Fantasy Caravan FD-15A: Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension

Next up in our series of bite-sized articles showcasing the 10 hybrids entered into the first-ever Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension event is the Fantasy Caravan FD-15A.

The Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 event was created to be the middle ground between our Camper Trailer of the Year event and our sister-brand Caravan World's Caravan of the Year competition. Hybrids are a growing sector in the market and are becoming an increasingly popular option. There were a number of factors that answered the 'what makes a hybrid' question, including compact length, a focus on external living, offroad focus and more. To find out more about the event and the complete definition of a hybrid, check out this article.

The Fantasy FD-15A offers some improvements on previous iterations, but we discovered its point of difference is allowing customers to use their imaginations by offering unlimited design options.

Build quality

This couples van was another Chinese import and is constructed on a steel frame which contributes to the surprisingly heavy weight (3000kg ATM) on such a small hybrid, although an aluminium frame is an option. The chassis is fully welded galvanised steel, the walls are aluminium composite, the roof aluminium and floor plywood, and independent suspension on Pedders shock absorbers keeps the ride smooth.

All electrical, gas and plumbing work is completed in Australia to meet local compliance standards and Fantasy fits quality Aussie brands.

What sets Fantasy apart is the almost unlimited design options available. Fantasy staff said customers could change the layout, customise floorplans, move or replace bunks and select their favourite colours and graphics.

Liveability

The FD-15A is a pop-top with a fold-out king bed at the rear, lounge and kitchen in the middle and an internal toilet/shower/vanity combination corner bathroom and internal storage up front. There’s an exterior shower with built-in tent and plenty of storage inside and out with separate slides for gas bottles and a barbecue and a firewood box. It’s all very user-friendly.

Setting up the FD-15A is almost child’s play. Probably the fiddliest item is setting the rear bed end, and while the pop-top roof isn’t electrically operated in this model, it will be in future models.

Good weather cooking is sorted with the slide-out external kitchen and slide-out fridge. There’s a pantry built into the hybrid wall and the stainless-steel bench includes a hinged set of racks. A second kitchen inside with a two-burner hob and sink means catering can happen whatever the weather.

Self-sufficiency

Standard, the FD-15A comes with four 100W solar panels, 270Ah lithium and an OEM 2000W inverter. The model we saw had some upgrades adding 50 per cent more solar and a third battery for totals of 600W and 405Ah respectively, plus an upgrade to a 2000W Projecta inverter. All up you should never see the depths of the battery unless you hammered the Gree 2.5kW air-con.

All of the power is monitored and controlled by a Projecta PM300 Intelli-RV system, a really good bit of kit that includes an easy-to-understand LCD and Bluetooth connectivity to an also easy-to-use phone app.

Heating water and cooking uses gas-fed from twin 9kg bottles which are found on really neat slides.

The limiting factor for off-grid stays are the water and loo capacities. With 200L of fresh water a couple should see around five to 10 days. The standard cassette toilet is likely good for a few days, tops, so a trip to the nearest dump point is a reality.

Towability

The 15ft 3in Fantasy is relatively hefty for its size at 2430kg empty. You can legally add a 570kg payload for an ATM at 3000kg meaning you will need a higher class of tow vehicle like most of the twin-cab ute style 4WDs that are common in our market. Fantasy chose a Chev 2500, and it’s fair to say it had no trouble towing the little FD-15A over our course.

For a more affordable and car park friendly option, this hybrid will suit those mainstays like the Isuzu D-MAX perfectly, and there are plenty of other rear leaf sprung vehicles that won’t break the bank.

Value for money

As reviewed, the FD-15A is priced at $62,090. The package includes a number of brands familiar to Aussie RV owners, with items such as the Cruisemaster DO35 hitch, ARK XO 750 jockey wheel, SKF bearings and Pedders shock absorbers, and much more.

There were several options fitted to our review FD-15A. These included an extra 135Ah lithium LiFePO4 battery (two are standard) and an extra 200W solar panel (400W total is standard). There was also a Fusion radio upgrade, Dometic dust reduction system, diesel heater and a 95L fridge/freezer unit.

For more information head to the Fantasy Caravan website.

And to read the full review of the Fantasy FD-15A by the Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Suspension judges, head here.

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