Cedar caravan coming

The Queensland manufacturer of a teardrop camper made almost entirely from thick strips of Western Red Cedar, plans to build another retro-style, full height caravan version out of the same material.

Caloundra-based Wood on Wheels (WOW) Campers unveiled its eye-catching timber camper at the South Queensland Caravan, Camping, Boating & Fishing Expo, at the Nambour Showgrounds in early-April.

WOW Campers director Howard Campbell, who also runs a cedar hot tub and sauna business, said the two-berth camper is finished in a durable marine-grade clear finish to help protect it from the elements. The Tare weight is 550kg, and it's 3700m long overall, 2050mm wide and 1750mm high.

Campbell said the WOW camper will be custom built at his Caloundra factory, with buyers able to "dress it up or dress it down" depending on budget and preferences.

Pricing starts at $18,000, with a camper with all the 'bells and whistles' costing around $23,000.

Standard features include an 82 litre water tank, gas bottle, battery system and rear kitchen, with many options available including a 16in LED TV, 12V 50 litre fridge/freezer, water pump, hot water service and 15in alloy wheels.

Apart from its glossy, woodgrain exterior, the WOW Camper stands out from its many fibreglass and aluminium rivals with a sauna-style, timber-lined interior including double mattress and storage cupboards.

“I know there’s a lot (of teardrops) around but what makes ours different is we build it out of 40mm solid Western Red Cedar,” he said.

If the WOW camper is successful, there are plans for a larger, full height version.

"We're looking at doing another retro van, similar to the old Franklin
caravans; with about an 11 or 12ft body so people can stand up in it," he said.