Lifestyle Reconn R2 2020 Review

In this day and age of 'walk through' decor reviews, it's not often you get the chance to do a proper 'live in' RV test; where you set up the camper yourself at a proper campsite, eat and sleep in it and put it through its paces as its maker intended -- albeit for a relatively short period of time.

But that's what we did recently with the Queensland-built Lifestyle Reconn R2, spending a chilly night at Victoria's Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, after putting the hybrid pop-top camper to the test on some bumpy and slippery tracks in the surrounding Toolangi State Forest.

While we're glad we didn't have to clean the camper afterwards (thanks to the friendly team at Lifestyle's Melbourne dealer Camping Adventures!), it did provide us with a good understanding of why this Queensland manufacturer has won plenty of fans among the 4x4 and off-road camping fraternity over the past 20 years...

What’s the 2020 Lifestyle Reconn R2 all about?

The single-axle Reconn R2 is part of Lifestyle's rugged Reconn 'Hypercamper' range, that also includes the 80cm longer, single and tandem axle Reconn R4 -- both available in a variety of couple, family and ensuite layouts.

Like Lifestyle's latest Stylecraft ute canopies, the Reconn R2 and R4 campers are built in Lifestyle's Queensland factory while the smaller, entry-level Lifestyle Iconn camper is imported from China.

The optioned-up Lifestyle Reconn R2 we grabbed from Lifestyle's Melbourne dealer certainly ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to the needs of serious off-road adventurers who desire a bit of comfort when exploring the trails.

For starters, it's relatively lightweight, with a Tare of just 1620kg but a fully loaded (ATM) weight of 2800kg, delivering a payload of around 1200kg so you're unlikely to ever overload it on a big Outback trip.

At 4.4m long by 1.88m wide by 2.15m high (body dimensions when travelling), the Lifestyle Reconn R2 slots in nicely behind most 4x4 tow vehicles (a new Jeep Gladiator ute in our case), so you don't have to worry too much about overhanging branches when navigating tighter tracks.

There's also plenty of clearance plus full bash-plate protection underneath, along with more checker plate protection along all four body sides.

The DO-35 coupling offers good articulation off-road, while the ARK off-road jockey wheel folds up out of harm's way when not in use, and provides a solid base on wet ground when camping.

Our review camper was fitted with optional Cruisemaster ATX coil independent suspension (Cruisemaster XT is standard) which does a very good job of keeping the trailer nice and steady when towing at a decent clip over pot-holed dirt roads.

While other, often exposed items like the two 4kg gas bottles located in a front locker, and jerry cans in another side locker, are also protected from travel 'grime', as are the two gas bayonets at the rear of the camper with their travel 'plugs',

While we didn't take it over any dusty roads to test out the in-built 12V filtered dust suppression system, the quality automotive rubber sealing on all external lockers including the fridge slide-out and recessed kitchen does a good job of keeping the gunk out.

Also tucked up out of harm's way (and easily accessible) are the twin 120Ah batteries and three poly 90 litre water tanks, along with associated plumbing and electrical items like battery charger and water pump, fitted to our review camper. It's all neatly installed under the marine carpeted, lift-up floor of the extra-large, offside external storage locker.

Topping off the fit-for-purpose package are some grippy mud terrain tyres with basic 16in steel wheels. About the only thing missing is a mesh guard or some padding protection on the upper front body section to prevent stone chips, but that's available as an option.

How much does the Lifestyle Reconn R2 cost?

The Reconn R2 camper is priced from $56,950, and rides on a sturdy galvanised chassis, with insulated aluminium composite exterior body panels (white or graphite colour) on a galvanized steel frame, and a glossy white, one piece composite panel roof.

Externally, the Reconn R2 camper also comes standard with 12in drum brakes, a canvas pole awning, 14 litre gas hot water unit, external shower, spare wheel, two burner cooktop and sink with hot/cold tap and water filter, 120W roof solar panel and regulator, 12V/USB/240V outlets, LED lighting and Anderson plugs for the car battery and a portable solar panel.

Standard interior features include a large pillow top, coil spring double mattress, a number of slide-out drawers, a fold-away bed ladder, benchtop and three-berth dinette.

Apart from the extras already mentioned (ATX suspension, additional battery, water tank and gas bayonet, etc), our review camper also benefited from the optonal Thule roll-out awning, upholstery upgrade, 240V power kit, kitchen spice rack and cutlery drawer, external shower tent, and internal sink with hot/cold tap, bumping the overall price above $60,000.

Buyers looking to add a few options might be better off choosing the latest R2 Reconn Elite variant, which bundles up a number of extras for a retail price of $64,950.

Either way, you're looking at closer to $65,000 with the features many buyers will want like a shower tent, wind-out awning, padded front cover, extra gas bayonet and  folding top bunk and convertible seating to sleep two small children along with the parents inside.

Lifestyle offers a long list of other options, from a 65L grey water tank ($1250) and roof top air-con ($3950), to a top-spec 200Ah lithium battery system with 2000W inverter and two 305W solar panels for an additional $8400.

Why should you buy a 2020 Lifestyle Reconn R2?

There are plenty of Chinese copies of Australian-built hybrid campers, some under $40,000, but none that really offer the Lifestyle's combination of build quality, lightweight construction, ease of set up and other user-friendly features; not to mention a degree of toughness to withstand harsh Aussie conditions.

As far as off-road pop-tops go, set up is about as easy as it gets, with the optional one-touch electric roof that takes about two minutes to go up or down -- about the time needed to drop the jockey wheel and corner stabilizers, open the entry door, lift up the top-hinged door on the kitchen, connect the hose from the cooker to the gas bayonet, and switch on the outside lights, hot water and pump.

One of three standard floorplans available, the layout on our family-friendly review camper included the step-up parent's bed, three-person dinette with optional bunks, benchtop with optional sink and tap, and enough pull-out drawers to store your clothes.

Although I had to duck to get inside, there's plenty of headroom once you're there while the zipped mesh windows in the sturdy vinyl roof gusset allow for extra ventilation and natural light.

Like most off-road camper trailers, the main bed is quite large as well as comfortable, with some storage space along one side and sockets for charging mobile devices. The ladder for the bed cleverly folds out from inside an underbed cupboard, and there's also four ceiling lights and a couple of 240V sockets near the kitchen bench.

Some of the space under the seats is taken up by the external fridge slide and the gas hot water heater unit.

Who will the 2020 Lifestyle Reconn R2 appeal to?

Couples and young families who like four-wheel driving, accessing remote locations, and cooking outside rather than in, will appreciate the design and capabilities of the Reconn R2 Hypercamper.

It's also a good option for those upgrading from a camper trailer or looking for something that's easier to tow than a bigger off-road caravan. The optional ($2950) auto-opening roof uses German-made Linak actuators to raise the camper to its full height of 3050mm. There's no need to tuck in anything before closing the roof either, although any bulky items on the bed could prevent the roof from closing far enough to secure the clasps.

Another highlight of the Reconn R2 is the size and usability of the outside kitchen --  perfect for quick lunch stops along the side of the road, with the raised door doubling as a rain or sun cover if required without having to roll out the awning.

There's plenty of benchspace for food prep, along with lots of in-built cupboards for storing food and utensils. Other handy items in the kitchen recess include 240V/!2V outlets, light switches and the Redarc battery manager display and water tank monitor.

Other Reconn R2 layouts provide the option of an internal shower, toilet and upright fridge, although given the limited interior space buyers might be better moving up to the bigger Reconn R4 if they want some of these extra interior features.

So, what do we think of the 2020 Lifestyle Reconn R2?

The Lifestyle Campers' range of hard-wall campers has quite a narrow focus, so won't appeal to buyers seeking an off-road caravan with the lot, or alternatively something super-lightweight and nimble you can drag around on soft sand or gnarly tracks, without fear of getting stuck.

What you do get with the Reconn R2 is a really good compromise between the interior comforts and storage opportunities of a pop-top caravan, and the rugged, compact and lightweight benefits of an off-road camper trailer.

Sure, you could save yourself a chunk of cash by opting for a cheaper, Chinese knock-off, but we doubt it would be as pleasurable and fuss-free to use, nor quite as durable in the long run as Lifestyle's Reconn R2

How much does the 2020 Lifestyle Reconn R2 cost?

Price: From $56,950
Travel length: 5800mm
Body length: 4400mm
Body width: 1880mm
Travel height: 2150mm
Open height: 3025mm
Tare weight (plated): 1620kg
ATM (plated): 2800kg
Ball weight (at Tare, plated): NA
Coupling: Cruisemaster DO35
Body: Aluminium/composite insulated side and roof panels
Chassis: 150mm x 50mm RHS galvanized
Suspension: Optional Cruisemaster ATX independent coils/shocks
Brakes: 12-inch electric drums
Wheels: 16-inch steel with Achilles Desert Hawk XMT 265/75 265/75 mud tyres
Fresh water: 3 x 90 litres (two standard)
Hot water: Truma, gas, 14 litres
Battery: 2 x 120Ah AGM (one standard), Redarc Manager 30 and solar controller
Solar: 2 x 120W roof-mounted
Air-conditioner: Optional
Gas: 2 x 4kg
Cooking: Dometic two gas burner
Fridge: Portable fridge for slide-out (optional)
Toilet: NA
Shower: External with optional shower tent
Lighting: 12v LED
Television: Winegard antenna (optional)
Supplied by: Camping Adventures, Carrum Downs, Victoria
More info: Lifestyle Campers, Slacks Creek, Queensland