Kokoda - Platoon X- Trail caravan

Kokoda = steep and slippery,
Platoon = more than just a couple.

I too think the names are a tad optimistic as it probably doesn't extend to that sort of concept.
However it may be a good thing, I haven't searched to find just yet, but interested to find out.

Many brands which have a "solid" reputation also have troubles as seen/reported many times on this forum.
A new offering may have it all under control.

Ross M

Just had a look and found it wasn't something Kokoda oriented at all but a 19'6' monster which weighs 2.3t tare and has a Cruze master suspension, The most important thing apart from being a big caravan is the suspension.
Unfortunately, "cruze master" doesn't mean anything to me as they don't mention what type of suspension it really is.
Pictures of the suspension or at least more info would be nice. They all have tables, beds, toilets etc etc etc.and look nice inside.
It isn't usually what the inside contains which people have concerns with or what gives trouble and lets them down when travelling.

Ross M

Thanks for the info. They are built in melbourne and I have looked into the suspension and it is a ripper. Neil, I agree that you need to watch where you take you gear. This will be our first van and our last because it has all that we could ask for. What vehicle are you towing your van with ?

Hi,

We are towing with a Ford Ranger PX 3.2 litre diesel with the 6-speed auto. Per the car handbook, we tow with the auto in "sports" mode, which locks out 6th gear. The auto seems to change down to 4th at what I think is an appropriate change in gradient/load etc. We have replaced the standard Ford towbar with a Hayman Reese unit, as it is not possible to use weight distribution bars with the Ford towbar (absolutely ridiculous Mr Ford!!!).

Our last van was a Jayco Outback 17.55.3, towed with a NS diesel auto Pajero. Driving to the conditions, we have taken this rig through Broken Hill - Tibooburra - Innaminka - up the Arrabury Road to Birdsville - then down the Birdsville Track without any damage to the car or van. We have also been up to the Red Centre, and numerous shorter trips (to parts of Qld, NSW and Victoria) with that rig.

However, the Kokoda X-Trail with the Cruisemaster suspension is already demonstrably a much better caravan to tow. We have just returned from a "shakedown" trip to Lightning Ridge - including a trip out to the opal fields around Grawin/Glengarry, and everything was very stable. We weren't happy with the Hyland Hitch (standard fitment to the X-Trails), and almost immediately replaced it with a McHitch unit. These hitches are now standard on the Kedron caravans, and even after this one trip (to Lightning Ridge) we can understand why Kedron are now using the McHitch hitch.

We have some longer trips planned for the near future, and at this stage, we feel confident that the car and van will be "up for the challenge".