Drifta back in the camper game

Drifta has announced the introduction of two new towable camper products to add to its extensive range of camping gear.

While the Gloucester NSW-based business is perhaps best-known for its camper trailer kitchens, the 24 year old company has progressed to a prolific range of camping products including camper conversions, ute camper canopies, canvas products and more.

The latest step for the company is a return to camper trailers -- this time with an imported hybrid caravan, the Stockton UP-15E, and another locally-built camper trailer, the DOT 2.0.

The new Drifta Stockton UP-15E is a 15-foot single-axle off-road pop-top hybrid van with an internal shower/toilet and internal/external kitchen facilities, that sleeps up to four people. Priced from $64,990, it comes with a comprehensive spec sheet which includes dual-shock, independent suspension, a reverse-cycle air-con, 62-litre fridge, DC/DC charger with solar input and a 135A/h lithium battery.

Tare (unloaded weight) is 2080kg, with a payload of up to 920kg (3000kg ATM) and ball load (at Tare) of 200kg, for a van measuring 6350mm long, 2250mm wide and 2450mm high. Drifta is backing its new family hybrid model with a five-year local warranty, three year manufacturer warranty and two years roadside assistance.

Meanwhile, the new locally-built DOT 2.0 off-road camper-trailer is a continuation of the 'DOT' series, after Drifta stopped making the small lightweight campers around three years ago. Drifta made around 400 of the original DOT series over several years, but CEO Luke Sutton said the company didn’t have the volume to justify continued sales of the camper at the time.

Made in Brisbane, the new laser-cut, powder-coated DOT 2.0 trailer is in Sutton’s own words, effectively “A canopy on a chassis”.

Pricing starts around $45,000, and while the trailer is well-specified for off-road work for camping enthusiasts it comes as a 'blank canvas' -- without a tent or fridge, for example, as many buyers will already have their own, Sutton reckons.

Buyers have the option to add a range of camping equipment from the extensive Drifta catalogue, while Drifta is also marketing the DOT 2.0 as a go-anywhere tradie trailer.

A key feature of the DOT 2.0 trailer is its 2350mm wide, strut-assisted side doors. The offside door reveals a 1450mm x 1350mm off-side storage area, with a pull-out table. The passenger side also has a drop-down table and shelf storage, plus a draw-slide for a fridge.

For off-roading, the internal area is sealed and pressurised, with a dust filter. There are also multiple cut-outs in the internal area intended for wiring, a control panel and Anderson plug for those who wish to include them as supplied options, or fit them later.

Other features include twin jerry can holders and a gas bottle holder at the rear, and mounting brackets for LED spot lights.

There's also a prototype rear box with a hinged cover that lifts on struts to reveal an external shower cubicle-style ensuite tent, with a gas hot water service, mirror soap holder, shelves and shower unit. Sutton said this shower unit will go into production if there's enough demand.

There’s also an A-frame front box on a slide, or just a space-case if that’s all that’s needed. A walk-up ladder from the A-frame is also fitted for those wanting roof-top access for a tent, for example. Roof height with an (optional) roof-top tent is approximately 2300mm.

External water hose points are tucked under on the nearside rear, fed by a 140-litre water tank underneath, and there's also an underslung spare towards the front.

Fittings such as handbrake cables are stainless steel, and there are mudflaps to shield the suspension area from stone damage, as well as mudflaps fitted behind the wheels.

The Drifta DOT 2.0 rides on twin-shock, coil spring independent suspension, with 12-inch electric drum brakes and a chassis that can be recovered from shackle points at the front and rear.

The tough new Drifta trailer boasts a 1095kg Tare and 1900 ATM, for a 800kg payload. A 2900kg rating is also an option.

Both of the new Drifta campers are available to order now, with a current wait time of about three months.

Drifta will be displaying the new models at the National 4x4 Outdoors Show in Brisbane (March 15-17), and later in the year at the Sydney 4WD and Adventure Show at Eastern Creek (September 6-8).