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NEWS
Basecamp hits hardcore market
New Queensland manufacturer dares to be different with super-slick light off-road camperThe number of light, compact, tough-as-nails camper trailers continues to grow, with Ayr, Queensland-based Ellis Recreational Vehicles recently joining the likes of Patriot, Conqueror and Drifta in offering a user-friendly rig designed for hard-core off-roading.
Combining a background in the fibreglass and electrical industries with a passion for camping, Ellis Recreational Vehicles’ boss Paul Ellis came up with the Basecamp, a slick, fibreglass go-anywhere camper with electric pop-top roof, bed slide-outs and innovative LandCruiser-style suspension.
“We’re trying to build a product that’s very easy to open up and close down, with the electric roof and no-fuss awnings,” explained Ellis.
“It seems to be quite a big hit with the older generation actually.”
Ellis chose a vacuum infusion process borrowed from the marine industry, to create the Basecamp’s one-piece, moulded body comprising 25mm thick fibreglass walls.
“I’d say the body is practically indestructible, it’s the same as a good boat hull,” he said.
SMOOTH RIDE
It rides on a galvanised steel chassis, with 16in steel wheels, all-terrain tyres and 12in electric brakes. But the real eye opener is the automotive-style wishbone independent suspension, using Toyota and Ironman components and bucking the RV industry standard trailing arm set-up.
“We’ve copied what you would find on a more modern 4WD like a Toyota LandCruiser which has a double wishbone suspension,” he said.
“It’s an adjustable suspension that has 400mm (clearance) as it leaves the factory but can be manually adjusted higher or lower.
“It’s terrific off-road, and there’s no bounce at high speeds on the highway. It just sits there straight as a dart.”
The Basecamp also boasts 35 degree approach and departure angles, and 600mm wading depth.
The body measures 4.2m by 2.19m wide, and Tare weight is a claimed 900kg with a 1300kg ATM.
HIGH POWERED ROOF
Four electric actuators lift the roof up by 800mm to deliver an interior height of 2.1m, and a mould-resistant polyester fabric is used for the standard front and side awnings.
Three layouts accommodating up to five people are available, priced from $46,500-$49,500.
Both Light and Compact models feature an external kitchen, accessed via a lift-up door at the rear, while the Extenda’s kitchen is located inside. All have internal lounge/dinettes, with a queen bed sliding out at either the front (Compact) or rear (Extenda).
Other standard features include an 85-90L fridge, two-burner gas cooktop, stainless sink with mixer tap, 12V water pump, 100 litre water storage (upgradable to 200 litres), external shower, fold-down picnic table, 4.5kg gas bottle, 100Ah battery system and 25amp battery charger, LED lighting and interior and exterior storage.
Ellis currently builds around five or six campers a year, but is hoping to ramp up production with the introduction of some new models, including an even smaller, entry level camper priced around $15,000-$20,000.
“We’re a small outfit focused on attention to detail and quality rather than mass production,” he said.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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