GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #25 | Page 15

RV REVIEW INSIDE AVIDA'S OFFROAD CARAVAN! “ THE ROCK IS A MID Avida joined the offroad gang last year with the release of the Rock. The first model was a 20-footer that could be purchased with two or three bunks as well as a front east-west bed. With loads of storage, independent suspension, scrub bars and other features for hitting the rough, it seemed to have real potential. We didn’t have the opportunity to tow this van ourselves or test it in genuine offroad conditions, so we can’t comment on those aspects. But there’s nonetheless lots to look at…. LOOKING THE GOODS The Rock rides on a hot-dipped-galvanised chassis equipped with Cruisemaster XT suspension with Dexter brakes and 16in sports alloy wheels. The scrub rails no-doubt add to the ‘offroad’ ability of the Avida and the underside seemed quite well protected, too. TO HIGH-END VAN AND THIS IS REFLECTED IN THE PRICE. ” Like other Avidas, the Rock makes good use of fibreglass construction methods, with one-piece walls, a fibreglass composite one-piece floor, and even a one-piece front, rear and roof section. It does well in terms of external storage, too. There’s a checkerplate storage box on the extended A-frame, complete with a couple of jerry can holders. The nearside of the box has a slide-out for a portable fridge, while the offside has one for a generator (fridge and generator not included). The Rock is a mid to high-end van, and this is reflected in the price. As such, it is fitted with a lot of equipment, including an optional premium external Dometic kitchen. / 15