Caravan Review: Coromal Thrill Seeker 19ft 6in

Coromal Caravans released the Thrill Seeker range in 2021. Designed as a semi-offroad rig that can tackle sand, gravel, ruts and tree-root-studded national parks around Australia, it is available in four sizes and six different layouts.

It starts with the 18ft couple’s van, followed by an 18ft 6in model that’s available in a bunk layout. There’s also a 21ft 6in tandem-axle rig with a 3500kg ATM available. But our review model sits squarely in the middle of the range. I’m talking about the 19ft 6in tandem-axle rig. It is extensively fitted out and, as attractive as this van is, it was its layout that appealed to me the most…

INSIDE THE COROMAL THRILL SEEKER

The first thing to know about the 19ft 6in Coromal Thrill Seeker is that it has a ‘space-saving’ layout. By this, I mean that the east-west bed in the nose of the caravan, fitted in lieu of a north-south number, allows for lots of living space that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

It also has allowed for a spacious rear kids’ bedroom, with bunks in the offside corner, a generous wardrobe on the rear wall (which includes a top-loading washing machine), and a bathroom in the nearside corner.

My initial observation was that the van was impeccably finished off. The cabinetry is first rate – to be honest, the fitout of this Coromal is superior to what I’ve seen from this brand in previous years. The joinery is up there with the best of them.

The forward queen-size bed has reading lights and overhead lockers. The bed base doesn’t lift on gas struts, so I appreciated the two drawers that provide access to the storage space underneath. It’s worth noting that the space beneath the bed isn’t overly large; this is because Coromal has opted to instead provide a particular spacious tunnel storage system.

To the left of the entrance, Coromal has mounted a swivel arm for a flatscreen TV, along with the relevant 12V/240V and antenna points, allowing you to watch the telly from bed or the dinette. It’s a very small point, but the bolt heads and washers used to fix the swivel arm in place are a little unsightly. Having said that, it appears to be very sturdy, and I’d opt for strength over aesthetics any day.

Amidships, there’s an L-shaped dinette with overhead storage space, and Coromal hasn’t forgotten to include a USB and 240V point in the leg well. A BMPRO BatteryPlus 35 battery management system, OdysseyLink, RV View 2 digital display and sound system are fitted in the overhead space, as are the 240V and 12V isolation switches for the air-conditioner, hot water service and the fridge. This is equipment is all neatly presented.

While the kitchen only has limited bench space, it does have a full stove and griller, filtered drinking water and stainless steel sink, and a reasonable spread of storage space. A microwave is included in the package, as is a three-way fridge-freezer.

Two bunks are fitted in the kids’ room… and they are pleasingly large. At 1.83m in length, these bunks should suit your kids as they grow.

The corner bathroom is equipped with a cassette toilet and separate shower, and while the entrance to the kids’ room has a solid sliding door, the bathroom only has an accordion-style door, which I’d prefer to see upgraded to something a little more solid.

A reverse-cycle air-conditioner, ventilation hatches, LED lighting throughout… there’s more than enough in this van to keep you and the family comfortable. Further, the fitout is to a high standard with very little to fault.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

The Thrill Seeker nowadays is built with a meranti timber frame clad with insulated composite aluminium. However, the roof is a one-piece composite fibreglass structure stretching from the front to the rear. It is built atop a 4in SupaGal Austrail chassis complete with a 4in raiser and 6in A-frame.

Underneath, you’ll find two 95L fresh water tanks, one mounted fore and aft of the axles; however, a grey water tank is not fitted standard.

The 19ft 6in Thrill Seeker is equipped with a single 100Ah deep-cycle battery and one 170W solar panel, so there is scope to upgrade the 12V system if required, but it’s certainly enough for a van such as this to get out there.

Two 9kg gas cylinders are on the A-frame, along with a slimline storage box fabricated from black checkerplate. It would suit a couple of camp chairs, an assortment of tools, etc. Each side has a jerry can holder. I wouldn’t mind seeing a mesh stoneguard on the A-frame, though.

As mentioned, the tunnel boot on this van is particularly generous – the door on the offside is larger than the nearside door, as this provides access to yet more storage space.

There’s really nothing lacking on the outside of the 19ft 6in Thrill Seeker. There’s a roll-out awning, a picnic table, some speakers and awning lights. At the rear, Coromal has equipped the bumper bar with a spare wheel, while a gas bayonet is fixed close to the nearside tunnel boot door – perfect for an outdoor barbecue.

In terms of weights, it tips the scales about where I’d expect: 2426kg Tare, with an unladen ball weight of 148kg. Not bad, really. The ATM of 3300kg provides for a more-than-generous payload capacity of 874kg.

Behind our Isuzu D-MAX, the van towed nicely, despite horrendous rain and high winds. It hitches up easily enough, thanks to the DO35 coupling. A 12-pin plug comes as standard – no surprises.

GORV’S VERDICT

With its quality fit and finish, sensible layout and decent features list, the 19ft 6in Coromal Thrill Seeker is worth a good, long look if you’re in the market for a new family van.

It’s a pleasure to tow and has a huge payload capacity. While there is scope to upgrade things like the 12V system down the track, it comes out of the factory setup for long-haul adventures with the family.

THE SCORE

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS