Cameron Canvas U Beaut Gen 1

Having tested Cameron Canvas’ Companion Uteback and marvelled at its ease of use, I had high expectations of the SA company’s new camper trailer.

Happily, the U Beaut Gen 1 doesn’t disappoint. Cameron’s updated model maximises storage space with a variety of compartments, offers improved sealing and is easy to operate and set up.

With over 20 years’ experience manufacturing campers, Cameron Canvas focuses on pioneering new ideas, using quality materials where it counts and offering custom configurations to its clients’ exacting requirements. The well-equipped U Beaut Gen 1 reviewed has a $29,500 price tag (SA, drive-away) and a host of options, which should leave you wanting for little on any serious camping excursion.

TOO EASY

Without doubt, the standout feature on these Cameron Canvas products are the quick-erect Concept Top tent tops. Setup is absolute child’s play, with it being a genuine one-man (or one-woman) job. The PVC road cover comes off quickly and stays rigid for later use as an awning above the kitchen, and the 9ft 6in tent cleverly folds out in stages to offer the on-ground basic shape in literally seconds.

From here, manoeuvre the fixed poles inside the tent and you’re good to go. The tent has a soft floor, yet manages to be rigid, and secures quickly and easily like a hard-floor camper. No pegs, guy ropes or additional poles are needed, as the framework is internally incorporated.

Inside, the tent is pleasingly bright with a host of huge windows and doors – one window takes up the whole end wall. Ventilation is impressive thanks to a window under the step. Wide, carpeted, aluminium steps give access to the base of the low bed, so bed mates can avoid clambering over each other in the night.

The wooden storage compartments by each side of the bed prove useful, although you’d want to avoid hitting yourself on these with the lights out. A huge steel slide-out storage box built in to the trailer and beneath the bed offers ample space for clothes and other supplies.

The floor is made of good quality PVC, which tubs centimetres up the walls. The walls themselves are of Australian-made Wax Converter 15oz canvas, joined with heavy-gauge thread in a durable French seam. More useful storage is found at the top of the tent, so all in all, this is a very well thought-out living space with an emphasis on quality.

GET COOKING

Slide-out storage behind the trailer door keeps everything within reach. A small fridge is included here (which would be a good backup to a large one in your tow vehicle), ideally placed beside the slide-out kitchen. A two-burner gas stove with hot plate does the cooking, and there are well thought-out, hand-made wooden drawers on offer for your crockery and cutlery.

With the storage box stowed, whoever’s on kitchen duty can use the tailgate seating, and as previously mentioned, the trailer’s PVC cover doubles as a kitchen awning with minimal fuss. Included in the price (but not shown in the photos) are annex walls that protect the kitchen from the elements.

A quick tea break or lunch stop is possible as the kitchen can be accessed without erecting the tent.

GOING LARGE

For an additional $1850 on the U Beaut’s asking price, you can specify a room extension for the main tent; ideal for groups or families as this separate area is totally private. With the fold-up extension (made of the same high-quality canvas) attached to the main tent, and the large end wall window now a door, you’d be looking at a massive 5m of tent cover in total.

Fortunately, this additional room complements the U Beaut’s Concept Top system. The extension also doesn’t require any poles, pegs or ropes thanks to its clever lightweight framework, for oodles of space available in a matter of minutes.

HEADING OFF

The space and equipment are well suited to a lengthy bush expedition, and Cameron Canvas has ensured the fully seam-welded trailer unit is able to venture into the rough stuff too. Built on a DuraGal chassis, the trailer body is of standard 2.1mx1.2m dimensions, fully zinced and powder coated.

Nine-leaf rebound shackle spring suspension suggests its offroad intent, complemented by capable 12in disc brakes behind 15in Sunraysia wheels.

The whole unit looks rigid and strong, is hitched on with Treg coupling, and its ground clearance impressed us when we threw it along some deep tracks on our photoshoot.

There’s a good tough toolbox up front, while a peg box built into the mudguard is an appreciated thought. Gas cylinders, Jerry cans and a spare wheel are securely fastened and protected, and mounts are optional for a boat and an outboard.

There’s a 12V electrical system and a protected 59L water tank supplying the rear-mounted and handily-placed external tap.

SUMMING UP

This no-nonsense camper trailer is well suited to quick overnight trips or longer excursions. Its incredible ease of setup won’t have you fearing packing up and moving on, which is invaluable for intrepid explorers.

The quality of the trailer and tent in particular wins over the U Beaut, and the innovative features illustrate Cameron Canvas’ appreciation of what enthusiasts want from a camper trailer.

Cameron Canvas U Beaut Gen 1

Tare 850 kg
ATM 1580 kg
Suspension Nine-leaf rebound
Brakes 12in disc brakes
Coupling Treg
Price $29,500 (SA, drive-away) Annex walls for the kitchen inc.


Cameron Canvas, 38 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale, SA 5610, (08) 8186 6666.
For more information, including your nearest dealer, visit cameroncanvas.com.au