But times , and construction techniques , have changed . On the Move Caravans now has a new owner , and some models are being constructed in China before being imported here . The Grenade , which has been wholly reimagined by the company ’ s owner , Robin Harris , is among the company ’ s imported vans .
I was invited to the launch of the new-look Grenade – a small gathering on a property in Eungella , NSW – in early July , where I was given the opportunity to get up close and personal with what is a very different rig to what I remember .
While there is still some stigma about Chinese-made caravans for the Australian market , as I poked around the Grenade , I wouldn ’ t have known it wasn ’ t locally made if I hadn ’ t been told . Sitting around the campfire , Robin told me about the effort that had gone into ensuring the overseas factory adhered to his build standards , and I do think the product is reflective of this . Without wanting to come off as naive , I could see that Robin is mindful of On the Move ’ s brand equity ; that is , he understands its enviable reputation is only as good as the vans he builds .
TRULY TIMBER-FREE
The Grenade is now a timber-free caravan . Fibreglass sandwich panels and a honeycomb flooring system are the order of the day . It was explained to me that each wall panel interlocks with the other , a bit like a jigsaw puzzle , while aluminium blocking is used behind the panels to take the screws .
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