Explorer targets solo female travellers

With statistics showing that 22 per cent of their buyers are solo female travellers, Clontarf, Queensland-based off-road motorhome manufacturer Explorer is offering a super-single bed as an alternative sleeping option on its latest Pathfinder 4WD model that made its debut at the recent Queensland Caravan Supershow.

Based on the buyer’s choice of a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger cab chassis, the Pathfinder is Explorer’s first motorhome with a transverse front bed. The 900mm x 1000mm super-single, or alternative 1500mm x 1000mm double bed are located in the motorhome’s Luton peak, with those choosing the single bed option gaining additional storage space in the nose of the peak.

Explorer’s joint owner John Burke, said the number of single female travellers had grown in recent years, with four wheel drive motorhomes being their preferred mode of transport.

“Even if they never use the 4WD to its full capability, women like the security of knowing that it will get them out of a sticky situation in a wet National Park,” he told caravancampingsales.

“They specifically like motorhomes because of the security of having access to the cab from the sleeping area, the inside ensuite bathroom, the strength and insulation of our full one-piece fibreglass body and the fact that with an overall length of 5.8 metres it will fit in a Woolies car parking space.”

For these reasons, Burke said the new Pathfinder had attracted a lot of interest at the Brisbane Supershow.

“Three of the four Pathfinders we sold were to solo female travellers,” he said. “Overall, it was a good show for us, with a total of 10 Explorers sold."

Priced from the same $155,000 as Explorer’s other single-axle Spirit and Vision motorhomes that have elevated north-sound beds extending rearwards from their Luton peaks, the Pathfinder’s all-new layout allows a rear club lounge that can be converted into an alternative double bed, with the combined shower and toilet located opposite the front entry door and the vehicle’s galley.

A large Vitrifrigo fridge and a slide-out exterior BBQ are included in its comprehensive specification.

While Burke said that few of Explorer's solo female customers took advantage of their vehicle’s 4WD to access remote areas, they had the confidence that their motorhome was built to take them there, if they wanted to.

“Our motorhomes have conquered all the major Outback Highways, the Canning Stock Route and even the Telegraph Track to Cape York,” he said. “Customers may not plan such adventurous travels, but they like to know they vehicle can.”