Overview
The New Age Manta Ray 19ER Expedition is a polished mid-sized off-grid van designed for two, combining a tough build and a stylish automotive-inspired tail.
Enjoying a laser focussed feature-set, New Age further finessed the popular couple’s 19ft layout ahead of the 2024 foray on our Tough Tested tracks” with off-grid upgrades, kitchen refinements and a new one-piece floor.
The tough Expedition build on show features BOSCH anti-sway tech, alloy walls and Cruisemaster coils. It’s a well-rounded package competing strongly against the Crusader XCountry Trailbreaker, the Red Centre Caravans Kimberley range and the Salute Caravans Governor.
| 🏜️ Sand Dunes | ⛰️ Rocky Climbs | 〰️ Corrugations | 💦 Water Crossings |
📍 Test Location: Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park, South Australia.
Is the New Age Manta Ray 19ER Expedition right for me?
The New Age Manta Ray 19ER suits adventuring couples seeking a neat, clean modern interior for their off-road adventures. New Age prioritises tough underpinnings, upgraded power systems and smart interior comforts over entry-level affordability.
Small details like coating on the wheel arches, bolted furniture and a new one-piece composite floor boost off-road integrity, as demonstrated on our Tough Tested 2024 course. There’s good off-grid capability here, too, with a 400W solar array seen here (600W for the current spec) supporting the 200Ah chassis-mounted lithium battery bank–upgraded to 220Ah for 2025.
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
New Age refined its popular Manta Ray 19ER layout boosting pantry storage for couples seeking to go on tour.
Interior layout
The 19ER floorplan features a queen-size bed sleeping configuration up front, central kitchen setup, central living and dining area and a full-width rear bathroom layout.
Within the kitchen, there’s ample countertop space and food storage fitted with soft-close drawers and European hardware including a new two-door pantry close to the 199L fridge. The beautiful cafe-style lounge with footrests and storage offers lumbar support. The timber edging for your morning cuppa is a welcome touch.
There are wireless charging points, 12V and 240V outlets within the alcoves either side of the queen-size bed. The ensuite features a separate one-piece fibreglass shower, ceramic bowl, toilet, a grey splashback, timber benchtops and matt black appliances assuring design continuity throughout. Plus, a combo cooktop delivering the go-anywhere convenience of twin gas burners alongside a precise, single induction hob.
Comfort & practicality
New Age really did lead the pack with one of my favourite modern caravanning trends, beautifully executed soft perimeter lighting. Timber-like counters on the Tough Tested demonstrator also help soften the modern black and white aesthetic, comprising a subway tile splashback in the kitchen.
There’s ample storage outdoors and nifty camper-friendly additions at the drop-down table. The Manta Ray’s moulded rear came in handy on our Tough Tested tracks, keeping fuel stores and the spare Mudzilla out of harm’s way.
Build, Features & Off-Grid Performance – Can it handle my adventures?
We put the New Age Manta Ray Expedition through our Tough Tested course, split into specific terrains–each revealing a different side of its engineering and construction.
🏕️ 💨 Sand & Corrugations Test
Objective
The Sand Moguls rigorously assesses suspension travel, body flex and stability at speed.
Observations
John Koutsikas towed the New Age Manta Ray Expedition for SA dealer Destiny RV through the Sand Mogul track navigating the “pretty big whoopy dos” with aplomb.
Experienced on the trails, John understood when to apply the “right pedal to use,” maintaining a relaxed demeanour throughout the course.
| Sand & Corrugations Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: The driver confirmed “everything’s still in one piece”. |
| Caravan Reaction: The van handled the moguls well, with the driver reporting “it just floats through there”. |
| Component Response: The driver praised the components, stating “you get [it] with that chassis it’s just so strong” and the “Cruisemaster Suspension’s awesome”. |
🌊 💦 Water Crossing Test
Objective
The water crossing evaluates water resistance, clearance and the operational integrity of electric brakes.
Observations
“Without hesitation”, Johnny hauled the Chevrolet Silverado–New Age Caravans Manta Ray Expedition combo through a deep, muddy water hole at a “controlled, steady pace” with style.
| Water Crossing Test, What we found |
|---|
| Component Damage: Our crews spotted no visual component damage on the caravan or the Chevrolet Silverado during or immediately after the deepwater crossing. |
| Caravan Reaction: A “stable, secure unit,” the Manta Ray Expedition maintained its line through the deeply rutted and challenging water. |
| Component Response: Waterproofing and clearance shielded the caravan against damage. |
🪨 Moguls & Ruts Test
Objective
The Vantec Caravan Graveyard assesses departure angles, suspension behaviour, articulation, momentum and track adherence.
Observations
John Koutsikas tackled the Vantec Caravan graveyard with the New Age Caravans Manta Ray Expedition in tow.
A “hairy … little step” at the end awaited but Johnny was “not mucking around” slipping in underneath the big excavator and over the obstacles like an absolute star.
| Moguls & Ruts Test, What we found: |
|---|
| Component Damage: No damage was reported; confidence in the van was high. |
| Caravan Reaction: The caravan navigated the obstacles well. |
| Component Response: Johnny credited the “riper set of suspension” that was “up to the task” on this “real deal” test track. |
💨 🌀 Traction & Cornering through Bull Dust Test
Objective
The NCE Abyss rigorously assesses traction, stability and handling in soft sand.
Observations
Driver Johnny navigated the New Age Manta Ray Expedition through the NCE Abyss, a track with “steep inclines,” “foot deep bulldust” and a “tight curve”.
Although “confident in the van,” Johnny admitted the track would “definitely test out me”.
| Traction & Cornering through Bull Dust Test, What we found |
|---|
| Component Damage: A commentator suggested the “toolbox [sustained] a little bit of a kiss,” but the van completed the test. |
| Caravan Reaction: The van “handled the abuse like nothing else,” providing a “very smooth ride” and performing “like an absolute Beast”. |
| Component Response: The van proved it was “built for off-road” and handled the “pretty hectic” test “straight off the factory floor”. |
Chassis & suspension
The New Age Manta Ray Expedition rides atop of a tough galvanised chassis teamed with XT Freestyle Cruisemaster coil springs, a DO35 coupling and Mudzilla tyres off-road.
New Age’s CAD-designed cabinetry screws into a new for 2024 one-piece floor protecting your gear when you’re heading off-road. The tough alloy gumnut exterior looks great. Checker-plate panelling, under carriage bash plates and stone deflection up front deliver track protection on gravel and dirt roads.
Power & water systems
Power:
- BP35HA BMS & blue-tooth monitoring via BMPRO Odyssey Link
- 400W array (600W for 2025)
- 200Ah chassis-mounted battery bank (220Ah for 2025)
Water:
- x2 110L freshwater + 110L greywater tanks
- Easy to access water tank outlets
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & inclusions
Priced from $110,240, with key inclusions featuring Expedition upgrades like a 600W solar array for 2025, 220Ah lithium battery bank, BOSCH tow assist and a one-piece composite floor.
Warranty & ownership
Safety & compliance
- BOSCH tow assist
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The New Age Manta Ray 19ft Expedition builds on a popular layout by adding significant off-grid upgrades, including lithium batteries and a one-piece composite floor on the proven one-piece chassis.
Rivals at a glance
The New Age Manta Ray 19ft Expedition sets high standards for mid-size off-road segment for couples with robust underpinnings, BOSCH safety and CAD furniture screwed into a one-piece floor.
- Crusader XCountry Trailbreaker – Featuring EcoLite composite construction with airbags available as an upgrade.
- Red Centre Caravans Kimberley – Offering a 10-Year Structural Warranty and flexible kitchen layouts.
- Salute Caravans Governor – Offers good lithium/solar packages among rivals.
