First there were the military-inspired Conqueror off-roaders, then the similar, Safari-style Imagine Campers. Now a third South African camper trailer manufacturer has landed in Australia in less than two years, with the release of the Echo 4x4 camper trailer range Down Under.
Four offroad models are currently available from Echo 4x4 Campers Australia, including the entry-level Echo 3 and Echo 5 soft-floor campers, and higher-specced, fibreglass-bodied Namib and Kavango hybrid campers.
Built for rugged outback touring, the two Echo models feature high-sided electroplated and powdercoated steel bodies, with hot dipped galvanised chassis and tough leaf spring suspension and shock absorbers.
The bodies are fitted with camlock doors and automotive seals, and there’s a big rotomoulded nosecone on the drawbar for extra storage and a wood rack.
With canvas erected, the Echo tent campers offer sleeping for two adults on the main double bed, with a side tent that accommodates another three. A standard side awning is included, with optional kitchen and U-shaped awnings.
With a Tare of 805kg, the Echo 5 comes standard with 120 litre water tank and pressure pump, 105aH battery with 15amp battery charger, fridge slider with basin and tap, shower cubicle with shower head, extensive inbuilt storage including an eight drawer clothing system and a full set of dining plates and utensils.
The range-topping Namib and Kavango hybrid campers are constructed from monoque, double fibreglass insulated bodies with pop-up roofs on top of a galvanised chassis.
Inside, there’s a dinette with seating for four that converts to a double bed, LED lighting and there’s plenty of interior and exterior storage areas.
The Kavango is designed for four adults, while the Namib is said to accommodates two adults comfortably. Both have a low roof height (when stored) but excellent road clearance for serious off-road travel.
Other highlights include a Webasto diesel hot water system and heater, Smev two burner stove and BBQ grid, slide-out shower with hard floor, full 12V system including pure sine inverter, and 1400 litres of cupboard space.
With a 1300kg Tare and 1800kg GVM, the compact Kavango rides on a 2500kg independent leaf spring suspension with 12inch electric brakes.
Echo 4x4 Campers Australia director, Daniel Karsten, said all models have full ADR compliance, with changes made to Australian-spec models including new LED lighting, Redarc electrics, stainless steel kitchen and Australian Vehicle Components’ axles, hubs, brakes and hitches, which are fitted in Australia.
Karsten said Echo 4x4 had been building camper trailers for around 20 years and had been involved in tent manufacturing for 40 years. A big player in the South African market, the company has produced more than 10,000 trailers, with international outlets in Canada, USA, Germany and now Australia and New Zealand.
Company founder Willie Grobler has an aircraft engineering background, and the factory utilises automated production methods including robot welding and CNC laser cutting, with most parts including the high-quality African canvas manufactured in-house.
Karsten said another strong selling point is very competitive pricing across the range, compared to some of its competitors, including Conqueror which, like Echo 4x4 has supplied off-road trailers to the military.
"We’d like to offer something different to what the Australian market is used to," he said.
The range kicks off at $16,000 (driveaway) for the Echo 3, with the better-equipped Echo 5 retailing for $24,000 driveaway. The Namib starts at $43,000, while the range-topping Kavanga is priced at $49,000.
A long list of options is available for all models, while Echo 4x4 roof-top tents, popular with African safari tour operators, are also available.
Echo 4x4 Campers will be on display at the Newcastle Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo from February 17-19, followed by the Melbourne Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow on March 8-13 and the NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow on April 21-29.
See the Echo 4x4 Australia website for further details.