The launch of the Pioneer Verve ensuite hybrid van was filmed in the southern Flinders at Bendelby Ranges. As one of the original Pioneer Campers dealers, we were delighted to receive an invitation to participate.
The new Pioneer Verve is a 14ft hybrid van. Internally, it is 300mm shorter than the Track T4 Rhapsody, but with the same overall width. Full height hybrid walls measuring 2820mm are one of its distinguishing factors.
Simplicity is one of the many appealing features. Fully insulated walls reduce heat transfer (no pop top), and there are no moving parts (mechanical or electrical roof lifters). It is much easier to enjoy – get to your destination and simply step in!
Design cues are typical of parent company Track, with its rear exoskeletal corner trims, a T4-like pivoting front nose cone, Track style kitchens, and more.
Key standard specifications include a full off-road chassis, internal ensuite, internal kitchenette, wind out awning, 95L external dual zone fridge freezer, 250L water capacity, creek draw, Lithium batteries, 400W of roof mounted solar, Redarc Redvision management system including Smartphone app monitoring, chemical-free cassette toilet, Dexter Sway Control, and a rear bumper for external storage.
Configuration
Kudos to Track engineers for the versatility in design, with five different configuration elements:
- Bedding: The Verve comes standard with an East-West pocket spring queen mattress which can be optioned with a twin bunk layout. This layout provides more internal space with a 6-seat dinette. An optional North-South queen bed with bedside consoles is also available, as is Twin King Single beds.
- Storage: optional internal storage modules are available including a wardrobe or additional drawer sets, which provide more bench space and storage. These storage modules replace a single seat at the dinette.
- Internal kitchenette: there are plenty of options to complement the existing layout. They include a gas cooker, upright fridge, microwave, and rangehood. A portable induction cooktop could also be accommodated.
- External kitchen: Two slide-out kitchens are available, similar in design to that available on the Tvan. As standard, a simple but effective external kitchen provides a two-burner gas cooktop, wind guard, sink, food prep space, and some under bench storage. An optional premium kitchen brings more food prep space, larger three burner stove, three drawers providing easy access to cookware and crockery, pull up wind guard, and a large sink and draining board.
- Rear storage: the standard rear bumper can be configured to carry bikes, firewood, fuel, or an extra spare wheel.
Lots to Like
You can’t help but compare to parent company Track’s flagship, the T4 Rhapsody ensuite hybrid. Both are premium offerings, but appeal on different levels.
The Verve has a modest footprint; it looks small and light enough to go almost anywhere; and internal dimensions are a good compromise for its size. It has the right blend of comforts to suit most couples, single travellers, or at a pinch, a family with the optional bunk and East West queen layout.
Key differences to the T4 include improved thermal protection with full height walls, simplicity in design with less reliance on electrical circuits, more versatile external storage, external kitchen pantry, greater freezer capacity, and a price benefit of around $30,000.
Part of that cost savings is due to the internal kitchenette with sink and bench space only. This appeals to those who prefer to cook outside. However, the kitchenette easily adapts with options to add a microwave, gas cooker, rangehood, or portable induction cooktop.
Similarly, the external standard kitchen on the Verve is more basic, however you can upgrade to the premium kitchen. For most travellers looking to make the most of the outdoor lifestyle, the premium kitchen is likely to be the pick.
Our New Verve
It should be no surprise to learn that we recently welcomed a Pioneer Verve through our garage doors!
With the huge number of customisable elements, we were able to specify a build to suit the style of touring we like to do.
First cab off the rank was the North-South queen bed layout with side consoles. The side consoles are a great addition and it is one of the many things we loved about our T4 Rhapsody. Roll up of your camping clobber and store it within easy access of the bed. PJ’s, sock and jocks, t-shirts, shorts, and more.
Next, we added the air conditioner, an additional two-drawer set next to the ensuite, microwave, rangehood, diesel hot water/heater, high draw Lithium batteries, and inverter upgrade (the standard inverter is 1000W pure sine wave).
On the rare occasion we stay in a caravan park, we can crank up the air conditioner, or the heater if its cool, and save our diesel for when we need it. It is a luxury, but a welcome one when the conditions allow. Dual low-draw Sirocco fans provide cooling air for bush camping.
The additional drawer set adds additional storage and more bench space for music or other electronics, a handy location away from the kitchenette but with close proximity to the adjacent power sockets.
While the standard Brindle upholstery suits most applications, we chose a lighter colour, Gyro Glacier, which should brighten up the interior. A range of other colours are available.
The high draw batteries, inverter, rangehood and microwave add value when the weather is less than ideal, allowing an indoor cooking option. We use a portable induction cooker to produce instant heat and without gas, there is no need to vent the door. This keeps the interior dust free.
With the addition of an extra 200W roof mounted solar panel (totalling 600W), resources are quickly replenished and can take care of business while we are out and about. No need to worry about portable panels growing legs and disappearing. Better still, the dedicated solar input plug provides an efficient means of gaining extra solar with a portable panel when camped in shade or in overcast conditions when we are around camp.
We prefer diesel fired appliances for remote wandering due to the availably of fuel. You can’t say the same for gas.
Outside, the premium kitchen provides drawers for all our cooking gear. Given we do most of our cooking outside, this keeps our cookware easily accessible.
The sinks (inside and out) with hot and cold water help when washing those greasy dishes or freshening up.
The chemical free toilet adds a low impact camping edge, aiding in disposal when far off the beaten track.
Another extra worth a mention, is the Sail awning which extends shade over the fridge and forward. You can even drop the front poles as the sun sets for greater protection.
We added the external shower for beach camping and for showering in warmer climates. It’s great to have options!
Unlike the T4, the Verve comes standard with a rear bumper, adding extra storage versatility. We added a rear wood box and a single jerry can holder.
Finally, we added custom wheels and tyres to match our tow vehicle so we can utilise our camper spare wheel on the car if required. We went for the popular ROH Vapour alloys, which offers patterns in 5 or 6 stud with a range of offsets and wheel sizes with a high load rating. These are wrapped in Cooper ST Maxx 17” all terrain tyres which offer thick side walls for off road adventuring. If you go down this road, a credit is supplied for the standard wheels and tyres.
We look forward to spending a lot more time in the Pioneer Verve over the coming months, starting with a trip to the Flinders Ranges!
Pricing
Starting at $130,895 Driveaway in standard trim (SA), the Pioneer Verve represents excellent value amongst its premium Aussie peers. State of the art manufacturing techniques have been employed such as frameless aluminium composite walls, made in-house at Track Trailer in Melbourne.
Videos
Inspections
You can inspect our personal Pioneer Verve at The Dirt Off Road Campers, 26 Light Crescent, Mount Barker, SA, 8391 6274, Tues to Sat, appointments essential.
