New timber framed Coromal caravans arrive

Yet another chapter in the 43 year history of Coromal Caravans is being written, with Brisbane-based Apollo recently releasing a new range of Melbourne-built, timber-framed, smooth-road Coromal caravans aimed at single, couple and family travellers.

Apollo, which took over production of Coromal caravans in 2019, is outsourcing production of its latest range of Coromal Soul Seeker couple's caravans and Adventure Seeker family models to Campbellfield, Victoria-based Majestic Caravans which also builds a range of Active caravans for Apollo-owned Queensland dealer Kratzmann.

Unlike the budget-priced but now discontinued Coromal Appeal, which featured full composite sandwich panel construction for the walls, floor and roof and was built at Apollo's Brisbane factory, the new Majestic-built Coromal 'Seeker' models are produced with traditional-style Meranti timber frames with smooth aluminium composite cladding and checkerplate lower body protection.

The new Coromal Soul Seeker touring caravan range is available in three body lengths (18ft, 18ft 6in and 19ft 6in), all with couple's layouts including north-south queen bed, kitchen and cafe dinette or L-shaped lounge/dinette, and a full width ensuite with separate shower and toilet.

The 'Adventure Seeker' family touring range is also available in three body lengths (18ft 6in, 19ft 6in and 21ft 6in) with east-west or north-south double bed and double or triple bunk beds, kitchen and bench seating or L-shape lounge/dinette, and a separate shower and toilet.

Designed for bitumen and smooth dirt roads, both model ranges feature a Supagal chassis with 4in chassis and 6in A-frame, 2in raiser, 15 or 16in alloy wheels, 12in electric brakes, AL-KO 50mm ball coupling and Dexter Torflex independent rubber torsion or beam axle suspension.

Tare weights start at 1868kg, with payloads of around one tonne or more in some cases (click here for full details).

The latest Coromal vans cost a lot more than the 2020-build Coromal Appeal models, with advertised prices ranging from $61,990 to $75,990 compared to starting prices of around $45-50,000 for the lightweight entry-level Appeal vans.

However, the pricier new timber-framed Coromal models are better equipped with a top load washing machine, two 95 litre fresh water tanks, filtered water, 160W solar panel, 182 litre fridge/freezer, two 9kg gas bottles, rooftop air con, radio/TV, four burner cooktop, external shower and entertainment locker among the standard inclusions.

Apollo is still offering its four-model range of full composite Windsor caravans, although is no longer advertising Winnebago-branded caravans that were also built at the Brisbane factory.

With its international RV rental business hit hard by COVID-19 related restrictions, Apollo has also dropped from the Coromal caravan line-up the off-road focussed Evolution models, which were originally built in Perth by former Coromal owner Fleetwood.