FEATURES
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Construction
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.
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Chassis
Constructed from high tensile Supagal steel. The chassis is twice as strong as hot dipped galvanized chassis and thus achieves a lighter, stronger chassis. On top of the Supagal, the chassis is powder coated for added protection. All components of the suspension system are laser-cut for accuracy and also powder coated.
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Suspension
Independent trailing arm coil suspension, adjustable for camber and toe-in, is an advantage in eliminating tyre wear. Twin EFS Off Road shock absorbers on each wheel provide ultimate control in extreme conditions, resulting in less stress on each shock and extending the life of all suspension components. This suspension is based on the Quantum Off Road suspension proven in extreme conditions throughout Australia. It has also been proven on previous prototype models for distances over 2,000km of corrugations..
The twin shock absorbers have the significant benefit of longevity. With a twin shock system the valve rates are halved when compared to the single shock system and the top and bottom mounts are also increased in size. By halving the valve rate, the shock work rate is halved and the heat build-up inside the shock is dramatically reduced. This increases the life of the shock many times in comparison to a single shock system.
The size of the mount that attaches the shock to the body and suspension is also increased. The mounting bolts are similarly increased in diameter which increases the bearing area of the mounts and reduces wear on the bolts, mounts and web plates. Properly greased and maintained these shocks and mounts will show minimal wear and no failures for many thousands of kilometers and years of use.
This is a similar system used on all off road racing bussies and trucks and the benefits are obvious. Observe the size and quality of these designs and fittings and consider the security afforded when travelling the outback. Also consider the longevity and wear rates in comparison to other designs. There really is no comparison. Australian Off Road Campers really are 'Ahead of the Rest'.
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Electrical System
AORC has utilized its advanced 12V system, which it has developed through the last decade of manufacturing. The efficiencies of this system have advanced, so that when used correctly it is able to sufficiently power the entire vehicle and allow for self-sufficient living over extended periods of travel.
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Batteries
The Matrix comes with 2 x 120 AMP deep cycle sealed marine battery coupled with a 25amp 7 stage CTEK battery charger.
Sealed marine batteries are a true deep cycle battery - being able to withstand constant deep discharge without loss of capacity. Anticipated service life is 5-10 years. Once charged they have a shelf life of over 12 months without loss of charge and thus can be stored for long periods without damage. They are of the highest quality and require very little maintenance.
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12Volt System
The Matrix is fitted with 8 LED lights, including 2 internal bed reading lights, and a Flojet pressure water pump. These are protected by a fuse box and circuit breakers. There is also an easily accessed 12V isolating switch that can be activated while traveling or during storage.
Only the most efficient 12V components are used in the Matrix to ensure that the system functions to its fullest capacity.
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Solar System
2 x 135Watt solar panels are roof mounted allowing for more than ample power supply to support the Matrix’ appliances. In addition to these 2 panels a 3rd panel may be optioned in for additional power supply. This is a great option if you are looking to travel for an extended period of time or if you enjoy the luxury of lying in bed and watching movies.
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Internal Comfort
Stepping inside the Matrix is a completely new experience, designed with the concept of creating an ambience akin to a luxury yacht. The Matrix represents a shift in internal Caravan comfort & design. Styled in European décor, the latest modern appliances are used and all interior walls and ceilings are upholstered in stylish white vinyl.
Toilet System
Australian Off Road has continued to innovate in off-road technology with the release of a new flushing Toilet System which is fully off-road capable and, most importantly, chemical-free.
With the demise of the vacuum toilet system previously used by us and many other Australian manufacturers, AOR has applied well-proven marine technology to produce a functional and robust system suitable for extreme off-road use.
The new AOR system combines a marine-type macerator toilet with a 35 litre dedicated flushing tank and 60 litre black water holding tank.
Instead of having just 14 litres waste capacity with the old vacuum cassette, or 19 litres with the gravity cassette/caddy, the new AOR system offers a full 60 litres of waste storage. This system uses a 12 volt diaphragm waste pump to pump out waste via a 40mm lay-flat hose to a dump point or waste container. The whole system can be flushed through with fresh water.
In creating this new design, we have improved our customer's ability to travel in remote areas and produced a system far superior to the outdated chemical toilet.
The major benefits of this system are:
- A chemical-free system (chemical waste cannot be buried in off-road situations, septic systems or pit toilets).
- A 60 litre holding capacity which offers more time between emptying toilet waste and increases the ability to stay in remote areas.
- Simple 12 volt technology which can be easily repaired or replaced.
From Steve & Rhonda Budden's Blog - Matrix Trip 2012
"Chemical toilets present a real problem in areas like this [National Parks and remote areas] and we were continually seeing signs about the dire consequences of emptying them in the drop toilets that rely on the action of bacteria to break down. It makes us feel our efforts as manufacturers to fit systems that do not have adverse consequences in environmentally sensitive areas to be more and more justified. Both the vacuum toilets and our more recently developed electric macerator system – a camper/caravan first - meet this criteria.”
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The Lounge Area
The lounge area is made very comfortable with generous size seating and quality fabric upholstery, making it warm in winter and cool in summer. The ergonomically designed lounge is well situated within close proximity to the kitchen, bed and entry door mean that ventilation in the lounge is maximized.
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The Kitchen
The first full feature internal kitchen from AORC is a little beauty. Bench space and storage have been utilized to a maximum in the Matrix. The internal kitchen is built into a vibration proof composite plastic kitchen cabinet, the quality bench top and splash back, feature a stainless steel sink and drainboard, large preparation areas, flick mixer and a large three burner gas cooktop. When we initially designed the Matrix we decided to trial the Webasto Diesel Cooktop read below as to why we decided to install the three gas burner.
There is also a 130L Vitrifrigo vertical fridge and freezer, which is located close to all internal kitchen facilities. To provide for a true camping experience, when the weather is so good it demands for outside activities, there is also a Webber Baby Q housed in its own external compartment on slides, with storage compartment and designated LED light.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF A DIESEL COOKTOP
We have experimented with using a Webasto Diesel Cooktop in our MATRIX Off Road Caravan and have reverted to a 3 burner Gas Cooktop due to the following reasons:
1. IT IS JUST TOO SLOW!
It takes about 30 minutes to boil enough water for 2 cups of tea, i.e. 20 minutes to heat and 10 mins to boil the water.
Unlike the gas cooktop, diesel does not produce the sharp instant heat required for browning meat and doing stir fries, etc.
2. POLLUTION
When the cooktop starts and also while it is running it floods the rear annex area with diesel fumes to the extent that anyone sitting there either has to move or be enveloped with diesel fumes.
3. COOL-DOWN TIME
It takes about 30 minutes to cool down, during which time the surrounding bench space is unavailable for use. This is particularly inconvenient when washing up after a meal.
4. ADDED HEAT INSIDE THE CARAVAN
In hot weather the prolonged heat up/cool down times makes the interior of the caravan much hotter.
5. LACK OF CONVENIENCE
Because the diesel cooktop is in one piece it does not allow separate cooking, for instance, if high heat is required for a stir fry and low heat for rice etc.
Another inconvenience is estimating when to turn it on to coordinate steaming greens or similar while doing a roast on the barbeque.
6. REHEATING
Once the cooktop is turned off it cannot be turned on again until it has completely cooled. This is extremely inconvenient for quickly reheating dishes and doesn't allow for a change of mind. For the cooktop to cool down then come back to full heat would take about 3/4 hour.
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The Bed
The Matrix uses a luxurious 8” genuine queen size inner spring mattress, specifically developed by a Queensland company for AUSTRALIAN OFF ROAD CAMPERS. This mattress comes with a 5 year warranty. The advantages of the inner spring over a budget foam mattress is that it breathes naturally and with vents on either side, expels body moisture – a major factor in a good night’s sleep.
Why should you sacrifice a good night’s sleep just because you want to go camping? The MATRIX Off Road uses an 8” full queen size inner spring mattress – just like your mattress at home. The bed base is made from sealed hardwood timber – a natural insulator unlike plastic composites that require artificial heating. The timber base is also carpeted to further enhance insulation. The mattress is vented along both sides to allow air circulation, making it much cooler than foam which can be hot and sticky in warm weather.
The sleeping environment is cozy and warm in winter and well ventilated and cool in summer. This comes from having insulated walls, double glazed windows and windows on either side of the bed to allow for superb cross-ventilation.
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Windows
5 x large Dometic windows, double glazed with integrated roller blind and flyscreen enable excellent ventilation. The door is a dust proof Trilock with a full Amplimesh security screen and locking mechanism for your safety. Access can be gained to the inside of the van at any stage during your journey and the outside door can be left open during the evening to provide extra airflow, while being locked securely.
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Water Storage
The MATRIX OFF ROAD Caravan comes standard with 2 x 140 litre tanks. These are extremely tough food grade poly with armour-plated sides, front, bottom and back, providing peace of mind that they are protected from damage. This massive water capacity enables you to camp in remote areas for an extended time.
A river access system is also fitted, allowing you to pump from a stream through the hot water system for a long hot shower. A dual cartridge water filter is standard.
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Hot Water Heater
The hot water heater is a very efficient gas operated German made Truma unit that is plumbed to both shower and kitchen.
The benefit of this system over diesel systems include:
- Much quicker to heat – just 10 minutes gives you enough for a couple of hot showers and a hot wash up. Because it heats so quickly the system can be simply turned on just before use.
- Very efficient on gas. Supplier of this unit, Dometic indicate consumption figures as follows: with 15 minutes useage daily one (1) 4 ½ kg gas bottle would last an extraordinary six (6) months.
- Whereas the gas hot water system is completely odourless, diesel systems are smelly and waft noxious diesel fumes through either your own or your neighbour’s camp site depending on wind direction.
- Being a single stand alone unit it makes more economical use of space whereas diesel units typically use 3 separate components which take up more space inside the camper body.
- Safety is also a consideration. The LPG system is used by 99% of the caravan industry and has been proven over many years to be safe and reliable.
When hooked up to the river Access System you can enjoy unlimited hot water showers pumping from a creek or lake.
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Drawbar Area
Off Road Coupling:
The DO35 is a new release hitch using the very latest technology. Being self-aligning, it is easy to connect up on uneven surfaces. It has a rating of 3.5 tones, is fitted with replaceable bushes to enable maximum flexibility in all conditions.
Jockey Wheel
A swing up type, it locks into position in one easy movement. It has a solid non-pneumatic tyre and a capacity of 350kg. Both winding handle and wheel are locked in to position to incur minimum damage in off road conditions.
Stone Deflector
An angled stone deflector is used to deflect stones thrown up by the vehicle. Wider, lower mud flaps are also used to prevent stone damage.
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PRICE- $89,000
Prices current until 30th June 2012
* All specifications, options and pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice.
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