Conqueror off-roaders head into battle

Conqueror Australia's range of Army-inspired camper trailers were out in full force at the National 4x4 & Outdoors Show and Fishing & Boating Expo, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on September 3-5.

It was the first chance for Victorians to get a close look at the rugged, four-model range of off-road campers, which hit the Australian market in March this year after 12 months of R&D by its Brisbane-based distributor.

The striking green and beige, South African-manufactured camper trailers don't just look the part, however. Mega Manufacturers of South Africa were formerly builders of military equipment before venturing into the consumer market a few years ago, and much of that military knowhow and bulletproof engineering has been applied to its latest consumer models.

The camper trailers are manufactured in South Africa to ADR specifications, and then subject to a "glorified fitout" at Conqueror's Brisbane factory, including suspension, electrics, some canvas work and pull-out parts, according to National Sales manager Rick Johnston.

"We've got four different variants, the bigger two run the King springs coupled to Koni shocks, and our own independent suspension system, and the smaller ones run the Australian Sugar Glider suspension system, as used on the Ultimate and Kimberley," he said.

Johnston said the "military pedigree" is evident right throughout the campers.

"The swing arms are the same used in military production over in South Africa, each side is rated two and a half tonne, bearings rated 2.5 tonne, brakes are rated 3.0 tonne, they have big 12 inch Alco electric operated brakes. It's all over-engineered under there, for the just-in-cases," he said. "Another just-in-case feature is the gravity fed water-tap up front, so if for some reason your electrics pack it in you can still get to your water."

Another innovation, according to Johnston, is "a high pressure fan that actually pressurises the cabin while you are driving along so no dust can get sucked in".
Buyers can match their SUV' specifications to their campertrailer, including hubs, suspension, and battery.

While designed to get you in and out of most off-road situations, comfort has not been ignored. The top-of-the-line UEV 490 is available with 2 x double beds or 2 x singles and a double bed, a built in shower, slide out kitchen and vanity, TV, DVD, sound system, diesel hot water and heater, and liquor wine cabinet.
Tare is 1350kg, and it also comes with two water tanks (150 litres), 2 x 100Ah deep cycle batteries and 80w solar panel.

To back up its off-road credentials, Conqueror is introducing a 10 year guarantee on corrosion as part of the standard package.

A quick set-up time is another advantage over its competitors, claims Johnston.

"All you have to do is walk through the door and your bed’s there, and when you're inside you don’t even have to pop the roof, you can get to your groceries cabinet, your fridge freezer, your mini bar, without opening or closing anything."

Johnston said the campers could inspire a new term: glamping, or glamorised camping.

"It's got your creature comforts if you want them; if you don't, you can certainly rough it a bit," he explained.

Pricing starts at $41,495 for the range-topping, four-berth UEV 490, although the fully-optioned 'Evolution' model on display at the 4x4 & Outdoor Show retails for $58,000.

For more information see conqueroraustralia.com.au


• Got some RV news or released a new product? Email chris.fincham@carsales.com.au