Caravan World Review of the DROVER by Billabong Caravans

Words & Pics

Down

John Ford

BY THE

Billabong Billabong’s Drover series is their mid-range offroader, but this single axle model will take couples to most destinations without stretching the budget.

IN BRIEF

16ft length Full-width ensuite Plenty of storage capacity

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Billabong Grove 16 Drover Series

TESTED

AS SEEN IN

Caravan World

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F

rom an impressive range of dozens of layouts across six models, the Grove 16ft single axle van sits as a compact dirt-road capable tourer in Billabong’s Drover Series of mid-level offroaders.

There are so many variations across vans from 16 to 19ft and so many options available that the company has every right to call itself a custom builder.

Even in the 16ft versions, there are four different layouts with choices of full or combination ensuite, L-shaped or cafe lounge, central or rear door and options with bunks.

The van on review, with a central door, cafe lounge and full width ensuite at the back, is proving to be most popular with travelling couples. The layout makes the most of the small footprint and delivers a relatively lightweight model with superior manoeuvrability in the bush.

The benefits of a smaller van won't be lost on anyone travelling narrow tracks to out of the way destinations. But there's also the benefit of being able to tow it with medium size vehicles, as well as less fuel usage in comparison to some maxi offroaders.

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"With only sixteen feet of external body length, the Drover sat snuggly behind Billabong’s Mazda BT-50 tow vehicle."

ROBE

TOILET

WM

FRIDGE

QUEEN BED

SEAT ROBE

TABLE

SEAT SHOWER

Billabong Grove 16 Drover Series

TESTED

MEASURING

UP

THE BUILDER

After hitting troubled times eighteen months ago from the flow-on effect when their major Queensland dealer went belly-up, the company is under new ownership, but with the original management team intact and determined to continue the brand’s popularity. New owners, Claire and Andrew Lednar team with the original owner, Forch Salce, and crew of half a dozen workers at the Campbellfield factory, and while production numbers are down, the full range of vans is still on offer.

Construction is along the traditional lines of a Meranti frame with raised profile stucco-finish aluminium cladding on a sturdy steel chassis. A glossy composite exterior is an option, but it carries a 60kg weight penalty and might show dints more. Forch likes the flexibility and light weight of the timber frame and to his way of thinking it's an ideal construction method for offroad vans, and assured me only top-quality sealers are used to ensure weatherproofing. Still, like all vans, the integrity of joins needs checking at recommended service intervals.

PROS Heavy-duty suspension for rough road travel Very well priced Thoughtful layout with bed placement and ensuite in a compact van

CONS FROM MAIN It's a solid, dirt-road capable tourer; Relaxing in the sun

The small size limits storage space

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One of the downsides of a smaller van is the lack of storage, so the large toolbox on the A-frame will be a big help.

THE EXTERIOR

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The electronics are neatly presented; A large toolbox and two gas bottle sit up front; The size will make getting to places that much easier; Simplicity trailing arm suspension handles the bumps

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With only 16 feet of internal body length, the Drover sat snuggly behind Billabong’s Mazda BT-50 tow vehicle. Tare is 2140kg, which is pretty hefty for the size of the van and reflects the sturdy underpinnings and a raft of features packed onboard. The single axles are rated to 2600kg, so adding in a ball weight of 200kg delivers an ATM of 2800kg and a very respectable payload of 640kg.

The G & S chassis is built from SupaGal with a 6in RHS in both the A-frame and main rails.

Rough road travel is handled by a Simplicity trailing arm suspension with single shock absorber each side and the van towed well over rough ground and dirt roads during the review.

Brakes are 12in electrically operated drums while wheels are smart looking 16in black and gold alloys with 265/70 all-terrain tyres.

At Caravan World, we like to have a good look around under the vans as it can sometimes show weaknesses in attention to detail and quality control. I liked what I saw under the Drover, with wiring well protected with conduit — including right up to the brake drums — and plumbing was high, out of harm's way.

Two 95L water tanks are suitably shrouded with metal covers and, although there was no grey water tank fitted, it’s an option that owners should select if they plan on staying in town RV parks or national parks.

One downside of a smaller van is the lack of storage, so the large toolbox on the A-frame will be a big help. One side has a slide for a generator, and the other is an open canvas.

The connection to the tow vehicle is through the relatively new AL-KO version of the venerable but now discontinued Highland

Billabong Grove 16 Drover Series

Hitch. It offers plenty of side, and longitudinal movement needed offroad while retaining the simple 50mm ball coupling and visual reassurance that it's on correctly.

Two 8.5kg gas bottles, a tap with guard and a centre mount jockey wheel are all handily placed, and while the tray behind the toolbox is hard to reach, it's there to add storage for some firewood when you need it.

Having pointed out the need for storage, I'm of two minds about the electronics in the front boot. On one hand, they are beautifully presented, but on the other, they take up valuable space where camping paraphernalia usually ends up. Perhaps some sort of cover to protect them from being damaged by the jack rolling around when you throw it in at the last minute on top of mats and hoses would be good (or perhaps I am giving away too much of my lack of packing prowess).

You have to give credit though for the neat wiring to the BMPRO Genius 30-35 battery management, but if I were being picky, some grommets for the leads to the 31A solar charger would have completed a perfect installation. Twin 200W solar panels up top supply off-grid power to a pair of 120Ah AGM batteries living in a box on the chassis.

Along the passenger side, there’s more storage in a tunnel boot and a central picnic table with TV outlet, 12V and 240V points.

TESTED

BILLABONG GROVE 16

(DROVER SERIES)

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.2m (23ft) External body length 5.4m (17ft 8in) External body width 2.5m (8ft 2in) Travel height 3m (9ft 10in) Internal height 2m (6ft 6in) Tare 2140kg ATM 2800kg Payload 660kg Ball weight 200kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti timber Cladding Aluminium, Stucco Cladding Chassis 6in Boxed (G & S Chassis) Suspension 2600kg Simplicity offroad suspension (coil and shocker) Coupling AL-KO Hyland hitch Brakes 12in AL-KO brakes Wheels 16/265 tyres with Trooper gold rims Water 2 x 95L (Greywater optional) Battery 2 x 120Ah AGM Batteries Solar 2 x 200W Air conditioner Haughton Belaire 2400 Gas 2 x 8.5kg Sway control Optional Dexter sway control Kitchen Yes INTERNAL Cooking Swift mini grill Fridge Dometic RM4606 Auto select (Compressor 190 L optional) Microwave Dluxx 23L supplied by Swift Bathroom Ensuite Washing Machine Camec Wall mounted in ensuite Hot water Swift 28L with stainless steel tank PRICE AS SHOWN $58,000 drive away from the factory in Victoria. Interstate buyers are welcome but need to add freight and dealer costs depending on state.

MORE INFORMATION To enquire about this caravan phone 0434 862 015 Billabong Custom Caravans 51b Randor St, Campbellfield 3061 billabongcaravans.com

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RATINGS VALUE FOR MONEY "$58,000 for a well-equipped, full offroad van is great value."

TOWABILITY "Simplicity trailing arm independent suspension and sensible weight combine to make the van easy to tow for a wide range of vehicles."

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING "The compact size gets you into remote places without fuss and essential amenities make for a simple camping experience. " BUILD QUALITY "Well-built Meranti timber frame with good attention to detail in fit and finish."

LIVEABILITY "The layout makes the best use of space possible, but there’s no getting away from the fact it’s a small van."

CUSTOMER CARE "Five-year structural warranty and repair agents in most states. One year on appliances reverts to those suppliers. Dedicated warranty staff."

SELF-SUFFICIENCY "Wins with good solar and battery package. Grey water tank is an option but would be necessary for green credentials."

INNOVATION "Scores well for innovation by packing the north-south bed and an ensuite into a living space that works."

X-FACTOR "Looks the part and the high-riding van won’t be out of place in remote campsites."

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THE INTERIOR

A manual step takes you through a forwardopening security door to a living space that’s compact but with all the essentials for travelling. With some smart design, the Billabong team have managed to include a full-width ensuite and a north-south bed and still leave room to move at the cafe dinette and kitchen. The bed arrangement removes any conflict an east-west bed involves when sleeping and also gives easy access to overhead storage cupboards and bedside tables.

Unusual, though, is a single window to the side of the bed, which Forch explained was necessary because of the forward opening access door. Customers can order a window if they prefer and in any case, an overhead hatch and driver side and front windows stream ample light and allow a good flow of fresh air.

The hand-built joinery looks modern with a square finish and hidden catches in a mix of light and dark grey against white walls and ceiling. The kitchen includes a Swift 500 grill and cooktop, a stainless-steel sink with a small draining board, while further back is a 190L Dometic gas-electric fridge freezer with a microwave above. Naturally enough in a van this size, kitchen bench space is limited to just the draining board and stovetop.

Billabong Grove 16 Drover Series

TESTED

"The hand-built joinery looks modern with a square finish and hidden catches in a mix of light and dark grey against white walls and ceiling."

FROM ABOVE A smart design has seen great use of space; The north-south bed is surrounded by storage space

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LEFT TO RIGHT A practical layout for the ensuite is a definite plus; The cafe dinette features thickly padded lounges

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Billabong Grove 16 D r o v e r S e r i e s TESTED

"Those who like a small offroader that can get to more remote locations will be attracted to the rugged build"

Opposite the kitchen is a cafe dinette with a thickly padded lounge, folding table and a long window that could have been set a little lower to maximise the view. USB and power points are handily placed, and I liked the quick access to items in storage drawers under the seats.

Comparisons with the reviews shown elsewhere from our first issue back in 1970 highlight the many differences between a contemporary van and the crop from fifty years ago, but the main difference must be that today’s models almost exclusively include an ensuite.

The Drover’s full width ensuite may be lacking the depth of some more luxurious examples seen in more extended vans, but it lacks nothing in its practical layout. As well as a small vanity with a floating bowl and full-size shower cubical, you get a floor-to-

ceiling cupboard that adds significantly to storage. On the driver’s side is a Thetford toilet and a wall-mounted Camec washer.

THE DRIVE

A real standout of the Drover is its generous 660kg carrying capacity, supported by the capable Simplicity suspension. Even loaded with full water tanks and gas, there’s more than 460kg for recovery gear, generator, food and drinks, so cutting back on what you load will only be determined by storage space.

Although we didn’t get a chance to experience the van fully loaded, I have every confidence the suspension is up to the task and that, loaded sensibly, there should be no problem.

For our review, we had a mix of tarred and gravel rural roads as well as farm tracks and the Drover showed no nasty traits, following behind without lurching or undue sway.

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Billabong Grove 16

TESTED D r o v e r S e r i e s

Because maximum weight is 2800kg, tow vehicles like medium-size SUV's fit the mix as well as most twin cab utes.

SELF SUFFICIENCY

It wasn’t that long ago that I thought they were a joke, but even doomsday preppers will find enough carrying capacity to be happy.

Add in ample battery and solar to stream endless Netflix series and the Drover should get you off the grid for long stretches.

CUSTOMER CARE

Billabong has a 5-year structural warranty that applies to full offroad use, so they have a lot of faith in their product. Agents in most states handle urgent issues, but like most manufacturers, they rely on the network of appliance suppliers for electrical repairs.

The WRAP

The Drover comes standard with most features a travelling couple would need, but the company welcomes input from buyers

"Because maximum weight is 2800kg, tow vehicles like mediumsize SUV's fit the mix as well as most twin cab utes."

ABOVE Couple's eager to hit the road after lockdown lifts could do far worse than this compact offroader

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for any extras or changes. Those who like a smaller offroader that can get to more remote locations will be attracted to the rugged build and comfortable interior.

A recent price drop of nearly $10,000 to $58,000 puts this compact mid-range offroader into bargain territory. It’s sure to impress anyone looking for a sturdy and straightforward tourer to escape enforced isolation at home and find some voluntary solitude at your favourite hideaway when travel restrictions are lifted.

BILLABONG

CUSTOM CARAVANS Australian made, Australian owned and made for Australian families.

Let our team of expert Draftsmen and cabinet makers help you turn your dreams into reality and build your Caravan to meet your expectations. Billabong caravans are built in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Billabong caters to all needs, we have family vans, luxury ensuite caravans and custom made caravans. Personalised caravans are our specialty, choose your own colours and add whatever inclusions are on your wish list.

BILLABONG CUSTOM CARAVANS

3/1551 Sydney Road Campbellfield, VIC 3061 0434 862 015

billabongcaravans.com

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