Mosfab Cosmos 2026 Review

The desire to 'build something better' is a driving force behind many RV start-ups in Australia, and the latest example is the compact Cosmos camper from new Melbourne outfit Mosfab.

Coming from a 4x4 touring and ute canopy business background, son and father team James and Geoff Connor are trying to redefine what a hardcore, go-anywhere camper trailer can be with their clean-sheet 'base camper' design.

The stylish bush trailer blends the utilitarian, modular elements of an aluminium trayback touring canopy with as much camper and caravan tech you can fit in a towable unit that measures just 1.95m wide and 4.4m long, tip to tail.

After receiving some feedback on the prototype at a number of 4x4 shows in 2025, the passionate duo are now gearing up for a first production run in late-2026 or early-2027.

But with a circa $150,000 'fully-loaded' price-tag, it needs to be something special in a market already flush with top-notch Aussie bush bashers...

Many premium locally-built compact off-road camper trailers already on the market feature teardrop-style pod designs; think Track Trailer's Tvan, Bruder's EXP-4, the BRS Sherpa, etc.

While others boast integrated fold-out tent designs, like the Ultimate and Patriot X1.

The Cosmos fits more into the 'base station' camper category, with its large 'storage' box base and aftermarket rooftop tent mounted on top.

We've seen a few variations over the years, from the dirt cheap (Adventure Kings MT2) to more upmarket Off Trax. Patriot also does a 'base' camper with its $50K X2-N Tourer.

Where the Cosmos really comes into its own is in its thoughtful storage design and capacity, extensive off-grid power capabilities and overall high specification level and comfort features.

It's aimed at serious off-roaders who want to get into far-flung remote areas, and are willing to pay extra for a fuss-free durable unit that's both easy to set up and offers more than a few luxuries from home.

These include things you don't normally get on a bush trailer, like ducted rooftop tent and annexe heating and a monster 24V power system that will keep all the electrical gear running for days, even without solar input.

All held together with high quality componentry that hopefully won't let you down out in the middle of nowhere...

"I saw a gap in the market for buyers after (the comforts of) a larger off-road caravan, but something that's (compact enough to) get them into the places they want," James explained.

He views the Cosmos as a camper version of the Ineos Grenadier 4x4 wagon; something equipped off the showroom floor for the toughest Outback conditions.

"My dream is to get people outdoors with the right rig, that's convenient and they don't have to worry or think about anything while they're out there," he continued.

"Our aim is to build a product that won't fail, so when you're heading to destinations like the Kimberley and the Simpson, it won't let you down."

As far as marketing and further R&D/testing goes, the Mosfab team is offering 'early bird' deals to early adopters who in exchange for a discount can provide real-world feedback for the benefit of future production models.

The Cosmos prototype is also embarking on a Canning Stock Route run later this year, in what could be the ultimate test of its Outback touring credentials...

The Cosmos camper is constructed with a 100mm x 50mm RHS steel 'military spec' chassis, with its integrated scrub bars and drawbar benefitting from an anti-corrosion, powdercoat finish.

The 3mm welded aluminium body panels with sub-frame reinforcing get a similar glossy external coating, with careful attention paid to dust and water sealing of the various compartments including the use of laser cut neoprene foam instead of silicone for sealing joins.

Automotive bushes and dampeners are also used to reduce vibration and wear and tear on vulnerable items like drawer slides when driving over corrugations, while the storage compartments are tested to an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating.

Mosfab has also added a 12V Gusto DRS unit, normally found on the side of large caravans, that pushes air through the lockers and tent via a ducting system, to help keep dust out when driving along Outback roads.

The review camper is fitted with fully adjustable Teko Tuffride Stage 4 airbag suspension and disc brakes, along with 17in Icon Rebound Pro bead lock-style rims and chunky Mickey Thompson rubber that allows tyre pressures to be dropped as low as 5psi in super soft sand and avoid getting bogged.

If worst comes to worst, the camper also comes with a set of Maxtrax recovery planks!

Other thoughtful touches include internal, protected drawer slides for the pull-out benchtops, to prevent rust from forming if exposed to rain. There's also an easy-lift, swing-down holder for the heavy rear-mounted spare wheel, so you won't break your back if you get a puncture.

It all comes across as highly functional as well as immaculately finished, right down to classy Mosfab logo cut-outs on some of the metalwork. Exterior colours available include sandy taupe and olive drab, with the option of colour coding with the tow vehicle for extra cost.

While you pay for it, Outback tourers with older bones will really appreciate Cosmos luxuries like the hydronic ducted diesel heating system, which includes a vent near the kitchen so you can stay warm and toasty (with the annexe walls zipped on) while preparing dinner on a chilly Outback evening or out on a High Country winter trip.

We also like how everything has a secure place in the kitchen area, including neat slide out drawers with custom foam cavities for holding all the eating and cooking utensils.

There's also a neat slide-out pantry incorporating the coffee pod machine, and more slides for the built-in induction cooktop and portable Teppanyaki hot plate. You can also run separate fridges and freezers, with 85L upright and 52L chest units included.

The large cavity on the offside delivers more multi-function storage options including 'his and hers' clothes drawers and dedicated slots for the fishing rods. There are also smaller lower compartment lockers and another larger offside locker for carrying hoses, firewood and other miscellaneous items.

Ideally, all the essential Outback equipment carried in these compartments like a chainsaw would be battery powered to make the most of the big off-grid power set-up.

Mosfab quotes a three-minute set-up time, and that sounds about right after watching James and his dad set it up during the photo-shoot, including the freestanding 270-degree awning, rooftop tent and offside shower tent, all from the highly regarded The Bush Company range.

The Bush Company AX27 clamshell tent is easy to get inside, thanks to the sturdy flip-out step and grippy tread plate on the drawbar, and an integrated, illuminated stairwell that leads up to the rear opening of the two-person tent.

Inside the sleeping area, there are charging points, lights, a fan, heating vents and a 1450mm wide mattress, with the option to fit a wider 1600mm tent.

There's a bit of a viewing platform up there too, so you can enjoy the sunrise over the dunes during your Simpson crossing!

If you're family camping you'll need to carry an extra tent or swags, or create a second 'bedroom' with another roof tent mounted on the tow vehicle.

The single water outlet for the shower and hose isn't far from the pull-out shower tent, or the digital thermostatic mixer to ensure the ideal temperature and flow rate from the instant hot water system.

There's a storage spot for the portable toilet above the kitchen cooktop, although I'd probably store it away from the food!

There's no built-in kitchen sink, so you'll need to fill a tub or bucket via the shower hose outlet.

Once again, it's all about practicality and durability, with lots of heavy-duty brass and other industrial-type fittings; not to mention a pricey marine-ready Marco electric brass/stainless steel water pump, that's designed to last the distance.

You can monitor all the electricals including water and fridge temperatures either remotely through an app or via various readouts including the Victron digital screen located near the kitchen.

The Cosmo camper gets a big-ticket Victron 24V power system with 5kW battery system (upgradeable to 10kWh), with all the components including 3000W inverter/charger, DC-DC charger, and solar charger controllers neatly housed in a single ventilated compartment, located in a locker under the stairwell.

There's also a 440W fixed rooftop solar panel and another 440W portable panel, that's kept in a special slot in the main offside compartment.

A big-buck power system like this might seem like over-kill, considering the limited on-board appliances, but it will no doubt appeal to 'digital nomads' like an Outback photographer running Starlink who needs to regularly charge and use power-hungry equipment.

There's a 17L diesel fuel tank for the heater mounted at the front, with the option to add more tanks if you need.

Fresh water is taken care of with two 70L underbody tanks, with room for another 80L tank. There's also a 12V creek water pick-up system installed for additional back-up.

At the rear of the camper you'll also find a locker with four jerry cans, for carrying extra water, diesel or perhaps petrol for a generator.

Plus there's another slide-out compartment with space for various (included) tools; or a "Get out of shit" kit as some Outback veterans might refer to it!

The fully-equipped Cosmos is no lightweight pod, with a plated Tare of 1740kg and ATM of 2500kg, delivering a payload of 760kg. James says it usually sits around the two tonne mark when he packs it for trips.

That doesn't mean you won't be able to drag it through the mud and dunes, particularly with the baggy tyres, but it won't be quite as easy to haul or as light on fuel as a Tvan, for example, which has a Tare weight closer to 1200kg.

He said the prototype's rolling chassis came in at 800kg, with another 600kg added with the aluminium body fit-out. To get that lower you'd probably need to introduce a range of composite materials to the build, which would likely boost the price even higher.

However, packed up it's no wider and not much higher than the tow vehicle, and with its adjustable ride height and rear camera, should be a cinch to tow and back up in all sorts of situations.

Interestingly, there's no jockey wheel, partly due to the prototype's light ball weight, with the coupling lifted off the towball using the airbags, before resting on the heavy-duty drop-down corner stabilisers.

Auto levelling will also make it dead-easy to level on uneven campsites, and easier to get the right height for kitchen duties. The control panel for the suspension, including an air tank connection to quickly reinflate the tyres, are all easily accessible within an offside locker.

At around $150K (or cheaper if you take advantage of an 'early bird' discount), the Melbourne-built Cosmos camper is not for everyone.

Its bare-bones 'base station' design and extensive use of canvas also isn't going appeal to many modern camper buyers who prefer 'solid wall' sleeping and living quarters.

However, on first impressions the Cosmos is an undeniable feast for the senses, with some features I've never seen before on a camper trailer; along with a level of luxury and finish normally reserved for larger 'vans.

Keep in mind it's still a 'work in progress', with James in his pursuit of perfection admitting he's looking at making a few changes including fitting a more advanced suspension system and redesigning the chassis for better weight distribution.

I'll be keenly following its progress in the coming months as it tackles some of Australia's most challenging terrain, including the unforgiving Canning Stock Route.

Price: $149,000 (as reviewed)
Travel length: 4400mm
Travel width: 1950mm
Travel height: 2100-2200mm
Tare weight: 1740kg
ATM: 2050kg
Body: Aluminium/steel
Chassis: 50mm x 100mm RHS steel
Suspension: Teko Tuffride Stage 4 adjustable airbags with twin shocks per wheel
Brakes: Disc
Wheels: 17in Icon Alloys Rebound Pro with LT 285/70R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tyres
Fresh water: 2 x 70L freshwater (standard)
Battery: 24V 5kWh lithium (standard)
Solar: 400W panel (fixed), 400W (portable)
Gas: Na
Hot water/space heater: Webasto diesel, hydronic
Cooking: Asko induction
Fridge: Bushman 85L upright/52L chest
Toilet: Portable
Shower: External, tent
Lighting: 12v LED
Supplied by: Mosfab, Melbourne, Victoria