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NEWS
Computer nerds design unique camper
Trick, off-road hybrid family camper launched by Brisbane software developersTwo Brisbane-based ‘computer nerds’ with a passion for camping have created what they believe is the ultimate off-road, family hybrid camper.
Around 18 months in design and development, the composite-panelled Condamine Camper fills a gap in the market for those who want the off-road agility of a camper trailer with the off-the-ground convenience and interior comforts of an 'expanding' caravan.
Bryan Wain said he and business partner John Huth were both working in software development before deciding to “follow my dreams and start building campers for a living”.
“The design came from John and I sitting at a whiteboard for a couple of days and designing the ultimate camper that fits our lifestyle,” Wain explained.
“We’ve both been camping for a long time -- I still have a Trackabout soft-floor -- but it’s difficult touring in a soft floor especially when you’ve got two kids like I do.
“Neither of us are interested in towing a (big) caravan. There are very few options for a four-person hybrid on the market, and so we thought we’d be able to offer something a bit different.”
What’s unique about their hard-walled camper is that the two-part, hinged rear wall and a side wall section drop down to form a combination shower/toilet and rear bedroom or second living area. Both hard floors are supported by posts and are at the same, elevated level as the main living area of the camper.
The fold-out rear bedroom has an integrated canvas tent and frame and the 2.1m long x 1.9m wide floorspace is big enough to accommodate two large stretcher beds, which are supplied with the camper.
A separate canvas ‘annexe’ zips on to the fold-out ensuite, which has a hot/cold shower, caravan-style electric flush cassette toilet and 1.5m x 0.9m floorspace.
Large, gullwing doors swing up on both sides of the high walled camper, to access a large external storage space on the offside.
The onside cavity holds an impressive stainless steel kitchen incorporating a three-burner Smev cooktop and sink, slide-out pantry, work bench, storage shelves, and slide-out Waeco 65 litre fridge. A full set of pots, dishes and cutlery are also included.
To keep the Tare weight between 1300-1400kg (ATM is 2000kg), the body is constructed from laser cut, powder-coated composite aluminium panels (earlier versions used fibreglass). The camper is approximately the same width and height as a Toyota Prado when towing.
The 90cm high pop-top roof is raised by four electric actuators via remote control, and has a manual over-ride. Each roof actuator is rated to lift 250kg and the composite roof weighs just 70kg, so there’s the option of carrying roof racks or a boat loader.
Inside the main living area, a ladder leads up to the innerspring queen-sized mattress, with two storage cupboards under the bed.
To run the fridge and LED lighting, the standard 12V/240V electrical system includes three 100Ah AGM batteries, 400W solar panels, Projecta 25A charger, DC/DC and solar regulator.
An integrated toolbox/stone deflector on the drawbar holds the Webasto diesel air heater and hot water system, plus two jerry cans and two gas bottles. A 125 litre water tank is standard, as is a large 7.5m x 3m awning.
Designed for serious off-road use, the Condamine sits on a 150 x 50mm hot dipped galvanised chassis, with Vehicle Components 2.6 tonne-rated twin shock, independent coil suspension and DO35 hitch, and 17in CSA alloys with General Grabber AT2 tyres. Two spare wheels are mounted on a swing-away rear bar.
The camper is being assembled at a Jimboomba, Brisbane factory, with parts supplied by local specialists including the same chassis manufacturer that supplies Trackabout Campers.
Only one, top-spec model is available, priced at $64,990 drive-away. Condamine is also working on a ‘grey nomad’ version without the rear bedroom.
The Condamine camper will be on display at Queensland’s Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4x4 Expo from September 23-25.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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