Caravan Review: Kokoda Force 7

Kokoda Caravans has a vast range of rigs in its line-up, from the 17ft 2in single-axle Cobber 2 to the Force 8, Kokoda’s top-end off-road family van.

We recently spent some time with the Force 7, another of Kokoda’s family vans. However, while the Force 8 is 22ft 6in in body length, the Force 7 measures in at 21ft and has a more traditional layout.

With its longer body length, the Force 8 features the kids’ room and ensuite in the front of the van, but the Kokoda Force 7 has these rooms in the back. It’s horses for courses, but the Force 7’s layout feels particularly well balanced. Let’s step inside…

ANGLED KITCHEN

The kitchen is a highlight of the layout. With its angled bench, black sink and tapware, overhead cupboards and a particularly large cupboard beneath the sink, it offers a deceptively large amount of space and storage. The angled section of the bench provides a great deal of workspace that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

There’s an oven, griller and four-burner cooktop, a microwave recessed into the overhead cabinetry, and even an under-bench pantry.

Directly opposite, Kokoda has fitted a large L-shaped lounge upholstered in faux leather. The table can be adjusted on both axis points, allowing for easy access. There are two reading lights, each with an integrated USB charging point, as well as two 240V powerpoints; however, I’d love for the leg area to also be fitted with a 12V/240V point, while a drawer for access to the storage space underneath the lounge, rather than a hatch, would be appreciated as well. Fortunately, Kokoda can make such changes on request.

The front bedroom is surrounded by overhead lockers and wardrobes, each with a niche complete with a 12V and 240V powerpoint. The bedside table storage space on the offside is occupied by the hot water service; however, there is plenty of space beneath the mattress despite the fact the van is fitted with a tunnel boot that encroaches a little into this area.

Kokoda has given the bedroom a couple of optional features: dual Sirocco II fans, one either side of the bed, as well as a CaraFan Sahara pressurisation system – flick a switch and this fan will pressurise the fan to keep dust out.  

In the back of the Kokoda Force 7, you’ll find two bunks, each with a Sirocco II fan, magazine pocket and reading light with integrated USB charging point. Families with three kids can opt for a third bunk.

I loved the cupboard positioned on the rear wall between the offside bunks and the nearside bathroom. It offers three individual shelves and some space for hanging clothes. There’s a large space below, too; however, in this van, Kokoda had fitted an optional washing machine.

The bathroom is complete with a Thetford swivel cassette toilet, a small vanity unit with mirror, storage space, black mixer tap and white ceramic sink. The shower is a fully-moulded fibreglass unit behind its own door. The black tapware looks great and I liked that the shower moulding includes a couple of little shelves – perfect for the soap and shampoo. A 12V fan hatch hasn’t been forgotten.

On the technology front, the Kokoda Force 7 is equipped with two 100Ah deep-cycle batteries, which are mounted to the offside chassis rail. Two 170W solar panels are fitted as standard, along with a BMPRO MiniBoost DC-DC charging system. This unit ‘boosts’ the voltage being output by the tow vehicle’s alternator in order to charge the van’s onboard batteries faster. There’s also the lithium-ready BMPRO BatteryPlus35 HAII battery management system fitted inside a locker above the dinette, along with the hot water service switches, water pump switch and water level indicators. A Trek digital display is included too.

Overall, the interior of the Kokoda Force 7 is very classy. Each ‘zone’ (bedroom, kitchen, etc.) is well proportioned in terms of size and space, while the fitout is done to a high standard.

KOKODA FORCE 7: CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

Kokoda Caravans builds in a fairly traditional way. An RHS chassis is used, as is meranti timber for the framing and aluminium for the cladding. Composite aluminium is common in Kokoda builds; however, traditional ribbed cladding has been used here for the sides, while composite aluminium and checkerplate is used for the front, roof and rear.

An impressive storage system including dual slide-out trays is mounted to the A-frame, behind a couple of 9kg gas cylinders (protected by a mesh stoneguard). The nearside tray would be perfect for a portable fridge – Kokoda has even included a 12V point for this purpose. A nearby gas bayonet has been included, too, just in case you want to fit a portable barbecue instead.

Being an offroader, the Kokoda Force 7 is equipped with Al-Ko Enduro X independent coil suspension. The van sits quite high. It is built atop a 6in DuraGal chassis with 2in riser, with a 6in A-frame that runs back to the suspension mounts. It rolls along on 16in alloy wheels shod with mud terrain tyres. This van is built to go more or less anywhere the 4WD can take it.

Two spare wheels are mounted to the rear bumper bar, as are two jerry can holders, while the nearside is equipped with a roll-out awning, a picnic table, a couple of speakers, a 12V outlet and LED awning lights.

Now, the Kokoda Force 7 is not a lightweight. Our model weighed in at 2820kg Tare and had an ATM rating of 3500kg, with a ball weight of 220kg. However, those figures should be easy work for a Grand Cherokee or Land Cruiser.

GORV’S VERDICT

In some ways, this van offers the best of both worlds in terms of size and functionality. At 21ft, it offers just the right amount of living space for a family, without being so large that it is too difficult to tow or manoeuvre.

The fit and finish is up to Kokoda’s usual high standard, both inside and out. I can see why this layout is favoured by so many of this manufacturer’s family customers

THE SCORE

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS