Campers & Caravans - Matrix

	Photo Gallery
	Click on image to enlarge

The new Matrix Off Road Caravan is an extension on the theme of the Quantum SuperCamper. As the Quantum has been the most sought after vehicle in our range over recent years, we had requests to build a full size, full feature van with all the same Off Road capabilities as the Quantum, only with internal cooking and living facilities.

The need to keep weight to a minimum has necessitated a complete rethink on how an Off Road Caravan should be constructed. The design brief for the Matrix was to keep the tare weight  and overall width and length the same as Quantum, but build a full height van without the need for the pop top mechanism.

In order to build a larger internal van we have used a fiberglass composite shell that provides a very strong structure, similar to off shore racing boats. The composite construction uses vacuum bonded fiberglass inner and outer layers core filled with high strength “Divinycell H” (polyurethane foam). The door frames have aluminium rhs bonded into the wall frames. This construction creates a very high strength but light outer shell.

Bonded to the high tensile chassis is a floor material made from a “Plascore” (polypropylene honeycomb) with vacuum bonded fiberglass layers. This completes the construction of the totally waterproof, rot proof, shockproof body.

In keeping with the lightweight but strong outer shell, we use aluminium inner baffles bonded to the outer fiberglass shell. The only timber used is in the bed base where we use lightweight carpeted plywood which has superior insulating properties to help keep you warm in cold climates. All the kitchen cupboards are made from Nycel which is a plastic composite - very light weight, totally water proof but also vibration proof. The overhead cupboards are made from vinyl covered aluminium giving a unique and modern shape while keeping weight to a minimum. The internal walls are covered in padded vinyl in keeping with the luxury ambience of the vehicle.

All efforts have been made to keep the vehicle light but strong, this is evidenced by the shape of the roof where the top of the sides have been angled to reduce the centre of gravity, increase tip angle in off road situations, and reduce overall drag on the tow vehicle by reducing frontal area, thus increasing mileage. Also the front of the van is steeply angled to reduce drag.

The off road ability of the Quantum chassis, as used on the Matrix, has been enhanced by the elimination of the door step and the increase in the rear exit angle. The entry angle is also identical and all Quantum features such as armour plated water tanks, independent  trailing arm suspension utilizing twin shock absorber technology for ultimate control, rear frame slide bar assembly and correct drawbar weights. All these features add up to the ultimate off road touring vehicle.

Large windows provide ventilation in all weather conditions, huge solar panels provide enough power for extended stays and twin water tanks and a river access system allow for those extra long stays at your favorite off road oasis.

Combine all these features to an internal full height shower with vacuum toilet and a very comfortable queen size 8” inner spring mattress and the Matrix really is a great touring machine.