Review: Royal Flair Razor XT

Fifty years of caravan manufacturing. By any measure, that’s a lot of time, a lot of experience, and a huge contribution to the industry. It also equates to thousands of caravans and even more memories for those who bought them. I’m referring to Royal Flair Caravans, a company that has been in the Deralas family for the entire time. Founded by Peter Deralas in 1975, it is run by his son, Billy, as the second generation, and Billy’s son, Peter, as the third generation.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Royal Flair introduced new features and designs to its most popular models. One of those is this Razor XT. Royal Flair has been building it for eight years, but it now boasts a revised shape and equipment. We took the 17ft 6in model out for a long look. What makes it tick?

AGGRESSIVE AESTHETIC

The Razor XT is unequivocally an offroad caravan. It has a purposeful look and a high stance on the road. Partially, this is due to the shallow ‘V’ shape of the body – new for the Razor XT – but there’s no denying that it gives the van an aggressive aesthetic. 

The A-frame is 6in RHS SupaGal, while the main members are 4in, but it’s all finished in a protective coating known as EnduroCoat.

Our Royal Flair Razor XT did, however, have some heft to it. At Tare, it tipped the scales at 2894kg. A fair portion of this weight is accounted for in the chassis, structure and offroad equipment. Royal Flair uses 18mm structural ply for its walls and swears by it. The ply is CNC routed to created not only the shape but channels to accommodate the wiring. The ply is then clad in composite aluminium. But new for 2025 is the fact that the van contains no checkerplate. Instead, smooth Bluescope aluminium plating is used, running 780mm high on the sides and 1100mm on the rear. The result is a more streamlined and modern look. Let’s face it, checkerplate has had its day, and it’s refreshing to see companies employ different materials.

Also new for the Razor XT this year: Cruisemaster XT suspension, BMPRO sway control, a new mesh stoneguard on the A-frame, and an A-frame-mounted storage box fabricated from smooth aluminium. This box contains a slide-out on the nearside for two 9kg gas cylinders, while it’s general storage space on the offside. It might be worth adding an Anderson plug here so that you could use this space to power a portable fridge. The box also contains a couple of jerry can holders, with two more on the bumper bar, which also sports a firewood box behind the spare wheel.

As an offroad caravan, the Royal Flair Razor XT gets recovery points and protection to the three fresh water tanks (2x95L; 1x50L) as well as the 50L grey water tank. Interestingly, Royal Flair has also moved the water pump to the outside of the van, the idea being to reduce noise inside. But don’t worry: the pump sits inside a checkerplate box mounted to the chassis – the only checkerplate you’ll find on this van.

Important point: our review van’s only cooking facilities comprised of an external slide-out kitchen complete with a stainless steel sink and three-burner cooktop. However, that was this van only – the Royal Flair Razor XT normally comes with an internal kitchen. The eternal kitchen’s hot and cold water connect to taps inside the tunnel storage system and don’t need to be disconnected; however, the gas does need to be connected to the bayonet coupling. In an ideal world, I’d prefer to see the bayonet mounted flush to the side of the van as it’s awkward to reach and connect underneath.

By now, you’ve probably guess that this van is designed for extended stays in the bush. You’d be right. As standard, it comes with two 200Ah lithium batteries and the Victron Micro Touch Plus package, which includes a 3000W, 120A inverter/charger and power management system. Three 200W solar panels are mounted to the roof.

A small point, but I appreciated that the Victron MPPT solar regulator, DC-DC charger and Cerbo CX power management system, and all associated fuses, etc., were mounted in an easily accessible locker, on the offside. Often enough, these lockers are situated vertically and you need a step ladder to reach the upper catch. Points for that.

That covers the main points relating to the exterior of the new-look Royal Flair Razor XT, though I could tell you more. Suffice it to say that its well-appointed and well-finished. The only other note is the look. The tandem axles (necessary due to the weight of the van) combine with the relatively short length to create a somehow tank-like appearance. The company and model branding are now laser-etched into aluminium, too. Awesome.

ROYAL FLAIR RAZOR’S DROP-DOWN BED

The secret to the success of this van’s layout lies in the drop-down bed, a feature that Royal Flair uses in quite a few of its vans. It also allows for an honest-to-goodness rear club lounge, a bathroom with a separate fibreglass shower cubicle, and a couple of bunks across the front. No, it isn’t the most spacious layout you’ve ever seen, but that’s not the point here.

Ultimately, this Royal Flair Razor XT is about comfortable off-grid family travels with all the gear and then some, without the caravan length that might (and probably would) impede your ability to access the best sites. Royal Flair has attempted to package it all into as small a unit as possible.

The bed works at the push of a button, and can be lowered to whatever your preferred height. Further, you can make up the club lounge into another large bed for guests, which would mean lowering the bed to half-mast.

As mentioned, the kitchen in this particular van didn’t include a traditional kitchen, which in turn has meant loads of workable bench space. However, a rangehood was still fitted, with a portable induction cooktop supplied instead so that the customer can cook inside or outdoors. A good move. That said, a 23L flatbed microwave has been fitted (new for 2025) and positioned in the lower cupboards rather than the overheads – also a good move.

The two bunks include an aluminium ladder, 12V fans, and a reading light with built-in USB light. While the van isn’t overflowing with internal storage space, there is a cupboard next to the club lounge as well as the bunks, in the entryway, a range of overhead lockers, and the drawers are on soft-close runners.

A CaraFan Sahara dust suppression system, Starlink provision, a sound system and 24in TV, a reverse-cycle air-conditioner, a generous 274L compressor fridge (larger than what you’ll find in some 20ft-plus vans)… the list of equipment goes on. Do I think it’s lacking anything? No. It’s just a lot of gear in a small space that’s been cleverly designed in a cohesive way.

GORV’S VERDICT

It’s certainly unusual to come across a 17ft 6in van weighing close to 3000kg Tare. Fair enough. But whether that’s for you depends on your perspective. I view this Royal Flair Razor XT as a genuinely strong (almost tank-like) van with more fruit than your local green grocer, built for adventurous families who have the tow vehicle to suit a 3500kg ATM rig but who don’t want the size.

There’s other things to think about too: Royal Flair is now offering 12 months of premium roadside assistance as well as a five-year warranty, as opposed to the three years previously offered.

It’s a beast of a thing.

THE SCORE

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS