Follow Me Campers Argyle Explorer: 2014 Review

The Argyle Explorer is the first hardfloor in the Follow Me range, though it’s evident the brand is unwilling to fully deviate from the softfloor layout, opting for a sidefold design rather than the classic hardfloor rear-fold concept. This enabled Follow Me to introduce a walk-through passageway for bed access, which it touts as the unique selling point of this camper.

Follow Me Campers Argyle Explorer specifications

The chassis is constructed from 75x50x2.5mm galvanised steel, while the drawbar is 100x50x3.0mm. The offroad Ozhitch is effective and very easy to use, and 10in electric brakes can pull you up in a hurry. The camper weighs 1100kg dry, and is good for a total mass of 1500kg.

Setting up

So is it as easy to use as a rearfold hardfloor? Not quite, but it’s not far off. The set-up process is slowed somewhat by a wrap-around tonneau, which connects the packed-up hardfloor with the body of the camper via zips. While simple to use, it is an extra step in the set-up process and means fiddling with not one but two zips — essentially twice the effort of removing/replacing a softfloor tonneau.

Tent and layout

Follow Me uses excellent quality 15oz Wax Converters canvas on the roof and walls. The canvas on the test camper was maroon, which made for a nice warm glow inside and prevented a total black-out situation in the morning, despite the weight of the canvas.

There are big windows in all the usual places which open internally and provide excellent ventilation, and annexe walls are available as an option as well as an additional third bedroom off the other side of the camper if your horde requires it.

The walk-up access to the comfy queen innerspring mattress is a very nice touch on a hardfloor camper, and gives you loads of storage space accessible from both sides and when the camper is packed up.

Kitchen

It’s a basic but functional kitchen, powder-coated and inclusive of a two-burner Lido Junior gas stove and grill and cold running water in a plastic tub sink, and is supported by one drop-down leg. Gas comes from a 4kg bottle as standard, which sits in a dedicated holder in front of the drivers’ side wheel, while water comes from the 70L tank. Both are easy to connect via quick-connect hoses under the tailgate.

The Verdict

This camper has all the basics down pat, but requires a few refinements to make it truly great. It proved its worth as a tourer, with a fairly quick set up for overnight stops, although a tweak in design to eliminate the tonneau wrap would up the ante on this front. It is perfectly suited to longer stays with the awning erected and even the walls and additional bedroom if you require the extra undercover space. This versatility makes it well suited to couples and families alike. Its strong construction is a definite win, and at $29,500 you’ve got an offroad capable, locally-made tourer.

I liked

• Softfloor footprint on a hardfloor camper
• Additional storage thanks to walk-up passageway bed access
• Very well-built and offroad capable

I would have liked

• Reverse ratchet winch
• Stronger kitchen slide latches
• Better quality toolbox

Check out the full review in issue #79 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine, out now. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.

Find Follow Me Campers camper trailers for sale online.