2016 CTOTY: AOR Quantum Series IV

Australian Off Road has rolled out refinements in its hybrid camper range, with its rearfold hardfloor retaining plenty of old-school class. Superb engineering make the Super Campers extremely popular, and with the Quantum Series IV release they’ve become even better.

The new aerodynamic front increases external storage and maximises internal space and, by shifting the bed forward, the designers have created an external kitchen that integrates beautifully with the area under the awning. Add to this the improved thermodynamics of the cellular fibreglass shell, reorganised storage boxes along the road side, better ventilation with a 100mm increase in the pop-top height (now up to 600mm high) and it can almost be seen as a completely new camper.

The new Quantum also introduces comforts such as an internal ensuite incorporated into a pretty much go-anywhere offroad shell.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

The Quantum comes standard with a 3.9x2.4m rollout awning, anti-flap kit, 2.4x4m annexe matting and an interchangeable canvas end wall.

The hitch is the now almost ubiquitous Hitchmaster DO35 on the 150x50mm drawbar, there is a heavy-duty jockey wheel rated at 350kg, front external tap and all the usual AOR touches, such as the stainless steel coverings on the drawbar to prevent stone marks.

Oh, and the chassis? It seems that in all the gushing about features, I’ve bypassed the core structures, such as the high tensile steel laminated powder coated chassis, AOR’s own trailing arm independent suspension with dual shocks, dual tow points, 12in electric brakes and 2400kg bearings. The rims are 17x8in Sunraysia steel rims with 265/70 R17 all-terrain tyres.

KITCHEN

That all-new stainless steel kitchen layout is impressive. The kitchen bench slides out parallel with the camper’s centreline, rather than at a right angle and has a three-burner stove and sink with mixer tap. The flip-over work area is generous, and the large drawer underneath provides plenty of room for small handy kitchen items. My only complaint is the wide handle along the front that reduces access to the cutlery drawer on the end of the adjoining fridge slide. A slightly shorter handle would quickly resolve that minor issue.

The kitchen is ideally placed for access to the large pantry behind the flip-up door, as well as the smaller storage bay above the kitchen for those broad, flat items. To the kitchen’s left is a slide for storing the 82L Evakool fridge/freezer next to the deep pots and pans store, which has a sliding top that provides additional food prep space, and the cutlery drawer underneath.

A front gas bayonet also allows you to tap into a fuel supply for your portable gas barbecue.

The layout maximises the undercover area with the fridge slide intruding only when required. This saving is significant under a roll-out awning.

This camper bristles with lights, and above the kitchen and drop-down pantry there are neat LEDs that toggle between white for comfortable viewing and yellow when those pesky flies get out of hand.

INTERIOR

Inside are the queen innerspring bed, removable four-person swivel table, seating, internal kitchen with sink and mixer tap over a great 250L set of drawers, and the shower and toilet.

The whole space is comfortable and well laid out, although the bathroom space is fairly tight.

There are four individually switched LED lights on the walls and one in the ensuite, three large plastic double glazed windows with integrated flyscreens and blinds, padded vinyl walls, a Sirocco fan, vinyl flooring, wiring for an internal (as well as external) television and a full AM/FM stereo with MP3 and USB capacity.

The pop-top has multiple contact points and corner locating brackets to keep out the dust.

The bed has an 8in innerspring mattress on top of an insulated base and a vertical head board above three drawers under the bed with a combined 190L of storage capacity. All drawers are self-closing with locks. The interior is heated by a Webasto diesel system and all hot water comes from a 14L gas hot water system to spread the fuel load. There is also an optional air-conditioner and a cooktop for the internal bench.

The three lockers on the driver’s side have solid double skin doors for rigidity and dust-proof hinges to ensure no dust can get past. One has a drawer, another reveals an open space while the third is allocated for two 4.5kg gas cylinders, though access to the gas regulator taps is rather cramped.

THE VERDICT

This Quantum Super Camper Series IV retains a high standard of luxury fitout and engineering with enough features to keep you in comfort for three to four weeks in the bush. There is no such thing as a perfect camper, and all of them have their compromises, but the AOR Quantum Series IV comes mighty close for a large hybrid camper trailer. It isn’t ideal for everyone, and its size and price of $92,900 will be barriers for many but, for those with the budget, the Quantum Series IV sets a standard that’s hard to top.

HITS & MISSES

Pros…

• Superb engineering and build quality
• Comfort plus
• All-Australian build
• Macerator toilet and black water storage

Cons…

• Size and price – but if you want this quality, you have to pay for it
• Shower/toilet a bit squeezy
• I’d prefer a hot-dip galvanised chassis

Check out the full feature in issue #98 March 2016 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.