Track Trailer Topaz replacement goes public

Having seeded the hybrid camper/caravan concept with the Tvan in 1999 and defined it with the larger pop-top Topaz in 2008, Melbourne’s Track Trailer has now moved the goalposts again with its new T4 – its up-specced and pricier Topaz replacement.

Moving away from the Topaz’s simple concept of a Tvan with more home comforts, the new T4 unveiled to the public at the Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds (February 20-25), is a technical tour de force that instead challenges buyers of off-road caravans to think smaller.

Unlike the Topaz, that was available in a range of option-packaged variants from bare bones Eyre at $88,300 to the Silverton at $99,400, the new T4 comes in a collection of three quite separate models.

With its eye on key rivals, like Australian Off Road’s $109,900 Matrix Pop-Top, the T4 line-up starts with the base spec $105,220 Symphony with external shower ‘pod’. Then comes the $108,500 Rhapsody, which for the first time in a Track product, comes with a built-in internal combo shower/toilet.

Finally, not yet built and hence, not at the Supershow, there will be the Concerto Family Bunk model that will eschew the shower/toilet of the Rhapsody in favour of double-stacked single bunks across the T4’s rear wall.

However, you won’t be able to buy any one of these three for that price until early 2020. All models ordered now for delivery from September this year, will be what Track calls ‘First Edition’ models that will come with a standard option pack.

The ‘Pack’ includes such creature comforts as four electro-mechanical pop-top roof actuators, an electric awning, push-button central locking for all internal drawers, a pop-up pantry that retreats to kitchen bench height and a cleverly-designed pop-up dining table that slides away out of sight under the bed when not in use.

The latest Redarc RedVision electronic vehicle management system that allows most of the T4’s electronic functions to be controlled and monitored either directly from the head unit or via a smartphone app, is also part of each First Edition pack.

Although it looks significantly larger, the new T4 is actually about the same width (1990mm – was 1938mm) and height (2550mm – was 2450mm) as its predecessor, but its overall travelling length has grown just 200mm over the final Topaz Scout model, to 6575mm.

Meanwhile, a base Symphony model (without the First Edition Pack inclusions) weighs in at about 1820kg versus 1670kg of the Scout – a modest increase of 150kg despite its slightly larger dimensions and extra kit.

Adding the First Edition Pack items takes the display Symphony’s weight to a Tare of 1940kg, but that’s not really comparing apples.

Regardless of its new dimensions, its off-road prowess has not been compromised, with Track’s proven and well-regarded MC2-R asymmetrical link suspension needing little endorsement.

Outside, the T4, which sits on a similar (but slightly extended at the rear) splayed galvanised steel chassis, looks larger, mainly thanks to the optical effect of the long, laminated windows down each side.

But, as well as more interior space, the larger body has also given owners plenty of storage room under the new fibreglass clamshell front clip, plus the separate locker below it that's large enough to house four jerrycans and a 2kVA generator.

Inside, Track has created a series of modular furniture elements that ultimately will be deployed on a tandem axle luxury off-road caravan that's still on the drawing board, giving buyers the choice of seating or kitchen bench size.

Overall, the T4 won’t disappoint Track followers in that it looks quite different to its main market rivals.

Apart from its trapezoidal windows and unique aerodynamic ‘face’, the T4 features unique ‘creases’ in its aluminium composite walls that cost more to produce, but add strength and distinction – something important to Track buyers, who are often retired professionals and are prepared to pay for the brand’s quality and uniqueness.

After three years in gestation and with the first customer models not due for delivery for another seven months, Track has taken a calculated risk on the market waiting for the T4 and is relying on experience and the unfailing support of its loyal customers that the gamble will pay off.

By showing it off now, Track is banking on stalling the market for rival high-end hybrids, but they also believe that some buyers will be having second thoughts about more conventional off-road luxury caravans, given the general market trend towards more compact, lighter weight models to be towed behind more environmentally friendly tow vehicles.

Whether the T4 proves to be a little daunting technically for many Track buyers is yet to be seen, but the pricing structure allows you to choose less technical solutions if you wish.

Regardless, expect a host of sales people from opposing hybrid manufacturers to be poring over the T4s on display at the Supershow, hoping to get a glimpse of the future!