Enigma Caravan

by Alustain

The Story of Enigma

Alustain was registered in 1987 and since inception, under the guidance of its owner, Brett Morrison, the company has been supplying metalwork for the domestic and commercial building industry.  With a can-do attitude and a focus on detailing and quality, Alustain has become a reputable metalwork business that is sought after by many well-known designers and architects.

The idea of the expanding style caravan came from a convoy road trip to Port Stephen’s back in 2016. After setting up our vans and tents we heard that a storm with 20 to 30 knot winds was heading our way, hence followed a mad panic to pack up anything that would be damaged in the storm.  Awnings and tents were first thing along with all the apparatus set up under them. Permanent caravans, on the other hand with rigid awnings held strong through the storm and survived without damage.

This is the reason we decided to build a van that has all the space and benefits of a permanent caravan but is transportable.

Once the opening mechanism was sorted, the rest was easy. With the help of our CAD guys the construction of every part was designed to be as simple as possible using folding, fixing and material thickness best suited to each application for a sturdy construction.

We have all heard about the “sticks and staples” vans on the market, and the horror stories that follow. The last thing we want to build is a van that will not last.

See how it works

Specifications

Click on the titles to find more details

3mm mild steel laser cut, folded with flared holes for strength and access to services all hot dip galvanised.

Both mounted within the chassis, lift and retrieve access via 12-volt winch.

  • Stainless steel tanks mounted over both axles on a composite substrate for protection.
  • 400lt Fresh water tank.
  • 180lt Black water tank with 50mm outlet.
  • 160lt Grey water tank with 50mm outlet.
  • All tanks have sensors to monitor fluid levels.
  • All tanks have internal baffles.

There are 3 underfloor storage boxes with access hatches inside the van.
The first box houses the hydraulic and water pump, with excess space for personal storage.
The second box houses Batteries and the inverter, with excess space for personal storage.
The third box is entirely for storage.

  • Two 9 kg gas bottles.
  • 3.5 kw Honda generator.
  • 2.7kw Fujitsu aircon.
  • 13.5 litre diesel heater with a stainless-steel fuel tank.
  • All housed within a custom profiled aluminium enclosure.
  • heavy duty canvas front stone and wind deflector.
    x is entirely for storage.
  • Two 9 kg gas bottles.
  • 3.5 kw Honda generator.
  • 2.7kw Fujitsu aircon.
  • 13.5 litre diesel heater with a stainless-steel fuel tank.
  • All housed within a custom profiled aluminium enclosure.
  • heavy duty canvas front stone and wind deflector.
    x is entirely for storage.

5 mm toughened low E grey tint glass.
custom made aluminium frames powder coated to match interior.

1.6mm clear anodised aluminium sheeting.

1.2mm powder coated aluminium sheeting.

  • 1.2mm s/s bench tops, all drawer fronts and framework powder coated aluminium
  • Drawers are self-closing.
  • Round 400mm dia sink 200mm deep.
  • Two burner gas stove
  • Twin fan range hood
  • 180 lt 12 volt fridge
  • 50 lt rubbish bin
  • Integrated Bose subwoofer and sound system
  • 750mm wide 1780mm long ,125mm green foam mattress fabric cover with zip. Both beds.
  • Twin USB outlets at bed heads.
  • Side windows to each bunk.
  • Bunk converts to a couch.
  • 3 drawers under the full length and width of the bottom bunk.
  • Overhead storage full width of van.
  • Central roof vent.
  • Central vanity with cosmetic storage behind mirror.
  • Wardrobes both sides with s/s towel rails.
  • Recessed s/s shower base 900mm x 900mm with ceiling vent.
  • Flushable toilet – optional composting toilet.
  • Full width overhead towel rack.
  • Queen size pocket spring mattress.
  • 500mm wide bedside table
  • Under bed storage, 1500mm x 650mm wide drawer and 400mm x 700mm cupboard.
  • Aircon unit overhead.
  • Overhead storage
  • Vertical storage cupboard.
  • Roof vent over bed.
  • Six place Kitchen table with s/s surface – foldaway.
  • Six Stainless steel chairs with durable polyester fabric.
  • 24 inch TV with storage below.
  • Laundry cabinet with front load washing machine
  • 600mm x 600mm x 900mm linen space above washer.
  • Excess room to add a sofa bed couch or bunks to rear of living area.
  • 5 burner integrated BBQ outside on sliding tracks.
  • Lift up rain and sun hard cover awning over BBQ
  • Larger canvas cover awning that doubles as the front wind deflector.
  • 12 oz heavy duty rip stop canvas with A1 zips, Velcro tape, midge screen, café screen.
  • All screens are independent of each other and zipped as one for replacement if necessary Modular design which is interchangeable.

12 volt LED throughout.

Diesel 5 kw and split Fujitsu 2.5 kw

Annexe awning rooftop is hoisted using two electric winches mounted on the inner side of the chassis rails. A second stage awning roof is opened by hand and secured in place with four S/S latches, this occurs in the mid open position of the primary roof.

The Main floor is lowered using 12-volt hydraulic rams. A second stage extension is then opened with two more hydraulic rams to complete the full width floor. The floor structure is stabilised and levelled using telescopic legs which are wound down with an impact driver or a hand tool.

Once the main floor is level and the ceiling is fully extended slightly above level, the walls at each end can swing open and lock into position with the floor. The outer wall support tubes can be fitted, and the ceiling can be lowered and locked into position.

Once the hard walls, ceiling and floor are locked, the canvas walls can be zipped to the support tubes completing the opening of the awning deck.

Throughout the design process our focus has always been on quality design and refinement. We hope you enjoy the unique feeling of space that we have created.

For all enquirers about the Enigma please complete complete the form