GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #40 | Page 28

supply (two 120L poly water tanks protected by checkerplate) via special ‘cable tracks’. This means that you only need to connect the gas when cooking outside. Brilliant. Towards the front, EzyTrail has fitted a slideout tray to accommodate a portable fridge, and has sensibly included a 12V point and even an Anderson plug within the cavity to power the fridge off the van. A generator tray has been fitted to the offside, and there are some other external storage nooks provided as well. In fact, the revisions to the Parkes 15 have resulted in more storage outside the van than inside. SETTING UP THE PARKES 15 Setting up of the MkII is much the same as the first iteration and it all locks together easily. Notably, EzyTrail has improved the seals on this bedroom and I immediately noticed that the walls felt more ‘substantial’ than those on the original van. This is because, unlike on the Parkes MkI, the walls are insulated composite aluminium, much like the rest of the van. Inside, the ‘split’ mattress, most of which sits vertically when the van is packed up, needs to be folded into position. Lift the mattress and you’ll find laminated panels that provide access to the batteries and Truma hot water heater. The rear window has been repositioned in this van, allowing the pillows on the bed to sit right against the rear wall. The inclusion of a small kitchen is one of the main changes found inside. This has necessitated a few major layout changes. The former L-shaped lounge has been removed to make room for the kitchen and optional 12V EvaKool fridge and microwave. The large offside storage cabinet found on the first Parkes 15 has been replaced by a twoseater lounge with swivel table.