Mini Review: Supreme 24ft Quest

SUPREME QUEST

Words & pics: Iain Curry

The Supreme Quest is one of those aspirational caravans that we all hope we can afford 'one day'. It's the latest flagship model of the Vic-manufactured Supreme brand and we caught up with it at Dave Benson Caravans in Adelaide, SA, where it takes pride of place.

The Quest is very large, and with a Tare of 2820kg (more than 3000kg fully laden), you'll need a large 4WD (think LandCruiser or Patrol) to tow it safely. It's available in 18ft to 24ft (5.49m to 7.32m) sizes and is built using a meranti timber frame on a 4in PermaGal chassis. Our 24ft Quest had Simplicity load-sharing, independent trailing arm suspension and attractive 15in alloy wheels, helping it perform respectably both on-road and on the bumpy, grassy terrain where we did the photo shoot.

The 'wow' factor lies in the Quest's overall interior finish. The curved white leather lounge comfortably sits four adults around a stylish table. The table itself is on a hydraulic leg so the top can be lowered to just below the level of the lounge. A leather semi-circle section of the lounge can then be placed over the lowered table, making a cosy bed.

The curved overhead cupboards offer plenty of storage and an appealing design. The same applies to the many well-finished cupboards in the kitchen area, while the stainless steel sink and attractive work surface all help justify the van's $89,990 price tag.

The large Dometic fridge, NEC microwave, Swift Holiday oven and cooktop (three gas, one electric) and decadent Waeco six-bottle wine cooler are enough to satisfy the most discerning buyer. The general living area boasts one of the caravan's two 19in LCD TVs.

A large Al-Ko skylight and plentiful double-glazed windows provide plenty of light, and combined with the large living space, the Quest has a valid claim on being a home on the road.

The ensuite between the living area and the bedroom offers ample leg room for using the Thetford swivel toilet, the sink area is spacious and there's plenty of cupboard space, while the glass-door shower is light, nicely enclosed, and large enough to fit two people.

The bedroom features a cosy queen-size, wood-slated bed with innerspring mattress, and is accessible through the ensuite's sliding door. Due to the size of the living area and ensuite, the bedroom isn't as spacious but has plenty of style, with a nice headboard, quality finish on the cupboards and ample lighting. There's another large Al-Ko skylight above the bed, while Aircommand Ibis air-conditioning keeps the temperature comfortable.

For customers who don't want the ensuite between the bedroom and living area, a layout variation puts the lounge at the front, an east-west bed in the middle and the ensuite at the rear. This offers a good living area but less storage space.

Quick-drop stabiliser jacks are found on each outside corner of our van, while a side-mounted picnic table proves very useful for a hassle-free food or drink stop (under the Dometic 9000 awning if desired). There are external speakers and a reversing camera. A mesh tray under the A-frame (with two 9kg gas bottles) is ideal for storing the jockey wheel, and there's a large front boot.

A solar power system, consisting of two 64W solar panels and two 150Ah batteries, backs up this big caravan's many electrical items. Both inside and out, there is ample lighting and powerpoints.

The Supreme Quest is a beauty. It is certainly one for couples who demand plenty of space and quality equipment, but perhaps not as ideal for families, considering there are no bunk beds and the decor isn't very 'kiddie-tolerant'.

It lacks very little in standard equipment, and the sense of luxury will appeal to the buyer whose 'one day' has arrived.

Dave Benson Caravans
583 Grand Junction Road
Gepps Cross, SA 5094
(08) 8262 2500
http://www.davebensoncaravans.com.au/

For your nearest dealer, visit http://www.supremecaravans.com.au/