Opus goes down hybrid route

The Opus air-inflatable camper range will soon be joined by a more expensive hybrid pop-top called the OP-15, which the Victorian-based company hopes will appeal to current Opus owners wanting to trade up to a more caravan-like camping experience.

Previewed at the NSW Caravan, Camping and Holiday Supershow, the new Opus OP-15 15-foot, four-berth hybrid caravan is by no means a spartan camper, with features including an internal shower and toilet, king-size main bed, bamboo finish cabinetry, Dometic reverse-cycle air conditioning and a gas hot water system.

The layout features a north-south bed up front and (as an option) the offside dinette area converts to two bunks. Cupboards line the nearside between the forward bed and rear door and there’s also an opening here to fit a 90-litre fridge.

A separate shower and toilet ensuite is fitted up the back, with access secured by a locking mesh door.

Outside, there’s a DO-35 hitch on a 150mm galvanised drawbar, mesh stone guard, scrub bars, coil-spring twin shock trailing arm independent suspension, and stone shield protection on all three water tanks (two fresh water and one grey water).

As per the current off-road caravan trend, checker plate protection is layered over the lower aluminium composite panels.

The 16in alloy wheels on the Opus OP-15 prototype are clad with Mud Terrain tyres, with two spare wheels bolted to the back of the camper. Brakes are electric 12-inch drums.

An external fridge slide, kitchen and pantry access feature on the 'living' side of the hybrid camper, as does a fold out wall-mounted table.  While not fitted on the preview example, production models are expected to have a nearside wind-out awning while an inflatable annexe should also be part of the deal.

Storage hatches on the offside house three 100Ah batteries and the hot water service, while 300W solar panels sit on top of the pop-top roof.

Like the Air Opus campers, the Opus OP-15 hybrid will be made in China. It's likely to weigh a lot more than the blow-up Opus though: the pop-top hybrid prototype boasting a Tare of 2100kg and 2800kg ATM. It's priced at $55,990 tow-away.