Trailcraft Panorama 540 2005 Review

By Doug McIvor

Instead of advancing one base at a time, Trailcraft appears to have hit a home run with its first ultra modern Panorama caravan. After a year of research and development – which included asking 120 long-term caravanners what features make up the ideal RV – Trailcraft has put two admirable contenders on the market: the 540 and 640 Panorama.

WA-based manufacturer Trailcraft, known Australia-wide for its top-selling plate aluminium boats, has used its marine fitout experience to design a fresh interior encased in a streamlined fibreglass body.

After years of maintaining its ability to produce ‘unsinkable’ aluminium boats, Trailcraft now claims it manufactures ‘unleakable’ caravans.

We towed the 18ft (5.5m) Trailcraft 540 Panorama to coastal Jurien in WA, in driving rain, and then endured a night of gale-force winds. We were relieved to award the van top marks for keeping us dry and allowing for a restful sleep despite the stormy conditions.

The Panorama is a full-size caravan, with the 540 being chunkier in profile than the longer 640 model. Set on twin axles with a rocker leaf spring suspension, it has been developed using Trailcraft’s trailer-making expertise.

There’s a galvanised chassis and the 540’s flat sides and moulded fibreglass roof and ends present a clean-cut exterior.

External highlights include a lockable slide-out twin-battery locker, LED indicating lights, a rollout awning, drop-down stabiliser legs and outside shower. Two 82 litre water tanks sit either side of the axles which carry 185 x 14 eight-ply tyres, and two 9kg gas bottles are housed in a fibreglass cover on the A-frame.

The 540 Panorama towed well, only occasionally straying off line when strong winds found a gap in the roadside vegetation on Brand Highway. The van has a 1700kg Tare weight and my 4WD’s fuel use jumped to 20L/100km from its usual 13L/100km unladen use, but an allowance has to be made for the bad weather.

Trailcraft’s marine-based heritage is evident on the hinges of the front window cover and boot lid, which are stainless steel and have grease nipples. Such attention to detail justifies the 540 Panorama’s $50,000-plus price tag. A tougher version, called the Dirt Road, costs another $3000.

The ensuite features faux-tile wall panelling, a mirror-door vanity with adjustable shelves, large, pull-down basin and an exhaust fan. Hot water is provided via a 23 litre gas system.

The comfortable double bed has an innerspring mattress with a bolster for extra length and it lifts up on hydraulic struts to expose more storage space underneath. A battery charger, solar-to-battery power box and an electric break-safe device are  across the back of the bed base.

Power is both 240V and 12V, with wiring set in the roof that is ready to connect to optional solar panels.

There is a 150 litre fridge/freezer, microwave oven and quality stainless steel gas oven and three cooktops, plus a roof-mounted, reverse-cycle air-conditioner.

Entertainment is covered by a radio/CD player with two speakers and a slide-out television tray set up with an aerial outlet and wind-up antenna. The radio is inside a cupboard that serves as a switchboard for the accessories, lights, hot water system, water pump and water level indicator.

The bottom line
Trailcraft has done a commendable job, considering the Panorama is its first attempt at building a caravan.

Not only is it new, it is modern: the moulded body looks fresh and aerodynamic and the interior uses fashionable colours and decor found in the latest display homes and townhouses.

Sizeable windows and two skylights let in plenty of light and strategically placed mini spotlights complement the ceiling fluoros. Options such as a flatscreen TV and pull-out ironing board confirm the 540 has all bases covered.

The Trailcraft 540 Panorama is available through Trailcraft World outlets around Australia, including the WA branch in Reserve Drive, Mandurah, WA, (08) 9582 0500.

To find your nearest dealer, visit http://www.trailcraft.com.au/.

We liked:
• Modern design, inside and out
• Trendy decor
• Roomy ensuite with ‘tiled’ walls
• Large windows

We would have liked:
• Lower profile (less chunky)
• Larger front boot
• Price kept below $50,000