Kimberley Karavan Future Classic: Review

Written by: Michael Browning

Published on February 25, 2015

Time to read 2 min

The Future Classic ships with a ceramic diesel cooktop, a separate slide-out exterior two-burner kitchen with griller and stainless steel sink, a 133L remote hi-speed compressor fridge/freezer and an instantaneous diesel hot water system. Other environmentally-friendly features include the intelligent 40A charger and the 220W super-thin roof-mounted solar power system, an electric-flush toilet and the Kwik Awning that doesn’t require poles. And yes, the Classic still has electronic disc brakes that come as standard.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Apart from the decals and standard 15in steel wheels (there’s a $925 wheel and tyre allowance to “up-spec” or supply your own) it’s hard to pick the Future Classic from other Kimberley Karavans.

Like most campers, Karavan owners enjoy cooking outside, so the Future Classic offers a two-burner gas stove with griller and an adjacent stainless steel sink and prep areas for this purpose. A stainless steel barbecue is optional.

But if you’re on long transport, it’s hissing down outside or you can’t be bothered, the diesel-powered ceramic cooktop, similarly-sized sink and unexpectedly-large prep space inside does the same job, providing you’re happy to wait for the cooktop to heat water for your pasta.

INTERIOR

The sleeping quarters are generous, measuring 2100x1600mm, and the remarkably spacious and useable interior layout looks larger than its 4950x1870x2100mm dimensions.

The angled, three-position tabletop that slides out from under the bed is another signature Karavan feature. Pull it out when dining or working on your laptop; slide it away to stretch out on the asymmetrical three-seater (or occasional four-seater) dinette. Durable-looking Rhinosuede upholstery (made in-house at Kimberley) is standard in the Future Classic, but leather, in almost any colour you can imagine, is an option.

EXTERIOR

The large, 300L capacity multibox on the A-frame can swallow a 2kVa generator, if required, and is flanked by holders for two, 20L jerry cans and the diesel fuel tank on one side, and twin 4kg gas bottles on the other. Both sides are well-protected against stones by shields and deep mudflaps, while the box uses a stone-resistant cladding. A large wood-tray above the multibox carries plenty of ammunition for a nightly campfire.

With its impressive solar and battery power, combined 190L of fresh water storage and a standard 600W inverter, the Future Classic is well-equipped for extended stays in national parks and remote areas, too.

THE WRAP UP

With a shift towards readily available rather than high-tech gadgetry, we believe the Future Classic will deservedly expand the market for Kimberley’s Karavan as it enters its tenth year in production, attracting buyers who are seeking greater comfort in a similar-sized footprint to a canvas-roofed camper.