How We Design Custom Off Road Caravans at Elross
In-house Elross Design Consultation: Reviewing Interior Colour Palettes
At Elross Caravans, every off road caravan begins with a personalised design process tailored to the customer’s travel style and requirements.
From initial floorplan concepts and chassis sizing through to AutoCAD drafting, 3D component modelling and pre-start consultations, our design process gives customers direct involvement in creating a bespoke Australian made caravan built for touring Australia.
Whether you are designing an ECX, R-Model or custom off grid caravan, the goal is the same — combining functionality, durability and personalised luxury into a build that is uniquely yours.
Before getting into the design side of things, I’ll introduce myself. My name is Naz, and I’m the Designer Draftsperson at Elross Caravans. I joined the team in 2021 with a strong passion for automotive design, architecture, and bespoke manufacturing. Since starting at Elross, I’ve been involved in everything from unique caravan concepts and compliance requirements through to improving production efficiency within the factory.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing a concept evolve from an idea on paper into a finished caravan ready for delivery. Every project is different, and that’s what makes the process so enjoyable.
A Personalised Design Process
Our Build Plans are developed with AutoCAD LT
Every stage is structured to ensure ideas are captured clearly, refined collaboratively, and finalised with confidence before production begins.
Stage 1 — Initial Design Meeting
The process begins with the Initial Design Meeting.
This consultation is designed to absorb as much information as possible about the customer’s requirements, travel goals, and preferred layout ideas. During this meeting we begin defining the major foundations of the build, including:
Chassis size and overall van dimensions
Model selection such as the ECX or R-Model range
Floorplan direction and living layout
Bed orientation and sleeping arrangements
Seating configuration and internal flow
General functionality and storage requirements
This meeting becomes the framework that guides the remainder of the design process and helps personalise the build to suit your lifestyle.
The goal of the initial plans is to give customers a clear visual understanding of how their future van will come together before production begins.
Stage 2 — Design Revisions
Following the release of the Initial Design Plans, we move into the revision stage.
Customers are provided with up to three design revisions to refine the layout and make amendments as required. These revisions help fine-tune the build and ensure every important detail is considered carefully.
There have certainly been occasions where we’ve achieved the perfect outcome on the very first revision. However, in most cases, the sweet spot typically falls within two to three revisions as ideas naturally evolve throughout the process.
Revision 1 and Revision 2 are generally completed through email correspondence
Adjustments, mark-ups, and feedback are reviewed and incorporated into updated plans
This allows customers time to carefully consider their layout and discuss ideas at their own pace
Stage 3 — Pre-Start Meeting
The final stage is the Pre-Start Meeting.
This meeting is typically reserved for the final revision and serves as the formal sign-off stage before production begins. During this consultation we go through the plans one final time in detail while also confirming:
Interior colour selections
Material finishes
Upholstery choices
Final layout confirmations
Electrical and appliance selections
Any remaining amendments or refinements
Once approved, the plans are signed off and released into production.
In-Person and Video Consultations
Whenever possible, we strongly prefer conducting meetings in-house at our Facility located in Maddington WA.
Being able to physically see materials, layouts, components, and finishes in person gives customers a far better understanding of the build and often makes decision-making much easier.
That said, we also understand this is not always practical — particularly for our regional and state-wide clients across Western Australia and interstate.
To accommodate this, we also offer Video Consultations, allowing customers to remain fully involved in the design process regardless of location.
Whether meetings occur face-to-face or online, the goal remains the same — delivering a highly personalised and collaborative design experience from start to finish.
Turning Concepts into Reality
Elross Gibberguard Render - 3D Modelled with Fusion
Behind every Australian Made Elross caravan is a significant amount of planning and drafting work.
One of the main programs used daily is AutoCAD LT. This software allows me to create the complete build plans used throughout production. From floorplans and cabinetry layouts through to detailed dimensions and manufacturing drawings, AutoCAD plays a critical role in ensuring every department within the factory works from accurate and consistent plans.
Precision is everything in caravan manufacturing, particularly when dealing with custom layouts and bespoke options.
Alongside drafting, I also use Fusion by Autodesk to design and model various components used across our range. This includes products such as our Deluxe Toolbox and the GibberGuard, along with many other custom-designed parts and accessories.
Using 3D modelling allows us to visualise components before production, refine designs, improve functionality, and ensure parts integrate seamlessly into the final build.
Designing with Manufacturing in Mind
Conducting in-house meetings allows you to see the materials and components and often makes decision-making much easier.
Good design isn’t just about appearance. It also needs to consider manufacturing efficiency, durability, serviceability, and long-term reliability. Working closely with the production team allows us to continually improve our designs while maintaining the rugged and premium standard Elross is known for.
A large part of my role also involves streamlining production processes and assisting the workshop team wherever possible.
This collaboration between design and manufacturing is a major part of what goes on behind the scenes at Elross.
More Than Just an Off Grid Caravan
For many customers, ordering a caravan is more than simply buying a product. It’s building something that supports future travel plans, adventures, and memories.
Being able to guide customers through that process and help bring their ideas to life is something I genuinely enjoy. From the first sketches and design meetings through to seeing the finished van leave the factory, it’s rewarding to be part of the entire journey.
At Elross, the tailored design experience is not just an added feature — it’s a core part of who we are.
If this article wet your appetite, jump on the build with us page!
