2015 CTOTY: Wedgetail Slide-on

If comfort is high on your list of priorities and cash is not an obstacle in your slide-on camper search, then look no further — this one is for you.

Design & Construction

The first thing you notice about the Wedgetail is that it’s bigger than the other two in the slide-on category. Adding to the length of the unit is the internal ensuite, which has a bit of “wow” factor and will appeal to those who would rather not traipse outside.

Set-up is longer than others at eight minutes, but, remember, there is more camper/canvas here. You can be packed up again in about 10 minutes.

The kitchen, accessible whether the camper is open or closed, is a tidy design coming with an 80L Waeco, which folds out on a well-designed fridge slide and fits its space very neatly. Pantry storage is now a series of 23L drawer-style tubs. Cooking outside is done on an agreeable little Sovereign cooker, which will deliver many options while you’re parked, feet up, in your own special piece of Aussie nirvana.

Interior

Moving inside, you enter by fold-out steps (five steps up), and a handrail gives those suffering from campfire-induced unsteadiness something to hold on to as they ascend. As you pass the ensuite, there is a very tidy kitchen/dinette/living area, so for the times when the weather or bugs are against you or if it’s just plain privacy you’re after, you can happily wander inside.

The pantry and fridge are accessible from within, a two-burner provides the heat, there’s a small basin for the washing and the two-seater dinette is the finishing touch. You can comfortably read in the queen size innerspring with the help of a couple of LED reading lamps and a bed cover protects your bedding from any wet canvas as you pack up for your next move. Big windows offer great ventilation and views.

THE JUDGES’ Wrap Up

Aimed at empty nesters and baby boomers who want secure, remote-area capability, there’s a steady market for those willing to pay for top-quality camping/touring packages and the Wedgetail fits neatly into that.

A good blend of interior and outdoor living options is one of this camper’s big pluses. The pressurised interior keeps out dust, and the ability to store grey and black water, plus the included toilet, make this camper suited to all park access regulations. This unit is able to stay out on the road almost indefinitely, except for having to come in for water, food and gas, and there are multiple options for charging the battery.

The best materials have been used and are lightweight wherever possible (interior cupboard drawers, mattress, etc) and tough where required (double-insulated, fibreglass sandwich roof).

This is a heavy camper, but that’s a result of the heavily optioned package and it makes no secret of the need for a GVM upgrade. It’s not cheap and it comes with an additional price tag for GVM upgrade/suspension/tray pack, but it does not pretend to be anything else and you certainly get what you pay for.

Check out the full review in issue #84 January 2015 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.