Regent teases new full composite caravan

Melbourne's Regent Caravans has hinted at an all composite caravan future, with the release of a teaser video featuring new 2021-model 'test' vans featuring fully insulated, fibreglass sandwich panel construction.

Regent Caravans’ CEO Andrew Crank said the cutting-edge new models will mark a new chapter for the 30-year-old Melbourne manufacturer, which until recently was best known for a range of traditional-build, mid-priced timber framed and aluminium clad full height caravans.  

“To celebrate our 30th year, we’ve embarked on a significant change in design, style, technology and standard inclusions which we think will turn heads on the road,” said Crank, who previously worked at Jayco and Pioneer campers before joining Regent last year.

The aim of the new ground-up design was to “improve every aspect, whether that be suspension, construction methods and materials, and equally important, better use of both internal and external space,” he said.

While few specific details are provided, Crank said the new 2021 Regent models will boast the latest “pressed fibreglass composite construction for all floors, walls and roofs” and be backed by a two year manufacturing warranty and five year structural warranty.

The test vans boast glossy Euro-style front and rear exterior fascias including a recessed rear spare tyre, and plenty of upmarket features including a bedroom slide-out, full width rear ensuite and leather club lounge that converts to another bed, along with contemporary interior decor including a marble-look splashback and matt black sinks and tapware.

The camouflaged full height test vans also come with premium fittings and appliances including a powered awning and entry step, front load washing machine, oven, big screen TV, large microwave and Fusion audio.

Crank said Regent will be seeking “extensive customer feedback” on the two test vans before production commences presumably later this year.

“Every component and accessory on the 2021-model range will be rigorously tested, including a simulated monsoon test for eight hours in our environmentally friendly purpose built rain bay,” he said.

“We started with a blank page, and I’m here to tell you the results are exceeding our expectations…”

Once one of Australia's biggest caravan manufacturers, Regent was established in the early-1990s and most recently changed hands when it was bought by the giant Chinese RV Daide Group around seven years ago.

Regent vans are currently manufactured in the same Somerton, Victoria factory where final assembly of imported Snowy River caravans occurs, with sales of the Melbourne-built vans taking place at two Queensland-based Green RV outlets on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane.