Caravanning News - Airflow's unique caravan a showstopper


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Brisbane Weather Forecast, Australia

November 2009

Public debut draws the crowds

The rear door of the Airflow caravan Airflow's unique caravan proves a showstopper

AN innovative new caravan which lowers to allow easy access for the disabled proved a showstopper when it made its public debut in Queensland.

Showgoers at the recent Caravan Trades Industry Association of Queensland end-of-year sale in Brisbane made a beeline for the Airflow Caravans stand to get their first glimpse of the novel design.

The aerodynamic Airflow caravan has a unique airbag suspension system which allows it to be lowered to near-ground level when parked. This offers easy access for travellers in wheelchairs or mobility scooters and eliminates the need for lifts or long ramps.

Designed by Toowoomba engineer Justin Clarke, the caravan can be custom built to meet the specific needs of would-be travellers with mobility limitations or who are in a wheelchair.

But the caravan is not just for travellers with disabilities ... Justin said it would also benefit elderly people with access issues or people with mobility scooters. "These can easily be stored in the caravan," he told Caravanning News. "It will also cater for people engaging in various outdoor activities and sports such as cycling, canoeing, karting and motocross."

Justin and his family are keen caravanners and have travelled extensively in a 1820kg prototype Airflow.

"While travelling we had many comments from elderly people who are sick of climbing two or three steps to get in and out of their 'vans," he said. "We have also met several people in wheelchairs who have had custom 'vans made with very long ramp ... resulting in worn-out partners!"

Justin is an engineer who thinks outside the square, and when he launched his company, JPC Engineering, in 1988 the basis of the business was to provide engineering solutions across a wide range of industries.

Product development was part of the vision, which led him to working with many top name clients such as Western Star Trucks, Boeing Australia on an F111 project and Brisbane-based custom bus company Coach Design.

Airflow caravan: just the ticket for disabled people

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