Fifth wheeler RVs are often something that anyone who is interested in the RV world associates with the large units built in the US. There are, of course, fifth wheelers built in Australia, but you may be surprised to learn that a Christchurch-based company, Hodge RV, has been building units small enough for the New Zealand market for many years. The company was set up originally by Kay and Peter Hodge and is now run by their family. Not so long ago, Hodge RV started building rigs for the Australian market. I was able to get my hands on one of the units and take it for a spin.

The Free Spirit has a few modifications to make it better suited to rougher Aussie outback roads, but is essentially the same as other Hodge fifth wheelers. To cope with the terrain, a 4WD tow vehicle is certainly the preferred option – ours was a Nissan Navara which was adequate power wise, but there are other contenders that have a higher Gross Combined Mass (GCM) and carrying capacities.

As with any RV, the starting point is the chassis, which in this case is built from 5mm and 3mm steel components. For corrosion protection, Arc-Spray coating is used – it’s a thermal zinc treatment. According to Dean Hodge, “it is superior to galvanising because it allows the chassis to be a sealed unit.” To back this up, the chassis carries a 10-year warranty.
Dexter torsion suspension is used for the axles and each axle is rated to carry the load of the fifth wheeler. That might seem excessive but when traversing undulating terrain, it might be needed. All terrain 30x9.5/15 tyres are fitted to the wheels. The generously sized 210L water tank is fitted above the axles, which solves any weight balance problems.

Our review Free Spirit was a prototype (sales demonstration model), and later models will have extra features like a swing-down underbody spare-wheel carrier, a choice of a fixed or portable grey water tank, and more guard and axle clearance for muddy conditions.

Above the chassis, the body is built from vacuum-bonded walls that have an aluminium frame, which is welded rather than riveted, and has more aluminium frame per square metre than the Hodge on-road fifth wheelers. Aluminium is also the material of choice for internal framing and the whole structure is designed to be monocoque in construction. In the ceiling, the framing is strong enough for the roof to be walked on (by four people, so Dean Hodge says) as is the EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene M-class rubber (in case you were wondering) which is used to seal the roof off.

The windows are tinted glass but not full hoppers – just the lower section opens. The door is a Hehr item with a separate (non security) flyscreen.

There are three external bins fitted to the Free Spirit – one at the rear, one along the offside for the two 9kg gas cylinders and one under the overhang. The latter contains the house battery and the mechanism for the electric front jacks.

INTERIORS

With the bedroom in the overhang, the Free Spirit’s internal layout is fairly traditional. The bathroom is split, with the shower cubicle in the front offside corner and the toilet cubicle beside the entry door. Fitted along the mid-offside wall is the kitchen bench and in the rear is a neat dinette and lounge arrangement. Décor colours are a mixture of a mottled white/grey look for most of the walls and ceiling in combination with a ‘timber look’ for all the cabinet and locker doors. One of the effects of the design is a fairly open feel about the general layout – mainly because the shower and toilet are at the front.

Starting in the rear, the L-shaped lounge, which runs down the offside wall and across the rear, has contoured cushions. Along with the dinette table and single seat on the nearside, it gives you room to stretch out, yet offers a comfortable dining space as well. A good design combination! Windows all round give a good view of the surrounding scenery. Overhead lockers are fitted across the rear wall but there are no reading lights, just a ceiling-mounted incandescent fitting.

Kitchen benchtop area is sometimes sparse in RVs, but not in the Free Spirit. The main kitchen bench has a fair amount of working space and the cabinet on the opposite side has more again. The main bench has all the essentials – a four-burner cooktop/grill, stainless steel sink with drainer and 90L Dometic fridge.

Storage space is equally generous with cupboards and overhead lockers on both sides. We particularly like the wire basket drawers fitted to the nearside cabinet. Powerpoints are fitted to the nearside cabinet and to the kitchen bench (under the sink). Alongside the powerpoint are a 12V socket, hot water service controls and an AM/FM radio/CD player. You have to bend to use the latter.

The toilet cubicle comes fitted with a Thetford cassette toilet, a corner washbasin, shaving cabinet and a fan. Opposite, the translucent door-fitted shower cubicle has a fixed height but detachable shower rose.

Up front, the bedroom has a ceiling height of 1.3m (4ft 3in). That’s probably a bit short for caravanners, but motorhomers used to Luton peaks will be delighted. The queen-size mattress sits centre stage and is flanked by two bedside cabinets. There are no reading lights or powerpoints, just a ceiling-mounted incandescent light.

Windows are fitted on either side and there is also a ceiling-mounted ventilation hatch. Like the rest of the windows in the Free Spirit, only the lower third has a hopper opening. I might be a fresh air freak but I would ponder whether that is enough to catch any wafting breezes on warm Australian nights. Fitted into the offside space beside the kitchen bench is a small wardrobe which has a smaller locker above containing the electrics.

THE BOTTOM LINE

When fifth wheelers started to become more common on Australian roads, it was my thinking that the most popular size would be those suited to Aussie utes, i.e., vehicles that are commonly available. That has proved to be the case and the Free Spirit is a welcome addition to the fifth wheeler range.

Locally built (well, sort of) it’s good to note that Hodge RV has taken the time out to adapt the Free Spirit for Australian conditions.

Hodge RV, 13F52 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, Qld 4220, phone (07) 5508 2157.
For more information, including your nearest dealer, phone 1800 190 660, or visit www.hodgerv.com.au