TRUE INNOVATION
Masterpiece Caravans uses its ‘ R- TECH ’ construction method , which involves a 24mm one-piece floor , ‘ Fibroplast ’ framing material , and ‘ Aircell ’ insulation . Let me explain . Fibroplast is a brilliant innovation that replaces meranti timber . It is a composite fibreglass and polyurethane material that takes a screw as well as , if not better , than timber , and it ’ s significantly lighter . Further , it won ’ t deform and it will never rot – it has zero water ingress properties . I have personally tried to snap this unique framing material and couldn ’ t do it .
The Aircell insulation involves specially designed pockets of air within the wall and roof cavities . Trapped air , after all , is an excellent insulator . In fact , these vans would have to be among the best insulated vans on the market .
This innovative beast is built atop Masterpiece Caravans ’ special truss chassis by Road King , which is built differently from its conventional counterparts , adding strength and durability – it looks great , too . The suspension is a relatively new system known as TerraGlide by Melbourne-based Premcar . Our Optimum was fitted with a 4.5-tonne airbag setup with wireless remote control . Aside from punishing the van itself at the AARC , we were testing this new suspension system – and it passed easily . In fact , given what we threw at the van , I ’ d say it excelled . Its bushes need no greasing or maintenance over the life of the system , it has 230mm of wheel travel , an anti-roll bar on each axle , specifically tuned dampeners and more . We can expect to see this system appear on more vans , industry wide , and the fact Masterpiece was one of its earliest adopters speaks to the company ’ s commitment to innovation .
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