Skip to Content

What makes an award-winning off-grid caravan?

Inside Kokoda’s C216 XG1
July 10, 2026 by
Kokoda Caravans

What Makes an Award-Winning Off-Grid Caravan? 
Inside Kokoda’s C216 XG1 

An award-winning off-grid caravan is not created by adding one impressive feature and calling it innovation. It comes from the way every part of the van works together to support real travel, especially when you are heading further from powered sites, town water and the familiar comforts of a caravan park. 

Inside Kokoda's C216 XG1


That is where Kokoda’s C216 XG1 stands apart. 

Recognised as a Caravan of the Year winner, the C216 XG1 was designed to challenge what an Australian-made off-grid caravan can do. It brings together advanced power, water, comfort, control and construction systems in a way that gives travellers more confidence to go further, stay longer and enjoy the experience inside the van. 

Built for the way Australians travel 

Australian travel asks a lot from a caravan. One day you may be covering long highway stretches, and the next you may be pulling into a remote campsite, navigating corrugations, managing heat, dust, rain or limited access to services. 

That is why genuine off-grid capability needs to be designed into the van from the beginning. A capable caravan needs power that supports the appliances you want to use, water systems that help you stay away longer, construction that can handle changing conditions and comfort features that make the journey enjoyable, not just possible. 

The C216 XG1 was created around that complete experience. It is not simply an off-road caravan with extra inclusions. It is a fully considered touring system designed for travellers who want more from their time on the road. 

Kokoda Caravans Bed


What does off-grid really mean? 

Off-grid travel means having more freedom to travel without relying on powered sites, town water or caravan park facilities every night. For some travellers, that might mean a few nights at a free camp. For others, it means longer touring trips where self-sufficiency becomes a major part of the experience. 

A capable off-grid caravan should support the everyday things that make travel easier, including reliable power, water storage, cooking, refrigeration, climate control, waste management, device charging and system monitoring. 

The strongest off-grid caravans do not treat these as separate features. They are designed so each system supports the next, giving owners a more reliable and enjoyable experience once they are actually travelling. 

C216 XG1 off-grid system snapshot 

When comparing premium off-grid caravans, buyers need to see the real capability behind the claims. The C216 XG1 brings together the key systems that matter for extended Australian touring. 

System 

C216 XG1 specification 

Why it matters 

Solar 

1720w (4 x 430 watt panels) solar 

Helps recharge the system away from powered sites. 

Lithium battery capacity 

12v 2x 460AH (920AH) Lithium batteries 

Stores power for overnight use and longer stays. 

Inverter 

Victron 5000w  240v Inverter / Charger with 120a charge 

Supports selected household-style appliances. 

Fresh water capacity 

330 Litres of water *3x 110L tanks 

Helps travellers stay away from town water for longer. 

Construction 

XCore Construction 

Supports strength, insulation and durability. 

Control system 

Victron Battery management system with Cerbo 5"display screen 

Helps owners monitor key caravan systems. 

Power, water and control working together 

Power is one of the biggest considerations for anyone comparing off-grid caravans, but it is not enough to simply ask whether a van has solar. A strong setup should consider solar capacity, lithium battery storage, inverter capability, charging efficiency, appliance demand and system monitoring. 

Water can be just as important. In many cases, your water setup will determine how long you can comfortably stay in one place. Buyers should look at fresh water capacity, filtration, reverse osmosis, water generation, ease of monitoring and how practical the water system is for everyday use. 

The C216 XG1 has been designed to support extended off-grid living, giving travellers the confidence to use the features they value without constantly planning around the next powered site or town stop. 

Lounges Inside Kokoda's C216 XG1


Comfort that supports the journey 

Off-grid travel should not mean giving up comfort. For many Kokoda owners, the goal is not to rough it for the sake of it, but to reach more places while still enjoying the ease and practicality of a well-designed van. 

The C216 XG1 brings comfort into the off-grid experience through thoughtful interior design, climate control, entertainment and premium finishes that make longer trips more enjoyable. This matters because comfort is not just a luxury when you are travelling for weeks or months. It is part of what makes the journey sustainable. 

A caravan can be capable on paper, but if it is not enjoyable to live in, the trip becomes harder than it needs to be. 

Construction still matters most 

All the technology in the world means very little if the caravan itself is not built for the conditions. Australian roads, tracks and weather can be unforgiving, which is why construction sits at the centre of Kokoda’s design approach. 

A strong off-grid caravan needs to consider structural strength, insulation, dust resistance, durability, weight, long-term comfort and off-road capability. These are the foundations that allow the rest of the systems to perform. 

Kokoda’s XCore Construction supports the broader systems story by giving the caravan the foundation it needs to handle real Australian travel. 

Learn more about Kokoda’s XCore Construction

What buyers should look for in an off-grid caravan 

If you are comparing off-grid caravans, do not just count the number of features listed in the brochure. Look at how those features work together and whether they suit the way you want to travel. 

What to compare 

Why it matters 

Solar capacity 

Shows how well the system can recharge during the day. 

Battery capacity 

Affects how long you can use power away from mains. 

Inverter size 

Determines which appliances can be used off-grid. 

Water capacity 

Impacts how long you can stay away from town water. 

Construction 

Supports durability, insulation and long-term performance. 

Control technology 

Helps you monitor the van more easily. 

Local support 

Gives confidence after handover. 

Exterior of Kokoda's C216 XG1


Why the C216 XG1 was built differently 

The C216 XG1 was created to push the idea of what an Australian-made off-grid caravan can be. It brings together power, water, comfort, control and construction in a way that supports real touring, not just showroom appeal. 

That is why its Caravan of the Year recognition matters. It is more than a title. It is proof of Kokoda’s commitment to challenging convention, refining what matters and building caravans for the way people want to travel now. 

Explore the award-winning C216 XG1.

Book a Kokoda walkthrough


Kokoda C216 XG1 & Off-Grid Touring FAQs  

What makes a caravan good for off-grid travel? 

A good off-grid caravan needs a balanced power system, strong water capacity, durable construction, practical comfort features and clear system monitoring. 

Why is the Kokoda C216 XG1 different? 

The C216 XG1 brings together advanced off-grid systems, premium comfort, smart control technology and strong construction in one award-winning caravan designed for Australian touring. 

What should I compare when buying an off-grid caravan? 

Compare solar capacity, battery storage, inverter size, water litres, construction, suspension, layout, comfort, technology, warranty and after-sales support.