‘The office’ hits the road

John Hughes RV Centre has developed a unique solution in its search for a mobile facility incorporating a physical office environment.

It’s called “the office” and is designed for use by the centre’s on-the-road workforce.

John Hughes RV Centre dealer principal Mike Humble said the vehicle had been in development for about 12 months and could be designed to suit any specification.

“The response we have had has been very favourable, especially from the mining industry,” he said of the eight metre-long vehicle.

“It’s a six-speed automatic and you can drive it with a normal car licence [as it weighs under 4.5 tonnes] which is a huge benefit.”

An initial prototype vehicle was recently on display at the Caravan and Camping Exhibition and inclu-ded wireless-enabled computer, DVD, power generator and optional satellite communications for areas outside normal mobile phone coverage areas.   The mobile office also has bathroom facilities, including toilet and shower, and a self-contained kitchen.

Mr Humble said the office could accommodate medical facilities including clinics and physiotherapy, through to educational applications such as computing and also mobile bankers and consultants.

“[In the WA market] a few custom-built ones have been built for different people, but no-one has really gone out and said ‘this is what we have got … how do you want to cater it to suit you?’” 

Mr Humble said the office would cost about $180,000, which would include living facilities.

John Hughes is also the WA agent for Sunliner Recreational Vehicles and Matilda Motor Homes, and is also the state distributor for KIA.

The dealership, established in November 2003, offers a range of new and pre-owned campervans and motor homes and has doubled its sales during the past 12 months.

Mr Humble said the motor homes industry was a huge growth industry, with the dealership making close to 14 to 15 sales per month, with a target of 20 sales a month by year’s end.

He said motor homes provided those with a busy lifestyle with the ability to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

“Just because you buy a motor home you don’t have to sell your house and go away for two years. You buy a motor home, you go away for a week, two weeks, a month … just have those trips away.”