Dream Drive’s KumaQ lands in Australia

You might be surprised to learn that becoming a manufacturer and exporter of campervans wasn’t in the original plan for Jared Campion, founder of Dream Drive Campervans. After moving from Queensland to Japan with his young family in 2008, he found his entrepreneurial calling when he quit his job to start a successful campervan manufacturing and hire business in 2018.

COVID-19 threw a very large spanner in the works by abruptly halting all of the company’s inbound hire customers. So Jared pivoted to just manufacturing and sales, and now that they’re permanently back living on Queensland soil, are proud to begin offering Dream Drive Campervans to the Australian market.

Each Dream Drive campervan is hand-built in Japan, where the base vehicles are manufactured and readily available. Their 800sqm factory in west Tokyo employs 30 craftspeople, including furniture-makers, parts installers and designers.

“Being in Japan, we have access to more model vehicles,” Jared told RVDaily, “and some of these are 4×4 models that aren’t sold here.”

“Dream Drive has mainly worked with Toyota in the past, but we’re planning on bringing a Nissan model here that currently isn’t available in Australia, and we also have a good relationship with Mitsubishi Fuso, having built their global marketing vehicle in Japan early last year.”

Although Dream Drive manufactures two main campervan designs, the larger KumaQ is the first available in Australia.

More about the Dream Drive KumaQ

With sleeping for up to four, the KumaQ is perfect for families, pet owners or singles/couples looking for a comfortable space. Jared told RVDaily that when he goes to RV shows, the RVs are nicely built but very practical looking. “We’re trying to build something that’s really nice to come back to at the end of the day”, Jared said, “but more compact and easy to drive around and travel with”.

Based on the reliable Toyota HiAce (super long wide body H200 series), Dream Drive’s KumaQ is available as a 2WD/4WD in a 2.7L Unleaded for 120kW max power and 245Nm max torque, and a 2WD/4WD in a 2.8L Turbo Diesel for 111kW max power and 300Nm max torque.

Both are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Exterior dimensions are 5,380mm (L) x 1,880mm (W) x 2,285mm (H).

Sleeping and seating

While both versions can sleep four, the unleaded model can seat five with three seats in the front. The second row of seats, which can be used for kids with two child anchor points, folds down into a bed.

The queen-size bed is higher and the seats fold down below it, so you can pack the bed away during the day and have a lot of space. It works just as well for two people as it does for a couple with two kids. 

Furniture and hardware

Handcrafted by Japanese craftsmen at Dream Drive’s Tokyo facilities, the furniture and hardware is made using top-quality wood and ply, free of harmful VOC and chemical adhesives.

The kitchen countertops are constructed using beautiful walnut, with quality hinges and hardware sourced from Japan and Europe. You’ll find a deep sink and tap in the kitchen as well as capacity for 19L of fresh water.

Paints and oils

Osmo brand paints and oils are used as they’re eco-friendly and non-toxic. Osmo products fulfil European standards and are safe for children and pets.

Standard inclusions in the Dream Drive KumaQ

All dream drive campervans come standard with the following:

• 1000W inverter and outlets (upgrades available)
• 100Ah Lithium battery (option to add a second battery)
• A/C charging outlets x 2
• Battery display monitor
• D/C charger
• Shore power charger
• High-quality water pump
• Quick-release shower hose (external)
• 3-way LED downlights/dimmable LED bar
• 28L fridge
• 19L freshwater tank
• Deep sink with tap
• Transforming rear seat
• Walnut countertop
• Adjustable table
• Modular bed kit
• Handcrafted furniture
• Quality hardware and hinges

Optional extras included a recommended package, a power plus package, an FF heater package, an awning, off-road tyres, half paint, additional water capacity and a second battery.

Pricing (base price delivered)

• 2WD HiAce Unleaded: Starting from $123,000
• 4×4 HiAce Unleaded: Starting from $127,000
• 2WD HiAce Diesel: Starting from $131,000
• 4×4 HiAce Diesel: Starting from $135,000

Where can I check out a Dream Drive Campervan in person?

Currently available in Geelong at Davey Motorgroup, Dream Drive campers can be delivered anywhere in Australia, and you’ll soon find them in dealers in both Perth and Queensland.

In the meantime, anyone interested in a Dream Drive Campervan outside of Victoria can contact owner Jared Campion directly to discuss options.

• Phone: 0432 182 892
• Email: jared@dreamdrive.life

Jared says that because the vehicles are made in Japan, any Australian customer who would like to explore Japan by motorhome could potentially pick their motorhome up in Japan and have a nice RV holiday there before having it shipped to Australia. 

What next for Dream Drive?

A new two-seater model designed for singles/couples is in the works for Australia. Keep an eye out for Dream Drive at the caravan and camping shows in Victoria this year.