Two years ago, Track Trailer bought Pioneer Campers and following a difficult, COVID-protracted development cycle, we’re now seeing the first product – the Verve. A full-height, twin-berth, single-axle offroad hybrid caravan.
Media were invited to Track’s Outback HQ base ahead of the public launch to inspect the Verve and listen to staff from Pioneer Campers explain what makes it different. Essentially, as a full-height hybrid, the Verve doesn’t need any tops to be popped, or bedding area to be pulled out. Of course, this means it’s taller and longer than would otherwise be the case. It is relatively light at around 1871kg and has a decent 729kg payload with an ATM of 2600kg.
Specific features of note are the bedding options. The bed can be an east/west double, or a north/south queen, or even two king singles with central access. You can also swap out any seat for additional storage.
A custom-designed chassis and more
Pioneer Campers drew our attention to their hot-dipped galvanised chassis, noting that they layer on 55 microns compared to the industry-standard 14. The chassis is also their own custom design, not an off-the-shelf unit from a chassis manufacturer, and the company claims to have the largest and most qualified engineering staff in the industry.
The tyres are Goodyear Wrangler light-truck tyres on 16″ CSA alloy rims, with a single underslung spare accessed by a winch. That design centralises and lowers weight, and leaves the back of the van free for items like bike carriers.
Verve from Pioneer Campers comes standard with a 95L dual-zone fridge, selectable water tanks, and manual central locking for drawers, which Pioneer claim is a first.
We had two late-prototype Verves to inspect and as you’d expect from the Track Trailer company with a product costing over $120,000, the quality is a cut above cheaper units from the design to the use of components and standard inclusions.
Key Specifications – Verve
- Dimensions: 1.95m (W) x 2.85m (H) x 6.09m (L). Height increases to 2.97m with aircon.
- Tare: 1871kg
- ATM: 2600kg
- Payload: 729kg
- TBM: 196kg
- Front water tank 150L, mid tank 100L, rear grey 50L
- 4kg gas bottles x 2
- 100Ah lithium batteries x 2, 1000w Redarc inverter
- 160W solar panels x 2
- 3.9m x 2.5m manual opening awning
- DO35 hitch
- ARK jockey wheel
Verve from Pioneer Campers will set you back $128,500 including GST, delivery and registration in Victoria.