Cub Campers Explorer: Review

Written by: John Ford

Published on February 17, 2015

Time to read 2 min

Cub Campers is an Australian builder with a well-respected name, offering 16 model variations across five hardfloor camper ranges. Now, in 2015, Cub is rebranding its campers with individual names, the first being our test example, the Cub Explorer. It’s based on the Kamparoo Daintree, with more storage included as standard and is finished in a dark ochre body (departing from traditional white) with fawn canvas replacing the grey.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Black steel wheels fitted with 225x75 R15 Goodyear Wrangler tyres, a shiny aluminium rack, and two large storage boxes and jerry can holders over the A-frame all beckon remote destinations beyond the local caravan park.

Looking around and under the camper left the impression it was well-built and strong enough for the 470kg payload. An 80L plastic water tank is high out of harm’s way and comes with a metal guard to protect it from debris. Down the back, the spare is slung underneath on a wind-down mechanism.

Adding to the camper’s appeal are the two sturdy metal toolboxes up front, the larger one able to accommodate a 60L fridge and the smaller one great for tools and recovery gear. Both have locks and good rubber seals to keep out dust and stop them rattling.

A full-width stoneguard across the front of the drawbar protects the toolboxes, twin jerry cans and a gas bottle.

THE INTERIOR

Cub proudly uses Wax Converters Dynaproofed canvas, which looks and feels as though it should last for years. Importantly, the tent is waterproof and well-constructed with covering flaps strategically placed to avoid leaks.

The Explorer’s interior design follows conventional rear-fold solid floor principles with a double bed over the camper body and a room at ground level suitable for kid’s bunks or as a wet weather retreat with a small table and chairs.

Zips open canvas flaps to allow natural light and ventilation and they all have permanently fixed flyscreens, except the wide entry door, which you can roll-up and tie — perfect for when the awning is erected.

KITCHEN

A hatch forward of the kerbside wheel opens to reveal a slide-out stainless steel kitchen, making it easy to stop for a quick cuppa on the road. It has a sink with water pumped by hand and two gas burners with folding stainless steel wind guards to the back and side of the cooktop.

There’s a long, handy slide-out pantry parallel to the kitchen and a small storage space below the stove for knives, detergent and so on.

THE WRAP UP

Cub’s three generations of building efficient campers that won’t let you down flows through the DNA of its latest model. It’s simple to use and is fitted with a basic complement of essential features for a pleasurable life outdoors.

Its light weight means it’s suitable for medium “softroaders” and at $18,990 it is good value for a product with a proven track record and fittings that are made to last.