Millard Pinnacle

WE LIKED

- Concept of two entry doors
- Generous external storage space
- Longer than usual bed
- Full use of LED lighting

NOT SO MUCH

- Thin wall cushions
- Limited wardrobe (hanging) space

In the caravan industry's original heyday, during the 1970s and early-'80s, two door vans weren't uncommon.

Given modern vans are more geared towards couples, and two door models more closely linked to family vans, that particularly design fad has almost disappeared.

At least that was the case until a few manufacturers including the 64-year-old Millard Caravans recently started to dip its toes in the water to see how a two-door van might jibe with the grey nomads.

SIZE MATTERS

The Pinnacle is the latest two-door offering from Millard, but with an external length of 7.84m (25ft 9in) and a Tare of 2800kg, it does require a hefty tow vehicle. In my case, a Toyota LandCruiser fitted the bill nicely.

Toyota supplied me with a V8 petrol Sahara for this brief tow and with its 202kW/410 Nm engine it provided a very stable towing platform.

However, as an oil burner by nature, the extra petrol going through the fuel injectors made me wince a bit.

A key reason two door caravans were once popular with families was simple logistics –the parents could come and go without disturbing sleeping children.

For a travelling couple, this doesn’t really apply, and the second door is more of a convenience, although it could be beneficial if set up with an office.

A second door also provides an emergency exit if required.

DOOR TO DOOR

Two doors seem to work well with the Pinnacle’s popular layout choice: front bedroom, middle kitchen and dinette, and full rear bathroom.

In terms of décor, the cabinetry comes with a medium timber finish, while the floor has a pseudo timber effect and the ceiling is bright white.

LED lighting is used throughout and the ceiling-mounted fittings (set in the curved timber) not only look good, but provide excellent illumination.

For the touring gourmet, the Pinnacle has plenty of cooking space. The kitchen is located between the entry doors along the nearside wall and includes a stainless steel sink, Swift four-burner stove and a microwave set slightly lower than the overhead lockers.

This leaves plenty of room for an assortment of overhead lockers, cupboards and drawers. Instead of timber fascias, all the locker doors have dark tinted acrylic inserts.

Benchtop space is generous, too, even without the flush lid fitted above the cooktop.

On the opposite side of the van, a Dometic three-way 186L litre fridge stands between a double-width slide-out pantry and cabinet.

The cabinet contains a couple of highlights, including a two-door cupboard and a front loading washing machine.

But the real surprise is a fold-out ironing board sitting in the middle; the only reason to leave the van is to hang the washing out.

A leather upholstered dinette with a tri-fold table and a large window also sit on the van’s offside. Sitting sideways with the feet up is a potential position at the dinette, but some relatively thin wall cushions mean it might not be comfortable for some.

Overhead lockers and a small shelf sit above the dinette.

CAPTAIN SNOOZE

Large windows and a big roof hatch ensure the bedroom is a bright and breezy place.

A 1.95 x 1.5m (6ft 5in x 4ft 11in) island bed is longer than most, so great for the taller RVers out there.

The intrusion of the front boot allows for a shelf behind the bed, but reduces the hanging space in the side wardrobes.

Both foot-of-bed corner cupboards have full length mirrors, but the doors must be open for them to be used effectively.

It’s become quite common for a separate shower to sit on the nearside, but the Pinnacle instead has its cubicle on the offside, with the Dometic cassette toilet opposite and a vanity in between.

In addition to a couple of drawers and a cupboard, the bathroom is deep enough to have a top-loading bin next to the loo. You can’t swing a cat but, like the rest of the van, the bathroom is relatively spacious.

The  van's frame and cladding is made from aluminium, and everything sits on a six inch railed hot dipped galvanised chassis and rides on Cruisemaster independent suspension, complete with trailing arms, coil springs and shock absorbers.

External bin storage space is generous. In addition to the two door front boot, there’s a tunnel boot (containing a slide-out barbecue) and an alloy checkerplate bin on the drawbar.

Overloading the ball weight might be the only potential hazard. A set of electric steps and an electric awning are also standard.

VERDICT

The largest van in the Millard range, the Pinnacle is a well appointed rig and the Cruisemaster suspension gives the van extra versatility.

The downside of a second door – apart from having to remember to lock it – is that something like an extra cupboard or storage space is lost. But the Pinnacle’s length means that really shouldn't be an issue.

Like in a house, having front and rear entry doors can have its advantages and the whole unit should also appeal to travellers who are after some extra length.

MILLARD CARAVANS PINNACLE

Overall length: 10.1m (33ft 1in)
External length: 7.84m (25ft 9in)
External width (incl awn): 2.44m (8ft)
Interior height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Tare: 2800kg
ATM: 3600kg
Ball weight (advised): 250kg
Frame: Aluminium
Chassis: Hot dipped galvanised
Suspension: Cruisemaster independent
Cooktop: Swift four-burner/grill/ oven
Fridge: Dometic RM 4605 186 litre
Microwave: LG
Shower: Separate cubicle
Toilet: Dometic cassette
Lighting: 12V, LED
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Fresh water: 2 x 95 litre
Price $110,000 (on road, NSW)  
Supplied by: 7th Street Caravans, Boolaroo, NSW
More info: Millard Caravans