Victoria’s Olympic Caravans is poised to harpoon the semi-offroad genre with the all-new Javelin X8. It’s only early days, but already there’s confidence surrounding the Campbellfield manufacturer’s latest offering to this segment of the caravan market.
The Javelin boasts a trim athletic appearance courtesy of its sleek aerodynamic design and glistening white aluminium composite cladding. And it really has some bona fide weaponry for couples contemplating outdoors exploration.
It bursts out of the blocks with self-sufficient attributes such as a Swift al fresco kitchen slide-out, Dometic front-loading washing machine, exterior shower, and full rear ensuite.
And it runs on a sturdy 6in SupaGal Preston chassis (with 2in riser), Cruisemaster independent coil suspension, 12in electric brakes and 15in all-terrain tyres on orange alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, a triumvirate of 100Ah batteries, dual 120W solar panels, and a trio of water tanks (2x80L fresh; 1x95L grey) increase the van’s off-grid prowess.
In fact, CW recently tested a 6.56m (21ft 6in) Javelin X8, travelling around the north-east of Melbourne. It was relatively genteel terrain and didn’t throw a challenge to the rock-hard van that has a Tare weight of 2625kg and a generous 575kg payload.
FEATURES
The trailblazing Javelin X8 also wins the external race with a lockable front boot, entertainment hatch, awning with centre support cradle, drop-down picnic table, and a rear hatch – all complementing the pull-out barbecue and exterior shower.
And the A-frame is home to twin 9kg gas cylinders, a DO35 offroad coupling, AL-KO ESC, and a water tap with checkerplate shield. The only notable absence is a mesh stoneshield to screen the van’s front – albeit there’s some preservation provided by padded pebbleguard and a window protector.
There’s also checkerplate along the sides and at the rear, which also contains the exterior shower, a spare wheel on the three-arm bumper bar and a reversing camera.
The Javelin X8 hits the finish line hard with a trendy interior that comprises a full raft of mod cons and creature comforts.
KITCHEN
Caravanners with a culinary bent will be ecstatic with the dual kitchen configuration. Obviously you can whip up a feast in fresh air given the pull-out barbecue with sink, but if preparing a meal indoors is your whim then you’re catered for perfectly.
The galley, which stretches along the middle of the offside wall, boasts a recessed Swift four-burner cooktop/grill/oven, 12V Swift rangehood, Starlite stainless steel sink with drainer, flick mixer water filter tap, and an Akril full splashback. Adjacent is a two-tier pull-out pantry, and a slide-out drawer above.
I was particularly impressed with the amount of post-formed benchtop space, all adorned in an eye-catching ‘Motivi Arabescato’ laminate. And I relished the classy contrast between the Stylelite ‘Artic’ overhead cupboard doors and the Stylelite ‘Graphite’ lower doors. I also noticed that all slide-out drawers are on rollers.
The kitchen has bountiful storage, a continual theme throughout the van, and the overhead cupboards have dividers and shell-lock handles. However, one of the overhead cupboards is occupied by the ProStar solar charge controller and fuses. Nearby is a water tank gauge and switches for the HWS and water pump.
Directly opposite the entry door is a massive Waeco RPD-215 fridge/freezer, and a built-in NCE microwave that is set too high. Juggling hot potatoes is not my forte!
BEDROOM
A good night’s slumber is assured in the spiffy front bedroom thanks to a caravan-queen-size bed – 1.88m (6ft 2in) x 1.47m (4ft 10in) – with innerspring mattress and posturepedic slat base. The double-glazed wind-out Euro-style windows are a good size, if not panoramic, and you can pack away travel garments to your heart’s content courtesy of three overhead lockers, two robes and a full-height corner cupboard on the nearside.
There are also two reading lights, two double powerpoints and USB ports, and a TV on a swivel bracket sits on the offside along with another double powerpoint and 12V Sirocco fan.
Immediately to the left of entry is a snazzy living room complete with a cafe dinette bedecked in ‘San Diego’ black upholstery, with footrests and headrests for added comfort. It’s just the perfect setting for an adventuring couple to relax with perhaps some nectar of the gods and reflect on the day’s events – and the days, weeks and months to follow!
BATHROOM
The full rear ensuite, right of entry on the nearside, certainly gives off plenty of swagger and will appease any weary traveller intent on a freshen up after a hard day’s night – including a spacious, smooth fibreglass shower cubicle that has ‘long shower’ written all over it, even for the water-saving police. The shower also has a sliding rail set and a silver laminated glass door for privacy.
In fact, no stone has been left unturned in this bathroom which also includes a Dometic front-loading washing machine, Thetford ceramic bowl swivel toilet, and an up-to-the-minute vanity with ceramic handbasin and mirror.
And ‘gift-wrapping’ this nifty package are two towel rails on the sliding door, a toilet roll holder and enough cabinetry to hold all of your necessary linen and toiletries. There’s also a medium-sized skylight to the front of the ensuite.
As you enter the Javelin X8 via the Thule Tecno-Step, you’re assisted by a footwell and stainless steel grab rail
The van’s climatic control is handled by a rooftop-mounted Dometic Harrier air-conditioner, and in-house entertainment is provided by a Fusion 650 DVD/CD player.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Latin motto for the Olympic Games is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – English translation “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.
But if the Olympic Caravans team wanted to be bothered with a motto for the Javelin X8, surely the maxim would have to highlight “value for money, off-grid capability, creature comforts”.
Burning bright as the Olympic torch, the trendsetting Javelin X8 looks set to light up the ‘caravanning cauldron’. It really is a serious competitor in its category!
HITS AND MISSES
Pros...
- Al fresco kitchen
- Rear grey water tank
- Washing machine
- Ensuite with the lot
Cons...
- No stoneguard
- Microwave set too high
Weights and measures
- Overall length 8.5m (27ft 11in)
- External body length 6.56m (21ft 6in)
- External body width 2.34m (7ft 8in)
- Travel height 3m (9ft 10in)
- Internal height 1.96m (6ft 5in)
- Tare 2625kg
- ATM 3200kg
- Payload 575kg
- Ball weight 200kg
Price as shown
$75,990 (on-road, Vic)
The full feature appeared in Caravan World #568. Subscribe today for the latest caravan reviews and news every month!