Unique toy hauler for V8 Supercar champ

Win on Sunday, tow on Monday...

That seems to be the plan, at least, of motor racing legend and caravanning enthusiast Craig Lowndes, who is scheduled to take his brand new, racy toy hauler caravan to the Bathurst 1000 endurance race in October.

The 38-year-old Lowndes, who has enjoyed a number of family caravans and campers over the years, will utilise the luxurious confines of his just-completed, custom-built toy hauler while attempting to win a sixth Bathurst 1000 race at the Mt Panorama circuit.

The unique toy hauler 'van, unveiled at last week’s Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show, was designed by Gary Kratzmann of Queensland dealer Kratzmann Caravans, which has previously supplied caravans for Lowndes and his family.

With an estimated six-figure build cost, Lowndes' latest home-away-from-home is a “joint venture between three and four companies”, according to Kratzmann Caravans’ Clint Kratzmann.

Built by Brisbane-based metal fabrication specialists Storm Custom Worx, the smooth, streamlined body features a steel frame and composite sandwich panels. While contributing to the sporty exterior look is extensive black checkerplate cladding and wheel arches made from lightweight kevlar.

The tapered front end, which incorporates a tunnel boot with the spare located on the A-frame, is reminiscent of another innovative Kratzmann design of a few years back, the Liberty 1.

The body and chassis were transported from Brisbane to Melbourne’s On The Move Caravans, which completed a stylish internal fit-out that complements the modern black/grey exterior look.

The classy rear garage area features shiny checker plate flooring and numerous overhead lockers, plus two, leather-covered lounge beds that fold up via gas struts to provide room for a couple of Lowndes’ dirt bikes.

The front ‘living’ area includes a good-sized kitchen with 196 litre fridge/freezer, microwave, four-burner cooktop/grille, stainless steel sink and drainer and large pull-out pantry.

There’s also a separate shower/toilet, while the comfy double mattress up front doubles as another lounge area for watching the built-in LED TV.

Other features fitted include a Fusion entertainment unit and speakers, roof-mounted air-conditioning, solar panels, and an external, slide-out steel kitchen with sink and BBQ.

The twin axle 'van rides on leaf spring suspension and 16in black alloys shod with all-terrain rubber. Lowndes’ Holden Colorado ute should have little trouble towing his new pride and joy, which by the looks of it could weigh as much as three tonnes fully loaded.

Lennie Mifsud from On The Move Caravans, which are distributed in Queensland by Kratzmann Caravans, said due to strong interest at the Queensland show he plans to introduce a similar garage layout to his existing semi off-road Storm model range.

Although currently a one-off, Clint Kratzmann said a production version of the so-called Franklin Limitless is also on the cards for next year. It would be the first toy hauler caravan sold by Kratzmann Caravans.