Track Trailer Tvan MK4

Casual observers may find it difficult to spot the latest Tvan Mk4 from its

2500-odd predecessors unless they’re parked side-by-side, but that’s good.

With its distinctive clamshell profile, the Tvan is as distinctive in the camper trailer world as the VW Beetle and Porsche 911 are in their automotive environment.

As testament to this, the Tvan has won ‘Camper Trailer of the Millennium’ and also ‘Off-Road Camper of the Year’ in its category in 2009, 2011 and 2015, so why would you meddle with something that remains a winner, despite a barrage of crossfire by rivals to its crown?

Yet in truth, the Mk4 is a major revision of a landmark model that should tempt many earlier Tvan owners to update.

For a start, there are a number of subtle changes to its aluminium sandwich panelled body, with only the roof escaping the computer aided designer’s keystrokes.

Most obvious is the (optional) body-hugging front box that has been completely redesigned to accommodate a broad range of common fridges up to 80 litre capacity – now sliding out of either the left or right hand side – without impacting on the Tvan’s impressive 'bushability' to perform a U-turn in its own length, if required.

The new ‘box’ also looks as though it’s an integral part of the Tvan’s design, rather than an add-on.

Importantly, this box weighs about 30kg less than the one on the Mk3. When it’s fitted, the nose panel on the Tvan’s main body behind it changes from steel to alloy, as the box’s powder-coated front stone shields (which are removable for re-painting after the stone-pecking of a hard trip) take over the front-line role as body protectors.

Significantly, this lighter box, plus the replacement of the previous 70 litre rear water tank with a larger 108 litre unit (a second 70 litre tank is optional) and other weight-saving and weight re-distribution measures have reduced the load on the standard DO-35 hitch from 175kg to around 130kg, depending on options.

Depending on the spec level the Tvan shed approximately 50-100kg over its predecessor, equivalent to an impressive 5-10 per cent.

The other distinctive, yet more cosmetic visual change you’ll find in Mk4 models is the new colour scheme.

The lower side storage compartment panels are now in the upper body colour, rather than in contrasting charcoal, and this has extended to the rear deck, which is similarly finished in ‘Surfmist’. Meanwhile, the number plate has been moved from the rear of the water tank to the deck itself.

However the two most significant features of the Mk4 Tvan don’t reveal themselves until you start to probe its lockers and snug interior.

All Tvans except the entry-level Yulara and the top-spec Murranji come equipped with what Track Trailer calls its ‘Classic Kitchen’, which means a two-burner stainless steel unit with BBQ tray, windshields, stainless steel sink/pump and cutlery drawer.

However the new Premium Kitchen that’s now standard on the Murranji and is a $2500 option on the other three Tvan models, takes outdoor cooking to Masterchef heights.

Occupying a 30 per cent larger locker, the Premium Kitchen boasts a Thetford three-burner, glass-topped stainless steel cooktop with piezo ignition and a matching stainless steel sink with a flick style top, draining board and cutlery drawer below.

But rather than simply more real estate, the new Tvan kitchen also has a new premium look and feel to match its name.

Its beautiful sheet metal includes rounded edges; the clever pop-up L-shaped windshield is a great piece of industrial design and its many storage drawers are easy to access.

The lock-in/lock-out handle makes extracting the kitchen a one hand operation and the whole unit slides out on Track Trailer’s own design of ball bearing runners, while the kitchen itself is anchored to the Tvan chassis so there’s no need for an outrigger support to trip over. And to top it all off, there’s a built in bottle opener!

When fully opened, the Premium Kitchen takes up most of the left hand side of the Tvan body, making it quick to access from the drop-down rear tent area, while the Tvan’s standard sail awning provides cooking shelter under most weather conditions.

The other big news on the Tvan Mk4 is inside and it’s not the new under-floor left hand storage box where a second 105A/h AGM battery can be fitted following the redesign of the main water tank.

It’s on the other (right hand side) where Track Trailer have consolidated all the Tvan’s principal electrics and associated equipment in an integrated, plug-in module they rather grandiosely call their ‘Interior Command Console’ (ICC).

Specs for this ICC vary according to the model and options, but can include the master switch for electrical isolation, all main switches for lighting, water pump, fans, a battery monitor, 240V, USB chargers, 12V outlets, a 7amp solar controller or Redarc DC-DC controller, water gauges for either a single or two water tanks, an optional 150W or 300W inverter, a Projecta 15A or 25A charger and various stereo options.

It’s a neat solution, with perforated removable panels allowing room for the optional equipment to be fitted, but the best part is that the entire control module can be removed and replaced in minutes for servicing or changeover, if required.

There are a number of other subtle changes in the Mk4 Tvan that Track Trailer tragics will quickly pick up on and they include new, lower exterior storage pods, new pannier door locks, while front fridge box filters are now a Holden Commodore spare part for low cost and easy replacement.

The sliding glass side windows introduced as a $2500 option for the last of the Mk3 Tvans remain a highly desirable (I would say ‘essential’) option for Mk4 models.

But the best thing is that despite all the changes and refinements, the latest Tvan remains a Tvan at heart.

It retains the model’s unique blend of a secure and weather-proof hard-shell core that comfortably sleeps two, and its novel clamshell lift up tailgate, drop down hard floor and quality canvas tent that have seen its predecessors explore just about every corner of Australia over the past 15 years.

Yes, the price has almost doubled in that time, but despite its current base price of  $51,490 for the Canning model reviewed (plus $2500 for the Premium Kitchen, another $2860 for the full front boot and $2500 for the sliding glass windows, taking it to a total of $59,350), there’s still nothing quite like it for serious off-road travel.

VERDICT

The Tvan stands proudly alongside the Hills Hoist as a great example of Australian design that is still as relevant today as it was 15 years ago.

Many others have tried to improve on its

quick set-up, hard shell, go anywhere camper concept and some have matched it in key areas, but no other maker has yet surpassed its unique blend of fit-for-purpose design, ultra-high build quality and unchallenged Outback cred. 

WE LIKED:
>> Still leading design
>> Superb build quality
>> True off-road capability

NOT SO MUCH:
>> No hot water in the slide-out kitchen (yet - it’s coming)
>> Options can make it pricey
>> Doesn’t stand out from the old one

TRACK TRAILER TVAN CANNING

Travel length: 4900mm (16ft)
Body length: 2850mm (9ft 6in)
External body width: 1920mm (6t 3in)
Travel height: 2050mm (6ft 8in)
Interior height: 1900mm (6ft 4in)
Tare: 1100kg (approx)
ATM: 1500kg (approx)
Ball weight: 130kg
Body: Vacuum-pressed aluminium composite
Chassis: Hot-dipped steel
Suspension: MC2 Asymmetrical multi-link, trailing arm independent with twin Koni shock absorbers per wheel
Brakes: 10-inch electric drum
Stability Control: Not available
Wheels: 16 x 8in off-road alloy with 265/75-16 off-road tyres
Fresh water: 108L with marine pump
Battery: 1 x 105Ah deep cycle AGM
Solar: Optional
Air-conditioner: Not available
Gas: 2 x 4.0kg
Hot water: 14L gas/240 volt with external shower
Cooking: Three-burner stainless steel slide-out kitchen
Fridge:  Portable fridge/freezerup to 80L
Microwave: Not available
Toilet: Portable toilet optional
Shower: Exterior shower
Lighting: LED
TV: None
Price: $51,490 (As tested, delivered in Vic $59,350)
Options fitted: Premium Kitchen, front storage box, sliding glass windows
Supplied by:

Track Trailer, Bayswater, Victoria