Cub Campers H16: Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension
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Time to read 4 min
Sitting in the middle ground between camper trailers and caravans, hybrids are becoming increasingly popular among Aussie adventurers. The first Australia's Best Hybrids presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension was held in November last year, and there were 10 fantastic hybrids all vying for the ultimate title. But the first event had a bit of a twist, with two hybrids named Equal Overall Winners. Here's one of the two champions: the Cub Campers H16.
But before we begin, some ground work is required:
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 reviews, head to the Caravan World website.
CUB CAMPERS H16
The H16 was judged the Equal Overall Winner of Australia’s Best Hybrids 2024 and took home the Best Build Quality and Best Couples Hybrid awards.
Build quality
The H16 is a simplified and more affordable pop-top version of the popular C16 — Cub’s first foray into full-sized caravans which debuted in late 2022, winning awards for its engineering and design and, quite frankly, blowing people away with its simplicity, style and quality. Where they differ is the H16 has a pop-top and hybrid designation, while still sharing the same unquestionable Cub quality in manufacture and choice of fittings and appliances.
The chassis is DuraGal steel from BlueScope and coated with Hammertone for the ultimate protection and longevity. There’s an ARK XO750 jockey wheel to support the A-frame and Cub’s take on independent suspension to soak up bumps.
The H16 is timber-free with composite panels used for the walls, ceiling and floor, all made in Australia and designed to handle our extreme temperature changes. The canvas is Wax Converters, locally made and good quality.
Liveability
Inside, there’s a comfortable king bed, two lounges, split table and while the pop-top design does limit the internal storage, there’s the traditional under-bed drawer and more options available externally.
The ensuite is a neat compromise of space and functionality with a shower and compost toilet (great for off-grid travel), and there’s an extra shower outside.
The internal kitchen is both gorgeous and practical with Rimex embossed stainless-steel benchtops that are a standout for their ease of cleaning and durability. It has a decent array of drawers and cupboards, stainless-steel sink and 110L compressor fridge. The oversized windows are great and have block-out blinds for privacy.
The external kitchen has easy glide rollers and looks solid and durable and is very ergonomic. It has an EvaKool fridge (optional), sink, Dometic three-burner hob, drawers and an extending benchtop.
Self-sufficiency
The standard H16 comes with 100L freshwater, 100L greywater, a 150Ah lithium battery, two 180W REDARC solar panels and two 4kg gas bottles. Heating and hot water is via the Webasto EVO5. That’s enough to enable a couple to stay off-grid for a few days, but the water will soon run out as 100L is not a lot.
The Off-Grid Pack ($4900) extends the freshwater capacity by another 100L (you can upgrade another 100L taking the total to 300L), gives you an extra 150Ah lithium battery and two additional 180W solar panels coupled with a 40Ah charger.
For another $6k or so, the Techno Pack offers a REDARC RedVision Total Vehicle Management System (TVMS), 3000W inverter and reverse camera. The manual step, Webasto air-con, smart TV, NCE washing machine and Nature’s Head compost toilet are all available as separate options.
Towability
With a tare of just 1976kg, the LandCruiser 200 Series pulled it effortlessly, aided by its narrow width (2.23m/7ft 2in), a travel height of just 2.515m (8ft 3in) without the optional rooftop air-conditioner, independent suspension and 12in electric brakes. The extended drawbar also enhances its towing and reversing capabilities. The H16 is light enough to be towed by an average 4WD dual cab ute or mid-size SUV such as an Isuzu MU-X.
Value for money
The base model of the H16 is priced at $89,990 and is fine if you prefer caravan parks or limited off-grid camping. The options which were fitted to our review van — the Off-Grid Pack and the Techno Pack — bump the price up to $110,615 but will take you anywhere in the Aussie outback in absolute comfort, which is what Cub designs and builds its vans to do.
For more information, head to the Cub Campers website.
And to read the full review by the Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension judges, head here .
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