tradervs.com.au 39The camper you want is now easier to find
lightweight and tough, Stockman’S
kwik kampa 2 will get you out there with a
minimum of fuSS.wordS MIKE PAVEY
picS JOE PRESS
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from good
stock
tradervs.com.au 41The camper you want is now easier to find tradervs.com.au 41
cta rating1. fit for intended purpose
2. innovation
3. BushaBility
4. Quality of finish
5. Build Quality
6. offroad-aBility
7. comforts
8. ease of use
9. value for money
10. X-factor
“the original brief was to create a lightweight and virtually indestructible camper”
Since appearing as a finalist in CTA’s 2012 Offroad Camper of the Year awards, the Stockman Kwik Kampa 2 is now available, wearing a number of key changes to
further broaden its appeal.The original design brief was to create a
lightweight and virtually indestructible camper that was still super comfortable and could be set up within 60 seconds. To make it attractive to active travellers, flexible roof mounting hardware was incorporated to secure a range of toys including bikes, kayaks and surfboards.
PLASTIC FANTASTICAs a unique offering, recycled rotomoulded polyethylene is used for the trailer tub and lid, similar to the material used for ute liners. Unlike a standard sheet-metal trailer tub, it won’t rust or chip paint and it absorbs shocks without denting — ideal for the rough and tumble of offroad camping.
In fitting with our budget issue, we selected an introductory package to peg the price at under
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$15k. Riding on what Stockman calls the ‘All Roada’ chassis, there’s a hot-dipped galvanised framework wearing a standard ball coupling, five-leaf eye-to-eye suspension, an 8in swing-up jockey wheel and 15in wheels.
THE GEARThe Kwik Kampa 2 scores a modest stainless steel kitchen with sink and two-burner stove, on-board water with manual pump, a large slide-out internal storage drawer, front alloy storage box and a few ancillary items. The only thing missing is a battery pack, but there is a great slimline system on the options list, fitted down the left side of the trailer incorporating a 96Ah slimline AGM battery, 240V 7Ah battery charger, three 12V points, a voltmeter and an Anderson plug to provide charge while on the move. Add a couple of velcro-backed LED strip lights and you’re set for some serious fun.
There are plenty of other options including an Extreme chassis featuring a DO35 offroad hitch, a reinforced hot-dipped galvanised chassis, Cruisemaster independent coil suspension, hubs matched to the towing vehicle and 16in wheels. Other options include roof racks for all sorts of toys, an innerspring mattress, awning walls, additional water tanks, electric brakes, hot water, a shower and more.
clockwiSe from above: the clever rack system lets you take all your toys with you; enjoy a commanding view from the bed; the 125cm-wide bed and storage underneath are in keeping with the rig's agile profile; the interchangeable optional roof racks suit all kinds of adventures; it’s got all you need for a great break in the bush and all for a paltry tare weight of just 400kg. and, with an atm of 750kg, it can carry a load.
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hits &misses
> durable, rust-free body> Quick set-up> cool styling
I LIkEd
I WOULd HAVE LIkEd> a wider bed > longer warranty> spare wheel removal winch
SET-UPThe pod is aerodynamic and offers a ute-style tailgate that provides a multitude of uses including a table, step or simply a place to park your bum as you pull on your boots. With the rear pod catches released, gas struts pivot the roof open to around 70º, revealing the tent bundled neatly in the tub.
With the rear stabilisers in place, the lid pops open and any items stored on the tent are removed. Simply pull the top bow to the rear and flick upwards to activate the concertina of additional bows, orchestrated by gas struts. Peg the floor down and add the two rear tent uprights and your overnight camp is good to go. If the kids are along for the ride, an optional second room measuring 2x1.8m zips onto the rear. The pod lid acts as a tropical roof leaving a gap for airflow, while a large roof flap in the tent roof provides improved heat dispersion and ventilation.
The new Foxwing-style awning with built-in ridge poles provides increased coverage. Four alloy upright poles support the awning and ropes and pegs can be used if the conditions are breezy.
above: Wake up and smell the coffee… the stainless steel kitchen slides out from the nearside and it’s a robust and practical unit. below: thanks to its clever design, the set-up procedure is quick and easy.
“the pod lid acts as a tropical roof leaving a gap for airflow, while a large roof flap in the tent roof
provides improved heat dispersion”
Double bed
Swing-around awning
Gas bottlesSpare wheel
Under bed storage drawer
Storage box with tool tray
Kitchenslides out
Jerry cans
Fire extinguisher Doors
tradervs.com.au 4544 campertraileraustralia.com.au The camper you want is now easier to find
Owner Phil Savory has a background in farming and industrial design, originally working for Fisher & Paykel. He developed the design for the Pod trailer which launched in 2006, winning the Association of Rotational Moulders Australia (ARMA) Award
for the Best Conversion Product of the Year. In 2010 a range of campers were released including the sidefold family touring pods using traditional canvas, and later the Kwik Kampa.
Having spent three years manufacturing canvas-based trailers, Stockman has found the rip-stop nylon and polyester tent material to outperform canvas.
“The rip-stop material is more dirt resistant, offering better wear and waterproofing, without mould,” Phil said.
“Breathability isn’t as great, although we’ve compensated by using a large roof vent and super-sized doors and windows. The product speaks for itself, with our customers having traversed Australia’s most remote outback tracks. We’ve sold over 2500 units and now export to South Korea,” he added.
AUSSIE SUCCESS STORy
below: the man with one very clever plan, phil savory. stockman now exports its products overseas, in addition to selling them in high volumes here in australia.
Also new, the integrated tent scores a sewn-in PVC floor measuring 2x1.8m, with three doors supplementing the large windows around the bed. Midge mesh is used all round and can be unzipped and rolled up to maximise the airflow during the heat of the day. We loved the colour scheme of the tent with the black on grey and orange highlights — very sharp!
Unlike normal softfloor campers where the bed is mounted on the tub, the Pod accommodates the mattress in the tub, which limits the mattress width to 125cm and reduces storage accordingly. The full length storage drawer beneath the bed provides improved access to clothing and other items, limited only by the drawer height. The dome pod lid provides additional storage above the tent, although it should be limited to a table, chairs and a few bags, as all this gear must be removed prior to set-up each day if touring.
An alloy checkerplate storage box protects the front of the trailer from stone damage. It also houses the stainless steel kitchen, which slides from the nearside, while a gas-strut-assisted front hatch provides storage for a small generator, low-profile Porta Potti and shower cube, but not a fridge. As most 4WD enthusiasts will have one in their vehicle, it’s not a huge issue. A removable storage tray above the kitchen provides easy access to frequently used tools like hammers, pegs and axes.
ON THE ROAdAt only 400kg dry the Kwik Kampa 2 was a delight to tow and was quickly forgotten on our long highway leg despite the blustery conditions. It was the same on forest trails and 4WD tracks, although the latter was limited and there was little opportunity to test the tailgate for dust or water ingress. It would be interesting to see how the trailer fares on an extended outback trip for both liveability and ease of use.
One very handy feature of the Kwik Kamper 2 is that the tent and pod lid can be quickly removed, freeing up the trailer for everyday tasks such as taking rubbish to the tip or moving furniture.
SUMMING UPIt is hard not to be drawn in by the Pod Kwik Kampa 2. It looks good both on the road and at camp thanks to its sleek styling and attractive colour scheme. The durable rotomoulded body is ideal for offroad use and its light weight makes it suitable for a range of smaller towing vehicles. The modified tent and awning is a significant improvement, as is the optional kids’ room. Although the body offers less storage than a conventional trailer, with the front storage box options and underbed storage it will cope with most requirements. Built and designed in Australia for local conditions, the Kwik Kampa 2 improves on an already good thing.
Tare 400kgATM 750kgSuspension five-leaf eye-to-eyeBrakes electric (optional)Coupling 50mm ball (optional treg or do35)Chassis 50x50x2mm rhs hot dipped galdrawbar 75x50x2mm rhs hot dipped galBody recycled rotomoulded polyethyleneWheel/tyre 15in a/tStyle softfloor
> TRAILER
Box size 1820x1220mmLength 3700mmTent size 2000x1800mm
> dIMENSIONS
Gas cylinders 1 x 4.5kg (option for more or 9kg)Water 65lCooktop two-burner smev kitchen stainless steel slide-outBattery optional, 96ah glass gel
> ACCESSORIES
$14,995 plus on-road costs
> PRICE AS SHOWN
stockman products, 1/11 daniel drive, carrum downs, vic 3201, www.podtrailer.com.au
> SUPPLIEd By
cta specsstockman
kWIk kAMPA 2
clockwiSe from above: the rapid set-up process will endear the kwik kampa 2 to many; a strong and sealed checkerplate storage bin rides up front; the water tank holds 65l; the jerry-can holder is angled for easier use — that’s clever; at under $15,000 and with a heap of features, there’s a lot to like about stockman’s kwik kampa 2.
“it looks good both on the road and at camp thanks to its sleek styling and
attractive colour scheme”
