River Dominator 18’ Single Axle Caravan Review

These rugged off-road caravans are your escape vehicle to exploring the length and breadth of this vast land, including all of those perfect campsites that always seem to be at the end of a rough track. What’s more, you can experience it all with total confidence from a caravan crafted by experience and live in the lap of luxury with exceptionally inviting and comfortable internal amenities.

River Caravans is a second-generation manufacturer whose DNA started the famous G&S Chassis some 44 years ago. They began manufacturing the beautiful River Caravans in 2010, utilising their long experience. Now, after the sale of G&S, they not only concentrate on full van manufacturing but, in 2019, introduced their own premium chassis construction under the name C & R Chassis.

Hence, the foundations of the 18’ Dominator are strong, gutsy and ready to take on our great lands and many off-road challenges! The chassis and A-frame drawbar are manufactured from 6 x 2” (150 x 50mm) box section Supagal, plus a 50 x 50mm riser aiding wheel clearance. Out in front is the ever-reliable DO35 off-road hitch plus standard wiring connections, handbrake, removable jockey wheel, shrouded tap, 2 x 9kg gas bottles, a stone guard and finally a large tool box with generator/fridge/BBQ slides and jerry can holders. The toolbox matched the black checker plate scrub plates surrounding the shell.

At 18’ and weighing 2300kg Tare, ATM 2850kg, and 180kg ball weight, she’s a very compact yet fully equipped mobile home with true luxury and character—not to mention terrific comfort, facilities, and ability.

Simplicity Independent Suspension

She runs smoothly across all terrain on the impressive Simplicity Smart Coil suspension with coil springs, Ultima shock absorbers and 12” electric brakes with breakaway. There are 16 x 245 mud-terrain tyres on attractive alloy mags and the bonus of galvanised wheel arches for longevity. You’ll never get out of shape with Dexter stability control as standard.

The professional manufacturing and assembly are immediately obvious when you inspect the undersides; for a change, there are no daggy silicon mounds. The electricals and plumbing are neatly shrouded, including the large off-grid capacity of 2 x 95-litre water tanks plus a 95-litre grey tank. Out in back is an adjustable bumper with four support arms, the spare wheel, a reversing camera, and LED trailer lighting.

RV Eye Candy with Guts!

This Dominator looked a treat as it strode up the dirt track to our private campsite. She’s got strong visual appeal, but then I guess if it's a she, it would be the dominatrix?

The black checker plate armour is enhanced by deep grey insulated composite aluminium front, rear and side panels which work in conjunction with River’s contoured fibreglass roof, which allows greater run-off and less opportunity for water ingress. She’s dressed with some striking decals, silver and white branding with blawindows, doorsoor, hatches, and roll-out awning, plus those appealing chrome mags and fixtures for added bling.

From The Front

Up in front is a full with galvanised steel lined tunnel boot, then a folding picnic table, illuminated entry handle, three way security door, both external and internal speakers for the Fusion sound system, a good selection of LED lighting, double laminated and insulated windows, external entertainment hatch, gas bayonet, pull out step and don’t forget River’s famous rear hatches for immediate access to your folding camp chairs. You’ll just love watching your favourite sport inside or out on the portable 24” smart TV, and if you want to wash the sand and mud off or freshen up, there’s an external hot/cold shower.

Overhead, we find a Winegard TV antenna, a combination of Fantastic roof vent with added 3-way double-glazed Ranger hatches, plus a pair of smaller reversible fan hatches in the ensuite. There’s added comfort with an Ibis 4 reverse cycle air conditioner and auxiliary power generation from twin 150-watt solar panels feeding into twin 120 Amp AGM batteries as standard. (Lithium optional) River has fitted the popular BM Pro 35 HA BMS (lithium compatible) with an Odyssey app-driven control panel, solar regulator, water monitors and fuses to manage your power needs.

Step Inside

Step up into the River Dominator and you’ll feel instantly at home. Ours had a basic white colour palette with black upholstery, window frames and appliances, and was blinged up with a stainless steel sink and chrome fixtures. The flow through the van is quite refreshing, and whilst it’s really an off-road tourer built for an adventurous couple, you could take an extra hitchhiker or two with the convertible L-shaped dinette.

There’s a real emphasis on practicality with the amount of storage, including wardrobes, cabinets, drawers, pots and utensils cupboards, under-bed and seat cavities, a linen press, a vanity and plenty of overhead cabinets. It is all high-quality manufacture with laminated plywood cabinetry with hardwood frames, piano hinges overhead, premium latches, soft-close drawers with stainless steel ball race slides; bench tops with rolled edges, attractive but straightforward laminates including the faux timber floor, and some lovely trims, including the cut tile look splashback and premium appliances.

The Dominator has a forward entry, with the bedroom up in front immediately to the left; however, it doesn’t feel like you’re intruding as you enter. There’s a Queen island bed with an inner spring pillow top mattress and a high padded bedhead, individual reading lights, power sockets, and bedside tables for your books, glasses, power charging, and knick-knacks. It’s all surrounded by loads of storage, but it feels really inviting, with the large windows allowing you to really enjoy your campsite.

To the right is a plushly upholstered L-shaped dinette that is adequate for perhaps three large diners. Opposite is a neat and stylish kitchen with reasonable bench space, a recessed four-burner cooktop (3 x gas, 1 x electric) with grill but no oven, range hood, microwave, stainless sink with draining board, hot/cold mixer and filtered water, yet another long window in the splashback, and plenty of electrical fittings.

You cannot travel, especially off-grid, without a big fridge, and the Dominator has a large Dometic 216-litre compressor fridge/freezer as standard. An internally locking, sliding door separates the spacious ensuite, which includes a ceramic toilet, a large, well-lit mirror, a deep vanity basin with mixer tap, and a moulded full-height shower. Plus, there’s a top-loading washing machine concealed under the benchtop. I must mention the availability of natural light and a good array of LED mood lighting.

Specifications

Ball Weight: 180Kg

Tare Weight: 2300Kg

ATM: 2850Kg

Exterior Dimensions: 8200mm overall length x 2450mm width and 3000mm height

Body: Meranti frame with smooth aluminium insulated panel cladding & black aluminium checker plate skirting

Chassis: 150x50x3mm SupaGal steel tube chassis and drawbar with 50 x 50 riser

Suspension: Simplicity Smart Coil suspension and Ultima shock absorbers

Wheels & Tyres: 16 x 245 mud-terrain tyres on alloy mag wheels

Sleeps: 2 plus convertible lounge

Water Capacity: 2 x 95 litres with electric water pump, plus 95 litres of grey water

Battery & Charger: Two 120Ah deep cycle AGM batteries, BMPro Plus 35 BMS and Odyssey app-driven control panel

Fridge: Dometic 216 litre compressor fridge/freezer litre fridge/freezer

Cooktop: 4-burner cooktop (3 x gas, 1 x electric) including grill and range hood

Hits

• Tough off-roader

• Complete range of accessories

• Ensuite

• Flow and aesthetics

Misses

• No oven (optional)

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Camper or Van?

Check out our current selection of River Caravans for sale at OnlyVans.com.au!

While you are researching, we have many other great deals on caravans for sale, including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans.

No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered.  

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