Titanium enters hot hybrid market

Melbourne's Titanium is the latest Aussie caravan manufacturer to offer a range of lighter weight, slim-line fibreglass composite hybrid models.

The high-profile Epping, Victoria manufacturer is best known for its trend-setting, full size aluminium framed luxury off-road caravans, but the new locally-built Titanium Hybrid Series features the latest Euro-style composite construction including fibreglass sandwich panel walls and a 30mm one-piece fibreglass composite roof, fibreglass composite access hatches and a honeycomb composite floor.

Based on the Lyfe RV range of Melbourne-built hybrids launched three years ago, the new Titanium HS models also boast a matte black aluminium exterior trim kit and internal aluminium frame cabinetry and, depending on the variant, come with signature Titanium touches like a laser-cut aluminium rear platform bar supplied by Melbourne's Wolf Fabrications.

Priced from $122,230, the entry-level Titanium HS1 is built on a hot-dipped galvanised 6in chassis, with 16in Method Race alloy wheels and Yokahama Geolander all terrain tyres, Cruisemaster XT airbag suspension and a DO-35 coupling also part of the off-road package.

Outside cooking is on an external pull-out kitchen, with another slide-out for a Dometic compressor fridge, while the internal ensuite includes a fibreglass shower and composting toilet, and a dinette/lounge and kitchenette also part of the internal package.

The new Titanium HS1 models are also set up for extended off-grid camping, with a 200Ah lithium battery, two 200W rooftop solar panels, 30A DC-DC charger, 30A AC charger, and Victron Micro Touch battery manager, together with 110 litre drinking and 110 litre grey water tanks.

While other standard features on the entry-level HS1 include a 4.5kg gas bottle and twin gas bayonets, a diesel hot water and space heater, rooftop air conditioner, 24in TV, Bluetooth audio system, rolltop awning, drop-down picnic table, soft-close drawers and a pillowtop mattress.

Priced from $158,525, the range-topping HS2 model takes it up a notch with extras including a 400Ah lithium battery system with 600W rooftop solar and an inverter, 330L drinking water storage, an X-Guard coated chassis, Wolf Fabrication hybrid rear platform, Cruisemaster ATX airbags, twin gas bottles, a dust reduction unit, and twin Sirocco fans.

The new Titanium Hybrid Series is available in both single and tandem axle, hard- and pop-top variants and in a range of body sizes including 15ft, 17ft, 18ft and 19ft, as well as a variety of couple's and family layouts. Indicative Tare weights are listed on the Titanium website, ranging from 1930kg (15ft ) to 2750kg (19ft).

Hardtop and larger versions will also come standard with additional kitchen appliances like an induction cooker, rangehood and microwave.

With its swish design and upmarket fit-out, the new Titanium HS range will compete directly with a number of other locally-built, six-figure priced, hybrid off-grid models from the likes of Mountain Trail, Rhinomax, Offline, Tekton, AOR, Cub Campers and Zone RV.

While also vying for buyers in this rapidly-growing 'glossy white' segment are Queensland-based Vision RV and the new Skye RV brand launched at this year's Queensland Supershow; both of which offer a range of sharply-priced, full composite hybrids largely built in China.

Both HS1 and HS2 variants are currently on display at Titanium's retail outlet in Epping, Victoria. Further details on the new Titanium HS range (although dimensions and weights are yet to be listed) can be found on the Titanium Caravans website.