Stories

RV & Motorhome Lifestyle - Unplugged

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo Da Vinci

With an emphasis on design and functionality the Base Jumper not only bridges the generational gap between 20-something's travelling in a Kombi and active 'Red Wing' clubbers living in something more substantial, it puts the cool back into campervans.

This is no ordinary RV or Overland Camping Vehicles (OCV) -as manufacturers Roadcraft, like to call them. For starters the panel work is adorned with now you see it, now you don't topographical map, offering a subtle but personalised preference of the drivers favourite destinations.

Inside the Base Jumper conjures sleek apartment-like luxury, yet it's rugged enough to get off the bitumen and stay unplugged for days at a time.

According to head honcho John Managh, "Modern architecture is where we take our inspiration." Minimal intrusions and efficient use of space, include a flip up floor cabinet for 12V vacuum, a step-up lounge area provides for bed slats, table and pole storage plus extra room for all the toys in the beneath seat compartments.

A compact wardrobe sits among the slimline cupboards including six smaller overhead units in the lounge area. Everything below the waist is a drawer and in the kitchen the efficiency extends through the crockery and utensil pullouts where inventive wood cut outs create secure stacking systems devised for ease of use and maximum use of space. The fridge is positioned ergonomically correct around thigh height off the floor.

The long life energy system features a 600w 12V inverter and two 220A/H 6V batteries, which along with the diesel heater are integral components of the all-season free camp build. The diesel heater vents into the bathroom transforming it into a drying room and every OCV also comes with snow-chains. In summer the optional solar panel system, will power up almost indefinitely, without having to turn the wheels.

There are two 4.5 litre gas bottles under the sink: one for the four-hob gas cooker and grill (with internal access to the valves) and the other for the barbeque niftily stored in an inbuilt slot beneath the rear window seat.

The well-dressed wraparound lounge, with wall mounted DVD, I-pod and TV offers chic quarters. The back doors slide open around both sides of the vehicle for an unobstructed view and gaping access to the storage areas below. The indoor-outdoor flow continues with the extra-wide sliding side door supplying access beyond the electronic step, across the galley counter.

The Popala Pine finish and thermo flex lining provide visual and physical warmth. Privacy curtains Velcro across the windscreen if using the cab's swivel seats plus there is an inner curtain behind the seats for zoning off the cab.

The bathroom features a Thetford swivel seat toilet, a combination of a Cobra slide-rail shower and on demand hot water system.

The Base Jumper rides on the car-like drive of a Fiat Ducato 2.3 litre diesel turbo and all come with self-containment certification.

Currently there are two sizes; the S2 is configured for two people who are comfortable sleeping next to one another in a Queen size bed. The slightly longer Base Jumper L2T (6.3m) allows for optional sleeping configurations including two singles, double or king size. A four berth Base Jumper is the pipeline.

The Roadcraft philospophy encourages collaborative-custom fit outs. "We need to understand the customers unique requirements before we start pushing ideas to them," says Roadcraft Marketing Leader Gray Borrell. They have built for mountain bikers Kashi Leuchs and Marcus Roy who top a growing list of multi-sport athletes, coast to coasters and outrigger rowers.

Signing up for a Base Jumper may not guarantee you a positive attitude but it's safe to say it was conceived with pioneering zeal by a team whose key words, adventure, outdoors and pushing boundaries not only describe their playtime passions, they are brand imperatives.

Words/photos - Jason Burgess