RV REVIEW
The drawbar also houses two 9kg gas
cylinders – personally, I’d fit a stoneguard
to protect the gas cylinders and no-doubt
that could be done for other customers.
Behind the gas cylinders was a fuel tank
for a diesel heater.
The front boot was quite large, and tucked
into the nearside corner was an onboard
air-compressor. This Avalon was running
Cruisemaster ATX Air suspension; however,
all other fittings, including the air-compressor,
were fitted by Halen Vans.
Behind the front boot was a right-through
storage system for annexe poles, fishing rods,
etc. There’s also a tunnel boot and a dedicated
nearside storage box for a Weber barbecue.
Electrically, our review Avalon left nothing
to chance. It had a 300Ah lithium battery
system charged by four 150W solar panels
– an excellent setup. Naturally, this system
could power your other 240V appliances,
whether it be a toaster or hair dryer, as
well as the onboard Truma Saphir
under- bunk air-conditioner.
Underneath, meanwhile, the
van had an 82L grey water tank
mounted rear of the axle and two
82L fresh water tanks forward of
the axle.
For an offroader, our Avalon
was not unduly heavy. In fact,
unladen, it only weighed 2049kg
– pretty reasonable, I reckon.
INSIDE AVALON
The layout comprised two forward single
beds, a nearside dinette, a kitchen opposite,
and a full-width rear bathroom.
The 12V nerve centre of the van – lithium
battery, 1600W/60A inverter, solar regulator
– was fitted beneath the nearside bed, while
the air-conditioner and instant hot water
system was beneath the offside bed. It’s all
presented in a very neat, tidy manner.
The wardrobe between both beds offered
a reasonable amount of storage. Each bed
gets a USB charging point and 240V
powerpoint, too. Had Halen Vans thought
of everything? It seemed so…
Now, the dinette was very much a two-person
setup. It’s effectively just a bench seat with a
table, and yes, another USB and 240V point.
Because our Avalon was a relatively compact
caravan, kitchen bench space was necessarily
on the small side, though the lids of the three-
burner Smev cooktop and the sink could be
used as needed. Yet more USB and 240V
points were fitted in the kitchen. In the single
overhead kitchen cabinet you’ll find the 12V
fuse panel and corresponding diagram.
The onboard bathroom contained an offside
cassette toilet, central vanity, and a one-piece
fibreglass shower cubicle on the nearside.
Considering the internal length of this van
was only 4.72m, I was rather impressed by
the bathroom. Sure, it’s small, but it was
perfectly functional.
gorv.com.au
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