Rick Huckstepp•1 Sept 2017

REVIEW

Kelly XC-1

Smart new Aussie trailer perfect for basic bush camping

Long-term tent campers will often balk at the idea of quitting all of their equipment to move up inyo the world of camper trailers. The hesitation is understandable as second-hand camping gear is not worth a lot compared with what it might cost to replace.

We reviewed Kelly Campers' ‘Glenrowan’ just over a year ago and found practicalities everywhere crammed into what essentially looks like a tradie-style trailer… but with real flair and pizzazz. On the other hand, Kelly Campers' new XC-1 looks like a more conventional camper trailer.

BARE BONES

In the XC-1, we have a bare bones trailer into which you can carry your current camping gear and add to it with extras as the budget allows. Or if you have the finances up front, the Kelly Campers factory can option up an XC-1 from the get-go.

As standard, the XC-1 will set you back $24,900, but our review example included some choice additional items such as Alu-Cab’s roof top capsule tent plus an EvaKool fridge and batteries.

The drawbar and main chassis is powder coated Australian Supagal 100 x5 0 x 4mm RHS and underneath is a Vehicle Components XT suspension system comprising twin shocks and a coil spring on each of the two swinging arms, fitted with over extension prevention straps.

QUALITY STEEL

For the rest of the chassis, Kelly Campers uses 50 x 50 x 3mm square and the side rails extend to the outer edges of the body to provide some protection from rocks and timber when in the rough.

Initially designed to hold a single stabiliser leg to prevent the trailer tipping backwards when adults in the roof start moving around when not connected to the tow vehicle, the rear under-rail is now fitted with a receiver into which a recovery ring can be installed.

Arc supplies the High Articulated Off Road hitch and substantial Oxo jockey wheel with a square shaft and twin wheels that make it easy to pull around the 830kg tare weight trailer.

The standard 16-inch wheels are fitted with 285/75R16 tyres and stopping comes from 12-inch electric brake drums.

Cladding of the superstructure is powder-coated, 2mm aluminium sheet over a 25mm square fully welded box frame.

POWERED UP

A Redarc 1250 BC/DC power unit is found in the nearside kitchen compartment and it also serves as a solar panel regulator to the 105Ah deep cycle AGM battery installed under the fridge slide in its own compartment.

You can plug a solar panel or blanket into the included Andersen Plug at the front of the trailer body.

Lighting and switch gear is also installed in the kitchen compartment, along with a meter to monitor the 80 litre poly water tank built into the floor of the trailer.

The fridge slide will cater for a fridge up to 980 x 525 x 575mm, like the 75 litre EvaKool Glacier unit fitted to the review trailer. As the fridge is housed with the battery, the compartment features amplimesh for protection and breathing.

A door opens to allow the kitchen sink unit to slide out, and it's a quality stainless steel rig with a flip down end shelf suitable for a BBQ like the ever popular Weber Baby Q 100 series (there's a handy gas bayonet close by).

The sink itself, a lift out plastic tub for easy disposal, is filled by a constant pressure tap and there's flat bench space next to that.

The 4kg gas bottle sits behind the stone guard on the draw bar.

GOOD STORAGE

Another long cabinet door provides access to a large void inside -- suitable for plenty of tubs and tent gear if you’re not sleeping upstairs.

There's also a hatch in the carpeted floor that holds gear requiring quick access (such as tea-break equipment when you’re on the road). Another large door in the rear wall of the body provides access to this storage area, and there's a water filling port close by.

Aluminium checker plate is used for the roof, and there are three heavy duty aluminium rails to support a maximum load of 300kg. When you’re not camping, a dinghy up to 12-feet could be stored on top -- and loading/ unloading the boat is made easier by a low 1530mm roof height.

VERDICT

Kelly Camper’s XC-1 scores high marks for off-road ruggedness, looks and quality of finish. Pricing is reasonable considering it's wired electronically and plumbed for anything you might want to add at a later stage.

The roof top, load carrying capacity will please the fisho or perhaps those looking to carry mountain bikes, swags, firewood or other things you need out in the bush.

The fact it can be towed by a small 4WD is icing on the cake...

KELLY CAMPERS XC-1

Overall length: 4350mm

External body width: 1900mm

Travel height: 1530mm

Tare: 820kg

ATM: 1750kg

Ball weight: 95kg

Body/frame: 25mm square alloy box section fully welded

Chassis: 100x50x4mm main with 50x3 square body support and outer rails

Wheels: 285/75R16

Brakes: Electric 12-inch drum

Stability control: No

Cooking: No

Microwave: No

Fridge/freezer: No

Toilet: No

Shower: No

Air-con: No

Central heating: No

Gas: 4kg plumbed

Lighting: LED

Battery: 1 x 105Ah

Solar: No but wired for it

Price: From $24,900

Supplied by: Kelly Campers, Bundaberg, Qld

Kelly XC-1

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