Patriot releases first hybrid pop-top camper

Queensland's Patriot Campers has entered the pop-top hybrid camper market, with its new 5.2m long, 1800kg Tare Supertourer ST5 premium compact off-road model also making headlines as its biggest, heaviest and most expensive model to date.

Priced from $139,000, the new two-to-three berth Supertourer ST5 hybrid pop-top costs $53,100 more than Patriot's priciest GEN2 camper trailer and $21,100 more than its top-spec TH730 toy hauler camper.

However, the new Supertourer ST5 hard-wall pop-top comes with more glamping luxuries, storage space, off-road sophistication and off-grid power than we've ever seen on a hardcore Patriot camper, including for the first time an internal bathroom and vanity.

Entry to the ST5's interior space is through a vertically opening rear-entry hatch and security door, with a compact but versatile layout that features cafe-style bench seating with an adjustable tabletop and a small lounge in 'day mode', with the space transforming into a queen size bed with pocket spring mattress for night-time sleeping.

There's the option to add a kids' bunk above the double bed, while the corner combination ensuite includes a hot-cold shower and a composting toilet, with a benchtop with sink and mixer tap located directly opposite the shower enclosure.

The ST5 Supertourer also boasts a two-touch automated set-up including a powered pop-top roof and electric awning, while its external L-shaped kitchen gets a hot and cold sink, space for a 95L fridge, a two pot induction cooker, large pantry and a stainless steel prep bench.

Patriot says the Supertourer ST5 also gets the most external and internal storage capacity of any Patriot model, including 1500L of external storage space thanks to an extra-large side storage locker and eight other external compartments including wet boxes, storage pods and internal lockers. There are also Exoracks mounted on the rear and the roof to carry more gear.

Maximum payload is 800kg, and the 2600kg ATM pop-top measures 2.1m wide and 2.18m high, when packed up. Patriot hasn't listed the external body length, but the Supertourer ST5 measures 5.19m (17ft) overall, and 6.23m long and 2.8m high when opened up at camp.

The ST5's cutting-edge 'weld-free' construction is similar to the latest GEN2 campers', including a Rigilite hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis, aluminium composite body panels and laser-cut decals, while it also borrows GEN2 design elements like the frontbox ladder introduced on the X2 Tourer.

It also rides on a "revolutionary" new Trinamic independent adjustable airbag and disc brake set-up that Patriot says was inspired by off-road racing suspensions and features 250mm of travel, monotube shocks, and fully-sealed automotive bearings.

The homegrown hybrid also gets a dedicated service locker providing user-friendly access to every serviceable component on the camper, and Patriot has also loaded up the ST5 with upmarket items including a Truma hot water and space heater, stylish tapware, a ceramic sink, non-slip flooring, dimmable mood lighting, porthole windows, and a gold towel rail.

While another Supertourer ST5 innovation is a patented double-floor conversion in the ensuite that folds over the composting toilet to create a water-tight shower floor.

Off-grid power needs are taken care of with a 460Ah lithium battery system with 800W rooftop solar, a Redarc 50A Manager Alpha, Redvision TVMS and 3000W inverter, while water storage includes 250L fresh and 50L grey tanks.

The new Supertourer ST5 is available with either a white or dark grey exterior, with a number of options available including a 95L fridge, air-conditioner, Weber BBQ and swing away tray, 24in TV, 35in tyre upgrade and a tyre inflation kit. Visit the Patriot Campers website for full details.