Nova Caravans & Emu RV Motorhomes: Compact Touring with Plenty of Clever Thinking

Nova Caravans may be best known for its Australian-built caravans, but its collaboration with Sydney-based Emu RV has taken the company into the motorhome market. Nova manufactures the conversions in Melbourne, while Emu RV develops the specifications and sells the finished vehicles under the combined Nova Caravans and Emu RV brands.

The current range is based on the Fiat Ducato and includes the two-seat E2S LWB, the longer E2S XLWB and the four-seat E4S XLWB. At 5.99 metres and 6.36 metres respectively, they sit in that handy middle ground: large enough to provide a proper kitchen, bathroom and comfortable sleeping area, but still manageable around towns and caravan parks.

What We Liked

The biggest attraction is the amount of equipment squeezed into a relatively compact motorhome. Depending on the chosen configuration, buyers can have two single beds that convert into a double or a fixed double bed. Standard living features include a combined hot-water and heating system, 155-litre freshwater capacity, grey-water tank, microwave, drinking-water filtration and an impressively large 175-litre Thetford fridge-freezer.

Storage also appears to be a real strength. Independent reviewers have praised the generous cupboards and lockers, along with the quality of some of the cabinetry hardware. The newer moulded interior walls help create a cleaner, more cohesive finish, while the fully moulded shower cubicle should reduce the possibility of water finding its way into places where it shouldn’t—always welcome news in any RV. Caravan World’s factory review also noted Nova and Emu RV’s focus on continually refining a small range rather than pumping out model after model.

The latest Ducato platform brings a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Both lengths offer a claimed payload of more than 1,000kg and remain below the 4.5-tonne limit, so they can be driven on a normal car licence. The standard safety package is also strong, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, parking sensors and a reversing camera. Full specifications are available below or through the Emu RV model page.

We also like the choice between the compact E2S and the four-seat E4S. The latter provides properly engineered travelling positions and child-restraint anchor points, making it a genuine option for a younger family—or grandparents planning to take the grandkids away.

What Owners Are Saying

From what I could find re public feedback, it is generally encouraging, but the number of independent online reviews remains quite small, so it would be unwise to declare a universal verdict from the owners group just yet.

Many owners regularly mention the personal buying experience, interior finish, generous standard inclusions and the willingness of the Emu RV team to explain different options. One experienced motorhome owner reported that a faulty fridge was replaced under warranty while travelling interstate, without requiring the vehicle to return to the factory. Read the owner’s account on Trustpilot.

What We Would Like to See

While Emu RV’s boutique approach delivers a more personal buying experience, we would like to see a broader national sales and service network supporting the range. Motorhome buyers often travel considerable distances, so easier access to servicing, warranty assistance and replacement parts across regional Australia would provide additional peace of mind.

Inside, we would have liked a little more clearance between the cab and living area, particularly for taller travellers, along with slightly more room in the combined bathroom. Of course, increasing either would mean sacrificing space elsewhere, and that is always the balancing act with a compact van conversion. Neither issue is necessarily a deal-breaker, but we strongly recommend spending time inside your preferred layout—sitting, standing, preparing a meal and testing the bed and bathroom—before placing an order.

Core Specifications

• Models: E2S LWB, E2S XLWB and four-seat E4S XLWB
• Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Series 2
• Engine: 2.2-litre MultiJet turbo-diesel
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Licence required: Standard Australian car licence
• Length: 5,998mm (LWB) or 6,363mm (XLWB)
• Height: 2,730mm, including air conditioner
• Internal volume: 13m³ (LWB) or 15m³ (XLWB)
• Turning radius: 14.3 metres
• Payload: More than 1,000kg
• Drivetrain: Traction Control Plus
• Wheels and tyres: 16-inch steel wheels with 225/75 R16 tyres
• Seating: Two occupants in E2S; four occupants in E4S
• Sleeping layout: Convertible single beds or fixed double-bed configuration
• Freshwater capacity: 155 litres
• Grey-water tank: Included
• Fridge/freezer: 175-litre Thetford unit
• Cooking: Microwave plus available induction, electric or diesel configurations
• Heating and hot water: Combined gas/electric system with four heating outlets
• Connectivity: Multiple USB and USB-C charging points
• Service intervals: 12 months or 20,000km
• Fiat vehicle warranty: Five years or 200,000km
• Roadside assistance: Five years of Fiat Professional Australia-wide assistance
• Safety equipment: Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, reversing camera and parking sensors

Specifications may vary according to the selected model, layout and optional equipment.

Our Verdict

The Nova-built Emu RV range is smart, well-equipped and refreshingly compact. Its large fridge, excellent payload, flexible sleeping arrangements and substantial safety package make it particularly appealing to touring couples, with the E4S adding genuine family versatility.

We wouldn’t purchase one without a thorough pre-delivery inspection and a written explanation of the warranty process—but that advice applies to any motorhome costing this sort of money. Overall, these are impressive Australian-built conversions that deserve a place on the inspection list of anyone seeking comfort without driving something the size of a small block of flats.

Find out more at Nova Caravans