Track Trailer Tvan

We have been testing Track Trailer Tvan units since 2000; we even bought one – no. 33 off the production line. It’s done 50,000km behind our trusty Patrol all over Australia on numerous trips to Cape York, Simpson Desert and Walcott Inlet track and has proven Tvan’s offroad cred and touring ability.

Track Trailer extended the model range and now there are four Tvan models; the Tvan Mk2 base model, the Tanami, the Canning and the Murranji, all based on the same suspension, chassis and body configuration that set the Tvan apart.

The MC2 Asymmetric Link suspension is an independent, coil sprung, trailing arm located setup, backed by Koni shock absorbers. The design gives great ground clearance, long travel and a soft and compliant ride.

The uniquely-designed chassis is hot-dipped galvanised. The A-frame and shorter-than-usual length between the axle and the tow makes it track closely behind the tow vehicle – important for offroading.

Up front is the spare tyre and either three jerry cans, a battery and one 4kg gas bottle; or two jerries, two batteries and two gas bottles. We found the batteries and gas bottles fiddly to get to for changing and/or servicing. Tucked up among the chassis rails is a choice of either one or two 70 litre water tanks.

The axles are rated to 1600kg and stub axles are fitted with full-size bearings both on the inner or outer side of the stub axle housing. Electric brakes are standard, as is a fully articulated AT35 all-terrain tow coupling.

The Tvan body is a solid fibreglass wall-and-roof unit that encompasses the main sleeping area (a queen double bed), floor space and storage areas.

At the rear is a fold-down floor or deck assembly and a large lift-up door/roof, all of which are either sprung or shock loaded. The roof carries the canvas tent, which drops down and clips around the folded-out deck.

The kitchen, which varies slightly for each model, is fully self-contained and rolls out on the nearside of the trailer. There are no legs or props to deploy, it’s made from stainless steel and contains a two-burner stove (the Canning model with a grill), a unique slideout sink and tap, a cutlery drawer and storage area. Both the kitchen and side storage locker in the latest model line-up have new locker doors on them.

Standard electrical features on the base model include single 12V battery, electric water pump, two interior lights and two 12V power outlets, while the top-of-the-line Murranji additionally includes water tank gauges, 240V safety switch, a battery management system and extra lights and power outlets.

Dry weight of the Tvan is around 750kg, and pay load is 500kg with storage volume listed at 1300 litres, although I’m not sure how they measure that. Ball weight depends on how you load the camper (as with any trailer), but can vary between 80kg and 130kg.

Erecting this versatile camper is vastly different to any other on the market. First the deck is unclipped from its travelling position and lowered to the ground. Unfolding it once more extends the deck to its full length while easy slip-in legs support and level the deck, no matter how rough or rocky the ground is.

With the deck down, access to the lift-up door/roof is possible. For overnight stops lifting the door and climbing into bed is one option. In inclement weather we’ve even lowered the door behind us – not completely – and slept soundly. On most occasions we cover the large door opening with an optional zippered-door insect screen and only erect the tent when camped in a caravan park, or for longer than one night.

Unless you are very tall you’ll need the door/roof in three-quarter-lifted position to access the tent in its zippered travelling enclosure. Once undone, the tent drops from the roof cavity. The door-side tent wall is fitted around the door opening, closing the interior off from the elements, while the tent floor is clipped into place around the deck.

The door is allowed to lift into its fully erect ‘roof’ position with the internal frame supported by a few poles, which also support the breakfast bar at the far end.

It all sounds complicated, and it’s not as quick as some campers, but Viv and I do it easily in four to five minutes. Packing up is the reverse of the above and takes about the same amount of time – faster than most campers – without any wet or dirty canvas getting near the double bed.

An awning with a windbreak comes as standard and can be transformed into a fully enclosed living quarters.

A sail-type annexe is an option and a separate optional enclosure on the other side of the camper is designed as an ensuite.

All canvas work uses first-class Australian-made, 6oz Dyna-proof canvas, heavy-duty YKK zips, fine flywire, and robust, fire-retardant PVC vinyl flooring.

Large doors and a window on the tent ensure the very best ventilation, while two vents on the roof above the bed allow a good amount of air to flow.

Summing up

We have taken the Tvan everywhere in Australia with nary a worry. On the blacktop it tows easily behind any of the mid-size or bigger wagons or utes, while in the scrub it performs brilliantly. The accessible kitchen is ideal for a quick brew, an overnight stop, or a longer stay. Sleeping quarters are comfortable, easily accessed and with the solid walls, floor and roof for protection, no matter the weather.

Track Trailer, 43 Gatwick Road, Bayswater, Vic 3153, (03) 9761 6722, website: www.tracktrailer.com

Manufacturer      Track Trailer

Model         Tvan Mk2

Advised Tare/ dry weight     750kg (approx)

Advised ball weight     100kg (approx)

Advised ATM     1250kg (approx)

Price (Dec 2004)  $28,950 to $35,456 (3 yr/100,000km warranty)