The Australian version of the UK Opus Folding Camper has been rejigged for 2016, with the option of a new two-berth ‘grey nomad’ version and more off-road capability across the range.
Lighter and slighter smaller than the original Opus family canvas camper, the new Opus 2 Sleeper features a single, forward fold-out queen-sized, north-south bed, compared to the newly named Opus 4/6 Sleeper’s two east-west double beds that fold out from the centre. Opus Australia’s marketing and communications manager Greg Shoemark said in response to buyers who “want something tougher with off-road ability”, standard features across the new Opus range include independent trailing arm coil spring suspension, 12in electric brakes, an articulating poly block coupling and 16in alloys with 265/75 off-road tyres.
Other tweaks to make it more off-road as well as free camping friendly include an increased 45 degree departure angle, 90 degree fold-down spare wheel mount at the rear, a reinforced front stone shield, front holders for a 9kg gas bottle and 20 litre water container, and an external bracket to hold a hot water service for the built-in shower outlet.
Cooking is now largely outside with a slide-out external kitchen with four-burner cooktop and sink fitted as standard.
The MKII Opus also features new front and rear bed supports, an external 240V mains outlet, and larger front storage compartment with power outlet and space to fit an 80 litre fridge,
Both models are fitted with two 100Ah AGM batteries while the 2 Sleeper has a 65 litre water tank and the 4/6 Sleeper, 160 litre storage.
The two-berth Opus will have a ball weight of around 100kg, 990kg Tare and 1600kg ATM , with a 100kg ball weight, 1300kg Tare and 1800kg ATM
for the family model.
The Opus' youthful styling is retained with three standard exterior colours available – orange, blue or grey.
Pricing for the 2 Sleeper should start from around $20,000 when the first production versions arrive in the country later this month, while the 4/6 Sleeper, which includes a two speaker audio system and DVD player, will cost around $25,000.
Around 100 Opus campers with their unique, pram-like unfolding mechanism have been sold in Australia since late-2013. The new, Oz-spec MKII off-road model will also be offered in the UK and US, and be displayed at next month’s Caravan Salon in Germany as well as Melbourne Leisurefest in early-October..