Time to Roam Magazine Issue 4 - August/September 2013 | Page 30

cupboard door locks, when we could get
inferior one for $1.50. Likewise we use all
Italian laminates.”
Millard is one of a handful of Australian
caravan builders still using all aluminium
frames. The chassis is made from 3mm
thick all Australian blue steel which is
galvanised in a hot dip process.
Eight out of ten of vans sold by Millard
are equipped with off-road specifications,
including 15 inch wheels and Cruise Master
independent suspension. On the Longreach,
there’s chequer plate stainless sheets on the
front and sides, as well as under-floor metal
sheeting for stone protection. Even the two
water tanks are protected by a plywood and
metal casing.
Extraordinary work goes into making
the interior furniture. The frames are all
full timber, with any plywood used given a
polyester coating for water resistance. The
furniture is compressed in a vacuum press,
a construction technique common back in
the industry in the 1970s, but not used so
much today. It is then riveted, stapled and
glued to the walls of each van.
The external aluminium sheeting is
fixed to plywood for added strength and
insulation. “We use all Australian-made
aluminium that is patterned and rolled

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here in the factory. It is much stronger and
durable than anything imported, ”Hugh said.
The Longreach Seabreeze model as
tested, sells for around the $74,000 mark
and comes with most of the extras you’d
expect in caravan at that price, only the
quality is very apparent even to a first-time
buyer. Among the standard inclusions
inside are air conditioning, a 184 litre fridge,
microwave and 2.2kg washing machine.
Our test model had striking red leather
and laminate finishes, providing a stark
contrast to the all-too common dull brown
and wood grain look finishes you seem to
see too much of. It’s a fresh, almost retro
look from the 1970s – perhaps Millard is on
to something here?
The other feature instantly noticeable is
the height of the ceiling – it’s a full six foot
six inches on the old scale, so there’s no
skulking around in this baby, even if you’re a
pro basketballer.
The layout is very straightforward
and typical of the current fashion with
the kitchen facilities neatly packaged
along one wall in the centre of the
van opposite to where you enter, then
there’s a trifold table with comfy leather
seats opposite the galley kitchen.
Folding back the table, whipping the flat

screen TV on and sinking into the leather
seats with a cool drink, my mind turns to
whether I might be able to persuade Millard’s
aforementioned upholsterers to knock me up
a lounge suite for home.
Upfront is the queen-size bed
with lift up storage underneath
and wardrobes either side.
The ensuite is at the rear, with a full height
linen cupboard and shower. It is well laid out
and just seems more spacious than most.
Camden Caravans, the supplier of our test
vehicle, said some Millard buyers regularly
came back to trade up –some as many as four
or five times as they seek to get the latest
extra’s or just make a few changes to suit
their lifestyle.
Tested:
Longreach Seabreeze
Length:
20ft
Weight:
2400kgs
Price:
$73,995 as tested.
Warranty: 12 months
Full details and specs:
www.millardrv.com.au
Available from 12 dealers Australia-wide
including Camden Caravans Elderslie NSW,
Coffs Caravans Coffs Harbour NSW, South
Tweed Caravans & Sales Tweed Heads South
NSW and River City RV’s Burpengary QLD.