Manufacturer New Age Caravans is no stranger to building beaut Aussie-made products that are backed by a country-wide dealership network, and they recently unveiled their new range of off-road-ready Expedition models for 2024.
Designed off the base of their top-shelf Walkinshaw-developed chassis and fully engineered to comply with ADR 62, the Manta Ray Adventurer and Road Owl ranges are being launched with the Expedition variants being added to the already impressive line-up.
“In 2024, we are very aware and understanding of the fact that customers need more flexibility with what we offer, on both ends of the range,” says Chris Polites, New Age’s Managing Director.
“We’ve always had a very strong, extremely capable off-road offering, but the Expedition upgrades and increased warranty, combined with the New Age service network around Australia mean this is a fantastic caravan for those who prefer to take the less used path. It’s more capable than most on the market, and at a great price point in comparison to others. It ticks all the boxes really.”
What’s upgraded for the New Age Expedition caravan range
While both the New Age Road Owl and Manta Ray caravan models are not what you’d call underequipped, the Expedition range is much more oriented towards those folks who want to extend their trips well beyond the bitumen.
The standard XT suspension, twin 100Ah AGM batteries, 200W of solar and recessed cooktop are given the additional treatment of lithium batteries upgrade, a second 200W panel (bringing the total to 400W), bolted furniture, a one-piece honeycomb floor for increased strength and durability, flat-profile windows and some updated decals that easily add 100hp over stock (allegedly).
There’s also higher suspension, underbody protection, a drawbar-mounted stone guard, filament sprayed wheel arches and, perhaps most importantly, an updated and increased warranty for off-road use.
Given the 19ft Road Owl Bunk Ensuite Expedition still rings in at under the magic $100K mark, the value is right up there too.
The Expedition range at a glance
As mentioned, the Expedition variants (at the time of writing) are only for the Manta Ray and Road Owl models, but that doesn’t mean there are only two of them. Both vans come in a bunch of lengths and configurations that cater to everyone from solo wanderers, adventure couples and rambling family units looking to explore the paths less travelled all over the country.
- MY24 16 Ft Manta Ray Ensuite Expedition – the shortest full-height Manta Ray model that’s not short on options like reverse-cycle AC.
- MY24 18 Ft Manta Ray Ensuite Rear Door Expedition – For those who like to travel in style, the 18ft Manta Ray offers plenty of comfort.
- MY24 19 Ft Manta Ray Ensuite Rear Door Expedition – The longest Manta Ray is chockers with comfort. A full kitchen, stand-up shower and just about every mod-con under the sun.
- MY24 16 Ft Manta Ray Ensuite Pop Top Expedition – Featuring a newly designed domed composite roof, queen bed and ensuite bathroom, there’s a lot packed into 16 short feet.
- MY24 19 Ft Road Owl Bunk Ensuite Expedition – Triple bunks and better equipped than my first apartment, this family off-road van belongs on your short-list.
- MY24 21 Ft Road Owl Bunk Ensuite Expedition – Want to take the fam out bush but hate roughing it? Go camping like a Rothschild in the big boy model Road Owl.
- MY24 18 Ft Road Owl Bunk Ensuite Pop Top Expedition – Travelling with kids but don’t want a massive van? This is your huckleberry.
To explore the full range of vans and campers from New Age, and find out what’s included and pricing, jump on over to their website at www.newagecaravans.com.au.