Torus RV 17.9 Dual Axle Build

Yes, we love our Opus OP4 TLX, and we will treasure what we are using it for. In the meantime, we have been doing our research on so many caravans and have narrowed dwn our choice to the Torus RV 17.9 dual axle.

6/4/20264 min read

There are so many reasons we have chosen Torus RV as our manufacturer.

  • Torus RV caravans are built using a modern fibreglass sandwich panel construction with a fire-retardant XPS Core System.

  • The 17.9 Rear Ensuite Kakadu has a Tare weight of approximately 2600 kg and an ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) of 3500 kg. This provides an impressive 900 kg payload for your gear, water, and personal items. (Weights are approximate and can vary with optional extras).

In this video, Sian of Big Oz Explorers takes us through the full walkthrough Torus RV 17.9ft layout, including the spacious rear ensuite, kitchen, dining, and sleeping zones • The benefits of the dual axle platform for towing stability and load carrying • Increased payload capacity for extended off-grid travel • Off-grid features including lithium batteries, solar setup, inverter system, and water storage • Construction highlights including the full composite build, heavy-duty chassis, and off-road suspension • Interior styling, finishes, storage solutions, and optional upgrades

Additional Upgrades For Our Torus RV 17.9 Dual Axle Rear Ensuite.

As pictured, we are opting for the wide toolbox with the large firewood box on top. The 2 x 9kg gas bottles will sit in front of the toolbox and behind the stoneguard.

Purpose-built for practicality and durability, this firewood box keeps your wood neatly contained, protected, and easy to access.

Crafted from high-quality Aluminium and finished with a tough powder-coated surface, it’s built to handle Australia’s harshest conditions.

The Torus toolbox is designed to accommodate items such as:

  • Generator

  • Portable fridge/freezer

  • Hoses, Power leads, Recovery gear,

  • Tools and spare parts

  • Air compressor

This means dirty, dusty, or fuel-related equipment stays outside your caravan's internal storage.

CAN Portable Slide Out Kitchen

A portable slide-out kitchen built for quick camp setup and tidy pack down. Crafted from AISI 304 stainless steel with a Scotch Brite finish and a black tempered glass lid with concealed hinges.

Why it work off-grid?

Slide out base AISI 304 stainless Tempered glass lid Flame safety device

  • Stainless construction with Scotch Brite finish for easy clean-ups

  • Black tempered glass lid delivers a clean look when stowed

  • Flame Safety Device with thermocouple for added protection

  • Cold water faucet and waste included for quick setup

  • 1.5m flexible hose with quick connector

  • Extensible legs to adjust working height on uneven ground

  • Certified quality with CE and UKCA markings

Most caravan slide-out kitchens include a gas burner cooktop, stainless steel sink with a tap connection, sturdy work surfaces, and lockable slides that secure during travel.

High-quality models like the CAN Portable Slide Out Kitchen add integrated splashbacks, storage drawers, and strong ball-bearing runners rated for heavy loads. Look for models with flame-failure safety, easy-to-clean stainless steel, and compatibility with your caravan’s LPG and water systems.

BOS Hydraulic Stabiliser Legs (700 ml)

  • Replaces your existing square stabiliser legs

  • Powerful enough to lift your van or trailer off the ground to change a flat tyre or insert wheel supports

  • Choice of 30° or 90° positions

  • Operate easily by hand or cordless drill with drive set thanks to the patented BOS gearbox

  • Unique patented BOS PUSH/PULL Handle makes release & positioning easy

  • Weight is transferred to the base (NOT onto the pivot bolt)

  • High-quality components for extended life.

  • Large base plate can be angled and rotated for maximum stability

  • Extensions available for extra height when needed

  • Batteries: The factory build includes two 200Ah RenogyPro Lithium Batteries (400Ah total). To achieve 800Ah, we will install two additional matching 200Ah Renogy Pro batteries in parallel, ensuring identical internal resistance and age.

  • Solar Input: The factory 800W rooftop solar configuration is exceptionally high for a 17.9ft van and easily services an expanded battery bank. The 30mm one-piece domed roof is fully walkable, making maintenance or additions safe and simple.

  • Management & Inverter: System control is anchored by the Renogy ONE Core Battery Management System paired with a 3000W Renogy inverter. The 3000W inverter is fully capable of handling the continuous discharge currents provided by an 800Ah bank.

  • DC-to-DC Charging: The van features a 50A DC-to-DC charger with MPPT. This safely regulates charge from your vehicle's alternator while driving via the pre-wired 50A A-frame Anderson plug.

The Benefits of the OGO Composting Toilet.

Given your planned 600–800Ah lithium battery bank, 800W solar, and long-term Australia travel plans, an OGO toilet would:

  • Increase off-grid autonomy.

  • Reduce dump-point dependence.

  • Save freshwater.

  • Complement your solar and battery upgrades.

  • Support the slow-travel lifestyle you and Rowena are planning. Things to Consider

    ⚠️ Higher upfront cost than a cassette toilet.
    ⚠️ Requires emptying the urine bottle every 1–3 days, depending on usage.
    ⚠️ The solids bin still requires periodic emptying (typically every 3–6 weeks for two people, depending on usage).
    ⚠️ Requires a small amount of 12V power for the fan and agitator.

    For a faith-based Grey Nomad couple planning extended free camping and remote travel, the OGO is one of the strongest upgrades you can make to reduce reliance on caravan park facilities and dump points.