Overview
The Concept RS Off Road 187 is a stately couple’s off-road caravan. It blends a 20-year heritage with new technology for comfortable, reliable touring. It is also proven in our Tough Tested terrain.
Concept truly delivers for modern day caravanners. They equip this 187 with a Truma AquaGo instantaneous HWS and a powerful and fast 3000W 18A inverter-charger. This is monitored via a Projecta power management system.
This competitively priced off-roader sits alongside rivals like the revitalised Sunseeker Desert Storm 18’6″. The chef-friendly Legend Trackline 18’6″ and value-driven Design RV Forerunner CRX 18’6″ semi-off-roader also compete in this hotly contested field.
Terrain Tested
| 🏜️ Sand Dunes | ⛰️ Rocky Climbs | 〰️ Corrugations | 💦 Water Crossings |
📍 Test Location: Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park, South Australia.
Is the Concept RS Off Road 187 right for me?
The Concept RS Off Road 187 suits couples seeking refined living quarters that’s off-road and off-grid capable. It is perfect for comfortable riverside stays.
Combined with two solar panels seen here for a 2.7T+ Tare, a 400Ah lithium bank and a grey water tank, the RS Off Road 187 offers decent comforts at camp.
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
The interior’s thoughtful design blends touring comfort with practical, off-road readiness.
Interior layout
The Concept RS 187 rear-door layout encompasses a full-width rear ensuite, a central kitchen, a living and dining area with cafe lounge and a north-south bed up front.
The kitchen setup comprises a full oven, grill, and cooktop, microwave and large Dometic compressor fridge set within fingerprint-resistant 15mm TruMatte double-sided cabinetry.
Clever CNC routed countertop optimises the compact bathroom layout providing ample room for the washer, ceramic toilet, shower and large mirrored wall in this smaller size ‘middie’.
Comfort & practicality
The north-south sleeping configuration provides access to the 6ft 2in coil sprung pillowtop mattress at three sides. It is adjacent to a two-way light switch.
Reverse cycle air-conditioning and dust reduction protect the inhouse-build upholstery featuring reinforced footrests. With an external shower and toggled bug lights relegating the adventures outdoors.
Setting up the perfect happy hour camp is easy, too, with ample external storage for a table and chairs beneath the awning.
Build, Features & Off-Grid Performance – Can it handle my adventures?
Eager to test the RS Off Road on our tough Loveday tracks ready for travel, Concept filled the twin 95L tanks to capacity.
🏕️ 💨 Sand & Corrugations Test
Objective: The Sand Moguls rigorously assesses suspension travel, body flex and stability at speed.
Observations: Driving for Concept, Aaron Long tackled the “3D” sand moguls with a relaxed and collected demeanour—describing track conditions as a “day at the beach”.
‘Longy’ maintained excellent momentum, guiding the now near 3T van through the corners “like an absolute pro”.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: Despite a minor “crunch” at the step, the team was “really impressed” with its resilience and performance.
- Caravan Reaction: Sporting full tanks, the van followed the big Chev “absolutely perfect,” with exceptional stability and ease.
- Component Response: The track conditions thoroughly tested DO35 coupling proving their genuine off-road capability.
🌊 💦 Water Crossing Test
Objective: The Water Crossing evaluates water resistance, clearance and the operational integrity of the electric brakes. It also tests suspension travel, body flex and overall stability during a submerged traverse.
Observations: Driver Aaron ‘Longy’ Long literally charted water, creating a great splash while punting the Chevrolet Silverado-Concept Caravans RS Off Road 187 rig into the crossing. He held a confident and direct line, though, powering through the muddy water for a clean exit.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: No damage was reported. The vehicle and the caravan powered through the deep water crossing without any apparent issues.
- Caravan Reaction: The caravan tracked perfectly behind the tow vehicle. It showed no signs of instability or drag as it moved through the water.
- Component Response: The caravan’s clearance easily handled the deep and muddy water without any signs of ingress or difficulty.
🪨 Moguls & Ruts Test
Objective: The Vantec Caravan Graveyard evaluates departure angles, suspension behaviour, articulation, momentum and track adherence.
Observations: Aaron adopted a deliberate, careful strategy. He navigated the Chevrolet Silverado-Concept Caravans RS Off Road 187 through the ominous Caravan Graveyard. The track was tight, with overhanging obstacles and a tricky central hump. But Longy navigated left to avoid hazards, carrying just enough momentum to clear the main hump and charge up the hill.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: Our team reported no damage to either vehicle or the van during this technical and challenging section of the track.
- Caravan Reaction: The caravan followed the tow vehicle beautifully through the tight corners on the uneven and tricky terrain.
- Component Response: Off-road appointments like the DO35 coupling performed “quite easy” for the driver to negotiate.
💨 🌀 Traction through Bull Dust Test
Objective: The NCE Abyss rigorously assesses traction, stability, and handling of the caravan and tow vehicle in extremely loose, soft sand and bull dust conditions.
Observations: Concept driver Aaron Long pushed through the “guts of hell” with the RS Off Road in tow. He navigated blinding dust and the track’s deep holes. The vision was so poor at times that drivers almost navigated by “braille”. Longy adopted a “steady as she goes” approach. He assessed the risks over a large dip.
What We Found:
- Component Damage: Despite the track’s complexity, our crew found no new damage to either the vehicle or the caravan.
- Caravan Reaction: The van performed “pretty well,” through the Abyss boosting Aaron’s confidence in the challenging, low-visibility conditions.
- Component Response: The independent suspension effectively “softened up the holes”.
Chassis, suspension & build
The aluminium and checkerplate-clad Concept RS Off Road 187 offers decent clearance. It rides on a stacked G&S flat floor chassis to protect the water tanks underneath.
Teamed with a DO35 coupling, the strong independent coil-sprung Control Rider suspension bolsters towing comfort. It sports 17in wheels, 12in brakes, tailored dampers and lightweight trailing arms taming undulating terrain.
Power & Water
- 400W solar (600W 2025 spec)
- 400A lithium
- 3000W inverter
- 2x 95L freshwater water tanks
- Grey water
- Instantaneous HWS & external shower
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & inclusions
The price is from $112,900, sporting key comforts like an instantaneous hot water system. There is a powerful Projecta-controlled 3000W inverter-charger and Control Rider suspension.
Warranty & ownership
- 24-month manufacturer warranty
- Dealer network or service access
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The Concept RS Off Road 187 is a solid performer backed by a 20-year pedigree. It rides on a stacked G&S flat floor chassis. It has trusted Control Rider independent coil suspension for reliable handling on challenging terrain.
The 400Ah lithium bank and a scalable 400W array (600W for 2025) provide welcome comforts on extended remote adventures.
Rivals at a glance
The beautiful Concept RS Off Road 187 boasts exquisite interiors. A proven G&S chassis shielding the water tanks with reliable independent coil suspension makes it a well-equipped off-grid tourer.
- Sunseeker Desert Storm 18’6″ – A newly-revitalised brand with airbag suspension.
- Legend Trackline 18’6″ – Focussed on kitchen appointments indoors and out.
- Design RV Forerunner CRX 18’6″ – A value driven semi-off-roader with fresh, modern interiors.
