Windsor Hybrid takes toys too

Coromal Windsor has made market sense of its convention-bending Windsor Hybrid 390 with the introduction of a ‘toy hauler’ version, upcoming ‘fixes’ for some of its shortcomings and the promise of a harder-core X4 version to come.

Sales staff on the company’s site at the recent Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow admitted that the model introduced last year remains a ‘work in progress’, with more models and further refinements due to be added progressively.

With the ‘toy hauler’ version, codenamed the H393XC, the fixed rear seats that flank the rear compartment of the Hybrid H390 (on-road) and XC (off-road) versions, are replaced by fold-up bench seats, the floor is covered with checker-plate, and with tie-downs to lash dirt bikes, an ATV (quad bike), or even a PWC (Jetski) fitted, while twin aluminium loading ramps are also supplied.

To accommodate some ‘toys’, the front north-south queen bed may need to be raised on its twin telescopic struts to provide the required load length, but the Windsor’s lift-up rear door design otherwise remains largely unchanged.

The H393XC model makes sense of the Hybrid’s unusual layout, which otherwise poses access challenges for humans and a breezeway for insects. However, sales people at the show said many campers like to use the rear compartment as a comfortable six-person grandstand at sporting events, an undercover lounge, or to kick back in when travelling.

“Think of it as a 2018 re-interpretation of a Holden Sandman,” Caravancampingsales was told.

Those who prefer the 209mm longer ‘lounge’ version of the Hybrid are now catered for with availability of a centre-zipper full insect screen for the open rear door. Officially it’s an extra-cost option, but ‘off the record’ you won’t need to twist a dealer’s arm too far if you want to clinch a Hybrid purchase.

Also on the way, we understand, is a revised rear opening hatch with a centre entry door and higher-mounted internal door release for an easier and faster exit when nature calls in the ‘wee’ hours. There are no plans yet for an interior bathroom.

Weighing in at a tare of 1670kg, the new toy hauler Hybrid 393 is currently available only in ‘XC’ spec, with a modular galvanised steel chassis, an off-road hitch, 2 x 80 litre fresh water tanks, a 43 litre grey water tank, twin 150W solar panels, 16-inch wheels and tyres, Sport X independent trailing arm suspension and bush bars all included in its low-mid-$40,000 price, depending on your State.

What's more, all Hybrid XCs now come with a wrap-around ‘Batwing’ style awning as standard for 2018.

It will later be offered on an even more rugged off-road X4 Hybrid variant that, like the equivalent Windsor Silhouette camper trailer X4 models, will sit at the top of the Windsor Hybrid range when released mid this year – perhaps as early as the Brisbane Caravan Show in June.

Based on Silhouette pricing, this could add up to $5000 more to its RRP, taking it a tad below the all-important $50,000 price barrier for camper trailers.