Fibreglass teardrop campers ready for the bush

Fans of well-equipped, lightweight teardrop campers now have another option to choose from, with a new three-model range of South African-built Cruizy Campers recently hitting the Australian market.

With headquarters in West Gosford, NSW, the Cruizy Campers range kicks off at $27,990 for the entry-level Vagabond Possum camper, which comes standard with leaf spring suspension, 14in steel rims, overide brakes, a 60 litre water tank, LED lighting, nose cone storage, roof rails, a two burner portable gas stove, two tables, electric sockets, roof rails, a 2.5m awning, a 100Ah battery and charger, and a water pump and basin tap.

Stepping up to the $33,990 mid-range Vagabond Joey gets additional items including bigger 15in wheels, checkerplate protection, a 50 litre fridge freezer and electric drum brakes, while the the top-spec Vagabond Brumby camper, priced from $34,990, adds a spare wheel, 12V fan roof hatch, 16in wheels with off-road tyres, a six setting crockery set, interior upholstery, 270 degree awning, solar input Anderson plug and side protection bars.

All models are based on the same teardrop style, full monocoque fibreglass body with polyurethane foam insulation, measuring around 2.0m long and 1.5m wide, and with a rear lift-up kitchen and foam cell queen mattress and up to 11 storage options inside.

"They're full fibreglass construction, there's no timber in them at all, and no joins so there's no possibility of leaks through the floor or roof or anything like that," Cruizy Campers' Norm Steyn explained.

The lightweight fibreglass campers are shipped almost complete to Australia, with final assembly at the West Gosford facility including fitment of locally sourced components such as spring-loaded couplings and axles from Melbourne's Huntsman Products and Brown and Watson battery systems.

Tare weights start from around 580kg with an ATM of 990kg-1140kg, depending on variant.

"Anything from a Suzuki Jimny to a Hyundai i30 hatch can tow one," Steyn said.

There's also a long list of optional extras available, including lithium battery systems, a '30 second' 270 degree awning, 12V water pump, external hot water shower, 9kg gas bottle holder, 12V fan and an inverter.

According to the Cruizy Campers website, the NSW business is the "sole Australasian importer of South Africa's oldest manufacturer of fibreglass Vagabond Teardrop Campers... which was established in 2009."

Backed by a three year warranty, the campers are available in a range of exterior colours including Crystal White, Dove Grey, Light Grey and Forest Green, with other options including orange and red available on special order.

All three models in the Cruizy Campers range will be on display at the 2022 Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground from February 4-6.