Ultimate aims high with Nautilus

For close to 20 years NSW-based Ultimate has offered a distinctive range of marine-inspired off-road camper trailers for those who want to get well off the beaten track in something stylish, comfortable and built to last.

Now Ultimate owner Michael Hackett, a former boat builder and designer of luxury ocean yachts, has released what he describes as the "ultimate Ultimate" with the unveiling of the company's new flagship Nautilus model at the 2012 NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow.

Featuring a smooth, streamlined design and composite/fibreglass monocoque construction, the 6.0m long Nautilus, takes the brand's ethos of blending cutting-edge camper trailer technology with marine building techniques to a whole new level.

The result of a two-year, $1million research and development program, Hackett says the Nautilus is the culmination of a long-held desire to build "the world's best off-road camper trailer".

"We've been dreaming about having the resources to build the next (Ultimate model) for about 15 years," he explains.

"Ultimate is about building expedition equipment. We're about not going from caravan park to caravan park... we're about crossing deserts, doing Cape York, being the only shack on the beach... It's exactly the same with (the Nautilus) except we have a heap more luxury with it," he says.

Almost 8.0m long  and 2.1m wide when camping, the Nautilus is 1.5m longer, 20cm wider and 15cm taller than the smaller Ultimate Elite camper.

With a relatively light Tare of 1300kg and 95kg ball weight, it's designed for easy towing behind a range of off-road vehicles.

Despite a larger footprint Hackett says it offers "Ultimate's legendary off-road performance" thanks to a 440mm ground clearance, 24 degrees departure angle and 154 degrees ramp over angle.

Riding on a modified Vehicle Components' Cruismaster independent coil suspension with adjustable Koni shocks, he claims "it's going to eat up all the corrugations you can throw at it".

Ultimate engaged naval architects and composite engineers in the construction of the aerodynamic, monocoque (single shell) structure. The stone-damage resistant, moulded composite underbody is "engineered like a boat hull" and like the upper body is streamlined for "less air resistance".

Hackett said the Nautilus is being subjected to an industry-first automotive-style testing process, which includes testing the suspension components for tens of thousands of kilometres in the Outback.

"We have also engaged ACART (Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing at Ford's Proving Ground) to test our hard connection points between the drawbar and the swing arms, into our composite chassis, for up to two lifetimes of rigorous offroad testing. A lifetime of testing we consider to be up to 100,000km of which 30,000 is in the dirt," he explains.

The Nautilus prototype on display at the Sydney Supershow was fitted with an OzHitch off-road coupling, and featured a large storage pod up front which incorporated internal compartments for the 100aH deep cycle battery and 12V/240V electrical system.

Externally, it has storage space for up to two gas bottles, jerry cans, a shower hose and slide-out cooktop.

The interior continues the nautical theme with white glossy walls and cabinetry and marine-synthetic teak floor.

An aircraft-style hatch drops down to provide staircase access, while another internal door folds away when not in use.

The electric pop-top roof raises in 20 seconds, while the rear queen-sized bed 'pod' slides out manually from inside.

The single lounge comes with a detachable dining table, while the small kitchen features a three-burner hotplate, oven/grill, 150 three-way fridge, and sink with mixer tap.

Other standard features include a number of storage drawers, seven LED lights, a Fusion 600 Series iPod audio system, gas/electric hot water and Fiamma awning.

The optional ensuite features a shower, sink, and toilet, and includes solid privacy walls that fold away when travelling.

Two water tanks offer 180 litres in total plus there's a 20 litre grey tank. A roof-mounted rainwater harvesting system can also top up your supplies if required.

Pricing for the Nautilus starts at $94,950, with a number of options available including bunk beds, inner spring mattress, TV/DVD, air-conditioning, leather lounge, solar panels, and water filter with electric water pump.

While not yet in production, Ultimate has taken orders for more than 50 Nautilus campers following a special event for Ultimate owners in late-2011, and the first public display at the nine-day Sydney Supershow in late-April.

For further details see the Ultimate website.