Trailblazers builds Bruder rival

Melbourne's Trailblazers RV has rolled out its biggest and best hybrid off-road caravan yet.

Trailblazers is best known for its niche off-road creations including large fifth-wheelers and truck campers, and more recently tough hybrids, but its latest custom-built 21ft tandem axle off-roader is built more along the lines of a traditional full height caravan, albeit boasting many of Trailblazers' trademark design features and with more than a passing resemblance to the Queensland-built Bruder X extreme expedition trailers.

Like other Trailblazers it features full fibreglass composite construction for the body, with black checker plate and vinyl wrap side protection, on an in-house built hot dipped galvanised chassis with extreme rear cutaway -- not unlike the pint-sized Combat Wombat that wowed Queensland Supershow attendees in 2022.

The new 21 foot hardcore hybrid also gets the latest version of Trailblazers' patented full height slide-out kitchen 'pod', that doubles as a nosecone and comprises structural aluminium framing and aluminium composite panels.

Held in place by four sturdy T-handle locks, the over-sized kitchen pulls out on the onside, with a tri-fold door that lifts and folds to provide some overhead cover while cooking. There's also a slide-out for the gas cooker and sink, with a large benchspace behind and a built-in bar fridge.

Other external features include a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, ARK jockey wheel, twin 9kg gas bottles, two drawbar taps and a gas bayonet, a roll-out awning, outside lights and speakers, twin picnic tables, an external shower and reversing camera.

The battery electricals are stored in twin rear wall lockers, with three 100L gal protected fresh water and one 100L grey water tanks, together with Teko TuffRide airbag suspension, alloy wheels and chunky mud tyres.

The spare tyre on the first van built is located underneath but future versions will have two, fold-out spares mounted on the rear bar. While other external storage includes a deep tunnel boot located towards the rear of the van.

The luxury couple's layout includes a full width ensuite with separate shower, toilet and wall mounted washing machine, while the kitchen gets an induction cooktop and large sink with mixer tap, and a large oven and compressor fridge/freezer.

There's also an L-shaped lounge/dinette and a raised queen bed up front, with star-gazing window, large side cubby holes and a huge storage cavity under the raised mattress, together with under-bed drawers.

Other features you'd expect in an upmarket van include a smart touchscreen manager, rooftop air-conditioner, TV, 12V fans, and an ultra- modern fit-out, while other internal storage options include a large bank of under-bench drawers in the kitchen, a full height wardrobe with shelving and overhead cabinets throughout.

Priced at $180,000, the first custom-built 21ft Trailblazers off-road hybrid boasts a 2800kg Tare and 3500kg ATM and has some gas-powered appliances to go with a diesel space heater, 400Ah lithium battery, 3000W invertor and 800W rooftop solar panels.

But there's also the option to go 'gas-free' with Trailblazers currently building at its Dingley Village, Victoria factory an all-electric version for another customer, that has a pricetag of $220,000.

Trailblazers' RV founder Phil Richardson, who is more used to building and towing 30ft 'anti-sway' fifth-wheel caravans, said it will be the first Trailblazer he's built that will need to be fitted with an ESC caravan sway control unit.

"Tip to toe it's about eight metres long," Phil said.

"We've already sold a few off the plan, and we've upped the spec because we're not trying to compete in a normal caravan market. It's similar to the fifth-wheelers we build but just with a better fit-out."

The 21ft Trailblazers off-road hardcore hybrid is yet to be christened with a model name, but will be making its show debut at the Let's Go Queensland Caravan & Caravan Supershow at the Brisbane Showgrounds in early June.