Forest River Rockwood 316 High Wall

WE LIKED:
>> features not often found on Aussie campers
>> slide-out boosts interior space
>> don’t have to leave big toys at home!

NOT SO MUCH:
>> requires heavy-duty tow vehicle in this spec
>> extra features adds to set-up time
>> unconventional metal-impregnated vinyl tent fabric

Pop-top camper trailers are a pretty common sight in Aussie caravan parks. Pitched at younger families who want something smaller, lighter and cheaper than a full-sized caravan, they’ve changed little in design or layout for decades.

So when we spotted this US-built Forest River Rockwood camper at the 2012 Melbourne 4x4 show, it stopped us in our tracks. While it had the usual sliding bed ends and rising roof seen on Australian examples, it had a few other things you don’t normally see.

Some of these ‘extras’ included the high-sided body, slide-out dinette, heated mattresses and the piece de resistance, a 2.5m long rack up front big enough to carry a jet ski on a trailer.

Rockwood is the ‘tent camper’ division of Forest River, one of America’s biggest RV manufacturers. For the last two years NSW-based Wild River Campers has offered a range of Australian-complied models, from the single axle 1940 Series starting at $17,750, to the dual axle 316 High Wall camper priced from $42,000 we’re looking at here.

Like others in the range, the 316 High Wall can be configured a number of ways to suit buyer’s preferences, including the option of a 1.5m long rack up front and 1m rack at the rear.

As the ‘show’ model of Wayne Lording, the Victorian representative for Wild River Campers, our review camper is optioned up to the hilt, with around $20,000 worth of extras fitted for a ‘tow away’ price of $62,000.

So let’s see what you get for the money...

TOY HAULER CAMPER

Toy hauler caravans are becoming increasingly popular Down Under, but this is the first, fair dinkum toy hauler camper, that I’ve seen.

What really sets it apart is the 2.13m x 2.5m storage grille up front, which forms a neat extension to the powder-coated tubular steel chassis that supports the camper body, not to mention the optional, aluminium toolbox at the rear.

Altogether, the rack boosts overall length to 8.6m, or just over 28ft in the old scale – longer than many full-size caravans.

Before setting up the camper, which is a relatively simple if mildly strenuous, 15 minute job, the jet-ski and trailer must be removed so the front bed can slide out.

Fortunately, the purpose-built electric winch system turns it into a stress free, five minute job, although two (quite heavy) steel ramps need to put into position before the jet-ski can be rolled onto the ground.

The push-button ‘power lift’ roof also makes things a bit easier than having to crank a handle. While the slide-out on the offside is easily pulled out by hand after releasing a couple of catches.

Another chore you don’t usually encounter on this style of camper, is having to erect a hard-side, interior shower/toilet enclosure -- a standard feature on this model. Again, it’s a relatively simple if finicky process, with the two side walls hinging into place, before a separate door is fitted to complete the structure. 

Also unconventional is the Vinolon Supreme vinyl used for the tenting. Wayne Lording said a metallic compound impregnated into the synthetic fabric helps to repel sunlight as well as rain, so you don’t need to erect bed-end flies to keep the camper cool in summer, unless you’re in the Top End.

Being an overcast day during our photo-shoot, we didn’t get a chance to test this out, so we’ll take his word for it.

The rest of the camper body is constructed from moulded vacuum fibreglass, with a one-piece undercoated wood floor, aluminium frames and plywood bases for the beds, and powder coated support poles and bed bows.

BIG STEP UP

Despite the presence of fold-down steps and a large grab handle, it’s a big step up through the main door into the camper, due to the generous road clearance. Those with creaky knees or dodgy hips could struggle.

Once inside though, the first impression is one of space... as in lots of it.  With the six-person dinette tucked out of the way in the slide-out, there’s plenty of room to move around including a generous walkway from one end to the other. 

The ‘High Wall’ body means the benchtops and dining table are set at a decent height for taller people, which often isn’t the case in these campers. The extra height also allows more storage space in cupboards and drawers in the kitchen area.

Also impressive are the two, 1.78m x 2.03m king size beds. They’re big enough to each accommodate two large adults comfortably or even three kids at a pinch. The dinette converts to another double bed if required.

And those into ‘glamping’ will appreciate the comfy, quilted top, inner spring mattresses, which have another surprise in store: built-in thermostatically-controlled heaters that run off the 12V system. Also taking care of temperatures inside is a gas-powered air heater and water heater, and roof-mounted air-conditioner.

The sizable kitchen area includes ample benchspace along with a three gas-burner cooktop with grille/oven, double plastic sink with hot/cold taps, microwave oven, and 90 litre Dometic three-way fridge.

Not surprisingly, the ensuite is on the small side but includes a moulded, one piece base with hot/cold shower hose, small bench, soap dish, towel rack, and Thetford flush toilet that connects to the 15 litre black water tank (there’s a 15-litre grey water tank too).

Oddly, the solitary exhaust fan in the roof is located well outside the shower area over the kitchen benchspace, and no where near the cooktop.

Other features worth mentioning include the optional CD player with internal and external speakers, and small L-shaped lounge. There were also controls or displays for solar charging, gas detection, water pump, gas heater, as well as TV and 240V points.

To keep things simple, Wild River Campers offers only one choice when it comes to decor; basically, a mix of browns including mahogany-look furniture, probably best described as ‘American-style rustic’. It might not appeal to everyone, but at least it will hide the dirt...

Also adding to the airy feel is light-coloured tent fabric, and large, flyscreened windows with plastic flaps that zip open for good cross-flow ventilation.  There’s also pull curtains for the windows, as well as privacy curtains for the bed and bathroom areas.

Artificial lighting is taken care of with four (energy hungry!) halogen downlights, and plug-in reading lights for each bed that also double as fans.

RUGGED BUILD

At the pointy end of this camper is an articulating 50mm ball hitch, with a tray ahead of the rack for two 9kg gas bottles.

The 316 High Wall comes standard with Al-Ko rubber torsion suspension, but this example has locally-sourced Cruise Master full independent suspension (a $6664 option).

Further boosting its bushability is checker plate protection along all sides as well as the full length of the underside. Unfortunately, this form of insurance will set you back an additional $2904!

The full-width aluminium toolbox located at the rear is another pricey, $2000 option, but pretty handy for storing poles, chairs, ramps, and various tools.

A separate compartment houses the 12V electrics including two AGM batteries (one is standard). There’s also provision for solar panels and space for a slide-out generator.

Other options include the shiny CSA alloy wheels and chunky, Cooper all-terrain tyres, including two spares mounted at the rear. 

Also accessible from the outside is an external hot/cold shower, locker with gas bayonet connection for a small portable BBQ, and 240V and TV connection points.

There’s also a locker with a high pressure hose that runs off the water tanks or mains pressure. And to ensure your motorised toys don’t run out of fuel, another option is to install a petrol tank underneath, with its own pump and spout.

To accomodate the roof-mounted air-conditioner, the camper was fitted with optional ‘high-profile’ roof racks, which can carry another 100kg or so of equipment such as mountain bikes, canoes or a tinny.

The windout Fiamma awning fitted is another ($1529) option, and an annexe is also available.

Due to the potentially front-heavy nature of this rig (the jet ski/trailer weighs around 500kg alone), the fresh water tanks (80 litre plus optional 160 litre) are positioned well towards the rear of the camper for better weight distribution.

The result is, according to Wild River Campers, a towball downweight (with front rack unloaded) of just 15kg – light enough to lift the front up by hand! With the front rack fully loaded this increases to 340kg.

VERDICT

Typical of American RVs sold in this country, this Forest River camper offers plenty of bang for your buck, even without the many options fitted here. And as a bonus you get standard kit you don’t often find on other pop-top campers, like a hard-wall bathroom, slide-out and king size beds.

Also making it stand out from the pack are interesting aspects like the non-canvas tenting and heated mattresses. While we can't testify to their efficacy, they should in practice contribute to improved comfort levels.

The downside of the rugged build and high equipment levels is some serious bulk; close to three tonnes fully loaded in this case. If you desire this level of specification, factor in a suitably heavy-duty tow vehicle like the Mitsubishi Pajero we used. Or even better, an American-imported pick-up like a Chev Silverado.

But for those looking for a ‘one trailer fits all’ solution capable of carting all the toys as well as accomodating the family in comfort, this super-sized American camper is well worth a look...

FOREST RIVER ROCKWOOD 316 HIGH WALL

Travel length: 8.6m
Length open: 10.3m
Height closed: 1.7m
Width exterior: 2.2m
Tare weight: 1667kg
ATM: 2835kg
Maximum tow ball mass: 340kg
Fresh water: 80L (plus 160L option)
Grey water: 25 litres
Black water: 25 litres
Price (as tested): $62,000
More info: Wild River Campers