Top-shelf Titanium toy hauler breaks cover

High-profile Melbourne RV manufacturer Titanium Caravans has rolled out two new flagship models, including its first toy hauler caravan and a new tandem-axle, range-topping off-grid 'van with a potentially game-changing, squared off front and full-height nosecone 'toolbox'.

Unveiled last week at a star-studded, blockbuster event at Titanium's Melbourne showroom, the new TS1 toy hauler caravan range is available in just two body lengths (23ft 6in and 24ft 8in), both with six-berth family floorplans, while the new WS1 range-topper comes in 30 different full-height variants, from 18ft 8in to 23ft 6in body lengths and with both couple and family layouts.

Both new models don't come cheap, and will set you back at least $218,000 (before on-road costs) for the TS1 base 'van, or from $236K for the base WS1. But they both come jam-packed with off-road, off-grid and luxury goodies; not to mention some impressive new laser-cut external add-ons, designed and manufactured in-house by Titanium's Wolf Fabrication business.

Making good use of its Melbourne-based Wolf Fabrication division, the top-spec 24ft 8in Titanium TS1 toy hauler boasts a novel two-part rear access, with a top-hinged and strut assisted 30mm thick fibreglass door and overhead cover, and another strut-assisted, bottom-hinged and powder-coated ramp that's secured to the back of the 'van during transit and stands out with its grippy, heavy-duty designer-mesh tread.

"Usually the door (and ramp) on the toy hauler is (the top one that folds down), so when you put the toys in they get covered in dirt and muck," explained Titanium Caravans' co-owner Jason Grech.

"We've eliminated that (with an internal door). (A traditional toy hauler door set-up) also makes the door come out of alignment," he said.

"We've also created a lot more shade and shelter from rain (with the top lid), so it's got a few benefits to (the design)."

Inside the rear garage there are four wall-mounted, and similarly sturdy and stylish, Wolf aluminium flip-down bed bases and a cargo track system with eyelets for securing a couple of motorcycles or other 'toys'.

There's also a fibreglass and solid polymer dividing wall with security door at the back-- all designed to keep the dust and dirt out from the well appointed living area up front.

Grech said the generous floorplan in the biggest 4500kg ATM rated, 24ft 8in TS1 helps deliver a spacious, luxury caravan-style feel in the front section; something you don't always get with toy hauler caravans...

The front area with side entry door includes a north-south king bed with pillowtop mattress, a separate shower and toilet, big kitchen and bench dinette, along with premium standard features like a Dometic air conditioner and 224L fridge/freezer, washing machine and twin 27in TVs.

"So it still retains the awesome interior feel that you normally get with other Titanium 'vans," he said.

The TS1 toy hauler also comes loaded up with Cruisemaster's DO-45 coupling and XT BSC airbag suspension, disc brakes, 245L fresh and 85L grey water tanks, and a 400Ah Enerdrive lithium battery system with 800W rooftop solar and a 2600W inverter.

There's also a premium toolbox on the extended A-frame, while the spare tyre is underslung.

"It's got the low truss chassis to keep it low to the ground and to pull some weight out with the 265 (Yokohama Geolandar) tyres, along with the new 703 Method (wheels) that look like the 305s and are standard on the 'van so you don't pay extra for those any more," he said.

We were told the display 'van had a Tare of around 3500kg, which would provide a payload of up to one tonne.

Meanwhile, the new Titanium WS1 flagship off-grid caravan gets its own unique front 'garage', thanks to a new square-front body design that allows the fitment of full-height aluminium toolbox compartments on the extended A-frame (more eye-catching Wolf Fabrication laser-cut designs), including a top locker for the mountain bikes or other bulky items.

Titanium says the flatter overall roof on the 4500kg ATM, 22ft 6in WS1 couple's 'van allows the fitment of more solar (seven 200W panels), along with a big side awning that covers the outside kitchen and entertainment areas.

The 'boxier' 22ft 6in WS1 layout also allows for a more spacious, 'tiny home' feel including extra storage inside, with an extra-large, closed off bathroom area up front, a central L-shape dinette and kitchen, and a north-south queen bed that's tucked up at the rear of the 'van, well away from the busy onside entry door area.

"The squared off front allows full height headroom and cabinetry (throughout the 'van')," he said. "We could even put some bunk beds up the front of the 'van now, whatever you want...".

The top-spec TS1 off-roader runs the biggest off-grid power system in any Titanium model, with a Victron 24V set-up that as well as the 1400W rooftop solar, features three 230Ah 24V lithium batteries and a 5000W inverter.

Titanium has also added new 12V charging points that allow laptop and camera charging without having to turn the inverter on.

Grech said Titanium came up with the idea a few years ago to make a 'boxier' 'van, but the manufacturer didn't have its current metal fabrication capabilities back then.

"But as we started making the bigger toolboxes (with Wolf Fabrication) it became more achievable," he said.

"We were worried about the A-frame and any flex with the aluminium (body) frame, but we've used good structural rivets and I think we've pulled it off. It's worked well (in off-road testing) and we're really proud of what we've done," he said.

"We were also worried it was going to look horrible, but it didn't, it looks amazing."

The top-spec WS1 also comes standard with an X-Guard coated truss chassis, Cruisemaster ATX BSC airbag suspension, disc brakes and 16in Method wheels with all-terrain rubber. Water storage totals 405 litres.

There's a lot happening along the onside wall of the 22ft 6in WS1 'van too, with a slide-out BBQ not far from another slide-out within the Wolf picnic table recess for a coffee machine (or perhaps an ice or food maker), a Wolf entertainment hatch with 50in TV, plus a hybrid-style, slide-out kitchen with induction cooktop.

The close to quarter-million dollar WS1 glamour-van also gets a a Wolf Fabrication rear spoiler, Stedi light and premium rear bar with twin spares and jerries, while the Victron electricals are neatly housed in an offside vertical wall locker.

"On this 'van we've also got the new integrated rear bar; it's not separated from the 'van. It's connected and it's got extra storage boxes on top for things like fishing rods," he said.

While Titanium may only build a few hundred caravans a year, it's become one of the highest-profile RV brands on the market, thanks to commercial relationships with AFL broadcasters Triple M and SEN and its connections with well-known players and other celebrities.

It's also a sponsor of Channel 9's popular The Block TV show, where it's giving away a $260K caravan during the current series.

Contestants from The Block turned up for the dazzling 'Red Dirt Carpet' launch party, along with other celebs including ex-Hawthorn premiership star and Titanium Caravans GM Josh Gibson and Wallabies player turned influencer Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins.

In other news on the night, Titanium Caravans said it's heading to the SEMA show in Las Vegas in early-November to unveil a special US-spec Titanium 'van.