- Specification and quality are impressive
- Generous glasshouse affords a light and airy feel
- Kitchen is well-equipped
- Spacious bathroom
- Open-plan living area quite separate from bedroom
Trail-lite became an iconic fixture of the Kiwi summer holiday during caravan’s golden era of the ‘70s, but as the public focus shifted toward motorhomes, Trail-lite moved with the market and has been focusing on developing high end engine-driven RVs.
So this, the first Trail-lite caravan in some years, is kind of a big deal.
Exterior styling
This modernistic 7.2m benefits from the innovative Alu-Fibre wall construction, an attractive and durable fibreglass-reinforced, powder coated aluminium panelling.
The result is a lightweight, durable exterior panel that retains its rigidity across that large silver surface area.
This is the first in the new “Landmark” range of vans Trail-lite is introducing, with two smaller units available – the 6.5m and 5.2m.
I’m unfamiliar piloting a caravan as large as this, so I was secretly thanking my lucky stars the company supplied a driver for the day. In the hands of more experienced drivers like my chauffeur, it’s surprisingly manoeuvrable and pivots well for a unit this size. And on the road, behind a Nissan ute, it feels well planted, with the standard electronic braking system that means it doesn’t shunt about on the coupling during stops.
This galvanised chassis is built entirely in-house by Trail-lite and follows closely the engineering principals that have seen so many of the brand’s past masters survive. To this end, Trail-lite offers a five-year structural guarantee.
Inside
The interior shares much of the modular components and interior design you’ll find in a Trail-lite motorhome. The decor draws inspiration from luxury hotel suites, with signature slate and earthy hues, brushed aluminium fixtures and tasteful upholstery options.
Instantly this feels like a quality product, the massive glass area and Heki roof vent give the interior an airy feel that makes the space feel larger than it is, though you’re not wanting for space. The C-shaped seat sits atop deep storage draws and below a large opening front window. Standard double glazing helps insulate the interior. The entertainment package includes Sony audio, satellite dish and 19” Majestic TV with DVD.
While the actual laminated bench space isn’t huge given the kitchen’s dimensions, the area is still well-equipped with handy draw and cupboard allocations, a three-burner gas hob with splash back, an oven and rangehood, 175-litre fridge/freezer and a huge sink with stainless work space.
The open-plan living area is quite separate from the bedroom, which features an east-west mounted island bed. The base extends an extra few inches for sleeping, affording additional space to walk around the Sleepyhead mattress in day configuration. There are built-in bedside cabinets and a large picture window, and the mattress lifts with hydraulic assistance to access a huge stowage area that’s also accessible from an external door.
The bathroom, again with an east-west orientation, is minimalist, spread out and functional with separate cassette toilet, modern hand basin, shelving and shower.
To keep weight down the fresh and grey water tanks are smaller than in the truck based accommodation, but still commendable at 81 litres each. To keep things powered up there’s also a 130-ampere-hour AGM battery, 230V/gas water heater, gas heating and solar, albeit not standard fitment is pre-wired with monitors for future upgrades.
Read in-depth RV reviews in the latest issue of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine, on sale now.
Specifications
Chassis Galvanised, tandem axle, equalising suspension, electric braking
Length/Width/Internal width 7200mm/2350mm/2262mm
Weight 2050kg
Cooker Three-burner hob/oven/microwave
Fridge 175-litre
Power supply 130ah AGM battery/16-amp charger
TV 19” with DVD
Toilet Thetford cassette
