AL-KO Best Aussie Vans 2018 – Sub $65K Category

The JB Marlin family bunk van will appeal to first caravan buyers…but you only get what you pay for. This on-roader presents as structurally solid; ready and able to hit the bitumen. Key features in this department are the fibreglass walls, one-piece roof, in-house SupaGal chassis and independent suspension.

The Marlin doesn’t pretend to be a tough offroad mulga muncher; instead, it runs the very capable AL-KO Enduro Touring Independent Trailing Arm Suspension that’s aimed at touring caravans and camper trailers on bitumen and graded dirt roads. However, on the remote camping front, the Marlin has but one 120Ah battery fitted and only pre-wiring for solar panels. So if going off-grid, you’d need something like an Anderson plug to the tow vehicle.

Meanwhile, its rear bunk and bathroom arrangement are a little bit compressed when compared to a north-south bunk/bathroom layout but it’s an interesting way of achieving a slightly shorter van without too much compromise in the overall layout. JB is gone with the ‘less is more’ approach and designed an entry-level family van which would allow any young family to foray into vanning as cheaply as possible.

But it’s lacking some fixtures and fittings that have become essential in the modern caravan market – even at this price range. Another area of concern is its towability. There were some harrowing moments in transit as its low ball weight contributed to more ‘swing’ than Tommy Dorsey!

“I can see access to the beds being pretty difficult, due to the position of the rear bathroom. But, again, kudos to JB for getting a full bathroom into this family tourer!”

– Laura Gray (BAV Judge)

“Inside, all the cabinetry is cut using a CNC machine and all the doors, which are all piano hinged, are designed using lightweight materials and easy-to-use catches.”

– Malcolm Street (BAV Judge)

“The chassis is traditional, but very solid and, to be honest, I reckon the Marlin would sometimes lead where many so-called offroad experts would fear to tread.”

– John Willis (BAV Judge)

“It’s not strong on self-sufficiency, but this won’t be an issue if you’re pretty well resigned to being a part of the caravan-park set.”

– Peter Quilty (BAV Judge)

CALMING SEA BREEZE

To compete in lower price categories is asking for trouble. This might be where the most buyers are but it is also where the most vans for sale are and, typically, buyers with the tightest budgets. However, it would be nigh impossible to find a van for less than $60K that matches the Sea Breeze Sport in terms of out-of-the-box styling and structural integrity. It’s a blooming marvel!

Indeed, it exemplifies Marvel’s mantra: “Make a practical caravan and make it look good, and at a price that’s achievable for our customers.”

The Marvel Sea Breeze could almost be called a hybrid camper. It has genuine offroad construction and abilities while still retaining all comforts of a modern caravan – including an ensuite! The van looks tough as teak armoured in 3mm-thick aluminium composite, with a robust offroad chassis and sturdy offroad suspension to boot. The laminated steel chassis is a 6in A-frame, 4-in chassis and 4in chassis riser configuration.

Riding on 16in alloy wheels and AL-KO Enduro Outback suspension, the Sea Breeze has a very good ground clearance. AL-KO’s suspension is certainly well equipped for the offroad lifestyle with coil springs, trailing arms and twin shock absorbers.

And it’s an ideal size, whether you intend towing with a large family vehicle, mid-range or large 4WD. The Sea Breeze Sport also boasts a chic interior layout, best described in a couple of words – ‘fashion and function’. Inside you’ll find the de-rigueur layout that the majority of vans feature – front island bed, cafe-style dinette, full-width rear bathroom. And it’s impressive that so much has been squeezed into this little van, but it isn’t without its compromises. The dinette is a little cramped, and the bed’s unsuitable for taller folk.

“The quality of finish is gobsmacking including ‘everything symmetrical’ satin-finish cabinetry (hardwood ply and ply veneer), and no MDF or chipboard.”

– Peter Quilty (BAV Judge)

“It will be a trustworthy companion on any hard road, but then an entertaining friend when it comes to play-time!”

– John Willis (BAV Judge)

“It’s well equipped for a relatively small van and has a weight that is well suited for a variety of tow vehicles, including utes.”

– Malcolm Street (BAV Judge)

“It has the battery, water and solar capacity of a much larger, more expensive van.”

– Laura Gray (BAV Judge)

MEET THE AUTHOR

Tim van Duyl

Coming from marine publishing Tim now oversees Caravan World and Trade-a-Boat for the Adventures Group as their Senior Editor. With experience garnered from travelling the breadth and width of his home country New Zealand in all manner of ways, his mission is to see all Australia has to offer. Having already sampled Cape York, Murray-Sunset National Park, Wilsons Promontory and the bulk of Victoria’s West, he has plans to add to the small parts of WA and NT already seen. When not on the road you can find Tim passing time at lakes around Australia or in the high country camping with his close friends and family with the Murrindindi a popular spot.