Supreme 1100 Getaway

WE LIKED
>> rugged, reinforced design 
>> easy to tow
>> compact yet well-equipped

NOT SO MUCH
>> cramped interior
>> firm foam mattress
>> minimal bench space

Back in the early-1990s Supreme Caravans cuts its teeth on the original Getaway, a rugged, rough-road model aimed at those who like to get off the beaten track.

But over the years as its business grew the Melbourne manufacturer turned most of its attention to producing on-road touring vans, and the bulk of its range until recently focussed on the luxury, caravan park end of the market.

Now following a recent surge in popularity of off-road-capable caravans, Supreme has re-introduced an old favourite, in the form of the ‘New Generation’ Getaway. Featuring a tougher yet lighter chassis and packed with off-road features,  it joins the Territory as one of two dedicated rough-road models in the company’s 11-model line-up.

The new Getaway is available in a wide range of sizes and layouts, from a single-axle, pop-top van with compact 11ft long body (the subject of this review), right up to a big 24 foot, twin-axle shower model.

Not fitted with a shower/toilet (unlike some of the bigger variants), the pint-sized 1100 Getaway is aimed at intrepid couples (or singles) wanting a lightweight yet sturdy van designed to travel over rough roads and suitable for free camping.

With a Tare weight of 1561kg and 1861kg ATM, the 1100 Getaway is also suited to smaller, four-cylinder 4WD tow vehicles like the Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai Santa Fe, which we used to tow one to our photo-shoot location.

“If you’re going to national parks and bush tracks, anything bigger becomes too cumbersome,” explained Supreme’s Frank Prosenik referring to the 1100’s compact dimensions. He also said he recently sold one to a bloke who likes to head off by himself for weeks at a time, prospecting in Victoria’s goldfield regions.

RUGGED UNDERPINNINGS

With a newly-designed, reinforced semi-tub chassis and strengthened aluminium walls, the latest Getaway is built stronger than its Territory stablemate, according to Supreme.

Fully insulated, the body is of the traditional aluminium/Meranti timber construction, albeit heavily bolstered by 500mm checkerplate on all sides along with side bumpers. The spare tyre is attached to a mount at the rear of the van.

Built by Supreme, the Road King chassis features a six inch (150mm) A-Frame and six inch chassis runners that run to the axle for additional strength. Also adding to the van's durability is aluminium checkerplate underbody protection (under the 12mm painted plywood floor), instead of the galvanised steel used under the Territory.

Aluminium is also used around the wheel boxes and as protection for the two 80-litre poly water tanks and drawbar-mounted, mains pressure tap.

Also on the drawbar is a large checkerplate toolbox, protected by a stone shield. As well as separate compartments for tools and wet items, it holds two 100aH deep cycle batteries, and has provision for two, 4.5kg gas bottles.

Other external storage areas include a mesh tray on the A-frame, two jerry can holders, and a spacious tunnel boot with access at both ends.

The 50mm off-road coupling, jack and drop-down stabilisers are from the Al-Ko catalogue, while the Getaway is the only Supreme van to get Cruisemaster independent coil suspension as standard. It also rides on 16x7inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres and electric brakes.

Set up for outside living, the Getaway also featured an external hot/cold shower hose, slide-out BBQ, Dometic roll-out awning, fold-down picnic table, external lights and speakers, TV aerial outlet and 240V socket.

COOL INTERIOR

Entry is via a triple-locker door at the reare, though it’s a big step up due to the jacked-up suspension. Thankfully,  the pull-out steel steps and Fiamma grab handle make it relatively easy to haul yourself up and in.

Once inside, there’s just enough room for a small dinette on one side, kitchen area on the other, whilst the east-west double bed up front takes up most of the remaining area (bar a narrow central walkway).

Popping the roof is an easy one-person job, with each side individually lifted and locked into place. When raised, roof height was just enough to prevent stooping (I'm around190cm tall).

The two-person dinette features a sturdy, tri-fold table, two LED reading lights and some floor-mounted storage. The kitchen area opposite includes a Swift four-burner cooktop (three gas, one electric), grille and rangehood, plus stainless steel sink and drainer, with mixer tap and water purifier.

Not surprisingly there's minimal kitchen benchspace, though the cooktop has a fold-down cover that could be used for food preparation.

One pleasant surprise was the discovery of a Dometic wine cooler in a slide-out drawer near the entrance; perfect for a few beers or wines that can’t be squeezed into the kitchen fridge, a Dometic 90 litre three-way unit.

While the light timber look helps create a cheery ambience, the mostly small-sized Camec wind-out windows throughout the van didn’t allow much external light to enter during our inspection.

Ventilation shouldn't be an issue though, with the tinted windows fitted with flyscreens and shades as well as fabric curtains. On hotter days, zipped screens and a small vent in the pop-top roof  can also be used to increase airflow.

Given the limited space, Supreme has done a decent job with storage areas, and there's enough overhead lockers and drawers to handle the basics. The kitchen also features a cutlery drawer as well as a pull-out vertical pantry.

Lifting the gas-strut bed base also reveals a large storage compartment, where the 22 litre Suburban hot water gas/electric service resides.

In the electrical department, the Getaway was fitted with a three-stage battery charger, 1000W power inverter, and solar charge controller for roof-top solar panels. Also fitted was a gauge for the water tanks, DVD/CD/MP3 player, and roof-top air-conditioner.

I counted seven 240V sockets in total and there are two roof lights to go with LED reading lights in the bed and dinette areas. A connection for the Winegard antenna is located at the rear end of the kitchen bench, although mounting a TV here might be a squeeze.

Overall, our review caravan was neatly finished inside and out, although there were a few rough edges inside some of the cupboards. While the double bed was long enough to stretch out my lanky frame, it had a firm, high density foam mattress rather than a more comfortable inner spring type.

VERDICT

As more travellers seek to access remote camping locations, or just an escape from crowded caravan parks, no-fuss, self-contained vans like the 1100 Getaway make a lot of sense.

While this particular model isn't the most spacious inside, the Getaway seemed well equipped for the price, with enough equipment to last a few days – or weeks – away from civilisation.

Supreme is the first to admit it’s not an all-terrain van, but with its generous ground clearance and rugged underpinnings the Getaway should easily handle graded dirt roads and mild corrugations. And the fact you can tow it with something other than a LandCruiser or Patrol is another bonus.

SUPREME CARAVANS 1100 GETAWAY

Overall length: 4.5m (15ft)
External length: 3.3m (11ft)
External width: 2.1m (7ft)
Internal height: 1.95m (6ft4in)
Travel height: 2.3m (7ft7in)
Tare: 1561kg
ATM: 1861kg
Ball weight (advised): 210kg
Frame: Meranti timber
Chassis: 6in Permagal
Suspension: Cruisemaster independent coil
Cooktop: Swift four-burner gas/electric
Fridge: 90 litre three-way Dometic and separate wine cooler
Microwave: No
Shower/toilet: No
Lighting: 12V LED
Gas: 2 x 4.5kg
Fresh water: 2 x 80 litre
Price: $59,000 (tow-away, Vic)
Supplied by:
Supreme Caravans