TOUGH TESTED Highline Brumby

Highline Caravans’ mid-size Brumby was the first van to get a gallop over the two test tracks. After he did the driving for the time trial–the first of the two test exercises–our expert off-road driver Jamie Hazelden accompanied Highline Caravans’ Phillip Roberts over the second mega test track. Phillip didn’t have to do much sawing at the wheel of the big Chev to get the Brumby past the post successfully; on both courses the Brumby showed its competence over the bumps, turns, and burns off the test terrain.

Designed for empty nesters or honeymooners, the Brumby is set-up for remote area living. It offers a swathe of ‘marriage saver’ features–such as a decent-sized shower/toilet/laundry and well-equipped kitchen in a dirt-road rig.

True outdoorsman

It’s an impressive looking unit. Outside, the appearance is highlighted–and of course protected–by a full skirt of chequer-plate; there’s also a front protection package of mesh guard and mudflaps to help with grave and stone strike protection over outback roads. Look to the available options in the Highline brochure and there’s a good choice of colours available for the exterior and wheels, including bright and breezy yellow and red! The body is constructed from alloy composite body sides with a fibreglass roof.

As well as the traditional front storage box, there are a few handy exterior-access storage bins too, which is great idea for hand fishing tackle or a pet’s equipment.

The list of other outside niceties includes an exterior shower and slide-out BBQ because cooking outside is usually the ambition for many of us when in the great outdoors.

Trekker suspension

Inside, the queen-size bed is to the left of the forward door, with the toilet/shower across the rear of the van. Of course, the kitchen is in between and with a four-burner cooktop (three gas/one electric) and commodious 175-litre fridge, it will match the wants of just about anyone who doesn’t want to compromise too much home-grade hardware for life on tour. Highline offers a choice for the lounge/dining arrangement: either an L-shaped lounge or individuals. Essential behind-the-scenes plumbing hardware includes 190-litres water capacity, a filter/purifier and gas/electric hot water.

The Brumby is built on a dual-axle layout Duragal Roadrunner chassis riding high on Oz Trekker independent trailing arm suspension with the 265/75-16 tyres being an easily available size–an important consideration.

On the tracks

Highline caravanning enthusiast Phillip Roberts watched from the side-lines as Jamie Hazelden hit the Time Trial track with the Highline Brumby in tow: “Nice and steady, Nice and steady,” he observed.

Behind the wheel, Jamie seemed equally calm, giving it a real kick for a sweet time.

Next up, it was Phillip’s turn, never once did he break a sweat while moving through the Mega Test Track despite the water crossing, tight turns and wombat holes.

“He looks like he’s doing it easy,” piped Macca over the UHF.

Let’s see Phillip and Jamie in the Highline time below!

HOW IT PERFORMED                   PENALTIES              TIME 

TIME TRIAL                                                                          1:24

TEST TRACK                                   NA                              9:29

Highline Brumby

Dimensions

Full length       8700mm (approx)

Body length     19’6

Travel height   3.1m (approx)

Tare                2760kg (approx)

ATM                3500kg

Ball weight (empty)     220kg

Off-road

Body construction

Chassis           Road Runner

Suspension     Oz Trekker

Coupling          DO35

Brakes             Brake away system

Wheels/tyres   265/7/R16 MT

Stone protection         Rock Sliders

A-frame accessories   ESC, gas bottles, stoneguard, 8in jockey wheel

Comforts

Cooking           Full oven

External kitchen          Pull-out barbecue

Refrigeration   Thetford compressor fridge

Ablutions         Full ensuite, thetford toilet, CM shower

Laundering      3.5KG top loader

Bedding           NCE queen pillow-top mattress

Dining/lounge  L-lounge w/ leather upholstery

Hot water        Swift HWS

Climate control            2x Sirocco fans, Gree air-con, Webasto diesel heater

Reversing camera      Safety Dave

Off-the-grid

Water tanks    2x freshwater, 1x grey

Battery/BMS   Projector BMS/??

Solar               2x 210W solar panels

Gas bottle/holders      2x 9KG GAS BOTTLE HOLDERS

Jerry can/holders        2x

Website           https://www.highlinecaravans.com.au

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/HighlineCaravansAustralia

Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/highlinecaravans/

#Highline caravans #Highline Brumby #Tough Tested Show