Supreme has been building caravans for quite sometime now. But it eschews the practice of churning out a number of delicate on-road 'vans which are then offered with add-on dirt-road packs, and rather produces a number of solid, purpose-built dirt-road caravans from scratch.

And none are more purpose-built than the Getaway SC7 - the chequer-plate, the massive ground clearance and the tough independent suspension mark it as a proper rough roader. It's also an easy rig to tow and it doesn't want for creature comforts either.

Talking technically

Our test Getaway is an SC7 model, measuring 4.57m x 2.13m (15 x 7 feet) and, therefore, a single-axle caravan. Dual-axle models start at the SC20's five-metre overall length and gain an additional 150mm (six inches) in width. Four-wheel Getaways also score 150mm (six-inch) Permagal A-frames and chassis, compared with single-axles' 100mm (four-inch) sections.

Supreme's standard layout choices cover an extensive 45 configurations in total and all of these can be specified throughout Supreme's caravan range which includes Territory, Spirit, Getaway and Quest.

The Getaway range differs from the other Supreme models in having an entirely different chassis/body design. Where the on-road and rough-road models use a traditional chassis with steel-sheeted or painted plywood flooring, the Getaway models have a steel or aluminium 'tub' structure atop the chassis. This chequer-plate structure forms the floor and the lower 300mm of the bodywork.

Like the top-shelf Quest the Getaway models come standard with Supreme's trailing-arm, independent leaf-spring suspension.
 
In the case of dual-axle models, the suspension is a combination leading-trailing layout.

The Supreme Getaway SC7 tips the scales at 1690kg empty, is rated for a 140kg ball load and comes with 300mm (12-inch) electric brakes. The chequer-plate lower bodywork is complemented by an aluminium chequer-plate front stone guard, behind which are the toolbox, battery and charger. The rear end is protected by a box-section bumper bar, mounting a spare wheel that can be underslung if required.

The bodywork is insulated aluminium, with a roof that lifts on fore and aft scissor hinges, aided by four gas struts. The flexible wall sections are heavy-duty vinyl, with six meshed windows with zipper closures. There are three wind-out windows and a two-piece door with a chequer-plate entry well.

Lighting is extensive, with two 12-volt roof dome lights, four eyeball lights and a light in the range hood. There are two exterior lights and interior and exterior 12-volt and 240V power points. Clearance lights, indicators and tail-lights are LED. There's a radio/CD player with four speakers and a TV coax connector.

Inside story

The SC7 layout features an island double bed which has an innerspring mattress and under-bed porta-potty stowage space. The bed is flanked by mirror-faced cupboards with bed-side table tops.

The fridge and wardrobe unit has a large bench space on top and is mounted amidships, opposite a three-seat dinette that has space for two additional chairs. The fridge is a versatile three-way Dometic 90-litre.

The galley is located on the leading wall and is well lit and ventilated. The stove is a four-burner Swift, with separate grill and oven compartments.

A smoke alarm is fitted, but it's located above the bed where it shouldn't over-react to a little plume from the toaster.

All laminated surfaces, cupboards and drawers are edged with solid timber that can be sanded and revarnished to rectify inevitable knocks and scratches. Cupboard and door locks are marine-style, push-button designs that close positively and hinges are generously proportioned.

Our evaluation caravan was optioned with 16-inch, in lieu of standard 15-inch, off-road spoked wheels, an aluminium toolbox with twin jerry-can holders, solar charger wiring, 12V pump kit, external BBQ gas connector, timber pelmets and a roll-out awning. As tested it had a RRP of $44,700 (+ORC). Our overall impression of the Supreme Getaway was one of practicality.

The Getaway coupled up easily and towed like a dream. A large wagon, such as the Land Rover Discovery 3 diesel that we were driving, should hardly feel the weight.

Supreme has done an excellent job of proportioning the SC7 for easy manoeuvrability and we found there was little corner cut-in. Reverse-parking the Getaway caused no difficulties at all.

At highway speeds there was no perceptible body roll or sway and tracking was excellent. The independent suspension handled rough surfaces without causing any visible bouncing of the 'van.

We ran a potholed, muddy bush trail to get an idea of the Getaway's bush credentials. Our test included backing it up to check its manoeuvrability in tight situations, where a 4x4 driver might have to back and fill to avoid an obstacle. It was easily handled in these conditions, but we had to watch for tree hazards. Ground clearance, approach and departure angles were fine for modest trail work.

The Getaway SC7 isn't a full-on bush camper trailer, but it is suited to outback travel and fire trails that don't have low, overhanging branches.

The car-style radio aerial is vulnerable in the bush and our test 'van's retaining bracket had already been broken off. A fully retractable aerial would be the go. The jockey wheel isn't captive, which avoids off-road damage.

The optional awning folds against the bodywork, but it needs a protective gusset to direct branches around the awning frame. Also, the awning's rear post location has a rather tacked-on look to it.

Our evaluation was done during the East Coast's excuse for summer which meant that we had a good deal of rain. The plus side of this situation was the opportunity to check out the Getaway in circumstances that were less than ideal.

We had an issue with a sticky awning pawl, but once that was freed the awning rolled into place very easily. The corner stabilisers were quite user-friendly, too.

The roof lifted without effort and locked in place with an over-centre action - the only hazard being a chance of getting fingers trapped between the two bars.

The meshed windows in the vinyl 'tent' section helped greatly with ventilation in damp conditions and we felt quite comfortable inside the Getaway.

In the End

The Supreme Getaway SC7 should suit many bush travellers because it offers caravan-like security with almost-campervan frontal area and towing weight. Setup time is considerably less than for most camper trailers. Durability seems very good and the price is reasonable.

Article published in Caravan + RV magazine, Autumn 2008.