If you frequent caravan shows, you’ll know how tempting it is to clamber inside those huge luxury caravans, marvel at the space and quality and think ‘one day’. Well, the Supreme Quest is one of those aspirational caravans, and for those lucky enough to have reached that ‘one day’ stage, this brand new 24ft offering, awash with appealing features, is well worth considering.

We caught up with the first new Supreme Quest model on its delivery to Dave Benson Caravans in Adelaide, SA, where it takes pride of place on display at the company’s huge showroom and forecourt. The aerodynamic Quest is a very large home away from home, and with a Tare weight of 2820kg (more than 3000kg fully laden), you’ll need a large 4WD (think LandCruiser or Patrol) to tow it safely.

For those not familiar with the Supreme brand, it is manufactured in Vic and has developed a good reputation over the years. In recent times, Supreme has introduced new ranges covering the off-road, semi off-road, touring and luxury sectors, with the Quest its latest flagship model.

The Quest is available in 18ft to 24ft (5.49m to 7.32m) sizes and is built using a meranti timber frame on a 4in PermaGal chassis. Our 24ft Quest had Simplicity load-sharing, independent trailing arm suspension and attractive 15in alloy wheels, helping it perform respectably both on-road and on the bumpy, grassy terrain where we did the photo shoot.

European Inspiration

The ‘wow’ factor in the Quest undoubtedly lies in its overall interior finish. On entry you are greeted by a curved white leather lounge that would comfortably sit four adults around the stylish table. The table itself is on a hydraulic leg, meaning the table top can be lowered to just below the level

of the lounge. From here, a leather

semi-circle section of the lounge comes away, and when placed over the lowered table, makes a cosy bed for one or maybe two people.

This extra bed could sleep two kids comfortably, but you get the impression this luxury caravan is better suited to adults only – white leather can get dirty very easily, and with kids involved this would surely be accelerated.

The lounge area is a stylish place to relax, and the curved overhead cupboards offer plenty of storage and an appealing design. The same can be said for the kitchen area, where there are plenty of well-finished cupboards laid out in a contemporary curved design, while the stainless steel sink and attractive work surface all help justify the van’s $89,990 price tag.

The Australian-built Quest’s large Dometic fridge, NEC microwave, Swift Holiday oven and cooktop (three gas burners and one electric plate) and decadent Waeco six-bottle wine cooler are enough to satisfy the most discerning luxury caravan buyer, while the general living area also boasts one of the caravan’s two 19in LCD televisions.

There is plenty of light provided by a large Al-Ko skylight and the plentiful double-glazed windows, and combined with the large living space offered by a 24ft unit the Quest has a valid claim on being a home on the road.

The ensuite doesn’t disappoint, either. The Quest’s ensuite – located between the living area and the bedroom – offers more than most. There is ample legroom for using the Thetford swivel toilet, the sink area is spacious, while the glass-door shower is light, nicely enclosed, and large enough to fit two people if you were so inclined. The amount of cupboard space in the ensuite is a real plus.

The bedroom features a cosy queen-size, wood-slated bed with innerspring mattress, and is accessible through the ensuite’s sliding door. Due to the size of the living area and ensuite, the bedroom doesn’t offer as much room to move, but if style is more your thing, there is plenty in evidence, with a nice headboard, quality finish on the cupboards and ample lighting all round. Another large Al-Ko skylight above the bed is also ideal for ambient light or evening star gazers, while Air Command IBIS air conditioning will keep the temperature comfortable.

A layout variation is available for this 24ft model. It’s for those not wanting the ensuite between the bedroom and living area. Instead, the lounge is at the front of the caravan, the middle has an east-west bed and the ensuite is at the rear. While this layout offers good living area, less storage space is available.

On the outside of our review van, quick-drop stabiliser jacks are found in each corner. A side-mounted picnic table proves very useful for a hassle-free food or drink stop (under the Dometic 9000 awning if desired). There are external speakers and the rear-mounted reversing camera is a handy safety feature. A mesh tray under the A-frame (where two 9kg gas bottles are mounted) is ideal for storing the jockey wheel, while the large front boot will easily hold larger items that can’t be stored inside.

Wisely for such a big caravan with so many electrical items, a solar power system, consisting of two 64W solar panels and two 150Ah batteries, has been installed. Both inside and out, there is ample lighting and powerpoints, as you’d expect at this end of the market.

The Bottom Line

The Supreme Quest is a beauty, and Michael Fox, dealer principal of Dave Benson Caravans, had no reservations about describing the caravan as ‘the BMW of the range’, such is the level of luxury. It is certainly one for couples who demand plenty of space and quality equipment, but perhaps not as ideal for families, considering there aren’t any bunk beds or a more ‘kiddie-tolerant’ decor.

It lacks very little in standard equipment, which is reflected in the price, of course, but the additional sense of luxury – thanks to the leather lounge and European-influenced appointments – will appeal to the more discerning buyer. If your ‘one day’ has arrived, the Supreme Quest deserves attention.

Dave Benson Caravans, 583 Grand Junction Road, Gepps Cross, SA 5094, (08) 8262 2500, www.davebensoncaravans.com.au

For your nearest dealer, visit www.supremecaravans.com.au

External length 24ft (7.3m)

External width 7ft 9in (2.36m)

Towing height 10ft 1in (3.07m)

Nameplate Tare 2820kg

Nameplate ATM 3220kg

Nameplate GTM 2970kg

Frame Meranti timber

Chassis PermaGal

Suspension Simplicity independent

Cooktop Swift Holiday (three gas, one electric)

Fridge Dometic 4601

Microwave NEC

Shower Yes

Toilet Thetford swivel

Lighting Downlights and multi-directional spotlights

Gas supply 2 x 9kg

Fresh water 2 x 80L

Price $89,990

By Iain Curry, as featured in Caravan World issue 449, January 2008.

An RVMAA Approved Supplier