed in the front, and a bathroom (wet room with shower) at the back in the righthand corner; on the left (at the entrance door) is packing space.

Also on show was the 2022 Stealth Bush Lodge, and the X-Country 592 ES (the ES stand for En-Suite, so you have a bathroom inside the caravan).

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SWIFT

Loftus Caravans are importing another model of the luxurious Swift caravans, the Grande Adventure. The Grande Adventure uses Swift’s Austalian specification chassis (raised heavy-duty Alko) and axle, which is ideally suited for South African road conditions. For additional safety and stability, it is shod with 15-inch alloy wheels and has ATC (automatic traction control).

Inside you have all the luxuries you could wish for – from a bid sitting room in the front (can convert to a bed), to a kitchen area with fridge/freezer, stove and oven, double island bed in the back (in a separate room), as well as full bathroom.

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