Heaslip Gourmet Getaway Camper 2005 Review

By Tom Oltoff

At a time when it is possible to pay more than $40,000 for a tent-style camper trailer, it is refreshing to see one manufacturer; South Australian-based Heaslip Campers, going back to basics.

Rob and Judy Heaslip built their first camper trailer more than 12 years ago when they couldn’t find a unit that they considered capable of putting up with the demands of outback travel.

Heaslip Campers was also one of the first camper trailers with a rollout kitchen and tray-topper. Since that time their business has gone from strength to strength.

These days Heaslip Campers has attained a reputation for its high quality, fully equipped fold-out camper trailers and slide-on camper units for traytop utes, designed to withstand rough conditions while offering all the necessary equipment for independent outback travel.

Each year Rob and Judy exhibit their wares and knowledge to hundreds of potential customers at caravan, camping, offroad and 4WD shows all around Australia.

In their precious spare time, they love to try out their campers as well as experience the splendour of the outback, and from these travels Rob and Judy have learned what the travelling public is looking for.

Rob explained to CW that many people who like the outdoors often have all the necessary camping gear, usually carrying much of it in the back of their car, 4WD or box trailer.

While they don’t necessarily need a fully fitted-out camper, they would like an inexpensive module in which to store the food and a fridge/freezer, to be able do the cooking and the dishes.

Hence the Heaslip Gourmet Getaway trailer topper was born.

The unit we tried out while on a Toyota Hilux tow test was a prototype, and could fit onto one of Heaslip’s own offroad trailers.

The production models will be designed to suit any 6ft x 4ft or 7ft x 4ft trailer as a self-contained, bolt-on module.

The test unit was constructed from corrosion-resistant Zincanneal steel, covered in several layers of top quality paint. All the hardware such as hinges, locks and seals are the best available.

A quick glance at the Gourmet Getaway reveals that it has been built to the same high standards as the other Heaslip Campers products.

The emphasis is on being functional, water and dust proof, and easy to use. Measuring 1.8m wide and 2.1m long, there is no shortage of easy-to-access and secure undercover space.

Each side has a large lift-up door that is supported on gas struts. Raising the left hand side reveals a slide-out cradle that will accommodate most of the commonly used fridge/freezers, a shelf with four large pull-out plastic storage container, two burner cooker, a small sink and ample bench space.

All of this takes up about half the total space provided in the module, with the right hand side able to accommodate anything from a picnic table and chairs to sleeping bags and a tent.

The production unit will have a lift-up hatch in the floor to access the trailer itself in case the front gate can’t be lowered. Weighing about 250kg, the sturdy Gourmet Getaway is not the sort of thing you pick up with a couple of strong people.

The production models will come with four easy-to-fit legs that can raise the module off the trailer by simply using the drawbar mounted jockey wheel to first lift the front and then the rear of the trailer.

This keeps things simple by avoiding the need for mechanically-operated jacks.

While the basic Gourmet Getaway modules will all be the same, buyers will be able to specify different types of cooking equipment or even a barbecue plate. It is also possible to attach a rack to hold surfboards or a boat.

At this stage Rob says there are no plans to include a LP gas cylinder but this could be easily mounted onto the trailer.

Heaslip’s Gourmet Getaway module is an idea that has immediate appeal and you can’t help but wonder why it hasn’t been done before. It is bound to interest people who already own a trailer as well as most of their camping gear.

Owning a Gourmet Getaway means not having to fumble through the contents of the car looking for something that you know is there but can’t find.

It sits nicely alongside many of the tents on the market, with the kitchen side fitting under many types of awning. No doubt some will want a roof-topper tent, 12V electrical system and a host of other accessories but that would be defeating the purpose for which the Gourmet Getaway is designed.

If you start adding too many accessories you may as well buy one of Heaslip’s fully fitted-out camper trailers. The Gourmet Getaway is all about keeping life simple but organised, and free up time to have fun and enjoy yourself.

For more information on the Heaslip Gourmet Camper contact Rob, Judy or Greg: (08) 8280 9488, email: info@heaslipcampers.com; web: www.heaslipcampers.com