Off the Grid Campers redefines 4x4 touring

When the call of adventure beckons and the open road awaits, there are any number of mobile accomodation options to choose, from a minimalist swag and rooftop tent, to a tent trailer or hybrid camper; off-grid caravan or expedition motorhome.

Or you could opt for a new style of slide-on offered by Off The Grid Campers. Based on Queensland's Fraser Coast, OTGC is a new player in the Australian RV market offering a unique blend of affordability and high-tech features in a range of slide-on campers that can be fitted to both ute and truck bodies, and priced from $58,990.

Despite being a newcomer in the Australian slide-on camper market, Off The Grid Campers is far from inexperienced. Founder and Technical Director Brendon Falk recalled a few years back when he noticed the 4x4 touring market was missing a product that was a step up from the popular canopy and rooftop tent.

“At the other end of the market, you have $100K plus caravans, which are not affordable for everyone,” Falk explained.

“(Rooftop tents are) a pretty basic form of camping. Sure, you can escape the rain and wind, but you’re crawling into bed. When it’s cold, you freeze and swelter in the heat," he said.

"I saw the slide-on movement gathering increasing momentum, with younger families getting into truck campers because they were more affordable than larger caravans. We now see pre-retirement and the 50-plus demographic wanting to do the Australia trip but being reluctant to do it in a caravan. Some don’t want the additional cost, and others don’t have the confidence to tow a caravan.”

Falk said the economics of camping are changing too.

“The waiting list to get a site at good caravan parks is extraordinarily long today, and some charge up to $100 per night. Likewise, you won’t get very good fuel economy when towing a caravan, so you have the rising cost of fuel and parks. There is a definite trend towards free and low-cost campsites. However, to achieve this, you must be largely self-sufficient to stay at these off-grid sites for any length of time."

As a result the off-grid power systems and appliances fitted to Off the Grid Campers' slide-on models are not dissimilar to those found in many modern off-road caravans.

"It’s the philosophy of self-sufficiency that drives the technology built into our slide-on campers, setting them apart from others in the market," he said.

"When people travel today, they expect the luxuries of home, like air conditioning, induction cooking, and hot and cold running water. Our campers not only meet these expectations but also ensure you’re not dependent on external resources, giving you the freedom to explore off-grid sites for extended periods.

“I come from an electro-tech background and, truth be told, I don’t believe the technology was at that level we required five years ago," he explained. "But today, our slide-on tray campers have up to 900AH of lithium batteries (up to 1200AH for the truck body) charged by up to 880 watts (or 1110W for the truck body) of solar panels on the roof. Even on a cloudy day or when parked under the shade of a tree, our solar system can put substantial charge into the batteries.”

To optimise energy conversion and storage the Off The Grid slide-ons use premium Victron electrical components including Victron MPPT solar charge controllers, DC to DC chargers, and smart inverters.

“We like that Victron systems offer flexibility, with versatile integration and scalability allowing users to customise setups based on their specific needs, whether powering our smaller ute models or the larger truck setups," he said.

“Our slide-on campers can monitor battery levels, solar input, and overall system health through mobile apps or online dashboards, ensuring our customers never get caught off guard while off-grid. This adaptability is particularly valuable to your typical slide-on camper buyer, who can encounter varied camping environments from rugged bushlands to sandy beaches.”

OTGC slide-ons are also constructed from 5052 aluminium-magnesium which has a number of benefits that make it an ideal material for rugged off-roading.

“The 5052 aluminium is lightweight, offering a significant reduction in overall camper mass compared to fibreglass or composite materials,” he said. "But best of all, without cracking, there is less chance of dust and water ingress. We also double seal all external camper doors to cut down on outback dust ingress.”

“Meanwhile, the magnesium content in 5052 provides exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and beach environments.

“(The 5052 aluminium) is also highly workable, allowing for precise cutting, forming, and welding during construction.

“More and more consumers are demanding environmental options, and aluminium is highly recyclable, making it an environmentally sustainable choice compared to composite materials, which are often harder to recycle,” he said.

“Furthermore, because aluminium dissipates heat more effectively than fibreglass, it has better thermal efficiency, reducing heat build-up inside the camper during hot weather. Importantly, aluminium is easier to repair and maintain, as damaged panels can be replaced without extensive work, unlike fibreglass.”

“Our aim is to strive for 100 per cent sustainable camping and ‘net-zero’ grid use,” he said. “However, current solar and battery technology combined with space limitations mean we are not quite there yet but will be in the coming years with amazing new innovations on the way.”

Buyers will also need to consider a GVM upgrade before adding the slide-on unit to the back of their ute.

“Honestly, when you start adding little things to a slide-on, it doesn’t take long for the weight to build up,” he said. “For instance, the 3mm rubber tray liner adds 5kg, unavoidably the air-conditioner weighs 30kg then fill up water tanks with 150 litres of water and there is another 150kg. So it doesn’t take a lot of kit to increase your payload significantly.

“If you’re serious about off-road camping with a ute, then a GVM upgrade is a must. Because trucks traditionally carry a hefty load, they don’t require the same modifications, but a 4x4 ute, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish."

For a full rundown on pricing and features, visit the Off The Grid Campers website.