Master-crafted CRZR Optimum caravan breaks cover

Melbourne's Masterpiece Caravans has thrown the covers off its latest and greatest luxury off-road caravan.

Currently on display at the Escape RVs dealership in Campbellfield Victoria, the all-new 22ft Optimum CRZR (Cruiser) Edition is the first Masterpiece van to be fitted with the trick CRZR live axle airbag suspension set-up, designed and manufactured by Shepparton, Victoria-based CRZR Industries.

First seen on the CRZRvan hardcore off-roader, the patented chassis and suspension combines fully-adjustable Air Ride suspension delivering up to 200mm of travel, with Cruisemaster axles and brakes, Ironman shocks, Superior Engineering remote reservoirs, and radius arms, bump stops and panhard rods from the Toyota 79 Series.

Inventor Rhys Conti said one of the advantages of his bespoke CRZR chassis is that it allows the water tanks to be tucked up higher than usual for improved weight distribution and ground clearance compared to a more traditional trailing arm set-up.

The CRZR chassis supplied to Masterpiece Caravans are developed specifically for the seven-year-old caravan builder's large tandem axle off-road models, and boast full black polymer coated 150mm x 50mm x 3mm steel main rails with extra reinforcing to allow a 4500kg ATM rating.

Described as a "game changer", the new Optimum CRZR Edition 'van also features Masterpiece's latest rot-free 'R-Tech' body construction comprising a German one-piece composite floor, 'Fibroplast' wall framing, 'Aircell' insulation and aluminium composite cladding, to help reduce weight and provide improved insulation and water resistance.

Priced from $184,950, the 3400kg Tare, 22ft van currently on display at the Melbourne dealership also boasts an exclusive Titanium exterior colour scheme and Ravencoat checker plate exterior protection, along with impressive off-grid capability courtesy of a monster 630Ah lithium battery system with 3000W inverter, 1000W rooftop solar and a Victron Energy battery management system, together with smart touchscreen panel.

Other premium features include a Dometic slide-out kitchen, Fusion inside/outside sound system, external shower and drawbar-mounted bike rack, while the luxury couple's layout features a north-south queen bed big, leather-lined club lounge-style dinette, a big kitchen with 220 litre compressor fridge/freezer and separate shower and toilet, along with a Dometic dust reduction system, rooftop air-conditioner, twin 12V fans and a big-screen Smart TV.

Masterpiece Caravans' owner Remon Raffaello said the top-spec Optimum CRZR Edition model was the result of "long hours and lots of hard work" by the Campbellfield, Victorian manufacturer, in conjunction with CRZR Industries.

"Masterpiece Caravans continues to develop, innovate and produce class-leading luxury offroad caravans and after-sales service second-to-none," he said.

The Masterpiece Optimum CRZR Edition is also available to order in smaller body sizes and different layouts, with display vans due to appear at Masterpiece's other Australian dealers shortly.

The new range-topping model will make its show debut at the Victorian Caravan Supershow from April 6-10 at the Melbourne Showgrounds, where CRZR designer Rhys Conti will be on hand at the Masterpiece stand throughout the show to answer any questions.