Grandcruiser 2150 Platinum

WE LIKED:

• Stylish and functional overall
• Versatile layout
• Comfy ensuite area

NOT SO MUCH

• Kitchen work surface space lacking
• Requires a heavyweight tow vehicle

Grandcruiser has been building vans in Australia since 2004, and the Newcastle based company has fabrication yards in Tamworth and Cessnock where it makes a range that runs from 18 footers to 24 footers as well as a slide-on.

The point of difference with these vans is their styling and finish, with slick exterior fibreglass gelcoats and an emphasis on aerodynamics... not a bad thing nowadays considering caravanners often spend $100 a day on fuel alone.

Grandcruiser brought along a couple of vans to our photographic location for us to look at: its mid-range Platinum 2150, aimed squarely at couples wanting a comfy home-from-home and its economy family model, the lightweight 1550 Sports Tourer.

The 21 foot 2150 is very stylish inside and out thanks to vacuum moulded fibreglass panels and bulkheads. These give a rounded finish to the van’s wedge shaped forward sections and the rear includes a moulded spoiler to aide airflow when towing. It’s all finished off in a highly polished gelcoat, just like that of a yacht.

Windows throughout are double skinned to reduce condensation and ground clearance is above average thanks to the double axle, 15 inch wheels located below the floor.

The large boot above the A-frame houses two gas bottles (9kg and 4.5kg) and has plenty of room for outdoor furniture.

Al fresco living is well taken care of thanks to the Carefree awning, external waterproof speakers and two outside lockers, including a tunnel one. One of these lockers could easily house a slide-out barbie and annex. LED lighting completes the nearside of the Grandcruiser.

Other practicalities taken care of include access to the toilet cassette and external 240V socket.

HOME FROM HOME

The four layouts offered on the Grandcruiser 2150 include a queen sized island double, two singles and a couple of further variations on these.

The review van came with the dinette forward, kitchen in the middle and ensuite berth at the rear. Entry is via a three way lockable door with flyscreen between dinette and kitchen.

The leather clad dinette cushions look hard- wearing and stylish while around the table there’s plenty of room for guests. Though not designed for it, the table could be modified to drop down to create a large double bunk as well.

Surrounding views are pleasant thanks to forward and side windows, and adjustable privacy blinds are fitted throughout.

Also, the area allows good viewing of the flat screen television on the nearside wall, and a Wineguard aerial is already fitted. Below the TV fixing is a radio/CD with USB input for your entertainment.

The kitchen dominates the mid section with a 184 litre three way Dometic fridge/freezer and microwave on the nearside. Opposite, the sink which is fed by two 82 litre water tanks, adjoins the four burner Smev stove and lends the area a functional feel with plenty of floor space for a couple to share the cooking. Conveniently, the water meter is right beside the sink.

The Smev cooker and grill has a hot plate burner and overhead, an extractor unit.

Locker space here is good with gas struts guiding the push-button doors. The only thing lacking is sufficient space on the composite worktops.

Overhead the Ibis 3.2kw 240V reverse cycle air conditioner is neatly recessed into the roof hatch with four way vents to ensure the van is optimally cooled.

SLEEP IN STYLE

The rear bedroom is separated by a curtain from the kitchen, and includes the island queen sized bedhead on the far side. A fully sprung house mattress should ensure a good sleep and the LED spotlights will keep readers happy.

The wardrobes include racks and there’s plenty of overhead locker space as well.

The bed also has adequate space all round for entry into the rear ablution section.  Here the rectangular bathroom is enclosed with a sliding door and has a pleasant vanity area with sink and Thetford toilet.

Around the vanity is plenty of work surface space and storage is also well taken care of thanks to three large shelves at floor level plus a similar setup above.

Across the way lies the rather spartan but spacious shower cubicle, separated by a frosted glass door. Overall, the ensuite bedroom is a lovely area on this van and hard to fault.

Electrics are powered by an AGM 100Ah battery and charger underneath the nearside lounge bench and several 240V sockets are located throughout the van. Connections for optional roof located solar panels are already in place as well.

TOUGH UNDERPINNINGS

The Grandcruiser has a galvanised chassis built of 400 grade Australian galvanised steel with leaf sprung suspension (independent coil suspension should be available later this year).

To match the stylish build, 15inch alloy wheels are used with electric brakes.

The A-frame area is uncluttered thanks to the gas bottles’ location in the nearby boot, and has a standard configuration comprising breakaway unit, jockey wheel holder, Anderson plug and a water tap.

Flooring is made of 45mm fibreglass foam sandwich while the roof and walls are similarly constructed of one piece sheets and glued together with SIKA industrial strength adhesive.

With a Tare of 2300kg and ATM of 3000kg the 2150 requires more than just the family station wagon for towing. A Nissan Navara ute was used to pull it for our review.

VERDICT

Grandcruiser’s 2150 model competes in one of the most competitive categories in the caravan market, the luxury two berth van. But thanks to a combination of Australian build quality with European sensibilities, Grandcruiser has produced a strong contender for that planned big escape.

It all comes at a price, of course, but with the Australian back roads beckoning for a self-contained van like this, it’s worth a closer look.

GRANDCRUISER 2150 PLATINUM 

Length (overall): 8.0m
Height (overall): 2.7m  (plus 0.3m for air-con)
Length (body): 6.4m
Width: 2.35m
Length (internal): 6.3m
Tare : 2300kg
GVM: 3000kg
Chassis: galvanised
Suspension: leaf springs
Cooktop: Smev four-burner
Fridge: Dometic 184 litre three-way fridge/freezer
Gas: 4.5kg & 9kg
Fresh water: 2 x 82 litre
Price: $69,990
More info: Grandcruiser Caravans

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING A BIT CHEAPER...

Whilst looking over GrandCruiser’s 2150, we had the chance to check out the company’s entry level 1550 Sports Tourer, which shares many components and design features with its larger brother.

The ethos of this family friendly van recalled my childhood caravanning days back in the 1970s, thanks to its simplicity and teardrop retro look.

An open plan layout provides the versatility of a queen-sized bed for mum and dad while suede lounge benches (or the wide floor space) could take care of small kids. 

A rectangular table with dog leg base swivels to allow the lounge to transform into a dinette while at the back the kitchen area is right beside the door. Here there’s a three burner gas stove and sink with flick mixer tap, while the wide back window (double glazed with integrated insect screens and privacy blinds) affords the cook some lovely views.

Bench space is actually better than its bigger sibling thanks to the adjoining Formica topped cupboard. Door hinges and locks felt a bit cheap but when you consider this van is built to a tight budget it’s somewhat understandable.

Near the kitchen on the far side, the bathroom takes up the corner and is more than adequate for the job with an easy clean, one piece moulded shower and toilet recess. Its water comes from a 195 litre tank with both electric and gas heating.

In front is a 104 litre Dometic fridge with a large cupboard above that could house a microwave along with other kitchen items.

Lighting is LED strips and the 12 volt battery has a three stage charger. Natural lighting comes from a smallish skylight along with click-open windows which takes care of ventilation. The skylight can also house an optional air conditioner.

Natural light is a little limited with smallish windows (and none on the front), but this does suit the aerodynamic forward section – a single fibreglass moulding.
Outside, the Carefree awning gives instant shade and storage includes a tunnel boot.

The A-frame is similar to the larger 2150 and on top sits two 9kg gas bottles; all tankage and power outlets are on the far side.

Pulling the 15 foot Sports Tourer shouldn’t be a drama as with an ATM of two tonnes, it should be able to be towed by the family station wagon.

Ground clearance is again good thanks to a similar chassis as the 2150, with external wheels (but only single axle). There’s even a rear bumper bar to protect the elegant rounded LED stoplights.

VERDICT

Overall the 1550 is a fuss free van built to a price, but with modern design and enough features to cater for a variety of caravanners.

GRANDCRUISER 1550 SPORTS TOURER

Length (overall): 6.50m
Height (overall): 2.7m
Length (internal): 4.87m
Tare: 1350kg
ATM: 2000kg 
Chassis: galvanised
Suspension: leaf springs
Fridge: 104 litre Dometic
Cooktop: three burner gas
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Water: 1 x 82 litre
Price: $34,500