Vecto 21F Centre Club 2024 Review

A relatively new player on the Australian caravan scene, Vecto Caravans is the result of six like-minded people bringing together years of experience across the automotive, caravan and building industries.

The end result is a range of locally produced caravans that draw heavily on local engineering and manufacturing nouse, while incorporating a unique look and a raft of innovative features.

Caravancampingsales recently took a closer look at one of Vecto's most popular models to date, the Vecto 21ft Centre Club couple's caravan, which combines sharp styling with a solid build and impressive use of interior space...

Related: Vecto designs for easier towing

How much is the Vecto 21ft Centre Club?

Vecto currently builds a range of six hardtop caravans at its production facility in the Melbourne industrial suburb of Werribee, with body lengths spanning 18ft to 22ft and in a variety of family and couple's layouts.

All share an eye-catching and unique exterior design, with an angled forward section that enhances aerodynamics, along with a raised rear section that delivers additional head height as well as living comfort.

As one of its biggest models, the 21ft Centre Club gets a roomy couple’s layout including a front walkaround queen bed, central kitchen and full width rear ensuite, along with an inviting central club lounge/dinette seating area that sets up perfectly for entertaining.

The equipment list is extensive for the $125,000 (starting price) twin-berth off-roader, and includes Cruisemaster XT coil suspension with a DO-35 coupling, 16in black alloys and all-terrain tyres, a 16ft roll-out awning, premium security-door and entertainment hatch, sleek soft-close furniture, dual Fusion Bluetooth panel speakers, a 32in TV and a 216 litre compressor fridge, wall-mounted washer, rooftop air-conditioner, and a 200Ah lithium battery with 2000W inverter and 400W rooftop solar.

Our review van takes it up a notch with the addition of the optional ($9000) CrossBorder pack which includes Cruisemaster's XT airbag suspension, a Highline Black stoneguard, extended rear bar with dual jerry can holders, and a 300Ah lithium battery system with Redarc 50A charger and RedVision display, three 220W solar panels and a 3000W inverter. The option pack also includes a portable twin hob induction cooktop in lieu of the usual gas cooker/grille cooking set-up.

How is the Vecto 21ft Centre Club built?

Like all Vecto vans, the 21ft Centre Club benefits from the latest full composite unitary body construction, which includes the use of locally fabricated, 30mm thick fibreglass sandwich panels for the floor, walls and roof. The one-piece body sits on a locally made six-inch Duragal chassis that also gets a protective coat of Raptor paint.

The interior furniture is made in-house using a lightweight ply, with reinforced framing and robust hinges and struts used to make it stand up better to the rigors of off-road travel.

The end result is a largely hail-resistant, rot-proof caravan with minimal joins, that should also insulate you better from the elements than a traditional-built, framed Aussie van.

Vecto has also eschewed the barge-like shape of many big, boxy Melbourne-built caravans, with a sleeker silhouette that's not only designed to be more aerodynamic but better balanced for towing.

"The front sections are designed to optimise airflow from the rear of the tow vehicle over the top and sides of the caravan, while also helping with towing stability and delivering some fuel-saving benefits,"" explained Vecto Caravan's Chris Lipa.

"We've also set the ride height to optimise off-road clearance, while reducing some of the top-heavy tendencies of many off-road caravans on the market."

As well as a choice of body lengths and layouts, Vecto offers six standard interior decor themes, with other options available. As a low-volume builder it can also provide some customisation to layouts to suit buyers' preferences.

How far off-road can the Vecto 21ft Centre Club go?

The Vecto 21ft Centre Club is built for extensive off-road travel, with its Raptor-coated Duragal chassis, lower-body external protection and under-body armour including a resin flooring finish and checker plate-protected poly water tanks, adding to its rough-road durability rating.

Add in decent ground clearance (450mm minimum), a rear cutaway, a DO-35 off-road coupling, Level 3 Cruisemaster adjustable airbags and all-terrain rubber, and it's a good option for tackling more punishing corrugated and potholed tracks.

The standard van with its internal gas appliances and external vents comes with either a pressure hatch or optional Gusto DRS, but neither of these are fitted to the 'gas-free' review van, with dust and dirt intrusion less of an issue.

The optioned-up review van also sets up well for off-grid camping, with its 660W rooftop solar feeding a 300Ah lithium battery pack and 3000W inverter; enough to power many of the van's larger appliances including the air-conditioner (for short periods at least), even when the sun isn't shining.

While the 190 litres' fresh water and 110L grey water capacity, should be sufficient for a few hot showers and a load or two of washing when not hooked up at a caravan park.

While we didn't get the chance to use the van, it did appear to have stood up well to a few thousand kilometres of Outback testing prior to the photo-shoot, with remnants of red dust on underbody providing some hints of where it had been.

Vecto is a 'factory-direct' retailer, and the vans are backed by a five-year structural warranty, with three-years' cover on parts and fittings.

What other external features are on the Vecto 21ft Centre Club?

For storage, the tandem-axle 21ft Vecto van gets a large aluminium front toolbox and gal-lined forward tunnel boot that looks wide enough to fit a few camp chairs, picnic tables, boogie boards and fishing gear.

Another bespoke design, the drawbar-mounted toolbox houses two 4kg gas bottles in its central cavity, with two adjoining lockers; the on-side one complete with a slide-out for a small Weber-style BBQ, with a chassis-mounted gas bayonet not far away.

The entertainment locker (with drop-down table) along the onside wall incorporates a Fusion panel speaker, the Cruisemaster airbag controls, and electrical inlets including 240V, 12V, USB and TV aerial sockets, while there's also a mount to watch the 32in Smart TV outside.

Another hatch for the hot/cold external shower is located towards the rear, just beyond reach of the roll-out awning, while the mid-entry door gets a wall-mounted illuminated grab handle.

Two jerry holders sit either side of the spare wheel, which is also mounted on the bar in a recess on the rear wall, and below a reversing camera. There's also a solitary 'fast fill' inlet serving both fresh water tanks located on the offside wall.

What is the Vecto 21ft Centre Club like for towing?

At a time when many big Aussie-built off-road vans weigh close to three tonnes or more unloaded, it's refreshing to see the Vecto 21ft Centre Club come in with a Tare of just 2480kg, with the optioned-up review a bit heavier at 2564kg.

That still provides an impressive payload of up to 936kg, while making it a bit easier to tow behind the popular 3500kg tow-rated dual cab utes, as well as the Toyota LandCruiser used for the shoot.

The standard safety pack comprises a reversing camera for easier parking, along with an electronic stability control unit and breakaway system for peace of mind when out on the open road.

While the angled front toolbox together with the extended A-frame is designed to provide more clearance between the tow vehicle and van when attempting tighter U-turns and jack-knife-style manoeuvres.

What do you get inside the Vecto 21ft Centre Club?

Stepping inside the 21ft Vecto Centre Club, our first reaction -- and probably yours too -- is just 'wow'! The look is fresh, modern and opulent; a sublime mix of form, function and luxury that stands out in a market of cookie-cutter caravan layouts.

While there are other colour schemes available, the review van's two-tone cloth and leather seat upholstery, timber-look lino benchtops, darker highlights and matte finishes, should appeal to many buyers. And the special design touches like the angled overhead cabinetry, raised rear roof, 'floating' bedside nooks and hidden 'glow' lighting, add to the feeling of spaciousness and livability.

Kitchen appliances include the optional twin-hob induction cooker, 216L compressor fridge/freezer, microwave, rangehood, and a mixer tap with water filter, while ensuite features include a wall-mounted washing machine, cassette toilet, a vanity with sink and mirrored 'medicine' cabinet, and a separate shower cubicle with chrome tapware.

Other standard features include a roof-top air conditioner, 32in TV, internal Fusion panel speaker and a Redarc Redvision battery manager, but you'll have to pay extra for a diesel or gas space heater for when remote camping in cold Outback regions.

What is the Vecto 21ft Centre Club like for camping?

Pulling into camp, the optional airbag suspension makes it simpler to level the van on an uneven site, and we're also big fans of the very robust Dometic CaraD triple lock door, while the pull-out steps and grab handle make it easier to get in and out.

The plush club lounge is a focal point of this particular layout, with room for four adults to stretch out in comfort, and serving snacks or a meal is child's play with the nearside kitchen just a short stretch away. The dinette/lounge can also be converted to another bed with an optional mattress insert.

The kitchen has a good amount of benchspace at a sensible height, with the portable induction cooktop neatly tucked away in one of the drawers when not in use. It can also be plugged in and used outside to keep the smells out.

Comfort factor in the bedroom area is high thanks to a coil spring, pillowtop mattress, and there's the option to extend the 6ft 2in long mattress to 6ft 6in if you need the extra length.

Vecto has further elevated the sleeping experience with its so-called 'sleep cone', which includes 100m thick sound-deadening foam in the upholstered bedhead for a more peaceful sleep. A similar acoustic panelling is used in Vecto's bunk bed layouts, to help reduce the decibels emitted from back there...

There’s masses of storage both overhead and to either side, and we also like the illuminated table tops, with power options right where you need them. It’s a cosy space, for sure, and another unique feature of the Vecto brand.

There's good storage elsewhere thanks to various drawers, cupboards and overhead lockers, which have a really sleek look and a positive closure system that doesn't require any handles.

That leaves the generously sized rear ensuite which, like the back of the kitchen area, benefits from a raised ceiling height that adds to the overall sense of space - not to mention comfort with a bit more elbow room when toweling off.

We also like the van's large windows with their built-in blinds and screens along both sides, and the dual 12V fans and large skylight around the bed. The digital touchscreen and audio unit are conveniently located at head height, not far from the TV mount within the kitchen.

Should I buy a Vecto 21ft Centre Club?

A breath of fresh air on the crowded Aussie RV landscape, the Vecto 21F Centre Club model is tailor made for couples looking for a modern, luxurious and robust option in the premium off-road caravan market.

Like the five other Vecto family and couple's models, it's a smart, solidly constructed van with a firm focus on easy towing, safety and comfort, while the optional CrossBorder pack positions it well for off-grid living.

How much is the 21ft Vecto 21F Centre Club off-road couple's caravan?

Price (as reviewed): $134,000
Travel length: 8400mm
Body length: 6300mm (21ft)
External body width (incl. awning): 2480mm
Travel height: 3040mm
Internal height: 2004mm-2204mm
Tare weight: 2564kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 222kg
Body: Fully insulated 30mm fibreglass composite panels
Chassis: Duragal with Raptor coating and 150mm extended A-frame
Suspension: Cruisemater XT airbag suspension with DO-35 hitch
Brakes: 12in electric drums
Wheels: 16in alloy with all-terrain tyres
ESC: BMPro SwayControl
Water: 2 x 95L (fresh), 1 x 110L (grey)
Battery: 300Ah lithium with 3000W inverter
Solar: Three 220 watt rooftop panels
Air-conditioner: Truma Aventa rooftop
Gas: 2 x 4kg
Hot water: Truma continuous
Cooking: Soga twin-hob portable induction cooktop
Fridge: Dometic 216L compressor
Microwave: NCE 23L flatbed
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Shower: Separate fibreglass cubicle
Washing machine: NCE wall mounted
Lighting: 12V LED
TV: 32in TV
Audio: Fusion Bluetooth dual zone speakers
Supplied by: Vecto Caravans, Werribee, Victoria