Van Cruiser unveils hardcore Shotgun

Melbourne custom builder Van Cruiser has introduced its smallest, most hardcore hybrid camper to date.

Mounted on a sturdy caravan-style Supagal chassis including six inch A-frame, AL-KO Enduro off-road suspension, 12in electric brakes, Cruisemaster DO-35 hitch and shiny 16in Primal alloys with chunky 265/75 Thunderer tyres, the new Shotgun Telegraph Track camper is the newest addition to Van Cruiser’s compact Outlaw range.

However unlike the other Outlaw campers the new Shotgun misses out on interior living quarters. Instead, it boasts a tall, stubby body (2.6m long by 1.8m) packed with numerous closed storage options, while sleeping is on a three-person, fold-over rooftop canvas tent mounted on top.

Set up for harsh Outback travel, the Shotgun features aluminium composite body panels protected by a mesh stone guard, plus checker plate and rubber pebbleguard exterior protection.

One of 10 storage lockers accessible from the onside, the front toolbox includes a slide-out for a 40 litre fridge, with another slide for a similar-size fridge also accessible from the onside.

Storage options include a large, caravan-style tunnel boot, while one of the onside lockers on the display model contained optional, pull-out drawers. Also fitted was a slide-out stainless kitchen with sink and gas cooker.

Along with an external shower, the offside proves access to seven storage compartments of varying shapes and sizes, including one that held a fold-up picnic table and another a deep insulated, slide-out food box.

The Van Cruiser Shotgun comes standard with two 80 litre water tanks, 12V water pump, gas/electric hot water, two 4kg gas bottles and gay bayonet, Bluetooth/CD radio, a 100Ah battery system including battery charger and solar regulator for the 150W solar panel, and various electric connections and LED lighting accessories.

Van Cruiser boss Enzo Gnocato said a Shotgun prototype had already been subjected to real-world Outback testing and that its high clearance, clean underbody and short overhangs made it a good proposition for extreme off-road adventures.

The display model had a Tare weight of 1480kg. 1990kg ATM and ball weight (Tare) of 120kg, with the Tare weight including the rooftop tent, fridges, kayak and other options on the display model, according to Van Cruiser.

Pricing starts at $37,990, with options on the display model including roof-top tent, two jerry cans, upgraded battery system, two 40 litre fridges, generator, and pull-out pantry hatch, pushing the price up to $45,200.