“ GIVEN ITS WEIGHT, THE MALIBU IS A SUITABLE PROSPECT
FOR MANY MID-SIZE 3000KG-PLUS CAPABLE 4WDS ”
A reversing camera has also been fitted, and I
should point out that although our review van
didn’t have the spare wheel fitted to the rear arm,
one is included.
A fold-down picnic table and entry step, a couple
of speakers, a 12V point and a roll-out awning
complete the external setup.
INSIDE THE MALIBU
Inside is where the Malibu Family Adventurer really
shines. As its name suggests, it is a bunk van. These
are positioned in a separate kids’ bedroom in the
rear, opposite the nearside corner bathroom.
I liked that Malibu Caravans included a 12V Sirocco
fan for each bunk as well as dual 12V powerpoints
and 240V points. This seems like a common sense
and fairly inexpensive inclusion on behalf of the
manufacturer; however, it’s surprising how many
family vans overlook these 21st century essentials.
8 \
Between the bunks and bathroom, Malibu has
fitted a full-height cupboard with a front-loader
washing machine hidden at the bottom.
The bathroom, meanwhile, gets a cassette toilet, a
vanity with large mirror, and a moulded-fibreglass
shower in a separate stall with separate door.
The amidships kitchen comes complete with a
Dometic three-way fridge, a microwave, a four-
burner cooktop with griller and oven, some pantry
storage, as well as overhead lockers. Bench space
is somewhat limited but with the hinged bench
section over the cooktop closed, there’s enough
room to chop the veggies.
(The catch of one kitchen draw didn’t work
properly during our review, resulting in the draw
opening when the van was under tow, but this
would probably only require an adjustment.)