Review: Opus OP19 19ft Caravan

I’ll never forget when I saw the Opus camper trailer for the first time. With the unique ‘dome’ shape of the canvas, it cut quite a striking figure at camp. Many years ago – almost in another life – I owned one of these campers, until it was nicked from my driveway.

Soon afterwards, the company launched the Air Opus, which took the time and effort out of setting up the camper. Using ‘air beams’ that became rigid once filled with compressed air, this camper was virtually self-correcting and was a hit at caravan shows around the country.

Meanwhile, Opus developed a small range of hybrid campers in order to provide customers who love the idea of a small rig but prefer something more ‘caravan like’. Then, in mid 2024, the company launched the first in what has the potential to become a very successful line of full caravans.

Like the Opus hybrids, the caravans have the ‘OP’ appellation. For example, an OP15 hybrid is a 15-footer, while this OP19 caravan is a 19-footer. There are two caravan sizes in the range: 19ft and 21ft, both available in couple’s and family layouts. Further, while Opus’ other models are built overseas, the caravans are being built right here in Australia.

WATER AND POWER

In early February, we had the opportunity to take a look at the OP19. With its grey composite aluminium cladding over a meranti frame, atop a 6in SilverShine chassis with 2in raiser, it’s a good-looking unit.

In standard format, it’ll set you back around $93K which in today’s market is good value. While the OP19 isn’t the most kitted-out caravan in the holiday park, it still packs a pretty decent punch, without cutting corners in terms of the quality of the build.

Across the nearside you’ll find a full-length roll-out awning, a picnic table (it isn’t a caravan without one of those!) speakers, awning lights, tunnel boot storage and a 240V and 12V outlet. All the essentials are covered. One thing to note, though, is that the front window will need to be closed in order to have the door opened all the way – an affliction common to many caravans.

The drawbar is equipped with a decent storage box with slide-out trays either side. I would, however, love to see an Anderson plug to power a portable fridge within the nearside compartment, but of course that’s something anyone handy with tools could add themselves down the track as needed. I’d also consider a mesh stoneguard or some other form of mechanical protection for the gas regulator and cylinders, since it is an offroad caravan and presumably there will be some flying gravel and the occasional stone in your future.

There’s also a small LED light in the front and rear of the van, along with some offside storage space, not to mention a rear-mounted spare wheel.

The OP19 rides on Shine XT independent trailing arm coil suspension with Pedders shockers, but you can upgrade to Cruisemaster suspension if you wish, whether its coils or airbags.

The fresh water system is comprised of two 95L tanks mounted forward of the axle grouping and a single 95L grey water tank to the rear – I’d consider wrapping up the PVC outlet in a pool noodle or some other protective material before hitting the tracks; however, when I spoke to Opus’ national sales manager, Glen Bond, he was keen to add some checkerplate here to future models. 

Customers can add a third fresh water tank, which might not be a bad idea, and this model did have the payload capacity to accommodate an additional 95kg worth of water. Honestly, I would take that option – dependably safe water can be hard to come by in the bush.

The 12V system of the Opus OP19 is comprised of 300Ah worth of lithium batteries, three 210W roof-mounted solar panels, a 2000W Renogy inverter (mounted neatly under the bed) and the BMPRO BatteryPlus35-II-HA power management system. This is quality gear and the fact it is provided in a solid off-road van at this price point says something about Opus, I think.

One thing to point out: Opus can happily provide a fourth 210W solar panel; however, because that particular power management system has a maximum solar input of 800W, it would require a separate solar regulator or a different power management system. Opus also provides a separate 50A Renogy AC-DC and DC-DC charger. Customers can also option in another 100Ah of lithium battery power.

All of that said, the OP19 presents externally as a solid and dependable caravan, and the items I pointed out as things I would change are either personal preference or not necessarily difficult to do yourself as a weekend job – they are certainly not deal-breakers.

INSIDE THE OPUS OP19

Stepping inside, I discovered an attractive caravan with a time-honoured layout that incorporated a queen-size bed up front, an amidships kitchen on the nearside, a cafe dinette on the offside, and a rear ensuite.

The front bedroom is complete with overhead lockers, side wardrobes with niches and 240V and 12V points. The switch to turn on the inverter is next to the bed. The storage space beneath the innerspring mattress is divided in two, with the nearside space fitted with a drawer and the offside space a hatch.

Moving to the kitchen, you’ll find a neat and tidy space with a four-burner cooktop, a griller and an oven. The black sink and matching tapware, which includes a separate tap for filtered drinking water, are always a classy touch, and I liked the waterfall benchtop – not something you always see in a caravan.

Between the dinette and bathroom is a 190L Bushman compressor fridge with a microwave recessed into the cabinetry above.

The bathroom contains a nearside shower, offside cassette toilet, a small vanity with a top-loader washing machine beneath the bench, and there’s even a pretty decent linen cupboard. In fact, the entire van offers a sensible mix between storage space, features and liveability – nothing feels cramped or forced, or bolted on as an afterthought. 

If I could change one thing, it would be to conceal the silastic under the kitchen and bathroom sink. Some manufacturers fit cabinetry inserts to hide where the plumbing disappears through the floor, while others fit plastic collars to seal things off. It is a small detail, but one that I would personally appreciate.

In terms of weights, our OP19 had a Tare of a respectable 2560kg, an ATM of 3500kg and an unladen ball weight of 200kg. There’s nothing surprising or concerning about those numbers and there are plenty of suitable tow vehicle available.

GORV’S VERDICT

Whether you want a clever self-erecting camper trailer, a little hybrid with a lot of heart, or a full caravan, Opus now has you covered. Partially, that was the idea behind the development of the caravan line – having the ability to provide their customers with their choice of RV. I can see a lot of potential for Opus to expand this burgeoning caravan range.

The Opus 19 is a good value proposition that doesn’t skimp on the quality of the build or fitout. Further, there is a full range of options available, from additional solar to sway control. It promises an enjoyable offroad experience, with a decent 12V system to keep you off-grid for that little bit longer, and although we didn’t beat the van along hard-core offroad trails, I saw this as a solid off-road rig that would be worth your time having a good look at yourself.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS