New Camper Models Released at Queensland RV Show

More than 250 exhibitors, warm weather and a central location drew crowds to the 48th annual show which was held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from June 8-13.

A huge variety of softfloor, hardfloor and hybrid camper trailers were on show, along with caravans, motorhomes, fifth wheelers and an extensive range of camping equipment and accessories to complement any touring adventure.

Anecdotally, exhibitors were pleased with the turn out and the show certainly felt busy, with people wandering in and out of display models and chatting with the various dealers and manufacturers.

The exhibitors we spoke with reported good business, with high levels of interest in new releases as well as across existing ranges.

With many new releases for the 2016 show season, exhibitors had the opportunity to spruik their latest wares to Queenslanders, and there were plenty of brand new offerings to tempt prospective buyers.

AOR

Among the new releases were a variety of hybrid models, in which manufacturers reported a growing interest. Australian Off Road was there with its range of Quantum Series IV, Quantum Plus and Matrix Series IV models and officially launched a brand new Odyssey Series II at the show. The Odyssey Series II is the latest version of AOR’s hardfloor mini hybrid entry level model. Priced at $69,900, the 3.6m pop-top features a hydraulic lift-up bed which easily converts the inside from day to night mode, plus a choice of external or internal cooking facilities, or both.

RHINOMAX

Rhinomax showed off its latest Scorpion RX micro-hybrid, which features a space-saving lift-up bed and has a pop-up external ensuite cubicle. At 3.1m and priced at $55,000, it’s designed for comfortable, compact travel for couples. Rhinomax said it was particularly happy with business at the show, reportedly selling its first hardfloor model in under an hour of the show opening.

JAWA

Jawa also sported a Brisbane show release hybrid with its $34,999 Trax-12 3.65m pop-top on display. In addition, Jawa brought along a new 1000kg Tare forward-fold Cruiser Lite that comes in either two- or four-berth models, a larger 1390kg Tare Cruiser forward-fold with bigger suspension and a new double pantry, and a Sahara six-berth model with four bunks and a huge internal living space.

SEQ & KIMBERLEY KAMPERS

In line with the seemingly growing divide between entry level models and fully-specced top-of-the-range offerings, Queensland retailer SEQ Campers has released a flashy orange limited edition Kimberley Kamper Satellite Series, based on a 2016 model Kimberley Kamper Platinum, targeting people who want to get off the beaten track but continue to work and stay connected wherever they go. It comes with all the mod-cons, including a 4G/3G modem with high gain shark fin aerial and IsatHUB satellite phone and internet, along with a portable satellite TV system. Fully specced, it comes in at $84,000.

Appealing to family buyers was the latest Kimberley Kampers Family Classic model, released earlier this year. The Family Classic came in with extras at $51,565, and comes in a range of size options with its extended rear bedroom, along with larger front storage, dual water tanks, Kimberley’s ‘VisiFlow’ water system which allows you to draw water from streams, and a drawbar extension.

EMU CAMPERS

New from Emu Campers are three new Australian-made semi-offroad SUV campers, along with a couple of imported show releases. The larger of the two imported models, the $20,499 Desert Series 2, has a 1450kg Tare, independent quad shock suspension, a dual manual winch, 14oz canvas, and a five minute set up time. The smaller Adventurer model has a 950kg Tare, comes in at $16,999, and has similar features but is 600mm narrower.

ALTITUDE CAMPERS

With an eye to change, Altitude re-released its offroad Ultimate camper as the ALX 200, on show for $46,990. This show release rear-fold hardfloor has a flip-over kitchen bench extension, bigger pantry, three-burner cooktop, and an 80L fridge, and is fully self-contained with two 120Ah batteries, 140L of water and a diesel heater.

TAIPAN CAMPERS

Taipan showed off an interesting new addition to its fleet with a shiny new black teardrop camper, imported from China and received just a week before the show. Also on display was its CTA 2016 Camper Trailer of the Year finalist Auriga model, which apparently has some improvements in the works, including changes to where the camper’s poles are stored.