ARB on target with SniperX

The Sunshine Coast’s North Coast Campers has combined with 4WD specialists ARB to produce a tough new off-road pop-top camper that bridges the gap between large canvas trailers and hybrid caravans.

On display at the recent Queensland Caravan Supershow, the 14ft (1950mm x 2150mm x 6400mm) single-axle SniperX hybrid weighs in at 1450kg and sits on a 150mm x 50mm hot-dipper gal chassis and A-frame with trailing arm independent coil spring suspension.

Primarily, the SniperX is a camper on the outside, with a comprehensive two-burner stainless steel kitchen behind a lit-up lid under a roll-out awning on the left side, with a 140 litre pantry above and twin 1350mm x 50mm drawers serving as home for a pair of 60 litre ARB Element fridges on the left.

The other side houses three more 750mm x 500mm ARB Outback drawers for further storage behind a pair of drop-down lids, next to an external hot/cold shower drawing from twin polytanks, with a combined capacity of 200 litres.

Adding to this is a pair of lockable 1500 x 500 x 500 mm front storage boxes on the A-frame, topped by a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform that can be used to carry toys or firewood, as required.

Inside, via a water-tight, top-hinged rear door with a double tread, slide-out steel step below, the Sniper X softens its macho image with a small, but effective combined corner shower toilet, opposite a second two-burner gas cooktop and an adjacent sink with mixer tap, so that you can stay and cook inside when the elements dictate this.

A high-mounted transverse front queen bed with inner-spring mattress up front and a small two-person dinette, complete the comfort features, while the pop-top is raised electrically by a similar one-switch 12V mechanism used on other North Coast hybrids.

Two 200W room-mounted solar panels, twin 120AH batteries and a 350W inverter deliver the power to the motor and five USB sockets.

Another item that sets the SniperX apart from the crowd is the its substantial seven-year chassis warranty, plus two years cover on parts and labour.

With Australian Off-Road’s Quantum Super Camper clearly in its sights, the ARB version of the SniperX is currently being offered for a competitive $88,500.

However North Coast’s Brian Ward said he might later produce a ‘naked’ version of the SniperX for a cheaper price, leaving it up to the buyers to spec-out the camper with their choice of ancillary equipment.

For more information, visit www.sniperX.com.au