The other advantage the company has is in-house production.
“We make everything right here on the premises,” say Camel director Will Ebertson. “Even the kitchens, toolboxes and pole carriers are made here, so this means we can maximise the quality of every component.”

The chassis is gusseted DuraGal and the trailer body is constructed in press toughened zinc-annealed steel. Camel uses only leaf springs because they’re easy to maintain and find parts for, even in remote areas. Camel even makes climbing into bed easier. Standard equipment includes a ladder but by opting for a wider tent you can fit an optional fold-down step so you’re not climbing over your partner at night.

GIVE US THE DETAILS

The Discovery model here is described as having a “convenient, standard fit-out, complemented by a comprehensive range of accessories”.  It’s more than an entry-level unit, more of a mid-range actually, suitable for travellers who’d like to learn the ins and outs of exploration before shelling out for a more highly specced camper.

And it’s a good place to start. The trailer box section measures 1300x2200mm (7x4ft), and sits on a full-length chassis. Two lockable jerry can holders are at the front of the trailer, on either side, while a single 4.5kg gas cylinder stows at the rear on the opposite side.

Fifteen-inch offroad tyres provide plenty of ground clearance and these are attached, via steel Sunraysia wheels, to a 45mm axle. The suspension comprises seven-leaf Al-Ko springs and greasable shackles, so the whole setup stays lubed in extreme conditions. The brakes are 10in electric drums but no controller is provided. The tow hitch is a 50mm ball; advised ball weight is 65kg.

A huge galvanised lockable storage box is over the drawbar and Camel says this space is water and dustproof. The pole carrier slips in behind the storage box, and wind-down stabilisers keep you parallel to the ground while you’re reading in the queen size bed.

KITCHEN RANGE

Camel offers five kitchen configurations in its offroad range, from the no-burner standard unit to the multiple burner, “Super Deluxe Kitchen”. The Discovery has a basic standard unit with no burners, a hand-pump connected to a heavy-duty, 65L polyethylene water tank, room under the first bench for three drawers or utensil holders (and a door to hold everything in place). Another stainless steel bench in line with the first has an indent for a sink or plastic container, another shelf that clips into position underneath it. The whole assembly rests on two adjustable legs.

Will says Camel excludes a burner in its Deluxe Standard kitchen because many customers are fussy about how they prepare food and don’t want a fancy stove, “So we give them that option”.

Few components on a trailer are more important than the canvas. It keeps you dry in the rain, and if appropriately cross-ventilated makes a stinking hot day a little more bearable. Few textiles have a track record to match Aussie-made Dynaproofed canvas. This product is used by many Australian camper-trailer manufacturers, for the aforementioned benefits and for the fact that it folds quickly into a small space.

Much of the storage space on the Discovery is under the bed, which rises on gas struts so it’s easy to locate your hidden cache of Caramello Bears.

Camel builds two tents sizes, a 3m (10ft) and 3.9m (13ft). The Discovery has a 3m tent with a soft floor, six windows, all with internal flaps, and three with external awnings, so fresh air circulates inside the tent even when it’s raining. Windows are flyscreened too. Internal living space is huge: the key advantage soft-floor tents have over hard-floor designs. There’s easily enough room for a table and chairs if bad weather forces a retreat.

The tent is held in place atop the trailer by a PVC cover, and when we asked the guys from Camel to “put her up” it didn’t take long. Nothing erects as quickly as a hard-floor camper but this softie took about 15 minutes, from the time they pulled off the PVC to hammering home the pegs. The internal tent frame remains in place while travelling which makes the job much easier. A 2.4m (8ft) front awning (plus gable) travels with the tent too, so it doesn’t have to be unpacked every time you move camping spots.

The quality of the stitching is first class. There was barely a ripple in the whole thing. The only standard accessory you get with this model is a 2.4m (8ft) kitchen wall with a window, but provision for an annexe is standard.

SUMMING IT UP

The $11,450 Discovery is a mid-level camper that lets you start off with something basic and add to it as you go along. You don’t get lots of extras but you aren’t charged for them either. On the other hand, you can upgrade any time with goodies including a 12V battery and battery box, 240V connectivity, a stone guard, a gazebo screen or annexe combination, that step at the end of the bed, and of course the larger 3.9m tent.

Camel Group
66 Paramatta Road
Slacks Creek, Qld 4127
1300 788 400
www.camelgroup.com.au

Camel Group, 66 Parramatta Rd, Slacks Creek, Qld 4127. 1300 788 400 www.camelgroup.com.au