GIC Outback Rover

WHAT WE LIKED

• Affordable for a hard-floor camper
• Off-road ability
• Quick set-up of main tent

 NOT SO MUCH

• Missing a few accessories found on other campers
• Fiddly annexe set-up
• Longer delivery times than GIC's other models (eight weeks versus a few days)


Not content with being one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of soft-floor campers, GIC Camper Trailers has dipped a toe in the hard-floor market with its newly released Outback Rover.

While the NSW company’s range of soft-floor campers is manufactured at its Revesby, Sydney factory using mostly locally sourced components, the Outback Rover is imported from China with final assembly in Australia.

Andres Castro from GIC says a good reason for this is to keep the price down, as manufacturing a hard-floor camper in-house would be cost prohibitive for a company renowned for producing some of the best value-for-money, entry-level campers in the business.

At $14,800, the hard-floor Outback is remarkably the most expensive camper in the GIC range, although a quick glance at the spec sheet indicates quality fittings and sturdy construction have not been sacrificed too much in pursuit of cost savings. 

In fact, the company boldly claims the Outback is the “best quality and value hard-floor camper trailer package in Australia”.

“We’re trying to keep (pricing) realistic so everyday parents and families can get out on the week-end,” explains Castro. “Not everybody can afford five star accommodation. We’re trying to keep it to a budget so everyone can afford it.”

BACK TO BASICS

Part of the appeal of a hard-floor camper is the quick set-up time, and the Outback Rover shines in this regard. It takes one person less than a minute to remove the plastic protective cover, unlatch four clasps, swing the rear-folding frame to the ground and erect the main tent by extending three, supporting poles either side of the interior.
 
Inside, a double bed-sized foam mattress sits on a marine grade ply base and steel frame. Lifting the gas-strut assisted base provides access to the underbed main storage space, which should provide enough luggage room for a few days camping at least. This storage area can also be accessed via the tailgate when the trailer is closed.

The tent consists of Chinese 14 ounce RipStop canvas roof and side walls (GIC's other models use 15 ounce). There are two walk-through doors into the tent area, with flyscreens and roll-up canvas flaps for the two large windows.

Two door pockets at the base of the bed are handy for storing keys and other valuables.

The Outback comes standard with a detachable awning, as well as annexe walls, which really require two people to erect and add another 20 minutes or so to the set-up time.

The annexe has a high roof and is free-standing, so doesn't require guy ropes. It also has four windows and comes with a removable tarpaulin for the floor.

The kitchen is pretty basic and pulls out at the side of the trailer. It features a stainless steel benchtop and sink with tap that hooks up to an electric water pump and the 70 litre stainless steel water tank. It also features a section to sit a small portable gas cooker or similar, and a pull-out drawer for utensils.

BUILT TO LAST

As for the trailer itself, it’s a 7 x 6ft (2.2m x 1.75m) box design sitting on a Duragal chassis. The overall length of the trailer is 3.85m including the coupling, so it should be compact enough to squeeze into most garages.

Construction wise, it features 1.5mm galvanised flat steel plate for the side and bottom, all powder coated to keep the rust at bay. The box top and bottom floor mostly utilise 1.5mm aluminium checkerplate for its durability and to reduce weight.

The underpinnings are also geared towards off-road work, with six-leaf shackle eye-to-eye springs, shocks and coils for the suspension, a 45mm solid round axle rated to 2500kg, and new 235/75R off-road tyres on 15-inch, six-stud LandCruiser pattern rims.

With a Tare of 700kg and an advised ATM of 1000kg, the trailer comes fitted with electrical as well as mechanical brakes.

Mounted on the drawbar is a decent-sized checkerplate toolbox containing a 9kg gas bottle holder and 20 litre jerry can holder, plus a compartment for wet gear or perhaps a battery or solar panels. The lid sits on gas struts and has automotive rubber seals to keep out the dust.

Also up front is a polyblock off-road coupling, heavy duty Al-Ko jockey wheel and spare wheel with new tyre. A wind-up winch that connects to the hard-floor base makes packing up quick and safe for one person.

The Outback also comes standard with water-submersible LED taillights and two rear stabilising legs, and is fully lockable. No options are available, and there’s just one grey/green/beige colour scheme.

BOTTOM LINE

The Outback Rover is a no-frills, entry-level campertrailer aimed at those on tight budgets, but still wanting to get off the beaten track either as a couple or small family and enjoy the advantages of a hard-floor model (ie. quick set-up time, easy cleaning, solid floor living area).

That said, it’s missing some of the bells and whistles often found on other hard-floor (read more expensive) trailers like a built-in cooktop, internal lighting, stone guards, battery, etc. But as they say, you pay for what you get, and most accessories could easily be added as required or when finances permitted.

As GIC’s Andres Castro says, the Outback Rover provides “a good base and you can always work on it and upgrade it from there”.

GIC OUTBACK ROVER

Overall length of trailer: 3.85m
Outer box size: 2.2m x 1.75m
Length of trailer when opened: 6.05m
Nameplate Tare: 700kg
Nameplate ATM: 1000kg
Body: galvanised steel/aluminium checkerplate
Chassis: DuraGal
Suspension: leaf springs, shocks, coils
Brakes: mechanical and electric
Kitchen: stainless steel top and sink
Fresh water: 1 x 70litre/electric pump
Price as shown: $14,800
Website: GIC Camper Trailers