Back in 2000 the caravanning industry put on a great display of innovative caravans, camper trailers and other products called “RVs of the new Millenium”, and this was when the Track Trailer Tvan first appeared. It was fondly called many things ranging from Hay Bailer to Garbage Truck by many who saw it, but it won its category, meaning the judges saw its potential and accepted its futuristic styling.

This amazing design not only survived its critics, it went into production and became an industry leader, in off-road performance and functionality.

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The chassis & suspension design is actually older than the first Tvan. It was developed by Track Trailers for the army which has now used it for more than 25 years, carrying sensitive equipment absolutely anywhere, through the roughest terrain with ease. Only Track Trailers have this suspension and it’s called MC2 Assymetic Link suspension.

In 2008 Track did it again, when they launched the Track Trailer Topaz; a 4meter off-road caravan inspired by the same design principals as its older brother the Tvan.

If you’re into serious off roading and want a caravan that can handle it, then the Topaz is want you want. No-one (and that includes the manufacturers) would ever call it luxurious, but it is comfortable. The van is built to tackle the worst tracks you can find. Everything is pop riveted for super strength. The floor will outlast you – it is extra strong industrial flooring, no carpet here, and you wouldn’t want carpet in the bush anyway.

The shower (and there is a large one) is at the back of the van with and has its own self-contained ensuite tent for privacy. The Topaz has a queen bed, which runs width-ways, saving space for the dinette. The inside kitchen is fitted with an 80ltr fridge, sink, grill and hot plates.  There is plenty of drawer storage around the kitchen and overhead lockers line the pop-top extrusion, with a reasonable sized wardrobe; all packed into what is essentially a small van.

There is an air conditioning option, but the standard relays on its pop top with plenty of vent windows and additional wall vents are located along each side of the bed. Because you are limited to 80Ltrs with the interior fridge, there is room for an additional “portable fridge” on the front drawbar, alongside an external BBQ that slides into storage. You can also opt for the Tvan’s kitchen outside, which features 2 burners, prep space, cutlery draw, running cold water and you guessed it “the kitchen sink”; however, you will lose some storage space.

The Topaz comes in “two tone” exterior colouring, with dark grey along the guards and lockers, offset by matt white on the exterior walls. Interior colouring is fairly standard, but this is not designed to win decorating award, this is quite simply designed as the next step up in a serious range of off-roading campers and caravans, really well built, compact, well thought out and put together.

Track Trailer is the name of the company and they have a very good website at www.tracktrailer.com.au with lots of information, why not have a look?

Report and Photos by Alison Huth
Posted July 2011