This Article was reproduced from CARAVAN WORLD magazine, March 2003.

Above: Quick and easy to set up, the Silhouette allows more time for leisure.


Above: From the outside, the slide-out kitchen adds little to the overall width of the camper when setup.

Above: On the inside, Silhouette's slide-out kitchen provides plenty of living space.


Above: The roomy beds slide out smoothly; microwaves are now standard equipment on most models.


Above: On site, the travel door converts to an outside table and a much awaited one-piece main door removes those outdated split doors still used on many old style campers.

Above: A four-burner stove/grill and stainless steel sink are fitted into the wide bench top.

Above: Independent suspension is a key feature of Silhouette's standard design.

 

 

additional information

 

Stunning Silhouette

Coromal's exciting and innovative concept in Camper design is here

The Silhouette, Coromal's new camper, is being released at the SA Caravan & Camping Show in late February 2003.

The Silhouette camper has been produced as a direct result of information collected from customer surveys and after one of the most intensive research and development programs undertaken by Coromal.

As the saying goes, first impressions are most important, and the Silhouette is very impressive. The Caravan industry is on a roll at the moment and it is great to see new products being developed and introduced during this busy period.

Coromal is known as the builder of a very good product and this new camper is no different. Two prototypes were produced and both have been extensively used and tested over a considerable period of time leading up to the release in 2003.

From the outside the Silhouette is certainly very stylish and different. The exterior is fibreglass, with the roof consisting of an inner and outer skin with an integrated core providing a lightweight contoured roof with maximum strength.

The front fibreglass nose cone houses a large locker. Located inside the locker is the gas bottle, with provision for a second - still leaving heaps of room to spare. A common problem with small campers is that there is not enough storage space, so invariably gear gets left on the floor; this locker is the ideal spot to stow those extra items.

The sides are one-piece fibreglass panels bonded and fixed to an aluminium frame and insulated with styrene foam. Integrated into the fibreglass rear are matching - and lockable - water filler and winder mechanism caps; a great idea.

Centrally mounted on the rear bumper, and recessed into the fibreglass rear, is the spare wheel.

The main door is one piece and the operation quick and simple. All you do is release the two locating catches, lift and slide up into the ceiling track and lock in the retaining straps. A separate travel door which fits into the door opening when traveling, also locks on to the side of the van providing extra table space when on site.

In keeping with current caravan and pop-top construction techniques, the step is recessed.

Incorporated into most models is a unique slide-out kitchen, which has made a huge change to the interior.

When you step into the camper there is a great feeling of spaciousness. AlI of a sudden you have plenty of room in the kitchen area in the centre instead of a narrow passage. Sliding the kitchen unit is a breeze, with a heavy-duty tracking system ensuring a smooth and simple operation.

Fitted to the slide-out kitchen is a flush-mounted four-burner stove/grill and stainless steel sink with a much wider bench-top than you might expect. The stove is fitted with a hinged black glass top and the sink with a moulded black removable top.

The refrigerator is the three-way RM2S5O Electrolux, standard in all models. A microwave is now fitted as standard to all models except for the smallest camper in the range, the CCS32O.

The front and rear beds slide-out easily on an improved tracking and roller system. The front bed is quite large at l.5m (5ft) wide and the step has been made larger to provide easier access. The canvas bed-ends are separate sections and are joined to the canvas side panels with concealed heavy-duty zips which make for quick and easy replacement if damaged.

The canvas bed-ends are located into caragroove track at the leading edge of the beds, making them much more secure, plus it's one less thing to do when erecting the camper. Also located into caragroove track at the lower edge are the sides, which are located in a channel at ceiling height.

The canvas side panel at the dinette area can be removed on-site, transforming it into a sociable, annex area,

Quality 8oz Australian-made canvas is used for the sides, with heavy-duty vinyl boat hooding to roof and front panels in the bed-ends. The windows are reasonably large and provide plenty of ventilation and light and an almost uninterrupted 360 degree view.

The ceiling lights are well positioned and detachable lights are also provided in the bed areas. All lighting is 12-volt and via a power supply unit for 240-volt operation. A battery compartment with a slide-out battery tray is provided. The battery is not included ex-factory and a quality deep-cycle battery is recommended if you use the 12-volt lighting extensively. For limited use, the 12-volt lighting will run off the car battery when off-site,

A range of quality exclusive jacquard fabrics and textured prints are available to select from, with a choice of four different curtain colours, The timber colour options are Italia Beech, which is in the light-to- medium colour range and the Wild Cherry, a darker and very rich classical timber colour. Bench-tops are Formica Sandcloud, which is neutral - as is the floor vinyl and blends in beautifully with the various fabric colour options. The exterior is Polished Grey, which is a subtle shade of grey unique to Coromal. The stylish decals on the sides are in burgundy and charcoal with an S for Silhouette emblazoned in the middle.

According to Coromal, the main contributor to the Silhouette's towing ability is the fully independent suspension which is standard on every model Coromal produces. The wheels are 14-inch heavy-duty fitted with Bridgestone 8-ply light - truck radial tyres.

In the Silhouette range there are eight models to choose from. The range starts at the CCS 32O which is 3.23m (10ft 7in) long. The next size up is the CCS 390 which is 3.9m (12ft 9in) long and available in two layouts, one with a café dinette and the other with an L-shaped dinette. Following this is the CCS 42O which is 4.23m (13ft 11in) long and again available in two layouts.

The largest is the CCS 45O at 4.56m (15ft) long, with a choice of three layouts.

Two of these layouts do not have slide-out beds and have been specifically designed for two people, in response to a large increase in enquires from this segment of the camper market. These two layouts, one with single beds and one with a double bed, will cater for every buyer's needs.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the optional Pioneer package is available, This package includes larger 16-inch wheels fitted with Bridgestone 265/75 R16 radial-ply tyres, heavier 150-deep chassis and drawbar and a Treg 360-degree rotational hitch, plus many other features. If you own a 4WD, this package is worth considering.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but all details will be available from Coromal dealers around Australia when the Silhouette is released.

Congratulations to Coromal on this great new product; it is destined to make a big impact on the camper market.

Don't forget to visit the Coromal stand at the Adelaide show from February 26- March 2 and check out the new Silhouette.

For your nearest dealer call Coromal Caravans, 25 Harrison Road, Forrestfield, WA 6058; Tel (08) 9352 0900; or visit www.coromal.com.au

This Article is available online at the

Australian Camper Trailer, Caravan & Motorhome Network

www.RV.com.au