$65k teardrop breaks cover

It might not come cheap, but this rugged little Hero Camper teardrop promises solid off-highway capability and no shortage of creature comforts for those after a lighter RV that’s easy to store and tow and doesn’t require a hefty tow tug.

Priced at $64,990, the Hero Camper Outback is currently on display at the 2023 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow in Melbourne (February 22 to 26), where the stylish little rig made its capital city debut after first appearing at the recent Wagga Wagga Lifestyle & Leisure Expo (February 10 to 12).

The rugged looking and relatively well-equipped teardrop is brought here from Denmark by Caravan HQ, which also sells brands including Royal Flair, On The Move, Van Cruiser, Highline, Network RV Caravans and newcomer My Dream RV.

The example shown at the Melbourne Showgrounds is one of three currently in the country and sports a Hunter Green colour scheme. Other colour options include Light Grey and Dark Grey.

With an ATM of just 1463kg and a Tare of 1213kg, the Hero Camper Outback boasts a payload of 250kg and could prove just the ticket for those who want to explore beyond sealed roads while travelling light. And it won’t prove too troublesome to store, either, measuring just 4820mm long by 2300mm wide by 2320mm high.

The display camper rides on an AL-KO chassis with Torflex torsion bar suspension, but Caravan HQ says going forward the Hero Camper Outback body will be imported from Denmark and then fitted to an Australian-made chassis by G&S Chassis in Cambellfield, Vic, giving the teardrop a rugged foundation with better local backup and parts availability.

Despite its diminutive size, the teardrop packs in a surprising number of features – as you’d hope at this price point. The list extends to a choice of 230V or 12V power, 125W of solar, a 200Ah battery, 1500V inverter, a range of power outlets, roof hatch, a 2.6-metre Thule awning with front and side screens, a 700W portable air-con system, and a 2kW diesel heater with 13L tank.

At the rear, the minimalist kitchen offers a 22L fridge/freezer, storage space, large benchtop, and a sink with tap hooked up to a 30L freshwater tank.

Sturdy and lockable checkerplate storage bins are located up front on the drawbar and on either side, just behind the Hero’s 17-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tyres.

Within the fully insulated fibreglass body, ambient LED lighting illuminates a compact yet thoughtfully realised space, where drawers retract over sleeping quarters equipped with a memory-foam double mattress. Cushioned seat backs provide a comfy spot to recline, book or iPad in hand, while concealed behind them lie the RV’s neatly laid-out electrics.

Need some additional sleeping space? The Galileo skybox roof tent has side ladder access and enhances the RV’s flexibility even further, although it also adds 63kg to the rig’s weight. It’s an optional extra – leave that box unchecked and you’ll save yourself around $4000.

According to the manufacturer, “The revolutionary Danish-designed Hero Camper is an incredibly robust teardrop trailer that provides the setting for your next adventure. Hero Camper liberates you from everyday life – a perfect outdoor product that opens your door to real nature experiences with comfort.”

Caravan HQ is taking orders for the Hero Camper Outback now, with the product available on a roughly 90-day lead time.

While there are quite a few teardrop campers available in Australia, many locally built, the Hero Camper had few rivals to shop against at the Victorian Caravan Supershow, apart from the Melbourne-built JPod campers on the Jayco stand which were priced around half that of the imported Hero model...