Chinese-built Coromal camper arrives

One of Australia’s largest RV manufacturers, the West Australia-based Fleetwood Corporation, will unveil a new, Chinese-built camper trailer and new ‘baby’ expandable caravan under its Coromal and Windsor brands at Queensland’s biggest caravan show next month.

One of the latest examples of an Australian RV company developing a new model for production in China, the new Navigator camper is expected to be similar in style to Coromal’s existing, Australian-built line-up of traditional, pop-top camper trailers.

It will be assembled at Coromal’s West Australian factory, after arriving in ‘flat pack’ form in batches of 20 from China.

Coromal marketing manager Paul Sparke said full pricing and specifications will be available when it makes its public debut at the 2013 Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show in early-June.

He also wasn't able to supply a photo, but admitted there will initially be two models, the 421 and 422, offering up to six berths and featuring Coromal’s traditional ‘cappucino’ colour theme.

Sparke said the new camper was extensively developed by a specialist ‘camper team’ created to ensure it meets the same standards of workmanship and value that buyers have come to expect from the 36-year-old Coromal brand.

The entry-level Navigator is expected to be priced around $25,000-$30,000.

Also making its debut at the Queensland show is the new Windsor Rapid RAC452S model (pictured). Boasting a compact 4.52m (15ft) long body, it will be the new baby of the 2013 Rapid expandable caravan line-up and feature the bold new exterior graphics found across the revamped range.

Sparke said the new RAC452S model will combine a smaller, lighter body with almost 2.0m interior height. It will have many features found in larger caravans such as a rear ensuite with full size shower, large vanity and toilet, kitchen with decent-sized fridge, plus the slide-out double bed up front.

The 2013 Rapid range includes two, single axle caravan layouts and five pop-top versions as well as larger, tandem axle models that come with up to 160 litre fresh water storage.

As part of the publicly-listed Fleetwood Corporation, both the Coromal and Windsor brands have gone through an extensive revamp in recent months, as the company attempts to turn around its underperforming RV manufacturing division.  

Other initiatives designed to revitalise the popular RV brands include the recent introduction of the cut-price Coromal Element caravan, while an expanded and rebranded network of 22 dealers is being introduced across the country, that will sell both Coromal and Windsor models under the one roof.