Best known for their LDV, Subaru, Renault and Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Hervey Bay and Maryborough, Port City Autos is expanding, taking on luxury caravan brand Crusader.

The Melbourne manufacturer launched its 2025 range recently, with its new models featuring a full exterior and interior redesign, adding more luxury and off-road capabilities across its full composite and hybrid caravans.

Crusader’s new vans, which will form the basis of Port City Autos’ launch into the caravan space, sport new finishes, a thicker composite roof, and the availability of more upmarket off-grid power and off-road suspension set-ups.

Changes include a new range-topping Crusader XCountry Mad Max off-grid luxury van, complete with its own bar, Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension, a bigger capacity Victron lithium battery, and a rooftop solar power setup.

A more aerodynamic exterior shape also features on every van, except the entry-level Lifechanger, with every model benefiting from refreshed graphics and colour schemes.

Off grid models grab a diesel heater and induction cooktop as well as gas appliances. Every van, regardless of its position in the range features a new interior fitout, with modern décor, hidden ambient lighting and smooth cabinet fascias.

New ribbed furniture fascias, textured fabrics and trendy over-size catches, as well as tapware and sinks in a range of colours are also featured on some models. Other stylish touches include fold-out magazine holders at the end of seat bases.

From a construction perspective, Crusader has also beefed up the fibre-glass sandwich panel roof from 30mm to 40mm, to better cope with the increased weight of things like multiple glass solar panels and air-conditioners.

While the expansion into the caravan space may seem unusual, Port City Autos is already building LDV Deliver 9 and Renault Master vans as campers under the Gleehawk name and is the Fraser Coast partner for AUSMV.

The latter converts American pickup trucks from the likes of RAM and Ford to right-hand drive, offering an affordable alternative to mainstream imports. They’re also partnered with Bad Boy Mowers.