About Us

Geoff Dutch started in the vehicle building industry way back in 1971, and since then has been involved in the design and manufacture of many thousands of truck bodies, trailers and special purpose vehicles, so he knows exactly what is required to withstand the harsh conditions whilst traveling on Australian roads.

During the year 2000 and with the recreational industry beginning to boom, Geoff conceived the idea of designing and building a fifth wheeler which he believed would be the most practical and safe means of RV travel as well as providing people with a means of transport when unhitched.

Although fifth wheelers have been the preferred method of van towing in other countries (ie: USA) for decades their true potential is only beginning to be recognized in Australia.  Most of the American style imported fifth wheelers require a large tow vehicle such as an F-250, Chev or Dodge, whereas in Australia the ute or one tonner in single, extra or dual cab models is the more accepted tow vehicle and is better suited as an every day drive vehicle when back at home.

Geoff always believed that fifth wheelers had a huge potential in the Australian market, however they needed to be more compact, be lighter in weight and be capable of being towed safely and legally by our typical Aussie style utes.  All of the comforts and features found in the American fifth wheelers would need to be included, but our design would have to be lower, lighter and more streamlined in order to suit our Aussie tow vehicles.

When Geoff needed expert RV industry advice, it was time to involve long time friend and business associate Ron Warden.  With Ron's many years of experience in the motor home retail business he was the perfect person to assist with the design and floorplans for Travelhome.  Original designs were carefully modelled using computer aided design technology which enabled all components to be
pre-fitted and stress calculations to be carried out whilst ensuring that  lead times from concept to finished product were reduced to a minimum.  All of these combined years of vehicle manufacturing and RV retail experience together with modern technology has been applied to each individually constructed Travelhome, this is important when it comes time to consider the long term benefits of choosing a Travelhome over its competitors.

Travelhome's chassis is set up in its own jig to ensure consistent accuracy and each of the light weight high strength sections are positioned to enable the best welds possible.  After removal from the jig, each chassis is fitted with its independent suspension and is then relocated to the van assembly section of the factory where it has all gas lines, water tanks and pipe work installed.  It also has the 12v and 240v under floor wiring installed here prior the the fixing down of the water resistant flooring.

The one piece rear glass fibre moulding, side walls and roof nose sections are prefitted to ensure all joints can not leak.  Travelhome's unique side wall panels are capable of withstanding severe impacts without effecting their structural integrity and if damaged can be repaired by any local panel shop.

Another example of the state of the art innovations found in Travelhome is the interior aluminium cupboards which are welded together and although more expensive to produce are very light in weight and stronger than the alternatives.  Travelhome's craftsman then install all of the prefabricated furniture and luxury interior fittings before each unit leaves the factory for its water and road tests.

As you can see Travelhome's design incorporates many new ideas which not only look nice but are practical as well.  Features such as interior flush mounted overhead roller shutters, gel coat interior wall surfaces, full height slide out pantry and spacious rear dinette lounge which provides panoramic views from all seats.  The kitchen is also practically designed and has all of the appointments of home, and you will always be comfortable with Travelhome's full reverse cycle ducted air conditioning.

Other features include the spacious bathroom, toilet, separate modern vanity unit and privacy curtain which separates the bedroom and shower from the rest of the van.  Travelhome's bedroom has been described in several RV magazines as innovative, with its two single innerspring mattresses which can be zipped together to form a queen sized bed if required, and overhead skylight with insect screen and blind, reading lamps and book holders. 

A 16ft external roll out awning is standard and each owner has the choice of selecting external colour decals, internal fabrics and benchtop colours.  Many other options are available including flat screen TV’s, DVD players, surround sound stereo system, electric entry step, solar panels, reversing cameras and so on.

It’s when you take to the road the real benefits of choosing a Travelhome become obvious.  Things like being able to choose a tow vehicle with the comfort of a sedan cabin and ample power, ease of turning and parking.  It is comforting to know you are always going to clear petrol station awnings even when off the main highway and do not forget about the streamlined aerodynamic shape of Travelhome which will greatly reduce your traveling costs.

Recently Travelhome have introduced a 29' Travelhome to complement the 25' model. The 29' model is available in a range of floorplans including bunk beds, walk-around bed, and office layouts, and it can still be towed by most of the same tow vehicles. The most popular options from the 25' Travelhome are standard and there are many new options such as recliner chairs and a front-loading washing machine.

We do hope that the information contained within this website provides you with some of our background and demonstrates many of the advantages and unique features of Travelhome.  We look forward to hearing from you soon and wherever you decide to travel in our beautiful country you will enjoy your holiday much more in the safety, style and comfort of a Travelhome...

...It’s Even Smarter Than It Looks