Brawny box camper bounces back
Tough Queensland-built off-road composite camper gets new lease of lifeFledgling Queensland manufacturer Hitch Campers has released a new and improved version of a tough, user-friendly pod camper that first hit the market about two years ago.
According to Hitch Campers' Manager Eric Tram, the latest Hitch Canning off-road composite camper is a 'best of both worlds' blend of Hitch Campers' original prototype and the hard-body Trojan trailer launched by Nerang, Queensland-based Box Campers in 2018.
Hitch Campers took the opportunity to buy the Box Campers' business after founder Kaine Riley died from cancer in 2019.
"Hitch Campers originally started in 2017 with a prototype being built and tested through the Simpson Desert and up to Cape York," Eric Tram explained.
"With the second design concept, it turned out to be very similar to Box Campers and when we learnt the unfortunate passing of Kaine, we bought the designs and IP."
While the basic interior bed/outside kitchen recess design and full composite construction are largely unchanged, Tram said Hitch has lifted the overall 'quality of finish' as well as specification level, to make the latest version more 'future proof' for buyers.
"We've really designed it for those people who want to get out there and tour, with no set-up required and not having to feel the need to upgrade in a few years time," Tram said.
The more upmarket Canning features cabinetry built from waterproof composite plastic instead of balsa ply and gets new soft-close hinges and gloss timber look doors, while the kitchen sink is more sturdy stainless steel rather than a plastic foldable type.
Off-road underpinnings have also been beefed up with Cruisemaster XT coil independent suspension (with optional airbags), along with Hankook mud tyres fitted as standard, while dust suppression is now taken care of by a more advanced automatic cabin pressurisation system.
"So when the camper is moving on the road, it’ll automatically turn on the fan to provide positive pressure inside the cabin and kitchen area," Tram explained. "When stopped, it’ll still run for an additional two minutes to prevent the dust that’s behind you to catch up and enter the camper."
The Hitch Canning also benefits from a bigger 95 litre fresh water tank (with the option of a second 95L tank) and an up-rated Enerdrive battery system including 150Ah slimline AGM battery with 20amp AC charger, DC charger and battery monitor.
Overall, the new Hitch Canning measures 4770mm long by 2200m wide by 2100mm high, with a 2060mm long by 1540mm wide by 1240mm high, interior space. Tare weight is listed at 840kg, with an ATM of 1600kg.
The monocoque composite body sits on a Raptor coated steel chassis and boasts up to 1300 litres useable storage space, including room in the front toolbox and internal overhead cupboards. There's also space for an optional 60 litre fridge.
Other standard features on the Canning include an AL-KO off-road coupling, 10in electric brakes, roof rack, side awning, queen latex foam mattress, double glazed caravan-style windows, roof hatch, security screened doors, 4.5kg gas bottle, two burner gas stove, water gauge, LED lighting and a variety of power sockets.
Pricing starts at $44,990, with a range of options available including a $3199 extra, Adventure Pack that adds an extra water tank, 270 degree awning, hot water unit and an outdoor shower and tent, and a $2199 extra, Tech Pack which includes a Bluetooth module, 600W inverter and solar panels from Enerdrive.
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