A Van with Bite
“Just Brilliant” is the motto of Victorian caravan builder JB. Now in only their 6th year of production they have grown into a strong company with a purpose -built factory in Campbellfield, Victoria and a network of other outlets in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
In many ways they are a traditional Australian caravan builder. Starting with a robust chassis, the body is built on a meranti frame, clad with raised profile aluminium and fitted out with appropriate furniture.
However, JB differ from most by keeping as much of the build process in house to ensure strict quality control, going as far as constructing their own chassis from 3.2mm Australian made Supagal steel. They source their appliances and fittings from reputable suppliers and build it on one of the best Australian made suspension systems available.
Designs are commissioned for each client in house on CAD software, so they are able to tailor much of the design to individual needs and customers are encouraged to see their build at various stages along the production line.
There are five models across their range, including Dreamline and Milano touring versions, but it is with their off roaders that JB is gaining more popularity. The Scorpion is their top of the range adventure model and it is available in five sizes between 19’ and 22’6”.
Our test van is their latest version designed for a travelling family with no compromises in comfort because, at 22’6,” it includes bunks for the children, an island queen bed and an ensuite as well as a comprehensive galley and comfortable diner.
At first sight of the Scorpion Family van you have to be impressed. It’s big bold and brash, riding high on its off road suspension and with a wild looking scorpion across the back. Deep black checkerplate panels low down are contrasted against brilliant white sides and entry, while up front is the biggest blackest toolbox imaginable on the A-frame.
Any van with serious off road intentions needs serious underpinnings so the Scorpion’s 6” main and A-frames and a 2” raiser are a good start. A 450mm extension to the A-frame adds space for the giant toolbox and a pole carrier and aids balance on the road. Add in a 3.7 tonne independent suspension with shock absorbers, 16” alloy wheels shod with 265×75 Cooper ST tyres, heavy duty 12” brakes and a high articulation DO-35 hitch and you have the basis of a van capable of getting into some out of the way places.
A full-width stone guard protects that monster toolbox which has separate compartments for a 2kva generator, twin 9kg gas bottles and a BBQ.
The spare and two jerry can holders are firmly located on a four arm bumper bar at the back and I noticed recovery points if the van ever needs to be dragged out of trouble.
Three fresh water tanks with a total of 225L are slung under the van and there’s also a 95L grey water tank to enable stays in those National Parks and wayside stops where they are required.
Power off the grid is also important in this style van so three 150w solar panels charge two 120ah batteries through a 30amp Redarc battery management system. An extra worthwhile addition is a 2000w Projecta inverter that is connected to all the 240v outlets throughout the van with the exception of the air conditioner. That means you can run appliances including your 240v toaster from the battery system.
Finishing off the outside features are a picnic table, an entertainment hatch, front and rear work lights, hot and cold shower and a black Aussie Traveller awning.
Because the van has such high ground clearance it’s a fair step up through the security door and once inside there’s an interior just as impressive as the outside. Lots of windows give an airy open feeling and the Dometic Premium windows have better than normal blockouts and runners.
Families will like the design which gives parents and children separate sections, but leaves a central living space for them to all come together over meals.
A mix of light and dark brown furniture and joinery plays off the white walls and ceiling, while modern CNC-cut flush fitting cupboard doors and drawers have a pleasant contemporary appeal.
The ensuite and bunkroom run lengthways at the rear, and my feeling is the younger generation of electronic game players will be hard to pry out of their space. A Wi-Fi modem is standard so keeping in touch with friends should be easy.
Triple bunks on the passenger side have a ladder for access to the top bunk and each bed has its own window and drop-down DVD player. The idea of having three bunks is a good, even for less than three children in the family. Friends could be invited along and any of the unused bunks will be great for storage.
While the bathroom is compact, it’s roomy enough and has a full sized shower, Thetford ceramic toilet, designer sink and cupboards so all you miss is a bit of vanity space.
Cooks will appreciate a full gas/electric oven with grill and burners and a stainless steel sink with draining board while a cover over the stove can be closed for extra preparation room. Alongside the diner on the other side is a family-friendly 218L Waeco compressor fridge that is very energy efficient and big enough to feed growing youngsters.
The U-shaped leather lounge is a luxury addition and I especially liked the Scorpion logo embossed into the headrests. 12v and 240v power points here will charge electronic items and there are storage drawers below the lounge as well as a long row of cupboards above.
Either side of the queen bed are panoramic windows with roman blinds for a more elegant touch. There are the usual bedside tables and cupboards but done with a high quality finish and attention to detail.
There’s no getting away from the fact the 22’6” Scorpion is a big van. Weighing in at 2900kg empty it has a 600kg payload in its 3500 ATM. It will, however, stretch the towing capacity of most vehicles when fully loaded with all your gear, a generator and full water tanks so care needs to be taken. Some of the better twin cab utes will do the job and my 100 series Landcruiser pulled it easily. It felt well balanced and stable on the highway and through the maze of roundabouts getting out of town.
The drive away price from Melbourne is $92,500. Not cheap, but this is a well-built van with quality inclusions everywhere. Nothing has been compromised in putting it together, so it’s ideal for a family thinking of hitting the road for a year or so.
Specifications
Manufacturer: JB CARAVANS
Model: Scorpion 22’6” Family Van
Overall length: 9.29m
External body length: 6.85m
Width: 2.4m
Travel height: 3.15m
Tare weight: 2900kg
Gross weight: 3500kg
Ball weight: 210kg
Price as reviewed: $92,500
Find Out More
JB CARAVANS
311 Hume Hwy, Craigieburn Vic 3064
Ph. 03 8339 7233
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