Experience suggests a circa 18ft van with a full-width rear ensuite, independent suspension, solar, 190L of fresh water, and even a BMPro Genius battery management system would normally cost about $ 55,000, if not 60 large. But as it turned out, that’ s not entirely true. I arrived at the Campbellfield, Vic, headquarters of Tango Caravans to find a van that appears to outstrip many of its competitors in the value-formoney stakes.

The van we hitched up was the Tango Escape 18ft 8in, which has an asking price of $ 49,990. Strictly speaking, our van was actually 18ft 6in; however, future models will be 2in longer in the body so as to allow for a slightly larger bathroom. Stepping inside reveals a light, pleasant interior, with the bedroom in the front, bathroom across the back and everything else in between. Is it a well thought out interior? I think so. Between the bed’ s overhead lockers and the bed itself runs a mirror, adding to the sense of internal living space. Naturally, there are wardrobes either side of the bed, as well as cupboards at the foot of the bed – the offside cupboard contains the Brakesafe unit. All locker doors, in the bedroom and throughout the van, I’ ll point out, lift on gas struts and piano hinges – they certainly seem sturdy. The kitchen is equipped with a four-burner cooktop, griller and oven, and a reasonable amount of storage space. In the forward overhead locker you’ ll find a 12V point, 240V point and antenna for the TV – a mounting bracket is fitted to the outside of the cabinet where the telly can be viewed from the bed. I’ ve never said this before but I think my favourite feature of the kitchen is the benchtop and colour-matched splashback.

There’ s something almost beachy about it. Opposite, the dinette has the the same colour scheme and, sensibly, the hot water service is under the forward dinette seat – these are cumbersome units so it’ s better, I believe, to mount them where they won’ t take up useable storage space. The dinette is good and comfortable, with a reading light for each lounge and some storage space above, though one overhead locker is filled with the BMPro Genius battery management system, the 30A regulator for the roof-mounted 150W solar panel, HWS and water pump switches, and the water level indicator. With all controls and switches centralised, the splashback and walls of the van are uncluttered. As I alluded to, the bathroom in this van is a little on the narrow side. Thankfully, Tango is aware of the issue and this model is being extended by 2in so as to give some more elbow room.

10 gorv. com. au