- Can be configured for two singles or a double-size bed
- Curved bathroom wall adds usable space up front
- Ducato base vehicle drives great
- Good deal of bench space with extensions
Tranztec RV may be a new name to the industry, but founder Glen Donaldson is an old hand who directed his kitchen design/cabinet-making qualifications to the RV industry over a decade ago. His son, Matt, along with his partner, Natasha, keep the motorhome production running while Glen focuses on another part of the business – Duralite.
Interior package
Tranztec has specified its entry level offer to appeal to private and rental company buyers alike, with attractive Duralite interior panelling and quality construction, much of what’s missing from the $99k entry “Easy Tourer” model can be upgraded as and when you’re able. But there’s really no mistaking the Luxury Tourer as the company’s range topper.
The most recognisable feature that the Luxury version picks up is the attractive and space-efficient curved shower cubicle. Starting from behind the driver’s seat, a gentle arc extends into the living zone to create a really open feel to the side entry; it affords the captain’s chairs to swivel and this area creates a comfortable place relax.
The interior linings and stainless shower tray are made specifically for Tranztec’s application, and it’s accompanied by a Thetford toilet. Naturally, it’s important fit and finish in wet areas is flawless – a closer inspection gives the all-clear here.. There’s also a generously sized medicine cabinet inside the cubicle.
The curved wall also houses a cabinet to stow the rear table and/or hang garments and it all merges into the fridge cabinetry and additional cupboards.
There’s a good deal of primary bench space, but it can also be easily extended via two lift-up locking extensions. The aft extension also doubles as a handy side table for a cuppa in the rear lounge area when you haven’t got the dining table erected.
The rear seating/bedding configuration is my favourite part of the interior; the seat squabs can be used as genuine single beds thanks to nifty bed flaps that create additional width to the base. The rear table and the rear cushion fit the centre cavity to make up the king-size bed.
Top it all off with colour configurable interior wall and floor linings, microwave, DVD/TV, diesel heating (a cost option selected for this build), fly screens on all windows, electric step, gas/electric water heating, 90-litre fresh/grey water tanks (with additional tank options), 90-litre fridge and a four-burner gas hob, and the extra investment over the base model Easy Tourer is justified.
The Ducato’s performance
The Ducato base vehicle is one we know well and enjoy. There’s the argument that front-wheel drive is more likely to get stuck, but we saw no evidence of that. The Ducato cruised comfortably up and down the slippery grass no problems at all.
The more compact front-drive layout offers advantages like additional under-floor water tank options that can be fabricated at request.
The Ducato’s also a quiet and smooth performer along the winding coast road, the 3.0-litre diesel sipping fuel efficiently thanks to the robotised manual transmission, which improves economy over a conventional automatic transmission. You can opt for a less expensive three-pedalled manual variant.
There’s adequate focus on occupant safety too, with are ABS brakes and dual airbags.
The Tranztec Luxury Tourer rivals the big players in the van-based camper market for a comparable $130k. Still, you get a personal touch with the impossibly genuine Matt Donaldson at the helm. Tranztec also draws on the benefits of the quality Duralite interior wall product that has become a trusted brand within the industry and is also part of the family business.
Read more RV reviews in the latest issue of MCD magazine. Check it out
here.
Specifications
Model Fiat Ducato Maxi Van
Engine 2.3-litre turbo diesel six-speed manual or 3.0-litre turbo diesel automatic
Fuel consumption Approximately 12km per litre
Length 6.36m
Width 1.98m
Height 2.70m
Interior headroom 1.90m
Price (As Tested) $134,000
Sleeping configuration One double bed 1980 x 1700 or two singles 1980 x 720
Fridge/freezer 90 litres, three-way – gas, electric and battery operated
Gas cooker Range hood and four-burner gas hob and grill – (hob and oven optional extra)
Gas bottle Two x 4kg gas bottles
Water heater Gas/240V power
Fresh water 90 litres (optional extra tank)
Grey water 93 litres (optional extra tank)
Power supply 240Mains RCD protection and 12V battery, 2 x 115amp deep cycle house batteries and 85w solar power
Heating LPG (Diesel heater optional extra)
Self-containment certification
Gas and electrical certification
