We are looking at full OFF-ROAD vans that have warranty for corrugated dirt roads and are perfect for off-grid living. We have looked at lots and lots of vans and have recently heard of Masterpiece as a contender. Does anyone have one and what is your experience with sales, and more importantly, after-sales service please?
We'll be towing the van with a 2015 Touareg V8 R-Line and there are only the two of us. Our limits are 3500kgs towing, 280kgs ball weight and 6550kgs GCM.
Must haves are: ensuite, air-con and heating, full refrigerator, solar, lithium batteries, washing machine, and all the usual options like TV, awning etc etc.
Wish List includes: Self-levelling air suspension, satellite.
We'd love to hear from you. Thank you
Dougwe said
05:30 PM Nov 22, 2018
Welcome to the gang Buddy2018, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Main thing is to make sure you don't go over any of your weights, ANY. The pens and paper are out there.
Have you thought of getting a Gas or Diesel heater fitted? Either work a treat. I have the Ibis3 Aircon but have never used the heater side of it as have a Gas Heater fitted. If you could get a Aircon for cooling only would be a better choice IMO. I go off the grid a lot so have to run the aircon off the Gene so the gas heater is a much better choice for me. Just a thought.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Side by Side said
07:31 PM Nov 22, 2018
Hi Buddy2018
Yes we have a Masterpiece Optimum,and we are very happy with it.
We got it from Yarrawonga Caravans who were very helpfull and could not do enough for us,fantastic service from start to hook up,including first service for free.
We also had an opportunity to go to the factory and do a tour and meet the builder,we felt good about the quality and transperency.Remon is great and shows a lot of passion,
Ours is 2016 built,it has everything that we could ask, and some more,just finished a full lap 20,700km without any problem,so no warranty issues but I`m sure ether Dean,
Or Remon in Campbelfield would take care of it,
Doug is spot on about checking your weights,it is so very important, We tow with LC 200 no problem,tows like a dream,I drive steady as she goes though.
If You like some details,PM us ,I`ll give You my Ph No and we could have a chat.
Cheers Charlie & Eva
Possum3 said
07:43 PM Nov 22, 2018
Apparently there seems to be a link with ownership of Masterpiece and JB Caravans - there has been discussion regarding the alleged link on Lemon Caravans site www.facebook.com/groups/lemoncaravansinaus/search/
Suggest you contact Colin Young at Caravan Council of Australia to find out facts www.caravancouncil.com.au/
Bill B said
07:57 PM Nov 22, 2018
Possum3 wrote:
Apparently there seems to be a link with ownership of Masterpiece and JB Caravans - there has been discussion regarding the alleged link on Lemon Caravans site www.facebook.com/groups/lemoncaravansinaus/search/
One of the former joint owners (Ramone) of JB started Masterpiece Caravans after he sold his equity in JB.
Whenarewethere said
08:18 PM Nov 22, 2018
Don't forget to put the smallest rims & largest sidewall tyres on the car you can & get a top quality dual compressor for pumping up all those tyres once you are off the corrugations. TPMS as well, & tyre repair kit!
Greg 1 said
12:16 AM Nov 23, 2018
For corrugated roads, you don't need a so called off road van just a well built one.
In the days before there was any such thing as an off road van we just bought a Viscount (original ones) and take them anywhere. Some of the roads and tracks we took those on make the GRR look like a highway.
Best thing you can do is ask for a factory tour and see how they are put together.
I have seen a so called offroad van from a well known manufacturer have the overhead cupboards come off the walls just on rough bitumen.
A mates van has had the drawer fronts fall off on a van less than 2 years old. Again supposed to be off road.
My van makes no such pretensions, but is built like a brick dunny. I watched it being built. I would take it pretty much anywhere and have done.
Desert Dweller said
05:18 AM Nov 23, 2018
These days caravan brands come & go like changing your socks 'n undies.
Best to buy a proven long time in the business brand like like Evernew or Roma. They are more expensive for a reason, they are built with more thought, care & quality control.
Just because it has bright paint, alloy wheels a tough name (like Desert Storm or Grenade) & Off Road written on it doesn't make it a suitable caravan to leave the bitumen. But hey, it looks good.
We are looking at full OFF-ROAD vans that have warranty for corrugated dirt roads and are perfect for off-grid living. We have looked at lots and lots of vans and have recently heard of Masterpiece as a contender. Does anyone have one and what is your experience with sales, and more importantly, after-sales service please?
We'll be towing the van with a 2015 Touareg V8 R-Line and there are only the two of us. Our limits are 3500kgs towing, 280kgs ball weight and 6550kgs GCM.
Must haves are: ensuite, air-con and heating, full refrigerator, solar, lithium batteries, washing machine, and all the usual options like TV, awning etc etc.
Wish List includes: Self-levelling air suspension, satellite.
We'd love to hear from you. Thank you
Main thing is to make sure you don't go over any of your weights, ANY. The pens and paper are out there.
Have you thought of getting a Gas or Diesel heater fitted? Either work a treat. I have the Ibis3 Aircon but have never used the heater side of it as have a Gas Heater fitted. If you could get a Aircon for cooling only would be a better choice IMO. I go off the grid a lot so have to run the aircon off the Gene so the gas heater is a much better choice for me. Just a thought.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Yes we have a Masterpiece Optimum,and we are very happy with it.
We got it from Yarrawonga Caravans who were very helpfull and could not do enough for us,fantastic service from start to hook up,including first service for free.
We also had an opportunity to go to the factory and do a tour and meet the builder,we felt good about the quality and transperency.Remon is great and shows a lot of passion,
Ours is 2016 built,it has everything that we could ask, and some more,just finished a full lap 20,700km without any problem,so no warranty issues but I`m sure ether Dean,
Or Remon in Campbelfield would take care of it,
Doug is spot on about checking your weights,it is so very important, We tow with LC 200 no problem,tows like a dream,I drive steady as she goes though.
If You like some details,PM us ,I`ll give You my Ph No and we could have a chat.
Cheers Charlie & Eva
Suggest you contact Colin Young at Caravan Council of Australia to find out facts www.caravancouncil.com.au/
One of the former joint owners (Ramone) of JB started Masterpiece Caravans after he sold his equity in JB.
Don't forget to put the smallest rims & largest sidewall tyres on the car you can & get a top quality dual compressor for pumping up all those tyres once you are off the corrugations. TPMS as well, & tyre repair kit!
Best to buy a proven long time in the business brand like like Evernew or Roma. They are more expensive for a reason, they are built with more thought, care & quality control.
Just because it has bright paint, alloy wheels a tough name (like Desert Storm or Grenade) & Off Road written on it doesn't make it a suitable caravan to leave the bitumen. But hey, it looks good.