Caravan reivew: Majestic Caravans Navigator 19'6 offroad van

This Melbourne-based caravan manufacturer has produced traditional timber framed caravans to a loyal following for the past two decades. Majestic Caravans’ latest model takes the company in a new direction, so we sent John Ford to investigate.

Majestic Caravans is a Victorian-based manufacturer started by husband-and-wife team Laz and Liz Naumoski in 2003. A team of 50 builds around 10 vans a week from its factory in Campbellfield, Vic, and the relatively modest output allows close attention to detail and the flexibility to customise to customer requirements. The company allows buyers to mix and match any number of accessories, layouts, colours and even ATM limits.

The range includes on-road and offroad caravans in twin and single axle versions. The Navigator 19’6 seen here is a couples van that sits between the more extreme Trailblazer and the classic tourer, the Knight. So, in many ways, the Navigator is the best of both worlds, with ruggedness for most offroad situations and a high level of luxury for long-term travel. And the price might surprise you because there’s a lot to like for a van starting at just over the $100k mark.

In brief

• Couples twin axle offroader
• New aluminium frame construction
• Rear door, front bedroom layout

The Majestic Navigator 19’6 is rugged and comfortable

How is the Majestic Navigator 19'6 built?

Majestic’s latest version bends to current market expectations with a new aluminium frame now a standard feature. I’m assured the transition to the metal build was a seamless change on the production line, and while Majestic didn’t simply swap a staple gun used in the timber process for a rivet gun used with the C-section alloy, the methods are similar. Voids in the frame are filled with sections of closed-cell foam insulation, and the exterior is clad with 3mm aluminium-faced composite panels. But here, the Majestic differs from other brands by also using the aluminium composite on the internal walls instead of the usual vinyl-coated ply for a super smooth, glossy look. The twin layers of composite panels also add strength and durability. Interestingly, the tare weights between the timber and alloy frame versions are very similar.

Up top is a single piece 30mm composite roof with exterior layers of fibreglass over high-density foam, offering superior thermal properties. The floor is 19mm marine ply coated in Trans X and covered with a classy grey vinyl with a nautical caulked teak look.

The Rhino chassis is engineered to be light but capable. Built with SupaGal, the 150mm x 50mm x 4mm A-frame extends to the wheels, where two 1000mm x 50mm x 3mm sections form the chassis. Rated to 3500kg, the van comes with Cruisemaster XT Freestyle Coil independent suspension. Brakes are 12in drums with the option for discs. In a testament to the strength of the well-engineered chassis, the van can be specified to a 4500kg ATM by upgrading the Cruisemaster suspension and the chains and swapping to a DO45 hitch from the standard DO35. A 110L grey water tank and two 95L freshwater tanks are standard, and there is the option to include a third freshwater tank. The poly tanks have galvanised metal covers, and I noted all the wiring and plumbing underneath is neat and well-protected.

The Rhino chassis is light and capableCruisemaster XT Freestyle Coil independent suspension

The black painted chassis is on show up front, and it matches well with the high black checkerplate. A toolbox has good storage options, including a driver-side slide-out tray for a fridge, two jerry can holders and a top box for hoses and such. A full-width stoneguard protects twin 9kg gas bottles and the 10L diesel tank for the cabin heater. The hitch is the venerable Cruisemaster DO35, and there’s a simple removable wind-up jockey wheel.

Front toolbox, stoneguard and gas bottles

An exterior fit for offroading

The Navigator 19’6 has a well-balanced appearance with modern colours and graphics. Plenty of checkerplate protection, big chunky tyres and a high ride all point to contemporary offroad styling. You can choose from a range of composite colours, and the green on show here is a new colour, but I bet it will be a popular choice. The Navigator moves away from all-black wheels with new bronze-trimmed alloy versions that look terrific. The full-width tunnel boot up front adds to storage space and the usual assortment of picnic table and entertainment hatch along the passenger side. A sturdy bar protects the rear and holds a single spare, while a rear camera and a 20mm light bar are higher up.

The batteries sit in chassis-mounted boxes along the passenger side, which are high enough to be well protected from stone damage, but given the high cost of lithium batteries, some owners might like to lock them more securely. The water inlets are also high and out of harm’s way on the rear wheel arch, but I think the grey water tank drain could use a guard because they are notoriously vulnerable to stone damage.

Luxury interior

A twin manual step leads inside, where the new design is a breath of fresh air. The well-balanced colours and quality of the rich Warwick fabric in a warm Brumby tone look magnificent — majestic even. Rainforest-green matt joinery against the light sarato oak timber shows the Majestic team has mastered the art form of colour combination.

The layout is the most popular couples choice, with the rear bathroom near the door, and a 6ft 2in (1.9m) north–south island queen-size bed up front, giving maximum bedroom privacy and optimum access to the ensuite from outside. The L-shaped dinette has comfortable contours, and the large timber table sits on a sturdy hydraulic leg that swivels for easy access to the lounge and drops to make a day bed or for an occasional overnight guest.

The review van had gold tapware which is an optional upgradeThe dining table drops to make a bed

The nearside kitchen includes a gas stove with oven, grill and four burners, while an NCE microwave slots neatly into the overhead cupboards. A 274L Thetford compressor fridge further back is an excellent size for most couples to store cold food and drinks. The review van boasts an internal upgrade pack of gold taps and door handles, upgraded microfibre upholstery, and soft textured paint on the furniture. The joinery is produced with CNC machinery, so fit and finish is superb.

The ensuite continues the modern, inviting impression with the warm timber tones of the central vanity, upmarket taps and a circular mirror with LED backlights. An Aussie Traveller wall-mounted washing machine mounts opposite the cassette toilet without interfering with access.

The bathroom with LED backlit mirror

In this latest model, the builder moved the external shower from the rear of the van to the driver’s side, creating space inside to push a larger shower moulding back into the wall space. The extra 100mm might not sound much, but it adds appreciable room. Ventilation here is good, with two overhead vents and side windows.

Is the Majestic Navigator suited to off-grid camping?

Majestic has upped its standard electronics package with the latest Navigator to be even more capable when off-grid. The package includes 500W of solar panels, which feed three 100Ah lithium batteries through a Projecta PM335 charger and control module. The system delivers 30A of DC and MPPT charge and 60A from the vehicle alternator. The 3000W Projecta inverter on the review van is an upgrade from the standard 2500W unit.

The main Projecta screen and the van’s main power switch are handy at the entrance, and the electronics are combined in a panel on the dividing wall in the ensuite. The setup is a thoughtful use of the dead space and gives quick access to the system.

For more information about the power you need for off-grid camping, check out this handy guide.

Most couples will find the power is enough for most situations, especially with an efficient charge rate from the tow vehicle. For longer off-grid camping, the option of a third freshwater tank might appeal.

The tow test

Majestic’s Ford Ranger filled the role of tow vehicle for our review into the forests of the Glass House Mountains in southern Queensland. We had a mix of motorway, rural roads and various dirt roads and tracks, and the van towed without vices over all surfaces. The van is 2692kg at tare and has a six per cent ball weight, so a bit of water in the front tanks helps the weight distribution. You get just over 800kg of payload at the standard 3500kg ATM, so there’s ample capacity for all the gear you need when travelling.

The van towed well behind the Ford Ranger over mixed terrain

The Ford Ranger’s 600Nm of torque was ample power in all conditions and delivered 20L/100km over our drive, which is reasonable given the hilly country. Sharing an engine with the Volkswagen Amarok, these two vehicles lead the twin cab pack, but most of the crop of twin cab utes will fit the bill for towing this van, and of course, the bigger Toyota and Nissan wagons will be a great choice.

Our final thoughts on the Majestic Navigator 19'6

Choosing a caravan is tricky, and buyers have become savvier and more demanding. So, while timber frames have their place, the scales are tipping away from them. It’s hard to ignore the benefits of aluminium, especially for an offroad caravan where more extreme travel has the potential to see water inside the van. Knowing moisture won’t affect the van’s frame and interior walls is a significant benefit.

Majestic’s warranty is better than most in the industry, with three years cover on all the manufactured components. Appliances are covered by their manufacturer.

The Majestic lifestyle in the Navigator 19’6 version starts at a smidge over the $100k mark at $101,990, and with extras like the inverter upgrade and the lux interior pack, it hits $107,990. To me, that’s impressive value. It’s a well-engineered van that tows exceptionally, with a fabulous interior becoming a cossetted retreat for those moments of relaxation after days of exploration.

The new Navigator 19’6 will appeal to couples looking for a roomy van capable of tackling more rugged tracks. It will suit those getting away for extended travel and weekend excursions close to home.

Measuring up

Pros

• The frame is now aluminium
• Well-priced in its category
• Beautifully appointed interior

Cons

• Grey water tank drain needs protection

MAJESTIC CARAVANS NAVIGATOR 19'6 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

Great value for a well-built offroad caravan

TOWABILITY

It towed well over a mix of terrains and speeds. Many of the current twin cab utes will do the job

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

A good van for couples wanting to head on long-distance or off-grid weekend trips

BUILD QUALITY

Majestic has listened to the market with an aluminium frame construction. Beautiful CNC interior

LIVEABILITY

The rear entry/front bedroom configuration is the most popular layout for couples. Roomy ensuite and comfortable dining

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Enough solar and battery power for most situations

CUSTOMER CARE

Three-year warranty on the caravan’s build and a keen customer care attitude

INNOVATION

The interior design is inspired. Aluminium frames aren’t new, but I like the change

X-FACTOR

Looks great in contemporary colours and high-end upholstery

MAJESTIC CARAVANS NAVIGATOR 19'6 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Majestic Navigator 19'6 price from $101,990

OPTIONS FITTED

• 3000W Projecta inverter — upgrade from 2500W
• Interior Upgrade Pack

Majestic Navigator 19'6 price as shown $107,990

MORE INFORMATION

Majestic Caravans Factory Direct

61 Lear Jet Drive

Caboolture Qld 4510

P: 1300 873 510

E: sales@majesticcaravans.com.au

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