Tvan Copy??

[Duncancav]

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2015/new-tvan-lookalike-from-pioneer-54474/

Still starts at $65k


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[Gumb]

I saw them at the show at Sandown and that was before I had made a decision on what to buy....and my Firetail is due this week. 

I think they are limited in the tent area. Try picturing a table and chairs in there which is virtually in the doorway. I'm not fussed about the extra head room inside, it's not needed over a bed !

Just my 2c

[Cuppa]

I'd like to see one in the flesh, but it's hard to imagine that setting up would be as simple as the Tvan with the rear hatch hinged at the bottom. I'd also doubt that trailing arm suspension would be up to the standard set by Tvan's. Does have some nice inclusions though.

[Warwick]

I do like the way the bed lifts to allow easier access to "under-the-bed"

[GlennMaryanne]

They're around 300kg heavier as well. And you still have canvas flapping above your head.....

[debian]

As per a previous post of ours from Oct 2015:

"Checked out the Pioneer Mitchell at Leisurefest yesterday. A girl there set it up for us, looked easy enough and was quick. She had help to pack it up but said she does do it by herself. The rear hatch opens downward to the ground and then folds out to become the hardfloor, canvas is all attached to the floor and the mouth of the hard section so pretty instant and no fitting required anywhere (but then obviously there is no way you can have the 'Tvan quick set-up' – the tent has to be deployed). Then another smaller section folds upward to become the hard roof section of the tent area. Then just like the Tvan a bow is pushed out and 2 tent poles fitted to hold up the tent section. (Not sure how heavy it would be to lift the floor with wet canvas attached when packing up - there were gas struts though). The canvas doesn't come near the bed. There is no sidenet or overhead net storage but there is storage at the 'pointy end' of the bed. The bed also lifts up on struts for access to underneath it. The windows in the hard section open outward. As per the info on the web, storage outside and for the kitchen is good, also the hot water service is nice. Pioneer have a good reputation and although the Mitchell seemed ok with quality and most likely is a good unit, have to say that on first impression it didn't seem to be up to Tvan quality - but perhaps hard not to be biased  We noted that the roof section that opens upward seemed a bit light in construction and flexed noticeably while setting/packing-up. The decklegs are clamped using a screw like Track's old decklegs."

So the points that stood out for us - great that the canvas is permanently attached to the floor...BUT can't have the quick access into or instant set-up by just opening/closing the hatch as with Tvans...the tent must be deployed. Roof section that opens perhaps seemed a bit light on?

[Wildmax]

Looks not a bad copy, but have you read the Camper Trailer of the Year review (in CT Australia magazine, which ranked it the category winner)?
The review says all sorts of nice things, but under "misses" describes the suspension as uninspiring, and makes a few further negative comments in the body of the article.
As a former TVan owner with a lot of tough tracks on the map, I well know that suspension is just about the most important feature of all.
The Track suspension set up is unbeatable in my view - so for this new camper, "nice try, but......."
Cheers

[Eelezy]

We also had a loomat it at the camping show a couple of years ago...some nice features but the floor felt flimsy and you would have to crawl through the un-tensioned tent section if you just wanted to open the camper to access the inner section.
Chris

[Alan Loy]

We looked at one before we bought the Tvan.  Tvans great suspension, lighter weight, ease of quick setups and long history were what decided us.

I have always wondered why tvans don't put a lift up section like the Mitchel does.  I would put up with the canvas for the extra head space, the Mitchel felt a lot roomier because of it.

[MYT150]

Fairly simple reason would be the more openings you have the more chance of dust or water getting in.
Also it would need  a lot more strength in the roof to be able to support it and so add to the weight.
And The advantage of the TVan is you are not sleeping under canvas.

Those would be my guesses.

Aidan

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Fairly simple reason would be the more openings you have the more chance of dust or water getting in.
Also it would need  a lot more strength in the roof to be able to support it and so add to the weight.
And The advantage of the TVan is you are not sleeping under canvas.

Those would be my guesses.

Aidan

Add to that the amount of damage done if the top came up while travelling, for what ever reason.
Structural integrity of Tvan, over the need to reinforce the structure to cater for the lid and canvas.

[Alan Loy]

OK you win

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Alan, if you want to compare size of Vans, Older vers.  Vs. Brand new (Yours).
Just let us know.  (Us = Me and/or anyone else on the Forum who's happy to turn up.)
I'm 80 Klm. East of Melb. in the Yarra Valley.
Your new Tvan is bigger than the original by a fair amount.
Even though it may not look like it.

[Gumb]

Alan, you'd better alter the details in your profile.....the box on the left of your posts. 

[Alan Loy]

Forgot, fixed now.

Thanks