More military-style campers from XTrail

Taking inspiration from some of the South African military-style campers now available Down Under, Melbourne outfit XTrail Camper Trailers is rolling out a new range of lightweight, off-road trailers complete with Army-look camo styling.

First off the rank last year was the XTrail XMT/A1 prototype, a compact, multi-purpose trailer with removable storage box, that looks like it should be trailing behind an Australian Army-spec Land Rover Defender.

Now the Kilsyth South, Victoria-based manufacturer has unveiled another model in the military-look XMT range, the A3, which is a more conventional, full-size soft-floor camper trailer aimed at families on a budget.

Both off-road campers were displayed in full production trim and with striking ‘Desert sand’ hammertone finish at the recent Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow.

“(The A1) was designed mainly for four-wheel drivers, hunters, and week-enders who want to go away with a very compact trailer, and for small four wheel drives like Suzuki or Jeep,” explained XTrail director Sam Liu.

“It’s pretty much self-contained (and) designed to be a no-fuss, lightweight trailer for go-anywhere touring,” he said.

With a galvanised steel chassis, Zincanneal body and independent, off-road suspension, the XMT/A1 features a main storage ‘box’ that is easily removed so the trailer can be used  for carrying dirt bikes and other purposes when not camping.

“You can convert this trailer to any sort of trailer, you can attach a trademan’s box, or cage panel, or leave it as a flat-back trailer,” he said.

With an overall length of 3.0m and width of 1.9m, the XMT/A1 is also designed to squeeze down off-road tracks not accessible with larger campers. It’s also light, with a Tare of 700kg, 1100kg ATM and ball weight of just 30kg.

The XMT/A1 on display at the Melbourne show featured a rear door that lifted up to reveal a portable fridge and fridge slide, slide-out stainless steel kitchen and storage drawers, while the front section contained the battery system and more storage areas.

An optional ARB roof-top tent was fitted on top, turning the multi-function trailer into a handy two-berth camper.

Both the A1 and A3 campers can be bought as basic packages and easily upgraded with a number of options and accessories at a later stage. Many parts are also interchangeable between the two units.

Similar to XTrail’s current range of soft-floor campers, the new X3 comes standard with a 9ft tent made from imported 15 ounce canvas, leaf spring suspension, mechanical brakes, 65 litre water tank, tailgate kitchen, hand pump tap, and polyblock coupling.

Pricing starts at $12,800 for the ‘open side’ version, with the ‘enclosed’ Premium A3 also fitted with independent suspension, 108 litre water tank, shower set, two-burner cooker, 12V/240V electrical system, LED lighting, front guard and DO35 coupling, priced from $23,500.

The tiny X1 off-roader, which also includes 59 litre water tank, 100aH battery system and polyblock coupling as standard, starts at $14,500. A long list of options are available, including a lockable gun compartment. And if you don't like the Army look, Xtrail will paint the camper any colour you wish --even pink!

XTrail Camper Trailers is currently working on a third option in the XMT series, a slide-on ute camper with composite body, that should see the light of day later this year.