Complete Campsite Exodus 18: Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension
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Time to read 4 min
Not quite a camper or a caravan, hybrids are becoming a favourite among Aussie adventurers. The inaugural Australia's Best Hybrids event was held late last year, with 10 fantastic hybrids in attendance and two Equal Overall Winners. Here's one of the two hybrids that took home the big prize: the Exodus 18 by Complete Campsite.
But before we begin, we need to set the scene:
With more Aussies hitting the road with their camper or caravan in tow, it’s no surprise that the market is expanding and hybrids — the link between these two kinds of RVs — are becoming increasingly popular. These units tend to be smaller than a van but with some of the same luxuries thrown in, plus the versatility and offroad ability of a camper trailer.
To showcase these unique and different models, we held the first-ever Australia’s Best Hybrids presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension in Merimbula, NSW, late last year.
There is no complete definition of what makes a hybrid, but five typical factors were nominated for this competition. These are: size (compact length, width and height), weight (under 2500kg), a general focus on external living (external kitchen and fridge), construction method (lack of canvas walls) and a design focused on offroad driving (single axle and offroad suspension).
Over six days we put 10 hybrids from some of Australia’s most innovative manufacturers to the test, and the outcome was impressive. John Ford, Malcolm Street, Tim van Duyl and Allison Watt were our panel of experts, and they are all veteran judges of the COTY event (and CTOTY in Tim’s case), as well as experienced caravanners and outdoor adventurers.
To give you a taster, we’ve compacted the full reviews into bite-sized morsels. But if you want to check out the full review of the Complete Campsite Exodus 18, head here.
COMPLETE CAMPSITE EXODUS 18
Complete Campsite wowed the judges with the Exodus 18. It was judged the Equal Overall Winner of Australia’s Best Hybrids 2024 and took out the awards for Best Innovation and Best Family Hybrid.
Build quality
Much of the build process of the Exodus 18 has roots in composite yacht hull construction. Like a yacht hull, the Exodus is a single-piece, hand-laid moulded body (an upside-down boat if you like) to which a single-piece roof is attached. The roof hinges from the forward edge of the body to provide additional height inside.
The hybrid is built in NSW using Australian steel and local composites and all components are high quality. The stainless-steel work in the kitchen is beautifully completed, and the setup is effortless. The attention to detail can also be seen with the electric step, electric roof actuator and Seitz windows. The internal cabinetry is also composite, and the moulding quality is superb.
The suspension is Cruisemaster’s top-of-the-line airbag setup with disc brakes, and it worked a treat on our test drive.
Liveability
Inside, there is a queen north–south bed and bunks (there are other internal configuration options for sleeping up to six people). The marine carpet on the ceiling and walls gives the hybrid interior a nautical look but feels cosy. The main bed has all the usual accessories, and there’s plenty of windows for natural light.
There is a lounge seat and the bunks opposite fold down to become extra seating if required. The rear internal kitchen has a sink, drawers and an optioned-on 30L Isotherm drawer fridge/freezer that is the perfect size for cans and can be reached from the main entry door. The innovative touches never end in the Exodus — the laminate on the kitchen bench is self-healing — if it gets scratched, it will, miraculously, revert to its former pristine condition.
The ensuite has a Nature’s Head compost toilet that is on a raised platform, away from the wetness of the shower base. Hot water and heating are via the 2.4kW Webasto EV05 diesel unit.
The external kitchen is a slide-out stainless-steel setup that pivots to sit parallel with the van. There’s a slide-out EvaKool 95L fridge/freezer, built-in pantry shelves and slide-out full-width drawers with a stainless-steel benchtop. It also has a sink, Thetford three-burner (two gas, one induction) stove and additional folding bench space. The massive 5.2m (17ft) manual awning covers the external kitchen and living areas nicely.
Self-sufficiency
The Exodus 18 had a payload of 780kg, leaving plenty of weight capacity for the 220L freshwater tank and anything else you might need. Impressively, there were four lithium LiFeP04 120Ah batteries, 950W of solar panel capacity to maintain it and an inverter/charger rated at 3000W/100A. All up, the system is capable of running all the devices (including the air-con) you need when off-grid. The compost toilet is great for extended off-grid stays, and reliance on gas is minimal as it is only used for the cooktop.
Towability
The Exodus 18 was low, light and long with disc brakes and Cruisemaster suspension. Even with what is now seen as an older Isuzu MU-X, the tow test was a cakewalk and the 2800kg ATM means you’ll have plenty of choices of tow vehicles.
Value for money
With an as seen price of $170k, the Exodus was the most expensive of our ABH entrants. The cost includes extras like the Cruisemaster ATX level three airbag suspension, disc brakes, internal compost toilet, inverter upgrade and more in a $28k package. The fitout and attention to detail are high quality and it’s easy to see why Complete Campsite vans are so envied.
For more information head to the Complete Campsite website.
And to read the full review by the Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension judges, head here.
THE NEXT STEP
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