Kedron XC-3 a lighter caravan

Kedron Caravans, known for manufacturing vans to suit latrge 4WDs, have produced a van suitable to be towed by mid-range 4WDs.

Company spokesman Glen Gall says the XC-3 Kedron caravan reflects "a growing request to complement our range".

"We have been known to be tough on the testing side of things with vans behind the 70 or 200 series, and pitched manufacturing over the years towards these tow-vehicles with a 3500kg capacity," he says.

"While we will still maintain production of the ATV and TopEnder for this market, there was a growing request for a van that would be suitable behind the likes of a Prado for around Australia travel with the ability to get off the road into the likes of National Parks and places of interest without the need to be going to the more extreme off-road.

"It was this, coupled with the continuing popularity of the mid-4WD market that made us decide to move into building something suitable for them."

The new XC-3 will be available with a shower and toilet in three varied body lengths: 5.4m  (Tare 2055kg ATM 2500kg); 6.4m (Tare 2250kg ATM 2800kg); and 7m (Tare 2450kg ATM 3000kg).

The caravan has a new hot-dipped galvanised chassis, interlocked aluminium frame, insulated roof and walls and trailing arm coil suspension with dual shock.

Furniture is made with a lighter timber but still v-nailed for strength with metal side ply-base draws and positive locking marine grade cupboard catches.

Prices start at $69,450 for the 5.4m airconditioned caravan with 135w Kyocera Solar Panel, 120a/hr AGM house battery with charger and roll-out awning. The 6.4m ($78,800) and 7m ($89,830) models have a separate shower and toilet.

"With the new model, we have redeveloped from the ground up with a focus on weight reduction whilst maintaining strength," he says.

"Over the past few months Dad (Barry), and brothers David and Peter have been developing a new model that will encompass a van that to suit long-distance touring, lowered in weight while still maintaining the strength to allow dirt road travel into sought after remote destinations."

The 5.4m van has a maximum loaded ATM of 2500kg but can be upgraded to 3000kg if the tow vehicle allows. It has been built specifically for the five-door Prado, and larger sizes in the XC3 range. At 2250kg it is compatible with most of the mid-range 4WDs available.

Gall says customers for the new van want to travel "with little limitations"

"But still maintaining comfort and features for remote stays and being more conscious of efficiency with regards to running costs," he says.

"I've been driving a Prado for the past two years, and while the 200 and 70s are stalwarts of the towing industry, the Prado just feels to be such a brilliant blend of both size and ability.