Regent Discoverer RDC210 Review

Regent Caravans has a long history in Australia. The company started manufacturing RVs in Melbourne some thirty years ago, and thousands of happy campers are still enjoying the freedom of these wonderful caravans.

History never stands still with the brand's patriarch passing away in 2012, prompting the inevitable change of ownership and now manufacturing base. With the changes comes improved technologies, particularly with aluminium frames and fibreglass panels replacing the older timber shell techniques. The new owners of Regent Caravans also made the strategic decision to move a portion of the manufacturing content to the parent company's start-of-the-art facility just south of Shanghai, China, and we tested one of the first of the new range for 2021.

Space Saving Style

From a personal point of view, I make it my practice to apply the same principles of critic’ to all products no matter their origin, and in the case of this Regent Discoverer RDC210 I certainly liked what I saw. The new generation of Regent Caravans display some significant changes, particularly in their chic’ design but also with their manufacturing procedure that has produced stronger and very liveable RV’s that are built for a long, but very comfortable future.

Regent has enhanced their “Space Saving Style” with an alluring internal layout jam-packed with superb craftsmanship and a long list of features and accessories. Externally, she’s certainly a head turner with a very modern, aerodynamic, and attractive design that starts with the clever use of moldable fibreglass features that remove any traditional caravan “boxiness!”

Engineering That Goes the Extra Mile

Every construction needs a solid foundation; hence, the Discoverer rides on a fully welded Duragal chassis with a 150mm drawbar and a 100mm chassis with a 50mm riser. I was pleased to see the entire framework coated with hard-wearing Raptor coatings that greatly improve abrasion protection and longevity. She rides on Al-Ko tandem independent rubber suspension with TrailSafe breakaway brakes and Lippert sway control with 15” radials and black mag wheels. Independent trailing arm suspension is optional. The RDC210 boasts a 3500kg ATM with a tow ball weight of (Dry) 151kg and tare 2617kg, hence heaps of payload availability.

Regent has recognised that the floor construction is paramount to the overall strength and longevity, and now incorporates a 42mm thick composite sandwich panel including fibreglass, vinyl and checker plate textured fibreglass skins encapsulating XPS foam insulation impervious to water. The walls use an aluminium framework as the skeleton for 32mm thick composite panels, again with insulation, but this time gloss fibreglass external and internal sheeting. The walls and roof feature single-piece construction, again reducing the possibility of water ingress. Plus, they look terrific.

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Practical Design

I loved the aesthetics, particularly the fully moulded front and rear. The black fibreglass lids for the storage boot, twin gas bottle storage, and full-width window at the front are very inventive and attractive. The rear incorporates recessed spare wheel moulding, a reversing camera, and a bumper, and the entire unit has a great selection of LED lighting.

Overhead, there is a reverse cycle air conditioner, 170w solar panel, and plenty of light/ventilation hatches. External living is enhanced with a roll-out awning, picnic table, and speakers for the Bluetooth sound system.

Kick Back in Comfort with Recliners and More

Comfortable open-plan living is the name of the game with the Regent Discoverer RDC210; in fact, Regent defines it as “Space Saving Style!” Regent has an in-house R&D centre that utilises CAD software, 3d modelling, and finite element analysis (FEA), a computerised method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world stresses. What that all means is maximised efficiency in design and construction for ultimate liveability and longevity.

Internal design is a very personal criterion. Many will love the open plan with twin leather recliner chairs and a fold-out table. I certainly appreciate relaxing in total comfort at the end of a long day living my dreams, and there’s tonnes of added storage in the side cabinetry.

Luxury Living with a Spacious Ensuite

The Discoverer has a full-width ensuite at the rear of the caravan, with a fully moulded individual shower, toilet, vanity, and top-load washer all set in beautiful cabinetry with gloss grey cabinet doors over white laminate construction and a large, well-lit mirror.

Upfront is an island queen bed, with bedside wardrobes and countless innovative storage options, including overhead cabinets throughout the van. There are bedside storage nooks and tables, plus wardrobes and drawers, and many cabinets and benches have rounded edges, adding to the standard of quality. All are fashioned from plywood, not MDF, and the optional range of finishes and trim is quite stunning. Many of the overhead cupboards have attractive flat doors and some terrific pantry and storage ideas. The Discoverer’s interior is light, and its styling is contemporary. 

The kitchen is quite compact but well equipped. It has a stainless sink, mixer, and filtered water, a microwave, a gas stove with grill but no oven, and a large fridge/freezer and range hood. It’s a little short on bench space, so there’s a pull-out extension and lift-up top for the cooker. There are also twin pull-out pantries.

Power and water are life's essentials, and this Discoverer has a good supply of both. There are twin 95-litre water tanks beneath with optional greywater and the trusted Projecta PM300 BMS with handy remote light switching. Overhead, the 170w solar panel feeds life into a single 100 Ah lithium battery as standard. All Regent RVS are fitted with a 240v system with a fuse box, solar controller, battery charger, water pump switch, hot water cut-off switch and primary load indicator. There’s a terrific array of internal and external LED lighting, including strip lighting under the cabinets. She’s light and airy with flush double insulated windows with blockouts and flyscreens, overhead hatches, and ventilation.

Regent RVS backs their products with a 5-year structural and 2-year manufacturer's guarantee for peace of mind. They also have a nationwide approved sales and repair network for total service. Check ‘em out—it’s a lot of caravan!

Specifications (Snapshot)

Ball Weight: 151 kg

Tare Weight: and tare 2617kg

ATM: 3500kg

Exterior Dimensions: 8820mm L x 2400mm W x 2950mm H

Body: Aluminium frame with insulated fibreglass composite

Chassis: 150mm drawbar, 100mm chassis with 50mm riser, Duragal with Raptor coating

Suspension: AL-KO tandem independent rubber suspension

Wheels & Tyres: 15” radials and black mag wheels

Sleeps: (How many people) 2

Water Capacity: 190l with electric water pump

Battery & Charger: 100Ah Lithium battery and Projecta PM300 battery management system

Fridge: 188l upright fridge/freezer

Cooktop: 4-burner cooktop (3 gas, one electric) with grill, range hood

Hits

• Terrific aesthetics and mouldings

• Innovative design

• Spacious layout

• Comfort

• Twin pull-out pantries

• AL-KO tandem independent rubber suspension

Misses

• An open plan with twin recliners is a very personal choice.

• Recliners are unrestrained for transport

Still Shopping for the Perfect Van?

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au!  If you enjoyed this review, please check out our current selection of Regent Caravans for sale.

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