Seachange 550QB Elite

WE LIKED:
>> Roomy inside considering compact dimensions
>> Proven off road suspension
>> Decent weather-resistant finish externally

NOT SO MUCH:
>> Fridge door opens the wrong way to service kitchen
>> Diner seating on squishy side

Off road caravans have traditionally been heavy affairs; it was the only build style that could cope with the punishment dished up by the Outback.

So it’s good to see a company thinking outside the square to create a bush capable van that won’t necessarily break the bank when it comes to the tow vehicle in front of it.

The Seachange 550 Series is the second model line from boat builder turned caravan manufacturer The Haines Group, which launched the bigger 640 Elite in 2011.

The manufacturer’s goal when designing the 550QB Elite was to have maximum internal space in an 18ft van that could be towed by four-wheel drive vehicles other than a LandCruiser. And with an ATM of 2900kg, it just scrapes in under the maximum tow limits of the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero.

LIGHT BUT STRONG

In its quest to keep weight down The Haines Group has turned to some heavy-duty aluminium for its chassis railing, which is formed from 152 x 75mm structural grade channel, fish plated at the site where the running gear is attached.

The Cruisemaster independent suspensions fitted to this caravan features a trailing swinging arm loaded with a spring and ‘bottom out’ buffer and two shock absorbers for each of the four wheels. These assemblies are attached to a galvanised RHS steel frame which bolts to the alloy rail system. 12-inch electric drums brakes and alloy wheels are standard fit.

The 220 litre water tank that sits forward of the chassis assembly is protected by a bottom skid, and there’s ample room underfloor to fit more tanks if required.

Storage wise, there’s a large front boot and another through-boot accessible from the front nearside although it’s partially blocked by the water heating unit.

A round tube installed across the inside of the van offers storage for annexe poles, while the drawbar holds a pair of 9kg gas bottles a 50mm offroad ball hitch.

The external finish on this van is exemplary. The front and back are moulded fibreglass assembled with a locking watertight top section also made from fibreglass.

The plywood inner walls cover aluminium box section framing with Dibond composite aluminium sheet for the outside. The voids between the lattices of the framework are filled with styrene for insulation and sound deadening purposes.

LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Getting inside is pretty easy, thanks to a wide entrance passage, thoughtfully-designed steps and an electrically illuminated grab rail.

The kitchen installed across the back wall includes a single bowl sink with draining board, with a small preparation area each side. More bench space is available behind those standing at the sink, on top of the cooker lid.

On the left as you enter is the Camec four burner (three gas, one electric) cooktop. There’s also a gas fired, drawer-style griller under which is a large pot and pan cupboard. If you decide to put the optional oven here instead, you won’t miss the cupboard space as there’s plenty throughout this caravan.

The stove top has a flush-mounted lid for an extra food preparation area, and the 175 litre fridge has a wood panel style fascia that complements the surrounding decor. (This model has since been updated with a 190 litre fridge which we were assured will fit neatly into the same cavity). The microwave and audio unit are fitted above.

Our only gripe was that the fridge door opened the wrong way for when working in the kitchen. Most refrigerators have the option to switch door hinging, though we couldn’t see it on this model.

There’s also a large window that looks out to the rear of the caravan and is fully open-able to maximise ventilation at this end of the caravan.

It must be said the carpentry throughout the Elite is top-notch including the drawer slides, which are ‘soft close’ style and latch firmly into place without any movement.

Also of note are the various door catches, which have large grab handles incorporating a push button release; ideal for those with arthritic fingers.

The ‘overhead’ storage cupboards have been designed with bottom edges set back to allow easier access and minimise any head banging; their doors are operated on small spring struts.

SUPER SHOWER

Another objective was to incorporate a separate toilet and shower within the compact layout, and again the manufacturer has succeeded.

The toilet, directly opposite the entrance door, is a roomy cubicle incorporating a large airy window, two storage cupboards, short shelf, and Thetford porcelain toilet bowl with removable cassette.

Walking in, a narrow hand basin and mirror is fitted on the left wall and an opaque door makes up the partition to the shower, which is totally sealed from the toilet cubicle.

The shower area is also relatively roomy, and features an electronically or manually ventilated roof hatch, good sized wall window and small seat.

Next to the toilet cubicle is a bench seat with padded back that, together with a small table on a curved pedestal, serves as the dining area. While there’s barely enough room for two, medium to large people seated around the table, the pedestal does allow the table when not in use to be pushed up against the backrest to create more room in the passageway.

The flat screen TV is located at the end of the kitchen cabinetry and can be swung around to face those at the dining table or towards the north-south facing queen bed up front.

Again, the manufacturers have utilised the space well, with walk-around room on three sides of the bed and a large open locker under the mattress base. There’s plenty of cupboard space around the bedhead as well as some short bedside shelves (a two single bed layout is also available).

Large windows on either side of the bed complement the screened hatch installed directly above, while the air conditioner is centrally located to heat or cool the interior evenly.

The windows throughout the Elite are double glazed, acrylic bubble-style, featuring pull up, heat deflecting and insect screens.

VERDICT

There are bound to be a few compromises in a van of this size with so many features, and in this case it’s the compact dinette, which offers little opportunity to ‘lounge’.

The manufacturer is unlikely to make any apologies for that, as it’s an offroad caravan designed to maximise space in other areas such as the toilet/shower and queen bed. Those that enjoy offroad pursuits mostly eat outdoors anyway, weather permitting.

For a cost of around $88,000 (depending on dealer location and freight costs) buyers should also feel confident dragging this unit into the Outback. Certainly the running gear will handle the rough stuff and it would also appear the rest has been well engineered to cope.

SEACHANGE 550QB ELITE OFF ROAD

Overall length: 7.45m 
Body length: 5.5m            
External width: 2.495 m           
Internal height:  2.0 m         
Nameplate Tare: 2100 kg     
Nameplate ATM: 2900 kg     
Ball weight (advised): 180kg
Chassis: galvanised steel/aluminium
Suspension: Cruisemaster independent      
Cooktop:  Camec four-burner gas/electric with grille                       
Fridge: Dometic 175 litre (190 litre available)
Gas: 2 x 9 kg                             
Freshwater:  220 litres                
Suspension: Cruisemaster independent
Price: $88,000 (tow-away, Qld)
Supplied by: Seachange Caravans