Super expander coming

Australia’s largest ‘expander-style’ caravan is currently on a weight-shedding diet in preparation for its official debut at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow in Brisbane from June 7-12.

Initially displayed in pre-production prototype form at the recent Melbourne Caravan Supershow, the 21ft 6in Titan Blackhawk with its vast pop-top roof and drop-down queen beds at both ends eclipses the largest Jayco 20.64-1 Expanda model in size and standard equipment.

Initially – like all other Titan caravans and pop-tops – the expander model will only be available in comprehensive off-road spec, however it may also be available later as a bitumen tourer and re-badged as a ‘Roma’, mirroring a change of direction for the range that until now has been built exclusively by Roma as an exclusively-Queensland off-road range.

Designed to test reaction to an off-road pop top of its size, the Melbourne show van is currently on a weight-saving programme designed to shave 250-300kg off its initial 2600kg tare weight by its launch, bringing it comfortably under the 2525kg tare of the largest Jayco Expanda.

“We see a specific market for a large off-road expander,” Titan’s James Creswick told caravancampingsales at the recent Gold Coast Caravan Show where the new model was conspicuously missing (it was whisked away to Rockhampton immediately following the Victorian show to feature in a product video).

“People who spend a lot of time in remote areas want the interior space and features of a large full-height caravan, but not necessarily the length or weight.

“The expander concept means that we can offer them the internal space of a 24ft caravan with genuine accommodation for two couples.

“The lower profile of a pop-top also means they can take it to places where overhead branches would restrict a full-height caravan and store it more easily.”

Building an off-road expander van of this size might seem problematic for some manufacturers, but Titan have established a solid reputation in Queensland as true off-roaders, thanks to Roma’s long experience

building caravans from single to tri-axles.

Like existing Titans, the expander model will have a very high level of equipment, starting with standard aluminium exterior cladding and with the customers’ choice of small things like the number and placement of power points and the provision of a gas bayonet, included in the price.

Pricing for the new model is yet to be announced.

Titan will also have a new bunk off-roader among four new models being built for the Brisbane Show, tapping into the current market demand for family caravanning.

All will be off-roaders, but touring-spec Titans badged as Romas will soon come to market in all Australian states.