RV REVIEW
The CRV range from Crusader Caravans is among the most interesting new caravan line-ups in Australia at the moment . Comprised of three individual vans , it offers something for all types of touring – provided that touring is done by couples only . These aren ’ t family vans ; rather , they ’ re compact , lightweight rigs built to sit behind a wide range of tow vehicles .
As detailed last issue , the Esperance is the ‘ entry-level ’ CRV made for blacktop touring and holiday park stays .
The Gladiator is built on the same platform as the Esperance ; however , Crusader has upspecced the model to turn it into an offroad getaway machine . The Hurricane is the top-end CRV .
OUTSIDE THE GLADIATOR
During our review , I had to negotiate various gravel roads , some medium-sized undulations and one badly scalloped section of track .
In low range , I crawled through , expecting the Gladiator to bottom out or at least thump and scrape . The CRV Gladiator is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch as standard , and even though the van doesn ’ t have a rear cutaway , the short rear overhang kept the back from smashing the ground as I descended and climbed out of the ruts .
The Gladiator is built on a 6in Intelligent Engineering chassis with 6in drawbar , fitted with independent coil suspension , 16in wheels and 12in brakes .
/ 07