Review: Snowy River SRV 22.2

Snowy River Caravans is not a company that’s happy to rest on its laurels. This RV brand has, in fact, become one of the largest in Australia with a value offering that other manufacturers have struggled to match.

The latest from Snowy River, however, is a quite a departure from what we’ve seen from this manufacturer. For 2026, the company has launched a range of B class campervans based on the Ford Transit 430E platform. It’s an interesting moment in Australia’s RV industry: more and more traditional caravan builders are turning their attention and tools towards converting commercial vans into campervans in order to capture the attention of the wider travelling public.

It’s still early days in Snowy River’s campervan journey. The lineup was just launched in two different sizes, 19ft and 22ft, with three layout options in the 22ft model.

I received word that a 22-footer was available out of Snowy River’s Frankston, Vic, dealership, and I wasted no time in taking the wheel of the SRV 22.2 (layout option 2) and pointing the bonnet in the direction of Rosebud, a beachside town on the Mornington Peninsula.

DRIVING THE SNOWY RIVER SRV

It had been years since I’d been at the wheel of a Ford Transit, and as I cruised along the freeway, I was reminded of just how enjoyable it was to drive. The 2L turbodiesel engine of the rear-wheel-drive Transit might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but it gets up to speed quickly enough, the ride is fairly smooth, and I found the rearward visibility to be pretty good, too, though of course with a setup such as this, you will always be heavily reliant on your mirrors. Naturally, you also get all the features and comforts of the Ford Transit in the driver’s cab, such as a 360-degree camera view of the vehicle’s surrounds and adaptive cruise control. 

From a drivability perspective, the only other thing I’d point out is that the squeaks and rattles coming from the living quarters were minimal. Some similar vehicles I have driven have been atrocious in terms of noise – even before things like plates and cutlery have been added – so on that front, the SRV 22.2 does well.

As mentioned, there are three layouts from which to choose in the 22ft SRV range. Layouts 1 and 2 are almost identical, with only some minor differences to the shape of the kitchen bench and the spec list. However, Layout 3 is quite different, and even includes a bed that lowers from the roof over the dinette! This, in my opinion, would be an intriguing option. After all, the B class style of RV typically requires you to make-up the dinette/lounge area into a bed. Imagine just pushing a button and having your bed lower electrically from the roof, above the rear lounge. It would be a game-changer in terms of your daily living.

However, that’s not a feature available in the SRV 22.2. Instead, it comes with a rear lounge/dinette area that needs to be converted to sleeping quarters. It isn’t too difficult – just lower the table, fit a separate piece of laminated ply for support, and cover them with the backrest cushions. One thing I’ll highlight: the cushions actually fit. I realise this sounds silly – of course they should fit. But having attempted to sleep on poorly designed bed conversions more than once, I can report that this is not always a given with some vans.

Full points to Snowy River for fitting both 12V and 240V powerpoints in the leg area of the dinette, and let’s not forget the nearby 24in smart TV on a swing arm. There are a few rear overhead lockers on each side, and I must admit, opening up the rear barn doors to take in the day’s view of the Rosebud foreshore and Port Phillip Bay while I sipped on a coffee from the comfort of the dinette was rather lovely.

The kitchen in this campervan includes a two-burner gas cooktop (a single 4.5kg gas cylinder is kept in an external locker) as well as a 75L Dometic under-bench fridge. If a bigger fridge is important to you, then Layout 1 would be a better option for you as that comes with a 150L Thetford unit.

Let’s take a quick look at the bathroom. As they always are in commercial van conversions, the bathroom is a combo unit. It’s a one-piece moulded fibreglass cubicle that includes a cassette toilet and a hand held shower. The washbasin, however, folds out from the wall. Though it isn’t unique to Snowy River, it’s a good, space-saving design. Layout 3 contains a more traditional washbasin setup, it that’s your preference.

SWIVEL CHAIRS

The SRV 22.2 is designed to transport four passengers – two in the driver’s cab, and two in the rear passenger seat, which also comes with a small fold-away table. One thing I’d add here is a 12V point or two; that way, the rear passengers could charge their devices while perusing them while underway. The two cab chairs swivel to create an informal dining area up front.

Some of the other features include a Telair S2800 reverse-cycle air-conditioner, a Fusion stereo system, instant hot water and tyre pressure monitoring. While there were a couple of areas where the fit and finish appeared rushed, I liked the layout and the overall feel of the van – particularly the generous view when the rear doors are open.

Externally, the SRV 22.2 comes with an electric step and an electric awning. Just push a button and both will deploy. I’m not against conventional manual awnings, but it always feels like such a luxury to have an electric one fitted! 

The power system on the van is comprised of a single 100Ah lithium battery, a 200W roof-mounted solar panel, and a 30A DC-DC charger. The unit comes with a Projecta 410BT touchscreen display, too, which allows you to control the lights within the van, including the LED strip lighting, and monitor your water levels. Speaking of water levels, the fresh water capacity is limited to 100L, with 60L of grey water – good for a couple of nights off-grid.

While our review van wasn’t fitted with any options, there are plenty available. For example, you could opt to fit a bike rack, a diesel heater, a 2000W inverter, a second lithium battery, fans, reading lights, and even a towbar.

GORV’S VERDICT

As with all Snowy River vans, the SRV 22.2 is an excellent value proposition designed to get you into the travelling lifestyle at a more affordable price. Further, the Ford Transit 430E base vehicle is a proven performer that’s quite enjoyable and comfortable to drive long distances.

Travelling by campervan is very different to travelling with a caravan. In some respects, it’s easier. In others, it requires you to be more organised. But if the campervan life is for you, why not take a look at the MY26 offerings from Snowy River, whether it’s the 19ft unit or one of the three layouts in the 22ft range? You might be glad you did.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS