Planning to buy a campervan? Looking at motorhomes for sale? If you’ve been looking at the popular range of KEA ex-rental campervans for sale, you’re probably keen to know a little more about the brand.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the great reasons why the trusted KEA Motorhomes brand is so popular with those looking for RVs for sale. We’ll also show you some of the great features of the KEA range so you can think about which campervan or motorhome might be best for you!
KEA Motorhomes are manufactured by Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), the world’s largest operator of motorhome rentals. thl first entered the motorhome market in 1988 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The name KEA is synonymous with reliability, safety, and world-renowned engineering. KEA expert technicians have over 25 years of experience in the motorhome industry. They know how to build RVs to meet the unique needs and wants of Australian motorhomers.
Not only are KEA motorhomes available to buy new, but they’re also built and sold to trusted campervan hire brands maui, Britz and Mighty. This creates a fantastic opportunity for those looking for a used RV to buy a KEA ex-rental campervan.
KEA Motorhomes manufacture more than ten different types of motorhomes, campervans and 4WD campers. These are designed, assembled, and produced each year at the company’s factory in Braybrook, Melbourne. Every KEA RV is constructed with the ultimate customer experience of comfort and safety in mind. And of course, because KEA’s motorhomes are engineered to the highest standard, they’re made to last!
KEA build motorhomes for customers to own from new, but the majority of the fleet is built for rentals first. This means they’re built to stand up to serious wear and tear, and to go the distance.
“We are incredibly proud to build locally with motorhomes and campervans that meet local demand. And of course, to be part of the Australian RV manufacturing industry,” explains Neil Macpherson, Production Manager Australia.
KEA’s Toyota and Mercedes-Benz vehicles are supplied to KEA’s experienced build team who transform them into beautiful campervans and motorhomes.
To achieve the robust quality of the KEA motorhome fleet, we combine design ingenuity with high-strength components and parts. All work carried out is approved to Australian Design Rules standards (ADR).
The first step in creating a motorhome involves fitting an underbody seat channel to secure the seats within the vehicle. Next, brackets go in the floor and the seat frame.
KEA’s motorhomes then progress to the cutting stage, where magnetic ‘templates’ are placed on the exterior of each vehicle so the team can cut the correct-sized holes for the gas barbecue port, roof hatch, air-conditioning, 240V power, and hot water system.
“As any good workman would know, a template ensures holes are in the right place and cut to the right size,” says Neil.
Next, the roof lining goes back in, the trimming is done, the panels go back on, and the furniture is bolted in. Once the furniture and trimming are done, the motorhome goes onto the hoist which is where KEA’s technicians install the freshwater tanks, waste water tanks, and gas lines before the electrician wires up the vehicle.
“It goes without saying that compliance and safety are top of mind for us,” says Neil. “We have a qualified gas installer and a qualified electrician on site, so everything is certified and tested.”
Once the motorhome is finished and all the living equipment is added, a quality assurance inspector completes a rigorous control checklist to ensure it is ready to roll onto the rental fleet or the vehicle sales yard.
The KEA team includes a diverse mix of passionate motorhome enthusiasts. Some of the team have come from other vehicle manufacturers such as Boeing and Toyota.
“A few years ago, when a lot of manufacturing plants were closing in Victoria, we were able to secure that key talent. We’re very proud of our team, and they are really good at what they do,” says Neil.
KEA’s range of larger motorhomes are built by and imported from Action Manufacturing Limited in Auckland, New Zealand, a joint venture company with thl. This range includes the four-berth KEA Discovery and the six-berth River. KEA’s Melbourne team provide the final fit-out.Design and innovation are collaborative efforts bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience from the thl and Action Manufacturing teams.
The four campervan models built in the Melbourne factory include the two-berth HiTop and the four-berth Navigator – which are Toyota HiAce conversions. Also made here are the two-berth Ultima and three-berth Nomad – both of which feature bathrooms and are currently built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the KEA models:
Ideal for couples, the HiTop T490 campervan features an extra high fibreglass roof for storage and lovely large windows to take in the great views wherever you’re parked. This campervan includes a gas stove, fridge and freezer, plus a microwave. And for a great night’s sleep, the rear bed is large and comfy. The HiTop 490 has everything you need for a great holiday – perfect for first-time motorhomers!
The HiTop T490 also includes:
Perfect for solo travellers and couples, the maui’s Ultima M700 campervan has plenty of storage space for carrying all your holiday must-haves. Pack in your golf clubs, fishing rods, and extra bags. There’s room for them all. And if the weather turns, no problem! Slide out the LCD screen and DVD player and kick back with your favourite movie.
The Nomad M700 offers that little bit of extra space for a third traveller. The rear club lounge converts to a large bed, so you can choose to leave this made up and make use of the front dining space or use both living areas during the day. The front dining area folds into a spare bed when needed. Swivel cab seats turn around to make this a true dining space during the day. For cooking up your favourite meals, the Nomad M700 includes cooking facilities as well as a slide-out barbecue!
The Nomad M700 also includes:
Travelling with friends but not keen on a big motorhome? With its super-long wheelbase, the Navigator T555 campervan is based on a Toyota HiAce and has two double beds, cooking facilities, and storage space. The rear bed folds out of the way in moments to provide plenty of living space.
The Navigator T555 also includes:
The 6-berth KEA River M721 has all the comforts of home. At 7.21 metres, it offers loads of space for the whole family. This fantastic motorhome has three double beds, including a club lounge that can be converted to a bed. This motorhome also has a large central dinette space for enjoying family meals together. And for housing all your gear and RV accessories, the River M721 offers a large rear storage hatch.
The River M721 also includes:
With plenty of storage, a compact bathroom, and sleeping for six, the KEA River Platinum Edition motorhome is all about comfort, space, and style. This luxury model helps you make the most of outdoor living with an external slide-out barbecue, electric awning, electric step, and exterior speakers.
The River Platinum Edition also includes:
As well as a trusted history of experience and quality, there are plenty of other reasons to choose KEA Motorhomes when you’re looking to buy a campervan.
The Australian climate can be varied and challenging at times, especially in the outback. Thankfully, KEA vehicles are purpose-built for Australian conditions.
If you’ve been looking at motorhomes for sale in Australia, you may have noticed that stock is sometimes limited. The good news is that KEA's new and ex-rental campervans and motorhomes are available for immediate delivery.
Fortunately, KEA’s Melbourne factory is on the same premises as the RV Sales Centre. Here, customers can buy campervans and motorhomes.
Customers are also welcome to take a tour of the factory to view the build process in action!
The friendly KEA team are always happy to help with any questions you may have about buying an RV. They’ll show you through the different models and can help yocu think about which features are important for your style of travel. You’ll also find plenty of extra advice and handy free guides on the KEA website. Now that you know more about the trusted KEA brand, why not start living the RV dream and buy a motorhome with KEA!