Classic comforts that punch above their weight out on the track

Recently, we’ve been trawling through nail-biting footage from our CAOS Tough Tested Journey out at the Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park. But none more nerve wracking than the internal footage of the vans, like the Kokoda Platoon 2 knee-deep in water through CAOS Mega Test track, as shown here.

Against the muddy water views, the interiors looked clean as a whistle and neat as a pin. While Sam Meuleman driving the Silverado Trail Boss for Kokoda can take some credit for the van’s response dynamics and riding gear also come into play.

A bigger player?

In truth, the Kokoda Platoon 2 wasn’t the smallest to hit the CAOS Tough Tested 2022 Mega Test Track. It measures 8.6m front to rear with a body length shy of 6m. Within it, Kokoda delivers a classic mid-size interior suitable for couples with three-side access to a queen bed up front and a full-width rear ensuite complete out back. 

The Platoon 2 was almost empty on our test (adv. Tare 2600kg) and supported by a 6in DuraGal chassis with 2in riser. It rides on twin axles fitted with AL-KO Enduro Cross Country Suspension V2, giving a 3.3T ATM. The whole assembly runs on 15in Muddies, which were a great match for the terrain.

Thrills and Spills

The DO35 fitted standard on the Platoon 2 performed brilliantly on the Mega Test Track at Loveday 4X4, with Sam leading the pack in week 1. Admittedly, she felt the Platoon 2’s dimensions hitting a pot-hole, with the impact echoing across the track. It damaged a jerry can holder, earning team Kokoda a time penalty. Nonetheless, Offroad Adventure Show favourite Jamie Hazelden, riding shotgun for the What’s Up Downunder team, was pretty impressed with Sam’s efforts. Her confidence was clear.

Off-grid Sustainability

Equipping a track-ready with capability off-the-grid makes sense. The Platoon 2 delivers on many fronts with two 95L water tanks providing breathing space. I do like the tap on the a-frame and the cool storage capacity in that 188L three-way fridge. 

Kokoda runs a capable 12V system that’s big enough to replenish itself, comprising a 340W solar array and 200Ah in deep cycle battery power, managed by the BMPRO Genius 30-35 (lithium setup is optional). Two jerry can holders and twin 9kg gas cylinders augment the 12V power system. And there’s twin spares out in the rear.

Reader Nooks

In the comfort stakes, the Kokoda Platoon 2 rates highly. Large windows, light smokey-grey interior, LED spotlights and a skylight up top brighten the bedroom. And there’s a reverse-cycle air-conditioner for climate control when accessing mains power. 

Readers will relish the plush, padded bedhead fitted with individual targeted lighting and the book nooks in easy reach. If you prefer scrolling, you’ll appreciate the 12V and 240V power outlets in the wardrobes for your devices–which you can link up to the Bluetooth-compatible 24in Smart LED LCD combination TV/DVD.