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NEWS
DIY mini van floats Down Under
Coming to Australia, the Tail Feather is a lightweight, US-built plastic camper that requires home assemblyAll RVs require some setting up in camp. But now you can buy a compact caravan that requires assembly before you even hit the road.
Almost two years after we first laid eyes on the unique, polyethylene modular camper that slots together like IKEA flat-pack furniture, the Tail Feather camper has arrived in Australia.
Probably the world's first all-plastic, do-it-yourself caravan, the Tail Feather consists of a variety of interchangeable, polyethylene panels – some with doors, vents and windows -- that screw together to form a water-tight, two-berth camper.
After spending up to two hours building it, the stand-alone camper module attaches to a conventional 8-10ft x 5ft trailer for a 500kg package that can be towed by just about any vehicle.
Melbourne-based importer Micky Booth discovered the Colorado-built Tail Feather on the internet after an unsuccessful local search for a canvas-free camper that could be towed by his four-cylinder Mitsubishi Lancer.
The DIY theme continues inside the compact interior, with fold-up, removable furniture that includes a dinette that converts to a double bed, benchtop and sink, along with various storage compartments.
There’s a handy 180cm interior height, and the option of adding a water tank and pump, and 12V/240V electricity system to run the standard LED lights and any other appliances.
Made out of the same material as domestic water tanks, Booth said the tough, insulated panels “will easily last for 25 years if you kept it out in the sun”.
The versatile camper could also double as a toy hauler, with space for two motorbikes with the furniture packed tight. There's even the option of using a fold-up trailer, for those with really limited storage space.
“I think it’s going to appeal to people who maybe have been a tent camper and the next step up is this,” he said. “It’s definitely not as elaborate as a caravan, but you don’t have the storage hassles of a caravan nor the weight.”
Booth currently has one test camper at his Ringwood, Victoria headquarters, with a container load of eight camper kits due to arrive early-May.
Already with a couple of prospective buyers, he estimates the 10ft model including furniture will be priced from around $15,000, with another $3500 for a locally-built, off-road aluminium trailer if required.
The Tail Feather camper will be on display at the inaugural Explore Australia Expo scheduled for June 20-22 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
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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.
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