Review: Kokoda Platoon 2

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Hands up if you’re in the market for a comfortable, long-term touring machine capable of rough roads, that can be towed by a mid-sized 4WD, and offers all the mod-cons of a modern Australian caravan?

The Kokoda Platoon 2 is one of Kokoda Caravans’ high-end couple’s caravans built for travelling off the beaten track. With its composite aluminium cladding over a meranti timber frame, a generous application of protective black checkerplate and purposeful stance on the road, it was just begging to be hitched to our tow vehicle and taken for a run down Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in search of some tracks.

TOWING THE KOKODA PLATOON 2

Towing the 19ft 6in Kokoda Platoon 2 on the freeway, I had no concerns regarding its behaviour behind the MU-X. It sat level and true, braked appropriately, and gave no hint of sway. Its Tare of 2618kg and ATM of 3300kg gave the van a decent payload capacity of 682kg and the good news is that it had the storage space to match.

Obviously, with its towing capacity of 3000kg, our 2018 MU-X wouldn’t be an ideal tow vehicle for this van, as we would only be able to use a sliver of its full payload allowance; however, the van weighed well under 3000kg on the day.

A large checkerplate storage box is mounted to the drawbar, complete with a slide-out tray either side. In the front tunnel boot, Kokoda had fitted an optional Dometic slide-out kitchen and, interestingly, the hot and cold water lines were permanently plumbed up – only the gas needed to be connected. However, the bayonet coupling was mounted directly beneath the boot’s downward-folding lid, which made access difficult. Moving it rearwards by 300mm would make all the difference.

The exterior of the van gets all of the crucial comforts. There’s a full length rolled-out awning, a couple of LED awning lights and speakers, and a fold-down picnic table. The rear of the van is equipped with an optional rearview camera, an optional external shower, a couple of 25L jerry can holders and two spare wheels.

To the offside main chassis rail, Kokoda has mounted dual 100Ah deep cycle batteries inside protective checkerplate boxes. The van has two roof-mounted 170W solar panels (with 30A regulator) as well as a BMPRO Genius 30-35 battery management system, so it’s fair to say the 12V system is up to the task.

The van is built atop a 6in chassis and 2in raiser, with a 6in drawbar that runs back to the Al-Ko Cross Country 2.0 suspension system. Underneath, you’ll find a couple of 95L water tanks – plenty for a few days of offgrid camping – as well as an optional grey water tank at the rear. Naturally, the van can be connected to mains water when available – the inlet is secured to a chassis rail behind the offside wheel set, out of harm’s way.

Kokoda fits this van as standard with the Cruisemaster DO35 coupling, along with a 12-pin trailer plug, an Anderson plug for charging the batteries while under tow, and of course the cable for the rearview camera’s in-cab display. There are two 9kg gas cylinders on the drawbar, protected behind a mesh stoneguard.

The Kokoda Platoon 2 seems to have adequate ground clearance for the type of touring for which it is intended and, visually, the Kokoda Platoon 2 is very appealing.

APPEALING LAYOUT

I am quite partial to the interior of Kokoda’s caravans. They have a certain look about them that just works for me. The layout here doesn’t break any moulds; however, it should work well for couples.

In the nose of the van is a queen-size bed. There are overhead lockers and wardrobes either side complete with niches that include 12V and 240V powerpoints, which would allow you to charge your devices overnight, or perhaps plug in the CPAP machine.

However, the space under the bed is taken up by the housing of the tunnel boot as well as a separate housing for the 28L gas-electric hot water service. Considering the storage space on offer elsewhere, I don’t see this as a problem. Besides, there is still some under-bed space left over to suit some larger items.

Now, Kokoda had fitted the bedroom with a couple of Sirocco fans; however, these are options that you can select at the time of purchase. A swivel arm to suit the supplied 24in flatscreen TV is mounted to the offside.

A cafe-style dinette finished in vinyl leather occupies the main nearside wall. Complete with a 240V and 12V point, a tri-fold table and hatch access to the storage space beneath the seats, it is quite a comfortable spot.

The kitchen is equipped with a Swift four-burner cooktop, griller and oven. While general bench space is in short supply, the hinged section of bench above the stove makes up for it somewhat. The bench is finished in laminate and sports rolled edges. The real highlights of the kitchen, though, are the 188L Dometic absorption fridge (with microwave above) and the massive pantry. Stretching from the ceiling to the floor, the pantry has two doors, three large shelves and even a pull-out lower section complete with two separate shelves – brilliant.

The bathroom is yet another highlight of the Platoon 2. It has the usual features, of course, but I loved the huge linen cupboard, which includes a couple of spacious shelves and even towel storage below, next to the cassette toilet.

The central vanity unit has a 2.5kg top-loading washing machine hidden beneath the bench, while the nearside corner is home to a separate fully-moulded fibreglass shower cubicle with 12V fan hatch. It’s a spacious, visually appealing, sensible bathroom.

A small point, but I appreciated that each and every locker and cupboard door is secured on piano hinges. There are various hinges available, yes, but in my experience, piano hinges are among the most resilient.

I’ve only scratched the surface of the other features on this van. There’s a Belaire Houghton reverse-cycle air-conditioner, a stereo system, downlight… the list goes on.

GORV’S VERDICT

Given the Kokoda Platoon 2’s ATM of 3300kg, you’re in Land Cruiser or Grand Cherokee territory in terms of a realistic tow vehicle, and I have no doubt that they’d do an admirable job.

It has good looks, all the mod cons and conveniences, a smart layout and loads of storage space. For couples in the hunt for a two-person long-haul tourer, the Kokoda Platoon 2 offers a great deal.