Concept changes mind about cladding

Despite recently spruiking the merits of traditional ‘stick and tin’ construction, Concept Caravans is the latest big-selling Campbellfield, Victoria manufacturer to cave in to customer demands for ‘smooth sides’ and introduce aluminium composite cladding as an option on its single and dual-axle Ascot and Innovation ranges.

Priced at $1250, the optional Exterior Style Pack includes the glossy composite cladding in lieu of more traditional aluminium stucco, along with other minor external upgrades including a ‘Splash Granite’ awning with black arms, black-coloured fridge wall vents,  power outlet and annexe lights, and higher (575mm) checker plate lower body protection.

Concept’s glossy move upmarket follows other big-selling Campbellfield, Victoria brands, including  New Age  and  Supreme,  that have embraced aluminium composite panels as an alternative cladding over their vans' traditional Meranti timber frames.

Originally designed for the construction industry, the ‘Alucabond’ panels have been in the headlines recently following a number of devastating apartment fires, attributed to the use of similar but highly flammable, and often non-compliant panels imported from China.

However, Concept’s National Dealer Manager, Conrad D’Cunha told Caravancampingsales that Concept were not using the cheaper, imported 'copies' on their vans and the type they were using not only complied with Australian standards but were lighter than some others available. The glossy panels will be fitted to the front, rear and sides but won't extend over the entire roof area.

Concept, which is believed to be Australia's fourth-largest caravan manufacturer behind Jayco, New Age and Avan, said in a statement this week that it’s “entering this niche market of smooth body exterior caravans following feedback from customers who like not only the slick appearance, but the ease of maintenance and less cleaning time these vans offer”.

"We are delighted to introduce the new smooth Concept Exterior Style Pack, that adds a new dimension of refinement and cutting-edge aesthetics to the Ascot and Innovation models,” Concept Director Keir Smith said. “A great deal of R&D has gone into creating these new models and we are pleased with the new sleek look."

However, in late-2017 Smith told Caravancampingsales that use of the colourful cladding in the RV industry was a marketing ploy, and that Concept preferred stucco aluminium cladding as it was lighter, more durable and easier to repair if damaged.

Smooth-sided Concept Innovation and Ascot models will be on display at next month’s Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow in Brisbane (June 6-11).