CTOTY 2014: Red Rock Traveller Deluxe

The “Red Rocket” is a comfortable hardfloor tourer that ticks boxes without hurting your pocket.

RED ROCK TRAVELLER DELUXE CAMPER REVIEW

One of the joys of judging Camper Trailer of the Year (CTOTY) is seeing the latest trends in the camper trailer industry: new finishes, features and, in some cases, new models. The Red Rock Traveller Deluxe hardfloor falls into the latter camp.
New in the range, the Traveller is delivered ready to hit the dusty trails with all the standard fare plus a few comfortable additions: a fridge, innerspring queen size mattress, LED lighting and musical entertainment.

RED ROCK IMPRESSIONS

First impressions are striking, with bold red paintwork, black decals and polished alloy wheels. For this reason, we nicknamed the Traveller the “Red Rocket”. The body and chassis are prime etched and finished in two-pack paint with a clear top coat for longevity. Benchmark Australian-made Wax Converters canvas in 12oz weight is used for the tent and awning, with burgundy panels over a grey base.

CAMPER TRAILER DESIGN

The trailer body incorporates a long drawbar that supports a polyblock coupling, mechanical handbrake, swing-up jockey wheel, Anderson plug, angled stoneguard with stone-stopper mudflaps, a vertically mounted spare, large checkerplated alloy tool box with hinged lids, and a slide-out pantry box with drawers on either side. Dual gas bottles and jerry cans are secured to the top of the pantry.

KITCHEN COMFORTS

The powder-coated kitchen slides from the camper body incorporating a combo stainless steel three-burner stove and sink with 12V pump, internal storage for crockery, glass splashback and a wide drawer that glides from the base of the unit for additional bench space. A pivoting lid reveals a low-profile storage drawer for cutlery and other utensils. A 40L Engel fridge hides in the alloy storage box up front. The fridge, slide-out pantry and kitchen are well located for ease of use.

TWIN BATTERIES

On the driver’s side, the electrical nerve centre is fitted within a large cupboard. There are twin 120Ah AGM batteries, a Ctek 7amp 240V charger, a 500W pure sine wave inverter and four 12V sockets scattered around the camper. A pole storage nook is located next to the kitchen and can be accessed from either side.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

The stylish exterior theme continues inside the camper with red paintwork complemented by alloy checkerplate dress panels, a patterned lino floor and the black padded step.

A Pioneer stereo/CD player with USB input, remote control and twin speakers are mounted to the checkerplate panels with other switch gear, volt and amp gauges.

A large powder-coated storage tray slides from beneath the bed, giving easy access for clothes and other goodies. Twin bedside reading lights and individually switched LED strip lights mounted on the upright bows on either side of the bed supply internal lighting.

BODY AND CHASSIS

Beneath the body, the chassis is suspended on seven leaf AL-KO rebound springs, a 50mm AL-KO axle with parallel bearings and 16in alloy wheels using 12in electric brakes and all-terrain rubber. A rear mounted 62L water tank provides water to the kitchen. The tank is a little small by today’s standards, although you can opt for a second 62L tank if desired.

THE CAMPER TRAILER AUSTRALIA VERDICT

The Traveller ticks a lot of boxes in its quest for success. It is packaged to please with everything you need to hit the road plus a few extra comforts.

The tent can be optioned with a second door, an additional room or ensuite. Add some additional water capacity and this rig is ready to haul in some serious miles.

To discover the Red Rock Traveller Deluxe final score be sure to check out Camper Trailer Australia magazine 72. Why not subscribe today!

RED ROCK TRAVELLER DELUXE RATING

JOHN WILLIS: The Traveller’ is Australian-made and proud of it. It’s half the price of many competitors in a similar style.

There’s plenty of payload, plenty of features, just enough in the electronics package — and it’s got a good kitchen. It’s a great combination of features overall. I love the checkerplate trim, it might not be anything new but it’s a great combo that’s designed well.

The Traveller’s got a sensible degree of power as standard with its two 100amp batteries. The finish looks great: a good paint job, etch primed with three top coats then clear. There’s strong 100x50mm all the way to the spring hangers with plenty of weld length and quality.

The offroad ability is considerably quite good for the price range, with leaf springs and a good drawbar length. It could do with shocks, though.

Could also use a couple of internal pockets for loose item storage but generally the comfort’s extremely good — hardfloor, great surfaces, practical power and water, good kitchen, storage and bed access all good.

It’s great value for a quality hardfloor camper. I really like it — and wow, I drive a red car to match!

PHIL LORD: Overall this is a very well thought-out package, although the suspension is a bit light-on for tough conditions.

If you delve into the options list, the Traveller Deluxe could be used anywhere, but as it is it lacks the water provision to stay at a bush camp for very long.

Fit and finish is excellent overall, and the Red Rocket appears well built and sturdy. It’s quite a long camper, which is a compromise on narrow bush tracks. Add alloy wheels and a 45mm beam axle, and you’ve got a light camper suitable for mild offroad work.

Value for money is excellent. The combination of a hardfloor design, 40L Engel fridge, 2 x 120Ah batteries and a pure sine wave converter are all great features.

It’s very straightforward to set-up and use, with plenty of storage space and sheltered living area. This is the type of camper that would serve a family well for short breaks at
a nearby national park.

MIKE PAVEY: A well-packaged offroad hardfloor camper suitable for couples and small families.

The quality of finish is excellent all round. The only blemish I could find was a small patch of overspray in an area out of sight. Paint has been properly prepared, with two-pack paint and top sealant.

The ability to head off road is effective, thanks to the offroad coupling, LT all terrain tyres, hubs matched to most vehicles, AL-KO rebound offroad springs, substantial chassis, large angled stoneguard and electric brakes.

Easy set up without requiring a winch. Easy to use, with everything flowing well — kitchen, fridge and tent access all undercover. As a small detraction the interior framework obstructs the top part of the door, requiring you to duck to get in and out.

This camper is well specced for the price. It’s a new model, but likely to have good resale value as it’s from a known local manufacturer. Good value overall.