Caravan review: Evernew’s E900 ATX

And with popularity growing for Cruisemaster’s ATX All Terrain coil spring independent suspension system, it seemed an obvious base for Evernew’s new model range addition — the full offroad segment represents approximately 90 per cent of Evernew’s production.

Quite simply, having already incorporated Cruisemaster’s ATX airbag system on its popular RTX40 and RTX35 models, Evernew was keen to offer the coil spring version in a dedicated package.

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Enter Evernew’s E900/E1000 ATX range, offered in van lengths from 5.49m (18ft) to 7.01m (23ft) and including bunk models. In essence, the all-new E900 ATX (All Terrain) is an expansion of its current RT (Rugged Terrain) range of vans, and the model I tested was an E900 ATX 5.85m (19ft 2in) version.

If aesthetic appeal is your cup of tea, the E900’s ‘armour’ — a combination of silver ribbed aluminium (sides) and flat composite panel (front and rear), with lower checkerplate protection — is striking. It’s a visual impact, with a bold, but traditional presence, abundant ground clearance, clean lines and new decal colour.

But it’s the van’s rock-solid underpinnings that press my buttons.

Already, much has been spoken about Cruisemaster’s premium All Terrain ATX coil suspension, including long travel, 46mm Piggyback monotube dampers, rebound cable, 63mm stub axles, King Spring coils together with locking camber and toe-in adjustment.

But this model’s running gear extends to Evernew’s strengthened heavy-duty custom G&S chassis.

Evernew has worked closely with its chassis manufacturing partner of over 40 years to design and produce a specialised chassis that will withstand the most ‘rigorous torture’ Australia’s Outback roads have to offer.

The ATX Chassis incorporates full 150 x 50mm main chassis rails, 150 x 50mm drawbar with stiffening gusset underneath and 100 x 50mm extension back to suspension. A 50mm suspension riser is also fitted to offer greater ground clearance and departure angle. Underbody protection has also been increased to offer additional security for more vulnerable components.

Evernew has endeavoured to incorporate as many safety and security features as practically possible, including Dexter DSC stability control, a gas detector, smoke detector and a rear-view camera.

Additional high-level stop/tail/indicator lamps have been fitted at the rear for better on-road visibility as well as allowing other items to be fitted to the rear bumper bar.

I’m also taken with the electrical setup, which will take you off-grid for days on end. As a base, Evernew offers the E900 ATX with a 120Ah AGM battery, while charging is provided by a 160W roof-mounted solar panel and an Enerdrive 40A AC charger. As with all Evernew caravans, battery systems can be expanded or upgraded to suit customers' specific requirements. Increasingly popular are Enerdrive’s B-Tec Lithium-Ion battery solutions as well as its Pro Series systems.

Evernew has also included twin 95L water tanks and grey water catchment is also catered for with a 95L grey water tank complete with bypass valve. All internal drains have either an S-trap or Hepvo valves fitted.

The E900 ATX’s external storage is impressive and so important on an offroad caravan. Evernew has incorporated several storage solutions, with a large full-width tunnel boot at the front, generator and chair locker at the rear and a mesh infill inside the drawbar. Optional storage solutions include front or rear-mounted toolboxes, wood carriers, etc.

“Internally, the E900 ATX is highlighted by a contemporary living zone, pragmatism in the kitchen, a lavish bedroom and a voguish bathroom”

This model has a pleasingly lightweight 2460kg tare and a 3490kg ATM, meaning you can play with a massive 1030kg to take away all your off-grid essentials. It also tracked as smooth as silk behind a Nissan Navara Warrior.

Internally, the E900 ATX is highlighted by a contemporary living zone, pragmatism in the kitchen, a lavish bedroom and a voguish bathroom.

The boudoir features an innerspring back care caravan-queen-size mattress (1.98m x 1.52m (6ft 5in x 5ft)) and mirrored robe doors, while the ensuite comprises a deluxe one-piece fiberglass shower module, china vanity basin with Flickmixer tap, cabinet with mirrored doors, Thetford C243 ceramic bowl cassette toilet, 2.5kg washing machine, two towel rails, toilet roll holder and a hand towel holder.

Luxurious internal appointments include high-quality fabric upholstery to the dinette, a trifold table, padded fabric bed head, full block-out curtains, genuine Laminex splashbacks to kitchen and ensuite, Laminex benchtops, map pockets and gloss acrylic cabinets.

Externally, there’s a Camec premium entry door with triple locking system and integrated internal blind, roll-out awning and fold-down picnic table. There’s a stone shield at the front and mud flaps, as you’d expect in a fully offroad RV.

Meanwhile, the appliances are high quality — Swift stove/grill, Dometic RUA6408X three-way fridge/freezer, premium Fusion marine audio system, microwave oven, 24in LED TV, Dometic Ibis 4 inverter reverse cycle air-conditioner, four seasons roof skylight and Dometic Seitz DLux double-glazed windows with integrated internal blinds and flyscreens.

However, a standout feature inside this model is the optional black tapware and sink package — valued at $1880 and worth every cent of its asking price!

As for warranty, Evernew offers the following: chassis, full five-year factory warranty; structural (van body, roof and wall structure and furniture carcasses), full five-year factory warranty; suspension (Cruisemaster), five-year limited warranty (three-year full/two-year limited); and appliances and other componentry, Evernew passes on full OEM warranty (12 months to three years dependent on component).

Although it doesn’t currently have an official warranty statement, Evernew promotes the warranty on its website, emails and publications.

“Quite simply, it ticks all the boxes for taking intrepid offroad caravanners off the beaten track”

THE BOTTOM LINE

Laced with Evernew’s early 1970s DNA, the E900 ATX is purpose-built to handle ‘all terrain’.

Quite simply, it ticks all the boxes for taking intrepid offroad caravanners off the beaten track!