Our cup runneth over

The annual caravan show at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand is an institution and the highlight on the industry’s calendar, as you get to see all the latest models under one roof.

In addition to existing ranges, more than 20 new models were on display. Two new manufacturers also made their debut.

Here’s a look at the very latest in the caravan market.

OUTBOUND CAMPERS

Outbound is a new manufacturer entering the market with a solid offering: there are three off-road camping trailers – Thunder, Breeze, and Blizzard – and two off-road caravans – Cyclone and Hurricane. The range is available at Kempton Caravans.

Initially, only the Thunder was imported from Australia, but these days all the caravans except the Thunder and Hurricane are manufactured locally. The Thunder has a metal hull, while the rest are made of aluminium – and all have a galvanised chassis.

The lid of the Thunder and Blizzard opens over the A-frame to form the bed – with a tent unfolding over the top. The living area is, therefore, in the body where you get in.

With its 750 kg GVM, the Blizzard is aimed at campers with a normal driving licence, so it’s slightly more modest in terms of comfort than the Thunder. The Blizzard has a basic kitchen with drawers and a gas stove. The Thunder is longer, with a sliding frame on either side of the door: on one side is a fridge/freezer and drawers, and on the other the sink and gas stove. The Thunder’s GVM is 1 750 kg.

Both the Blizzard and Cyclone are prototypes, but unlike the Blizzard with its canvas tent, the Cyclone has fixed panels and a roof that lifts at the tail end. It’s a road caravan built for gravel roads, plus it’s also light enough to tow with your regular driving licence. Furthermore, it’s equipped with brakes, which means you have an even greater choice of light vehicles with which you