Patriot X1 gets auto roof

Lazy campers rejoice!

High-profile Queensland manufacturer Patriot Campers is the latest Aussie RV brand to offer a remote, auto-opening feature, to take some of the sweat out of setting up for the night.

Instead of having to manually erect the entire soft-floor camper, as was the case with earlier versions of the X1 compact camper, owners of the new range-topping Patriot X1-H can simply hit a button on a car-style remote or on the camper itself, to get moving two electronic actuator arms that raise the side-folding hard-top lid to a 45 degree angle.

The rest of the roof-top bed and tent is then pulled out by hand, in less than a minute according to Patriot, thanks to a trick new fold out bed platform with auto-locking hinge mechanism that helps hold it in place. There's also a new ‘Tentstep’ ladder with handrail that makes climbing up to the queen mattress a lot easier.

Also part of the package is an integrated ‘CS3’ tent that can be expanded with the standard zip-on change room or optional kids' room, while a gas-assisted fold-out 270 degree awning provides some protection around the well-equipped outdoor kitchen.

The X!-H's new ‘Hexocore’ power-operated composite lid also comes with a 'Hex Pattern' insulated roof lining, storage pockets and LED lighting, as well as a 130W solar panel to charge the standard twin 135Ah battery system.

Launched last month, the X1-H is the latest upgrade of the cutting-edge Queensland-built X1 camper, which is now sold in the US and has seen countless updates and improvements (and price increases) since its release in 2013.

Other standard features on the Patriot X1-H include PCOR 16in black alloy wheels, Redarc Manager30 battery manager, rear drawers, twin burner stove, gas hot water system, 155L water tank, full size spare, Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and X-cruise coil suspension.

Like the standard X1, the 3.3m long by 1.85m wide X1-H boasts around 2000 litres  storage capacity, to make the most of a 600-odd kg payload. Tare weight is 940kg with an ATM of 1600kg.

Priced from $52,990 (or $7000 more than the standard X1), the Patriot X1-H is also available with a couple of option packs. The $3990 Tech pack adds a Redarc Redvision TVMS, X-cruise airbag suspension and Redarc 1000W inverter, while the $3490 Lifestyle Pack option adds  an additional gas bottle holder, tent awning sail, front box utility shelf, and an A-frame kids' room.

There are also other options available, including a diesel space heater, extended drawbar, Weber BabyQ and the choice of either an Evakool or Dometic portable fridge. Visit the Patriot site for full details.

Remote controlled set-up, whether for a pop-top roof or to open up a rear-fold camper, is all the rage in the Australian RV industry right now. As well as remote control fobs, many items can now also be operated from a smart phone, via an app, meaning you don’t even need to get out of your camp chair – or the driver’s seat – to get things moving...