An Australian family has created what has to be the most luxurious – and most unusual – camper van concept. Costing $1.3 million (AU$2m), the custom converted camper combines a haulage truck with what can only be described as an ‘apartment on wheels’.
The bespoke concept was commissioned from Australian company, SLRV Expedition Vehicles, and it took them thirteen months to complete. When the unnamed Australian family approached Warwick Boswerger of SLRV Expedition Vehicles he was understandably surprised by their demands. The family of six children and two adults quite simply wanted to create the ultimate ‘apartment on wheels’ complete with every ‘mod con’ which would enable them to travel not just throughout Australia, but anywhere in the world, and still enjoy all the luxuries of home.
“They want to get into places that caravans and the like can’t take them,” stated Warwick Boswerger. “The customer wanted a large vehicle with all the comforts of home – but it had to be fully self sufficient.”
The family wanted to ensure that they could cope adequately wherever they went, even if it involved camping in very remote surroundings in Australia or elsewhere. Their specifications were extremely detailed. They wanted six beds for the children, with adjacent TV’s, a master bedroom for the parents and a guest bed for use when needed. Living quarters had to be sufficient with a large living & dining area, a bathroom with a fully functioning shower, separate toilet, a large table plus adequate storage
According to SLRV Expedition Vehicles, the result of that specification was “one of the biggest builds on the planet” and was “one of the most technically advanced ever undertaken, with a ground breaking electrical system to boot.”
The chosen vehicle was a SLRV Commander 8X8 2 story, 20 ton expedition vehicle with overall dimensions of 12m long x 2.49m wide x 4.2m high. It was deemed perfect for the project since it was available in both single and double storey configurations as well as providing the opportunity for customization. According to an SLRV associate, “[The camper] provides the ultimate spacial solution for families, commercial applications or those looking for the ultimate luxury vehicle with all the comforts of a house or unit. The MAN TGS vehicle base has 4 locked diffs and is almost unstoppable.”
Two story, 20 ton converted expedition RV from SLRV. [Photo/SLRV Expedition Vehicles]
The truck is diesel powered. Additional facilities include a 360º portable luggage winch, spotlights, winchbar and a complete recovery kit. To help driving and reversing, the front camera has a live feed into the rear TV. All the windows are double glazed while the hatches incorporate a rain sensing facility.
Inside the interior is sleek and contemporary in design, with storage units fitted in discreet places such as under the beds. The living quarters are sectioned off to provide the feel of a normal house or apartment. Each bed lifts up to allow access to the space underneath. Fully sprung leather furniture has been installed in the dining/living area providing yet more storage underneath.
Careful attention to design ensures that there is no sense of being cramped, even when up to 10 people are present.
Within the huge galley kitchen area, every mod control can be found. A front-loading washing machine ensures that there are no problems with the laundry. There are solid surface bench tops and modern cabinets installed throughout the vehicle.
When it comes to cooking, no expense has been spared to ensure the all members of the large family are kept well fed. There is an electric induction cook top, an additional portable version, two fridge freezers, and two convection ovens complete with microwave facilities. When required, there is a separate kitchen facility for use outside providing a BBQ station, sink and a portable induction cook top.
The parents occupy the main bedroom at the rear of the unit, while the children have a long room containing 6 single beds upstairs. Incorporating a guest bed did pose a challenge for Warwick Boswerger and his team. They eventually came up with an electric lift-up double bed which could be lowered to cover the area inside the dining/living room.
For entertainment, the family wanted to ensure they would have no problems staying in connect with friends and family as well as having every entertainment option available. As a result, a satellite internet system complete with digital receivers was installed, plus Smart TV’s and sound systems.
“The build did present quite a few challenges. The electrical system had to be specifically designed to power the three air conditioning units, 2 convection ovens, 2 induction cook tops, 4 TV’s and various other appliances that the family required. It was one thing providing that power, but it was another to recharge it on the go,” commented Warwick Boswerger.
“As well as having a large diesel generator and a huge solar system, we sourced some new technology – a 9.5 kava alternator that charges the house batteries from the truck. This was the first of its kind ever to be fitted to an RV worldwide. The entire system worked out rather incredible. We also had to develop our own lifting system for the roof – actuators and control system. Commonly available systems could not lift with the accuracy nor to the height required.”
Although certainly the most expensive project, it is not the first of its kind that Warwick Boswerger and his team have undertaken. The company is a family business encompassing trades including building, engineering, boiler making and industrial design, and are avid travelers and campers.
Demand for such monster truck conversions is growing simply because they provide a durable, high quality vehicle capable to tackling any terrain. You can go off road with impunity and not worry about breaking down as long as the vehicle is well maintained.
He comments, “Plenty of people take these overseas. You can roll on and off a boat, and then lock up the whole thing so that your valuables are safe and protected. Hand your truck over on the wharf then fly over to meet your truck on the next continent. Or you could spend months just traveling around Australia.”