Desert-racing inspired Aussie camper debuts at SEMA

Queensland's Patriot Campers has launched a special Finke Edition version of its latest ST5 Supertourer hybrid pop-top camper at the 2024 SEMA automotive show in Las Vegas.

Patriot says the special edition camper which costs around $15,000 more than the already premium-priced standard version, was developed in partnership with Toyota USA and "was inspired by Australia’s iconic Finke Desert Race and designed to conquer the most challenging terrains".

Externally, the Queensland-built ST5 Supertourer Finke Edition stands out with a classic white and green colour scheme, carbon fibre decals, black canvas and bronze-coloured wheels with 35in mud tyres, while black Alcantara and green upholstery, a bronze basin tap and a carbon fibre table and benchtops are among other special touches added inside the SEMA show camper.

Patriot Campers' founder and CEO Justin Montesalvo said the ST5 Finke Edition with its desert racer-style remote reservoir shocks and powerful disc brakes, is the culmination of everything Patriot Campers has learned from their extensive involvement in off-road racing.

"This limited edition trailer incorporates advanced suspension and braking systems, designed in collaboration with leading off-road companies like Fox Racing and Method Wheels," he said. "The suspension, developed with Fox Racing, provides 150mm of travel and features adjustable compression for fine-tuning the trailer’s ride based on the terrain."

Labelling it as the world's most advanced camper trailer, Montesalvo said the ST5 Finke model's bespoke Wilwood disc brake set-up also offers "the best braking performance in the industry".

"Every element, from the decals to the use of carbon fibre, has been chosen to reduce weight and improve performance without compromising on the rugged aesthetic that Patriot Campers is known for," he said.

He said the Supertourer ST5 Finke Edition is not only a technical achievement but a symbol of Patriot Campers' dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in off-road camping.

“This is the ultimate expression of everything we’ve learned over the past decade. The Finke Edition isn’t for everyone – it’s for those who want the best of the best. It’s a statement piece, both in its performance and its design.”

According to Patriot Campers, production of the most expensive model in its 11 year history will be limited, with pricing of the Supertourer ST5 Finke Edition starting at AUD$163,990, or US$136,150 in the North American market.

The first example will spend time in Patriot Campers' Las Vegas showroom over the next 12 months before it makes its way back to the Gold Coast factory where it was built.

“Build number one is coming back to my garage," Montesalvo said.

Launched in Australia in August with a starting price of $139,000 (since raised to $149,000), the Supertourer ST5 is Patriot's most comfortable, feature-packed and priciest off-road camper trailer to date, and comes with a host of new and innovative features including a two-touch automated set-up, 'weld free' construction, Trinamic independent adjustable airbag suspension, and a patented double-floor ensuite conversion.

Find out more on the new Supertourer ST5 Finke Edition on the Patriot Campers website.