STOCKMAN KWIK KAMPA 2 CAMPER TRAILER REVIEW

Since appearing as a finalist in CTA’s 2012 Offroad Camper of the Year awards, the Stockman Kwik Kampa 2 is now available, wearing a number of key changes to further broaden its appeal.

The original design brief was to create a lightweight and virtually indestructible camper that was still super comfortable and could be set up within 60 seconds. To make it attractive to active travellers, flexible roof mounting hardware was incorporated to secure a range of toys including bikes, kayaks and surfboards.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

As a unique offering, recycled rotomoulded polyethylene is used for the trailer tub and lid, similar to the material used for ute liners. Unlike a standard sheet-metal trailer tub, it won’t rust or chip paint and it absorbs shocks without denting — ideal for the rough and tumble of offroad camping.

In fitting with our budget issue, we selected an introductory package to peg the price at under $15k. Riding on what Stockman calls the ‘All Roada’ chassis, there’s a hot-dipped galvanised framework wearing a standard ball coupling, five-leaf eye-to-eye suspension, an 8in swing-up jockey wheel and 15in wheels.

THE GEAR

The Kwik Kampa 2 scores a modest stainless steel kitchen with sink and two-burner stove, on-board water with manual pump, a large slide-out internal storage drawer, front alloy storage box and a few ancillary items. The only thing missing is a battery pack, but there is a great slimline system on the options list, fitted down the left side of the trailer incorporating a 96Ah slimline AGM battery, 240V 7Ah battery charger, three 12V points, a voltmeter and an Anderson plug to provide charge while on the move. Add a couple of hook and loop fastened LED strip lights and you’re set for some serious fun.

There are plenty of other options including an Extreme chassis featuring a DO35 offroad hitch, a reinforced hot-dipped galvanised chassis, Cruisemaster independent coil suspension, hubs matched to the towing vehicle and 16in wheels. Other options include roof racks for all sorts of toys, an innerspring mattress, awning walls, additional water tanks, electric brakes, hot water, a shower and more.

SET-UP

The pod is aerodynamic and offers a ute-style tailgate that provides a multitude of uses including a table, step or simply a place to park your bum as you pull on your boots. With the rear pod catches released, gas struts pivot the roof open to around 70º, revealing the tent bundled neatly in the tub.

With the rear stabilisers in place, the lid pops open and any items stored on the tent are removed. Simply pull the top bow to the rear and flick upwards to activate the concertina of additional bows, orchestrated by gas struts. Peg the floor down and add the two rear tent uprights and your overnight camp is good to go. If the kids are along for the ride, an optional second room measuring 2x1.8m zips onto the rear. The pod lid acts as a tropical roof leaving a gap for airflow, while a large roof flap in the tent roof provides improved heat dispersion and ventilation.

The new Foxwing-style awning with built-in ridge poles provides increased coverage. Four alloy upright poles support the awning and ropes and pegs can be used if the conditions are breezy.

Also new, the integrated tent scores a sewn-in PVC floor measuring 2x1.8m, with three doors supplementing the large windows around the bed. Midge mesh is used all round and can be unzipped and rolled up to maximise the airflow during the heat of the day. We loved the colour scheme of the tent with the black on grey and orange highlights — very sharp!

Unlike normal softfloor campers where the bed is mounted on the tub, the Pod accommodates the mattress in the tub, which limits the mattress width to 125cm and reduces storage accordingly. The full length storage drawer beneath the bed provides improved access to clothing and other items, limited only by the drawer height. The dome pod lid provides additional storage above the tent, although it should be limited to a table, chairs and a few bags, as all this gear must be removed prior to set-up each day if touring.

An alloy checkerplate storage box protects the front of the trailer from stone damage. It also houses the stainless steel kitchen, which slides from the nearside, while a gas-strut-assisted front hatch provides storage for a small generator, low-profile Porta Potti and shower cube, but not a fridge. As most 4WD enthusiasts will have one in their vehicle, it’s not a huge issue. A removable storage tray above the kitchen provides easy access to frequently used tools like hammers, pegs and axes.

ON THE ROAD

At only 400kg dry the Kwik Kampa 2 was a delight to tow and was quickly forgotten on our long highway leg despite the blustery conditions. It was the same on forest trails and 4WD tracks, although the latter was limited and there was little opportunity to test the tailgate for dust or water ingress. It would be interesting to see how the trailer fares on an extended outback trip for both liveability and ease of use.

One very handy feature of the Kwik Kamper 2 is that the tent and pod lid can be quickly removed, freeing up the trailer for everyday tasks such as taking rubbish to the tip or moving furniture.

SUMMING UP

It is hard not to be drawn in by the Pod Kwik Kampa 2. It looks good both on the road and at camp thanks to its sleek styling and attractive colour scheme. The durable rotomoulded body is ideal for offroad use and its light weight makes it suitable for a range of smaller towing vehicles. The modified tent and awning is a significant improvement, as is the optional kids’ room. Although the body offers less storage than a conventional trailer, with the front storage box options and underbed storage it will cope with most requirements. Built and designed in Australia for local conditions, the Kwik Kampa 2 improves on an already good thing.

AUSSIE SUCCESS STORY

Owner Phil Savory has a background in farming and industrial design, originally working for Fisher & Paykel. He developed the design for the Pod trailer which launched in 2006, winning the Association of Rotational Moulders Australia (ARMA) Award for the Best Conversion Product of the Year. In 2010 a range of campers were released including the sidefold family touring pods using traditional canvas, and later the Kwik Kampa.

Having spent three years manufacturing canvas-based trailers, Stockman has found the rip-stop nylon and polyester tent material to outperform canvas.

“The rip-stop material is more dirt resistant, offering better wear and waterproofing, without mould,” Phil said.

“Breathability isn’t as great, although we’ve compensated by using a large roof vent and super-sized doors and windows. The product speaks for itself, with our customers having traversed Australia’s most remote outback tracks. We’ve sold over 2500 units and now export to South Korea,” he added.

I LIKED

> Durable, rust-free body

> Quick set-up

> Cool styling

I WOULD HAVE LIKED

> A wider bed

> Longer warranty

> Spare wheel removal winch

Originally published in Camper Trailer Australia #64, April 2013