Top Aussie builder moves further upmarket
New $320K 24ft Paragon 7.4 model targets cashed-up touring couples seeking the bestPremium Aussie RV manufacturers are responding in different ways to tough market conditions, with some making a move downmarket while others expand into pricey new territory yet to be impacted by the imports.
In the latter category is established Albury, NSW manufacturer Mountain Trail RV which recently rolled out its biggest, boldest model to date: the $320,000, 24ft Paragon 7.4 show-stopper, pitched as the ultimate off-grid luxury couple's tourer.
The 3350kg Tare/4500kg ATM flagship boasts Mountain Trail's first rear club lounge, central ensuite and front bedroom layout, and is being spruiked by Mountain Trail managing director, Nick Edwards as "the most advanced and luxurious caravan in the industry".
The 24ft glamour-van boasts many of the features introduced on the slightly smaller 6.4 Paragon released last year, including full portable touchscreen control of all powered components via a bespoke Garmin CAN Bus system.
"It's the same length as the 6.8 but we've made it (more compact) by having a shorter drawbar and having it closer to the car, " explained Edwards about how he designed the new range-topper.
Adapting to fickle buyers
Mountain Trail started off around 20 years ago building camper trailers, but officially ceased production of its top-end EDX a couple of years ago.
It also no longer offers smaller hybrids and pop-tops; instead now focusing on large, mostly twin-berth, full-size premium caravans, starting with the $240K, 2.9 tonne (tare) Paragon 5.8, and topping out with the latest 4500kg ATM, Paragon 7.4, priced from $310K.
Edwards said Mountain Trail's skilled workforce has also been reduced from 80 to 40 employees as part of the recent consolidation.
One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the focus on quality in-house manufacturing, with many components including chassis, suspension, body and aluminium cabinetry still constructed at the Albury factory.
"We're one of few manufacturers that start from raw materials... the whole process (of building the 'van) takes around four months," Edwards said.
"We focus on absolute quality: quality service, quality experience, quality products, quality build."
The Mountain Trail boss said despite all the 'negativity' in the industry at the moment, he can reassure potential buyers that the Albury manufacturer is "financially sound" and can back a costly build without having to take regular progress payments from the customer.
"We're booked out until May and we're going really well," he said.
"If someone comes up to me and says I love the 'van but I'm scared, I don't want to put a substantial deposit down, I'll say, 'What about 20 per cent now and 80 per cent on completion?'."
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