When that wanderlust finally takes hold, it's time to check out the Franklin X-Factor 206 Off-Road. This superbly fitted van will provide a comfortable home on all terrain, quickly becoming your faithful companion that's ready for action even when the going gets rough. With five variants and 11 layout options in the 2.0 series, you will be sure to find one that fits just right!

There are a good many elements combined by experience to make your journey ultimately comfortable and trouble-free. She’s built on a strong chassis with an an extended drawbar, allowing for an external toolbox for all your travelling accessories,, including a generator slide. There’s a DO35 off-road towing coupling to match the AL-KO Enduro Outback independent trailing arm suspension, 16” polished alloy wheels, and high wheel clearance to tackle some of those awkward tracks that inevitably lead to the best campsites.

Our demonstration model provided all the comfort and facilities required for a pleasurable stay, even in remote locations. It’s ideal for a travelling couple with a rear entry leading to a fully equipped kitchen with a most inviting club lounge opposite, a very generous slumberland with Queen bed and plenty of room to navigate, tonnes of lighting, ventilation and storage opportunities, plenty of refrigeration, an accommodating ensuite with full size moulded shower and top load washing machine, reverse cycle air conditioning and some beautiful cabinetry, finishes, surfaces and overall presentation.

With a body length of 20’6”, the X-Factor 206 Off-Road is perhaps the ideal size for serious travellers, yet still providing spacious living space for extended holidays. All these factors assemble to make it one of Franklin Caravans' most popular models and especially appealing to tall contenders with its 6’8” internal headroom that also extends the internal feeling of grandeur.

Our X-Factor was rated with a tare mass of 2751kg, an ATM of 3251kg and 168kg ball weight allowing a reasonable payload even considering the dual 9kg gas bottles, twin 90 litre water tanks, 90 litre grey water tank, storage capacity, dual 100Ahr AGM batteries and full size fridge freezer.

Externally, she is quite the head turner, with a visual appeal that combines aerodynamic styling with a hint of RV eye candy, and just a touch of that rugged Australian demeanour. These aesthetics are complimented by protective black checker plate armour, pearl composite classing, eye catching decals and a plethora of double insulated tinted windows with flyscreens and blinds.

The X-Factor has all the outward features you would expect, plus a few more. There’s a terrific array of LED lighting, integrated 240v power inlets, reversing camera, TrailSafe breakaway, fold down picnic table, standard waste outlet, external entertainment box, Fusion outdoor speakers, Crimsafe door, external tap, roll out awning, pull out step, illuminated entry handle, and the storage facilities continue with a full-width tunnel boot.

Luxury Interior

We thought the interior was a total stunner, with sleek, solid furniture that oozes style. The chic design features clean lines, top-notch fittings, and a premium Tru-Matt and gloss finish, paired with stitched leather club lounge seating.

The bedroom is just as impressive, with large windows on either side and one at the bedhead, perfect for waking up to a dream like campsite view. Inside, you'll find heaps of storage, including wardrobes, a chest of drawers, overhead cupboards, and knickknack nooks. The bed is equipped with individual reading lamps, mood lighting, a TV bracket, and an overhead sunroof with flyscreens and block-out blinds. And, if that's not enough, there's extra storage space under the mattress, too.

The kitchen is also a beauty with its bench space extended by a disclosed 4-burner stove (3 X gas, 1 x electric) with grill and oven beneath. Overhead cabinets conceal a range hood, while the stainless sink boasts blackened tapware, a freshwater filter, and a draining board. It combines a microwave and ample storage, including drawers and pot cabinetry to complete the setup. A 180-litre fan-cooled fridge freezer sits snugly in a cabinet, cleverly dividing the club lounge and bedroom areas opposite the kitchen.

Club Lounge

I loved the comfort of a thickly padded club lounge, this one with a large adjustable table that can drop down to form an added berth. It also features extenders with separate cushions as foot rests. There’s a fan-cooled 180-litre firdge/freezer, bench lighting over the sink and strip mood lighting in the overhead cupboards both sides.

I was also quite impressed with the fitting of a touch sensitive backlit vanity mirror above a ceramic bowl with a mixer, plus even more handy bench space formed by the hinged top over the washing machine recess. There’s enough room on the toilet even for those of larger proportions, and the separate moulded shower is a ripper. It all had plenty of light, ventilation hatches and extraction fans.

To keep the vital electric power optimised, there’s charging available from the Anderson plug connector, as well as through the twin 170W solar panels and power regulator managed by the inclusive BMPro charger with an Odyssey touch panel. These provide easy view and management for your power requirements, charging levels and tank management. Further electricals include a 24” smart TV with inner and outer mounts, an overhead Wineguard antennae, a high quality Bluetooth sound system and plenty of 12/240V and USB outlets.

The Wrap

Franklin offers an extensive range of options to customise your X-Factor, including Lithium power options, bike racks, external shower and more solar panels; however, I think in this day and age, some stability control is vital for a caravan of this size. ESC is available, but it is an optional feature.

All in all, the X-Factor provides a very pleasing array of innovative styling and comfort on a chassis built for the rugged extremes of touring adventure in Australia, and presented for sale at a very reasonable price!

Specifications

Ball Weight: 168Kg

Tare Weight: 2751Kg

ATM: 3251Kg

Exterior Dimensions: 8590mm overall length x 2450mm width and 3060mm height

Body: Meranti frame, wrapped in smooth 3mm composite pearl insulated cladding, and finished with black aluminium checker plate skirting.

Chassis: SupaGal 150 x 50 x 3mm RHS chassis and drawbar, plus 100mm riser

Supension: AL-KO Enduro Outback independent trailing arm suspension

Wheels/Tyres: 16 x 245 all-terrain tyres on alloy mag wheels

Sleeps: 2 plus convertible lounge

Water Capacity: 2 x 90 litres with an electric water pump, water filter plus 90 litres of grey water

Battery & Charger: Two 100Ah AGM, BMPro Plus 35 BMS and Odyssey control panel

Fridge: 180 litre fridge/freezer

Cooktop: Four element cooktop (3 x gas, 1 x electric) including grill, oven and range hood

 

Hits

  • Good selection of accessories

  • Club Lounge

  • Aesthetics, fittings, and finish

  • Water and power supply

  • Head room

  • Solid timber internal construction

Misses

  • No sway control as standard (option) ESC is available as an option

 

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Caravan or Camper?

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