Trailcraft's Panorama 540 Dirtroad blends strength with grace. Could it be what you're looking for?

When Western Australian boat builder, Trailcraft, burst onto the caravan scene a couple of years back I reckon they thought they'd change the world. Combining proven plastics/fibreglass engineering expertise with a fresh approach to design and construction, Trailcraft looked set for big things. But as any new entrant into the RV industry will tell you, it's a long hard slog, especially when you position yourself at the premium end of the market.

Combining a distinctive profile with modern design, Trailcraft caravans are easily recognisable. Wisely, the company has avoided using the 'off-road' tag as most people who think they want an off-road van really just want to venture down dirt roads and tracks.

The subject of this review is a Panorama 540 Dirtroad and it's a good looking, well built caravan that should be right at home touring outback Australia - provided you don't go too far off the beaten track.

Talking technically

From the outset, Trailcraft decided to give all its vans a heavy-duty chassis and it claims: 'No other caravan has as many crossbeams as ours'. This isn't a claim I can substantiate but Trailcraft does use a substantial, welded steel chassis with plenty of crossbeams and the whole lot has been hot-dip galvanised to maximise corrosion protection.

Heavy-duty rocker leaf-spring suspension, with four AL-KO shock absorbers and solid beam axles, looks after things in the suspension department. The whole thing rides on 15-inch alloy wheels, with a six-stud LandCruiser pattern and 235x15 off-road tyres. Other worthwhile features include an aluminium sheet under the floor for water tank protection, AL-KO drop-down stabiliser legs, marine-grade stainless steel hinges and fasteners, and aluminium checker plate down the sides (although oddly, not across the front) for stone protection and a tougher appearance.

The body is compositely constructed, with a fibreglass nose, roof and rear panels over high-density foam-sandwich walls with an aluminium outer skin. Not only does it look good, it's thermally efficient and gives a clean, smooth finish that should be easy to keep clean. Thanks to Trailcraft's background in boats, all the fibreglass parts are UV-protected with a marine gelcoat and they should stand up to the rigours of the Australian sun without too much trouble.

Trailcraft claims the shape is computer designed to enhance fuel efficiency, which is a good thing because all those chassis crossbeams contribute to a hefty tare weight of 2000kg. Fortunately, that computer design work seems to have paid off aerodynamically because it tows beautifully.

As befits a quality caravan, the Panorama 540 has a high level of standard equipment. All-LED clearance and tail-lights, roof-mounted air-conditioning, a rollout awning and a security fly screen door are all fitted as standard, as is a battery pack on a rollout tray, with a charger and provision for a second battery. Water capacity is an impressive 164 litres, split between two stone-shielded tanks and with a handy A-frame-mounted tap. There's a mains water connector, too but as is the case with so many caravans there's no grey water tank. When will this industry embrace a little more environmental responsibility?

Inside story

Stepping inside is like stepping into an upmarket, contemporary apartment. Forget tizzy lace curtains, garish fabrics and cabinet work so flimsy the doors seem to flex in time with your breathing, this caravan has style and substance.

Eschewing the latest Euro trends of rounded doors and curved cabinetwork, Trailcraft's designers have done an excellent job of creating a unique and appealing interior. Their style signature is the use of anodised aluminium trim around the edges of all the furniture, including cupboard doors, drawers and bench tops, giving an edgy, high-class feel. Colour-coordinated slimline venetian blinds, and curtains, add to the appeal as does the tasteful fabric selection and darker-than-usual overall wood-grain finish.

The internal layout is quite conventional with a rear door that leads into the kitchen, a rear-corner bathroom, a centre L-shaped lounge and a front bedroom. The kitchen is well-equipped, featuring a Smev three-burner gas cook-top, grill and oven, a Dometic 150-litre three-way fridge/freezer, a 17-litre microwave, a range hood and a single-bowl stainless steel sink. There's a pull-out pantry by the door and reasonable cupboard space too.

A removable table enables you to open up the dinette into a spacious lounge for entertaining, and while you could seat four for dinner, two is by far the wiser number. The corner bathroom is roomy enough, with an integrated toilet, fold-down hand basin and mirrored shaving cabinet unit. There's a wall-mounted hand-held shower, shower curtain and fan roof hatch, but a window would be a welcome inclusion. Oh yes, hot water is supplied by a 23-litre Atwood gas-only unit and this seems a strange cost-saving exercise, given most caravans spend plenty of time hooked up to 240V power in tourist parks. You can have a gas/electric unit, but it's an option and will cost you extra.

Opposite the dinette is a veritable wall of cupboards, including one that houses the electrical master control panel and an automotive-style AM/FM/CD sound system. The electrical system is pre-wired for solar, too, which is very handy.

The Panoroma is one of the few caravans I can comfortably sleep in, as it has a queen-sized bed, complete with inner-spring mattress. Deep bedroom windows compliment the generous front window and provide good airflow and natural light, while at night the 12V reading lights makes things nice. A TV/DVD is optional and when fitted can be viewed from either the bed or dinette.

In the end

There's no doubt in my mind anyone buying a Panorama 540 Dirtroad will love it - and will have made a wise purchase. It's well made, looks good and has a long list of standard equipment. It tows well and without being a bush-basher, is capable of venturing along most roads on the map.

Trailcraft's engineering and quality are  up to the mark and this is a caravan I'd certainly consider buying. If you're in the market for a serious touring 'van you need to check it out.

Published in Caravan + RV magazine, Spring 2007. Words Richard Robertson, photos Phil Cooper.