Blacked-out, all-Aussie pod camper released

A new blacked-out, limited-edition version of the Australian-built Trailmaster Active Pod adventure trailer has gone on sale.

Relatively new to the market, the Trailmaster Active Pod trailers are usually fully assembled from mostly Australian-made parts in a small factory in Wangaratta, Victoria, with a grey rotomolded plastic tub and bright orange wheel guards to make them stand out from the pack.

However, buyers of the lightweight, plastic pod utility trailers can now order a special 'Black Edition' Active Pod model, complete with black tub and matching black guards for a tougher, more macho look.

Like the regular Trailmaster Active Pod trailers, the Black Edition variant can be optioned up with a number of factory accessories to turn it from basic utility trailer to week-end adventure camper, including an overhead mounting frame to carry a rooftop tent or kayaks and a special tow hitch mount to fix a carrier for some mountain bikes.

While not unlike the popular Stockman plastic pod trailers in design and construction, Trailmaster marketing manager Martin Zboinski said the Active Pod trailers had a few key differences, including the main  tub sitting lower down in the chassis to deliver 30 per cent more storage capacity, and some special features like aluminium rails with anchor fixing points and tub dividers to help contain gear.

Rolled out to the market in early-2020 after a $1million-plus design and R&D program. the standard three-model range includes the $6490 Active Pod Utility, $7890 Active Pod Discovery, and $12,890 Active Pod Pioneer.

All feature a hot dip galvanised chassis, aluminium frame, vacuum molded lid and low-density polyethylene tub with 1750 litres of storage space. Fitted with leaf spring suspension and a 50mm ball couplling, the basic Active Pod Utility features a Tare weight of 320kg and 430kg payload, while heavier versions are equipped with electric brakes.

The mid-spec Discovery also gets a front storage box and roof bars, while the top-spec Pioneer adds larger all terrain tyres, off-road hitch and trailing arm coil suspension, jerry can and gas bottle holders and LED lighting.

Many of these accessories are available as options across the range, and can be retrofitted, including the front box, overhead mounting frame, bicycle carrier hitch, tub dividers and detachable table. The top-spec Pioneer can also be optioned up with airbag suspension for an additional $845.

Zboinski said the pod trailers are designed to appeal to buyers looking for something compact and lightweight as well as a bit more stylish and multi-purpose than a basic work 'n play trailer.

"A lot of our buyers are asking the question, 'Why do I want a steel trailer when I can get something cool and funky like this?'" he said.

Trailmaster doesn't offer a rooftop tent but a number of aftermarket tents should be able to be fitted to either the roof bars or optional mounting frame.

Trailmaster is also looking at introducing other features like a removable lid to make it easier to convert from a tradie or home utility trailer to week-end camper.

So far about 60 Trailmaster pod trailers have hit the tracks, most ordered directly through the Trailmaster website, These include an optioned-up Pioneer model currently being put through its paces by the 4x4 TV crew, while another one is doing the hard yards as a bike carrier and utility trailer for a secondary school.

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