Brisbane Caravan Show Highlights

There was no doubt the organisers of the 2015 Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow (June 3-9) faced a considerable challenge with the march of development enveloping the former RNA Showgrounds site. Creative thinking was used in the allocation of exhibition space and, in some cases, a bit of careful detective work on the part of show-goers was required to source their favourite manufacturers and dealers — but, despite the challenge, it was worth the effort.

I reckon Queensland is the camper trailer capital and the show brings out a variety of styles — everything from low cost side-folds to luxury full-height offroad hybrids commanding tens of thousands of dollars. In short: there’s something for everyone.

Equally as important were the accessory exhibitors selling everything from offroad equipment to LED lights and comforts such as diesel-fired heaters.

THE LOW-DOWN

As always, the Queensland show reflects the industry’s ongoing development and there is always something new around the corner; be it a niche waiting to be filled or a wide sweeping trend recently discovered. Here are three models that really caught my eye for 2015.

LIFESTYLE ELITE BREAKAWAY

Lifestyle’s new sporty Elite Breakaway features a rising pop-top-style solid roof and canvas sides. There is a full-size bed in the trailer and an entry door that gives an easy access walkway to the bed.

There is storage area under the bed and tailgate fitted kitchen bench. Both the side and rear of the external area are covered by a three-piece awning.

JAWA TOURER

The Jawa Tourer retains a traditional rear-fold, hardfloor layout but is well-appointed and some effort has been made with the fit, finish and decor. Up front, the large checkerplate kitchen features a slide-out fridge, separate slide-out box with drawers, all of which meshes well with the slide-out bench fitted into the side of the trailer. All of the kitchen area is neatly covered by awnings.

ULTIMATE XPLOR GT

Ultimate had the new Xplor GT camper trailer on show, with the Redarc Manager30 battery management system incorporating a DC-DC unit and a 240V charger rated to 30A, a new entertainment system and updated electronics for living the dream off
the track.

The Xplor GT exploits the Ultimate’s
classic design, retaining the fully fitted-out kitchen and a king-size bed that folds out to the side. Full independent suspension, a good ride height and a DO35 hitch up front makes the compact camper trailer undoubtedly suited to offroad travel.

SHOW DETAILS

The 2015 Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow is on at Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds from now until June 9.