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The Coromal Pioneer Silhouette waited in view of Moreton Bay's Pumicestone Passage ready to show what it had to offer

Words and photographs by David Gilchrist

Clearly, this off-road version of Coromal’s Silhouette range has much to offer as one of the five different models in the range. This is a camper trailer ready for those looking for a camper that maintains much of the convenience of a full-sized caravan while keeping the sense of freedom and adventure inherent in a camper.
With a drive-away price similar to an entry-level standard caravan and less than an off-road caravan, I looked over the camper to see if it lived up to the promise of its Pioneer tag.
As a Pioneer model this camper needed to be ready to go anywhere and do it with ease  and convenience. There is no doubt the Nissan Patrol and Coromal looked good together. Of course, sitting low behind the Patrol meant the camper doesn’t need to punch through the air as it travels. Its towing height of less than 1.8m meant it sat in low and tight to the Nissan, tracking well as we drove. The Coromal’s handling ability certainly provided the confidence that, if towed with care, it would carry over many a rough road and through a good number of off-road situations. Now, that’s what camper freedom is all about.

EXTERNAL

The Pioneer is a lightweight, but robust camper. There is no doubt that if you are deciding whether or not to invest in a camper over a caravan, lightweight is the word. As the review model was a six berth camper trailer, it is worth remembering that an equivalent berth full-sized caravan would weigh in almost a full tonne heavier.
Despite its mass, the camper looks strong and with its aluminium wall frame construction it has a nice balance between strength, durability and weight.

The camper allows the outside to merge with the inside thanks to a removable side panel and an entrance door that can roll back out of the way. After a day on the beach, or exploring rock pools in the tropical north, there is nothing better than a soothing warm shower. Many campers don’t cater for modern travellers needing a little comfort by way of a shower – the review Coromal had this option.

A convenient battery hatch, picnic table and front boot that a padded stone guard protected completed the campers’ exterior package. While the camper is kept stable by four wind-down corner legs when in camp, on the road a super galvanised heavy duty steel RHS chassis, independent suspension and 50mm stub axel all add to its off-road ability. Treg coupling made hitching the Coromal to the Patrol easy.

INTERNAL

First impressions show an open and airy camper with room for six. Daytime setup means being able to remove the front window panel to allow the inside to merge with the outdoors – great on a warm summer’s day. At night, close up the side panel and drop down the removable table to allow the dinette area to become another double bed. Thankfully, when the camper is set into its night-time configuration, travellers don’t need to spread out on made beds. The Pioneer has a lounge at both ends of the camper making it comfortable for the late night chat over coffee without the risk of spilling biscuit crumbs in your bed.

As far as the beds are concerned, the airy feeling of the camper means that even those travellers sleeping in the rear or front foldout bunks shouldn’t experience the sort of claustrophobia some feel when sleeping in some pop-tops or even sometimes in the Luton peaks of some motorhomes.

In terms of storage, Coromal has manufactured a camper with a load of storage under the kitchen and dinette seating. Storage space, cupboards and drawers are properly finished so you’re not likely to get any splinters from rummaging around looking for the camera, toothbrush, or veggie peeler.

When it comes to meal times, the review van was equipped with a Smev stove and grill with three gas and one electric burner. Need to reheat your porridge? No problem. Just reach for the LG microwave located near the entrance door. When it comes to keeping the butter and beer cold, the Coromal had an easily accessible and conveniently placed RM2350 Dometic 3-way fridge.

Thanks to a well designed slide-out kitchen area, the trailer boasted slightly extra floor space. This adds to the open feeling and allows greater air circulation. What’s more, it allows for an attractive bay window – ideal for cooking on rainy days.
All in all, a worthwhile design feature as space is always an issue with campers.
As much as any camper can insulate against cold winter’s nights or hot dry summer’s days, the Pioneer is better than others as Coromal have insulated the fibreglass roof and walls.

WORTH BUYING

The Pioneer is a sturdy camper more than capable of creating a sense of freedom. It has strength, sturdiness and enough space to make your short break away exploring the great outdoors a memorable experience. This range of campers sets a high standard of comfort and convenience.

TECHNICAL SPECS
MAKE/MODEL: Coromal Pioneer Silhouette 421
CHASSIS NUMBER: 136540
EXTERNAL BODY LENGTH: 4.23m (13ft 11in)
EXTERNAL WIDTH: 2.16 metres (7ft)
VIN TARE WEIGHT: 1220kgs
BALL WEIGHT: 140kgs
R.R.P: $36,635 Inclusive of dealer delivery and on road cost ex Qld, interstate and regional prices may vary.
NB: length and width are external measurements of the vehicle shell (and awning) only

INTERNAL FEATURES
FRIDGE: Dometic 3-way RM3250
TELEVISION: No
ANTENNA: Wired through with fitting.
MUSIC SYSTEM: No
COOKING EQUIPMENT: Smev 4 burner and grill (3 gas, one electric)
MICROWAVE: LG
HEATING/COOLING: No
RANGEHOOD: No
LIGHTING: Halogen and fluorescent
SMOKE ALARMS: Yes and extinguisher
CUPBOARD FINISHES: Wood panelling
TYPE OF LATCHES: Standard pull latches.
LOUNGE CONFIGURATION: Dinette
SEATING CAPACITY: Six
UPHOLSTERY: Cloth
SINK: Large bowl with moulded cover.
SLEEPING CONFIGURATION: Queen up front plus 2x doubles
BERTHS: 6
BED SIZE(S): Front 6’ x 5’
MATTRESS: Foam
TOWEL RACKS: No

EXTERNAL FEATURES
CHASSIS: main bearers A-frame and front cross members all 150mmx50mmx3mm RHS super gal.
FRAME CONSTRUCTION: Aluminium
WINDOWS: Heavy grade plastic windows.
INSULATION: Roof and walls
CORNER JACKS: wind-down on all corners
WASTE WATER COMMON OUTLET: Yes
WATER TANKS: 2x 59lt
WATER TANK COVERS: Galvanised
COUPLING: Treg coupling 360 degree rotational hitch
SUSPENSION: Independent suspension
CLEARANCE: Off-road
BRAKES: Alko off-road electric brakes
WHEELS: 16 steel with alloy option.
TYRES: Bridgestone LT 265/75 R16 (R15 on review van)
AWNING: Optional
BOOT(S): Front
STONE GUARD: Moulded
GAS CYLINDER SIZE/S: 2 x 9Kg
BATTERY: deep cycle sealed
BATTERY CHARGER: 20amp
SOLAR PROVISION: Yes
TAP ON A-FRAME: Yes

CONTACT/THANKS
CONTACT PERSON: Sean Connor
MANE: Coromal Sunshine Coast
ADDRESS: 31-37 Lear Jet Drive, Caboolture, Qld, 4510
PHONE: (07) 5431 7706, 0415 304 739
FAX: (07) 5428 2029
EMAIL: sales@coromalsc.com.au
WEBSITE: www.coromalsc.com.au
MANUFACTURER: Coromal
MANUFACTURERS PHONE: 08 9352 0900
MANUFACTURERS EMAIL: sales@coromal.com.au
MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE: www.coromal.com.au

RATINGS
EXTERIOR ****
INTERIOR ***
LAYOUT *****
KITCHEN ****
VALUE FOR MONEY *****
OVERALL ****

LEGEND
* POOR
** FAIR
*** GOOD Budget
**** BETTER Mid range
***** BEST Top of the range

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
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