Camp/o/matic Ranger M3

Camp/o/matic produces three models of offroad camper: the Getaway 4x4, the Ranger M3 and the top-of-the-line Ranger XTC. For our latest indulgence we tested the mid-spec Ranger M3.

The Ranger camper is built on a custom-designed, hot-dipped galvanised integral chassis, to which all parts of the camper are fixed. This adds strength, minimal sidewall flex and effective dust sealing through double-lipped seals.

All three models have Camp/o/matic’s independent coil suspension with robust trailing arms, heavy-duty parallel bearings in the hub, Tough Dog shock absorbers and Lovell springs. Wheels, stud patterns and tyres can be customised, and our unit was fitted with 16in rims and 265/75R16 rubber. Brakes are proven Al-Ko offroad electric activated units.

Total weight varies from 810kg to 920kg dry, while maximum GVM is 1600kg giving the campers a good pay load of between 680 and 790kg. The weight-distribution problem of the storage box (or Wedge Box as Camp/o/matic calls it) on the A-frame is solved with standard heavy items such as the spare wheel, in-built 120 litre water tank and 12V battery located behind the axle, keeping the ball weight of the dry camper to 60kg, and close to 10 per cent of GVM on the towball once loaded.

All models have storage for two 4.5kg gas bottles (one bottle supplied) and two 20 litre jerry cans. The Wedge Box can store items, be used as a kitchen pantry, hold a fridge/freezer, or a mix of all three.

A Treg-type offroad coupling comes as standard while the jockey wheel is a swing-away solid tyre affair.

The rear tyre carrier is mounted on a robust easy-to-use, swing-away arm, while the large water tank is under the chassis but hangs a little low. A standard fitted drain tap to help keep the tank clean is a handy feature.

The Camp/o/matic’s boat carrying system is a rather ungainly-looking affair, but gets the boat out of the way fairly quickly. The big advantage of the flip-over solid-floor camper is the speed and ease of setup. The roof rack acts as the cantilever to open the top of the closed unit out to become the extended floor of the open camper, taking out the tent canvas at the same time. The Ranger’s design and arrangement of the gas struts make it a breeze.

First the boat and boat loader, if fitted, is swung out the way and then the spare tyre is swung away. The two catches at the front of the camper lid are released, as is the catch holding down the roof rack. The rack is lifted and swung over, and the lid-turned-floor of the camper, along with the tent canvas, follows easily until the rack touches the ground.

With the rack’s legs adjusted and the floor locked to the rack, the camper is ready to use. To pack up, the reverse procedure applies, but it’s more fiddly and time consuming. Make sure the tent concertina is in at the front with excess canvas tucked away from any seals. One person can do it, but it’s easier with two. The canvas drops down onto the bed when in travelling mode, so carry a large blue tarp to protect it against damp.

The tent section is made from 10oz canvas with double-sewn seams and YKK zips. There are windows on all sides plus walk-through insect-proofed doors. Fly wire is a fine mesh version for all window and doors, while most windows have internal flaps. An L-shaped awning and far end wall is standard. It takes a bit of time to set up but provides shelter over the kitchen area. Options include a fully-enclosed awning, ensuite and separate family room.

Underbed storage can be accessed by a drawer system or by lifting the whole double bed, and is made easier by gas struts. Much of this storage area is accessed by a separate door in the tailgate behind the swing-away tyre carrier.

There’s a couple of reading lights, 12V power sockets, a Matrix battery and water monitoring system, 240V power inlets with safety switches and a 240V auto battery charger. Under a side panel is one or two 60 amp deep-cycle batteries, depending on the model of camper.

The fully stainless steel kitchen is a beauty. It pulls out on the front nearside to the equivalent of the width of the camper and comes with a four-burner stove with grill. While the gas is permanently connected, a smart tap arrangement means it is always switched off when the kitchen is closed up. There’s also a sink, pressurised water tap, large flip-over food preparation bench, cutlery drawer and tea towel rack.

Summing up

Camp/o/matic’s Ranger M3 towed well behind the Patrol, but could easily be pulled by Pajeros and Prados.

Offroad it is very capable, although the longer drawbar does hamper it a little in tight situations. Our Ranger was priced at $27,450, with the optional boat loader.

With the $34,600 Ranger XTC the ladder and other options are standard. The no-frills Getaway model comes in at $21,750.

Camp/o/matic Ranger M3

Manufacturer      Camp/o/matic

Model         Ranger M3

Advised Tare weight    approx 880kg

Advised hitch weight   approx 60kg

GVM 1600kg

Price as tested (Dec 2004)      $27,450

Camp/o/matic Camper Trailers, 25 Old Pacific Hwy, Yatala North, Qld 4207, (07) 3287 2431,website: www.campomatic.com.au

In Vic: ARB Northern (03) 9460 9988.

In NSW: ARB City Southern, (02) 9565 2455.