Auriga might best be known as a constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, but owners of the fledgling motorhome brand of the same name, are hoping Auriga will soon become synonymous with off-road expedition touring.
The Perth-based company’s latest creation is built on IVECO’s Eurocargo ML150 4x4 platform, and offers prospective buyers the comfort and off highway capabilities to tackle Australia’s toughest conditions for extended time.
The birth of this star has a somewhat unusual beginning as the brainchild of, Bryan McGrath, a successful business owner who has been supplying commercial cabinetry in Perth since 1970, and more recently turned his talents to motorhome manufacturing.
His initial motorhome bodies were designed for smaller light truck platforms before deciding to get even more serious by selecting the Eurocargo 4x4 for future projects.
“I think the IVECO Eurocargo ML150 4x4 offers the complete package for this type of motorhome build,” Bryan said.
“From a cost perspective it wasn’t a much greater investment to go from a light truck to medium duty platform and get a whole lot of extra benefits including more space, greater carrying and towing capacity and a much better driving experience.
“The Eurocargo sits nicely on the road, is comfortable and offers a lot of stability – it was also a very easy process to fit super single rims which is the preferred specification when you head off road.
“The cabin ergonomics and appointments are also high end, which is helpful when you’re covering large distances.”
Another important area where the Eurocargo 4x4 impresses is in its off-road abilities, thanks to a full-time 4x4 system, hub reduction rear axle and front, centre and rear differential locks that ensure maximum traction when conditions deteriorate.
Also assisting off-road are multi-leaf springs with dual acting hydraulic shock absorbers and high tensile steel chassis that allows twisting for maximum articulation over undulations.
Other benefits include Iveco’s proven ‘Tector’ 6-cylinder, 5.9 litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 279hp and impressive 950Nm of torque from a low 1,200rpm. Power is fed to the wheels via a ZF 6-speed manual synchromesh transmission.
“The engine has heaps of power for this sort of application, and we’ve spoken to other users of this vehicle and they’ve told us that the fuel efficiency is also excellent,” Bryan said.
As you would expect from a motorhome of this nature, the Eurocargo is fitted with all the amenities to provide comfort and convenience away from civilisation, including interior kitchen and shower with 15l hot water system, ceramic Thetford toilet with cartridge, reverse cycle air conditioning, diesel heater and more. The vehicle is also fitted with a 400l freshwater tanks and 150l of grey capacity. Power for the accommodation comes from a combination of lithium batteries and solar panels. And the truck sleeps up to four adults (one queen size bed and one drop down double bed), ensuring ample space for families.
The habitation body is built from lightweight yet tough aluminium box sections sitting on a base ladder frame; it’s externally clad with fire retardant 4mm aluminium composite panels and internally sheeted with 25mm insulation, and then finished with 12mm fire and water retardant compact laminate. The roof which features a huge skylight for star gazing is completely sealed using VersEseal with Geo Fabric for an excellent barrier to water intrusion.
On the outside, the truck features a 24,000-pound electric winch, auxiliary lighting, tyre inflation system, slide out outdoor kitchen and an awning. The body sits on a steel C Channel frame bolted to the chassis rails and through flanged brackets, which are sprung with 12 heavy duty springs to allow for the torsion rotation of the truck chassis.
With Australians already being able to choose from several more established motorhome brands, Bryan has no hesitation in immediately nominating the main points of different between Auriga and the others.
“We really are experts in cabinet making and fit outs, we use high quality, light weight, waterproof materials, and I believe that our level of fit and finish exceeds what’s currently available,” he said.
“As a company we’re also mindful of remaining attainable for prospective owners, so we aim to provide quality at a reasonable price point. You shouldn’t have to wish upon a star to own an Auriga.”
Auriga’s first Eurocargo-based unit has already been sold with another two to start the build phase shortly. Early next year the company will also take delivery of a larger T-Way 4x4 for an even more ambitious build; these projects are likely to keep Auriga’s O’Connor manufacturing facility – and Bryan plus team of 35 permanent full-time staff – busy for the long term.