First Look: Kratzmann Liberty 1

The development of caravan design and manufacture tends to be gradual rather than revolutionary, so there is an extra frisson of excitement around when a completely new construction concept arrives on the RV scene.

Some months back, Qld multi-brand (and multi-premises) caravan and motorhome dealer Gary Kratzmann mentioned to CW that he had a new project in development, which was due for launch at the Qld Caravan Show in June.

He was obviously excited about the project and confident that what was being built was something completely new.

"This van will take luxury, comfort, good design and 21st century building methods for top-end caravanning to the next level," Gary told CW.

"Liberty 1 has been designed with the most discerning buyer in mind and will only be available in prestige models. All the components are absolute quality.

"The van can not rot or corrode in any way and is fully insulated from outside climate."

With a build-up like that, and an unfolding plan for a bit of razzmatazz at the show, expectations were high as more was revealed. Some photos were supplied for a sneak preview, showing a truly stylish interior and sleek and aerodynamic external lines.

The new Qld-designed and built caravan was duly launched by Qld Tourism Minister Margaret Keech at the show.

And in the flesh it certainly lives up to the hype, looking as contemporary as could be, with a stunning interior.

Liberty 1's great looks are only part of the story, however.

UNDER THE SKIN
This caravan has been built in an innovative way, using composite moulded injection technology and boat-building techniques to create the structure.

"It all started when Wayne Barrett, of a company called Classic RTM, approached me with an idea for a new way of building a caravan," Gary explained.

"He has years of yacht construction behind him and suggested a two-piece moulded unit, the lower half of which incorporates the chassis, with a totally moulded interior. I provided the design and layout input - the 'caravan' part of the equation."

Over the past two years the design concept evolved, with a host of people involved and many hundreds of unique components designed and manufactured.

The composite moulded injection technology known as Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) has been used in the construction of luxury offshore yachts and powerboats before, but the technology had never been used in the building of caravans. The bottom half, which includes the chassis and has a world-wide patent, is made first, using the composite injection moulded technique.

All of the furniture and interior components, including appliances, are then installed before the top half of the van, manufactured using the same technique as the lower half, slips over the top.

A bonding technique is then used to produce one moulded mass known as a monocoque.

"We worked with suspension specialist Vehicle Components to develop a special airbag Cruisemaster independent suspension setup for the Liberty," Gary explained.

An Al-Ko anti-sway tow coupling was added and the finished result is what Gary describes as "the best caravan I've ever towed".

The shell is made from DIAB Divinycell H structural marine grade with a foam core and the lower half can be colour coordinated to match a tow vehicle.

"The strength of the van compares to that of offshore racing boats, and all components are made from marine grade materials," says Gary.

"Another beauty of the injection RTM process used to build the Liberty 1 is that any repairs to the van's structural components can be carried out by a standard fibreglass body repairer or panel beater."

Other features include the Al-Ko anti-sway 360° tow coupling, LED stop, tail and clearance lights, new wind-out windows with state of the art laminated tinted safety glass, custom flush fit main door and lock, 17in x 8in alloy prestige all-terrain wheels and tyres including matching spare wheel mounted at the rear, four-wheel electric brakes including a user-friendly handbrake mechanism, and provision for solar. In the spacious front boot are two 9kg gas cylinders in a separate compartment, and the airbag suspension control panel and compressor.

APARTMENT LIVING
The layout is the popular front bed, mid-van kitchen and living and full rear bathroom floorplan - and it looks fabulous, with opulent fabrics and gleaming surfaces and, of course, no rough edges; head room is 6ft 6in (1.95m).

The fully moulded fibreglass interior resembles a hotel suite rather than a caravan interior and apparently the furniture can be washed without risk of rust or rot. Interior walls, the ceiling and floor are all of the same fibreglass as the exterior, with a high gloss, washable gelcoat finish. Cupboard shelving is made out of strong waterproof, moulded plastic.

The usual well equipped kitchen ingredients are there: a two-door three-way fridge, three-burner gas and electric plate cooktop, separate gas grill and oven, microwave and Franke stainless steel sink with flip mixer tap, but there's also a built-in benchtop champagne bottle facility and a cappuccino coffee machine is an option.

The dinette has a matching synthetic granite-look dining table; seating is enduro foam covered in classy looking fabric that coordinates with the wall features and furniture.

To soften the fibreglass look, the furnishings are enhanced with synthetic burl timber-look fittings on the cupboard doors, drawers and decorative features.

Floor coverings in the dinette, lounge and kitchen area are commercial-grade synthetic parquetry.

In the rear bathroom there's a full fibreglass one-piece moulded shower and matching fibreglass vanity, roof hatch, front-loader 3kg washing machine, cassette toilet and added storage space.

The bedroom comes with plush carpet (which can be removed for cleaning), 12V reading lights, his and hers wardrobes and two dressing tables with ample storage space for personal items and accessories.

The lift-up bed has a quality innerspring 5ft x 6ft 6in (1.5m x 1.95m) mattress with an attractive padded headboard. There's also a theatre-style surround sound TV/DVD/CD player with adjustable wind up antenna and external speakers.

With its price tag of around $100,000, Liberty 1 will retain its air of top-end desirability and Gary reports that since its launch the order books are filling up fast, with many prospective owners flying to Brisbane from interstate to see it.

Liberty 1 is an exciting addition to the luxury touring sector of the Australian caravan scene.

Kratzmann's Caravans
1768 Sandgate Road
Virginia, Qld
(07) 3265 2477;

174 Eastern Service Road
Burpengary, Qld
(07) 3888 7566
www.kratzmann.com.au