Trailblazers teases world-first caravan concept
Unique Melbourne-built, hybrid off-road fifth-wheel pop-top camper coming soonWhat do you get when you combine the superior interior space and towing stability of a fifth wheel caravan, with the versatility of a hybrid pop-top off-road camper and the comforts and conveniences of a caravan?
If you're Keysborough, Victoria-based Trailblazers RV, it's the game-changing TB3 hybrid pop-top towable RV, which according to the boutique Melbourne RV manufacturer is "the only aerodynamic single axle pop pop off road, off grid unit of its kind worldwide" and "the ideal go anywhere trailer".
Revealed in computerised concept form at the Victorian Caravan and Camping Virtual Show, the unique TB3 hybrid trailer according to preliminary details will have a 21ft (6.4m) long by 2.1m wide body, with a travel height of 2.11m, a Tare of 2120kg and an ATM of 2800kg.
Interior height will be 2.0m with the powered pop-top roof up, and the front bedroom will extend into the ute tray overhang that connects to the tow vehicle via a fifth-wheel coupling.
The frameless fibreglass composite body will sit on a heavy-duty chassis with Cruisemaster ATX Stage 4 airbag suspension, disc brakes, and 17in alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres all part of the off-road package.
To live up to its 'off-grid, off-road' potential, the hybrid fifth-wheeler will also boast a cut away rear with twin spare wheels mounted on a hydraulic lift, along with a wood carrier and recovery tracks.
A top-end "1500W solar, 10kw 24V lithium battery" system along with two 110 litre freshwater and one 100 litre greywater tanks should also suit buyers who want to stay far away from caravan parks for extended periods.
The Trailblazers TB3 interior layout includes a north-south queen bed with overhead lockers and 'gun locker' side storage, a combination shower/toilet, a kitchen with two burner induction cooktop, sink, microwave and 200 litre fridge/freezer, and a club lounge/dinette that converts to another bed.
Also part of the TB3 exterior kit will be self-leveling stabiliser legs, a slide-out kitchen/BBQ, rear tunnel boot, electric awning, sensor lighting, and a rear camera, while a range of up-spec appliances including an under-bunk reverse cycle air-conditioner, diesel hot water/ducted heating system, 24in Smart TV, Wi-Fi and GPS tracker, should help justify the expected $95,000 starting price.
"This unique RV is Australian designed and built in Melbourne for real Australian conditions. We have reworked ideas and taken the best concepts from 5th wheelers, caravans and camper trailers," the innovative Melbourne manufacturer said.
While buyers will require a suitable ute with fifth-wheel turntable coupling in the tray in order to tow it, Trailblazers says the TB3 makes up for any inconvenience by offering a similar interior living space to a more conventional caravan, but at a 2.4m shorter overall towing length.
Trailblazers also showed computer sketches off another new model in the works; its new entry-level 10ft 6in Flinders hybrid pop-top camper, which will boast a Tare of around 1080kg, 2000kg ATM and starting price of $39,000.
The first production examples of both new models are expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with delays due to the eight week COVID-19 caravan factory shutdown in Melbourne.
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