Coromal Princeton

By Doug McIvor

When Bill Shakespeare placed an order for a new Coromal caravan, Albany, WA, dealer Michael Cameron paid attention. After all, Bill spent 21 years in the army, reaching the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major – so he was used to giving orders.

Later success in business management and farming gave Bill and his wife Sandra the financial security to sell up and hit the road.

“Because we sold our house, our caravan represents home, so it had to be comfortable,” Bill explained.

“We wanted the front kitchen, centre living layout of a 7m Coromal Princeton but we also wanted some extra inclusions.  After seeking advice from Michael of Cameron Caravans, the van was stretched  by half a metre and his team was then able to add our personal touches.”

These touches included a cocktail bar with an extra fridge below, six solar panels to power the 12V system, a roomy ensuite, 240 litre fridge/freezer and an extra linen cupboard, more water tanks and two TVs: a hinged, flat screen model and a small portable.

“One thing I insisted upon was heated towel rails in the ensuite,” Sandra said. “Because we don’t intend to follow the sun, and having farmed in nearby Denmark, we know all about damp conditions – but at least we’ll have warm, dry towels.”

After receiving the stretched van from the factory, Cameron’s staff  set about installing the additional items.

“I believe the modifications cost $10,000, which put the Princeton over the $80,000 mark,” Bill said. “Albany’s Twelve Volt World linked up the power system, fitting two extra batteries which each provide 145 amp hours of output. With a generator, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, the extra water storage and gas bottles, we will be able to free-camp for a week or more before needing replenishment.”

Loaded up, the van weighs more than 2800kg and has a 286kg ball weight so Bill has opted for the turbodiesel LandCruiser as his towing vehicle. With no set route or agenda, the Shakespeares intend to “follow the bonnet” all over Australia — no doubt calling in on many a cosy hamlet. (Sorry Bill, we couldn’t resist...)

Cameron Caravans, 356 Albany Highway Albany, WA 6330,

(08) 9841 4599, fax (08) 9841 4266, email michael@cameroncaravans.com.au

Cover van: reviewing the Princeton

The stylish Coromal Princeton featured on our September 2005 cover was borrowed from Alan Bell at Caravans West in Sunshine, Vic.

It is a caravan built for comfortable long term touring for a couple, and this 7m model with front kitchen, roomy centre lounge and rear bedroom with full ensuite bathroom shares the layout chosen by the Shakespeares for their special van featured above.

The top-of-the-range Princeton, with its distinctive fibreglass front and rear, offers a range of layouts, with a choice of modular fittings in cabinetry and furniture which can be mixed and matched. For your nearest dealer call Coromal on (08) 9352 0900, www.coromal.com.au