WALKING. Camper TEST. th e. Luxury knows no bounds in Mountain TraiL s new hybrid camper.talk. LXV Luxury Off-road vehicle

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "WALKING. Camper TEST. th e. Luxury knows no bounds in Mountain TraiL s new hybrid camper.talk. LXV Luxury Off-road vehicle"

Susanna Bailey
5 years ago
Views:

1 Camper WALKIN th e Luxury knows no bounds in Mountain TraiL s new hybrid camper.talk Words JOHN WILLIS PICS Matt Fehlberg 26 27

The Victorian High Country in autumn, what better place to entertain in style? Camper Independent suspension shirt fronts tough tracks When is a caravan a camper trailer, or vice versa?

The all new Mountain Trail LXV Luxury Off- Road Vehicle combines brute strength, for true offroad adventure, with the creature-comforts and amenities of a luxury caravan.

Autumn, when the countryside was at its picturesque peak. Touring isn t only about crashing through challenging offroad tracks to find secluded campsites in out of the ordinary places.

And at the end of the day, when it s time to lay your head on the pillow there s no shame in demanding a comfy, insulated and secure cocoon where you can put your mind and body to rest, ready for the

2 The Victorian High Country in autumn, what better place to entertain in style? Camper Independent suspension shirt fronts tough tracks When is a caravan a camper trailer, or vice versa? When it s a hybrid, of course! The all new Mountain Trail LXV Luxury Off- Road Vehicle combines brute strength, for true offroad adventure, with the creature-comforts and amenities of a luxury caravan. Company principles Nick and Heidi Edwards were happy to put their money where their mouth was by submitting to excursions into Victoria s rugged yet beautiful High Country at the end of a very chilly Autumn, when the countryside was at its picturesque peak. Touring isn t only about crashing through challenging offroad tracks to find secluded campsites in out of the ordinary places. There are no rules that state that you can t have some luxury and comfort on the road, and that s exactly the design criteria at the crux of the new Mountain Trail LXV design. And at the end of the day, when it s time to lay your head on the pillow there s no shame in demanding a comfy, insulated and secure cocoon where you can put your mind and body to rest, ready for the challenges of another day of exploration. Mountain Trail describes the LXV as a go-anywhere off-road caravan that is modular, rugged and self-contained. It will allow a couple to comfortably travel our wonderful country Slipping across the misty ridgeline with ease befitting the brand name They make em tough in Albury HITS Overall concept On and offroad suitability Quality components MISSES It s a little tall, but for good cause for an indefinite period with the flexibility to explore our harshest environments. Purist offroaders will be a little concerned by the overall height, however, Mountain Trail make no apologies for the insulated composite fibreglass shell that not only provides terrific head-room for their growing demographic, but delivers a real sense of security at the same time. It s a shell that keeps you either warm or cool in Australia s dramatically varying climate range. Add to that optional air-conditioning, a Sirocco fan and diesel-powered heating and you can be a comfortable lounge lizard in any climatic extreme. The design has created a very low centre of gravity to keep the LXV upright even through the harshest terrain. We traversed some very nasty washouts and culverts on the start of the infamous Blue Rag track and she simply walked over all obstacles with ease. The overall width of only 2m allows the LXV to track behind most suitable 4WDs without protruding, and the time-proven Mountain Trail EROK fully independent trailing arm suspension with interchangeable stub axles provides terrific tow-ability no matter the terrain, dirt, sand, corrugations or blacktop. We have come to expect only the best from the Albury-based Mountain Trail Campers, and the crew s sense of quality and pride extends throughout this brand new unit. The LXV is based on a heavy-duty hot dipped galvanised chassis and drawbar construction with 12in electric breakaway off road brakes with handbrake, 3500kg DO35 off-road tow hitch, 17x8in, 6in stud alloy wheels with all terrain tyres (265/70 R17) for strong reliability. The winddown spare wheel is located under the trailer 28 29

body along with 125L and one 85L food grade plastic water tank plus a 55L grey water tank.

There are four wind-down stabiliser legs, a strong jockey wheel and an Anderson plug out on the gutsy 125x75x3mm A-frame drawbar.

necessities. The box is vented, plus dust and waterproof and coated with a black rubberised material creating a suitable stoneguard.

even the lockable external door with flyscreen provide shape and strong accents. Use all of your senses when evaluating quality of the LXV.

Open and close some hatches and run your hands over its sides it s like the feel of a big old Chevy that just screams solid workmanship combined with Euro finesse.

3 body along with 125L and one 85L food grade plastic water tank plus a 55L grey water tank. Out back is a hitch mount for carrying the mountain bikes or similar, as well as two fully engineered recovery points should you ever get a little too ambitious. There are four wind-down stabiliser legs, a strong jockey wheel and an Anderson plug out on the gutsy 125x75x3mm A-frame drawbar. The drawbar also supports a very practical tool box/storage unit with two jerry can and two gas bottle holders, as well as plenty of lockable storage for all of your heavy recovery and travelling necessities. The box is vented, plus dust and waterproof and coated with a black rubberised material creating a suitable stoneguard. ON THE OUTER Whilst the LXV is really a big white composite box, it is still really quite attractive and features including the laser cut stainless steel badging, double-glazed Euro-style windows and even the lockable external door with flyscreen provide shape and strong accents. Use all of your senses when evaluating quality of the LXV. It s not only the aesthetics; close your eyes and feel the quality. Open and close some hatches and run your hands over its sides it s like the feel of a big old Chevy that just screams solid workmanship combined with Euro finesse. Whilst I really liked the convenience of the full-length 2.5m electric awning I m not sure if it s really warranted. I ve never had a problem simply winding them out for much lower cost FOR SERIOUS OFFROAD TRAVELLERS ON A MISSION TO FOLLOW WHEREVER THEIR WANDERLUST LEADS THEM Camper Logical kitchen layout with plenty of working space to feed a crowd Nice design lines throughout Pantry storage in quality stainless steel drawers CTA RATINS MOUNTAIN TRAIL LXV LUXURY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE 1. FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE 2. INNOVATION 3. BUSHABILITY 4. QUALITY OF FINISH 5. BUILD QUALITY 6. OFFROAD-ABILITY 7. COMFORTS 8. EASE OF USE 9. VALUE FOR MONEY 10. X-FACTOR BEAR but hey, it s there and it s so very, very easy. There are side walls to protect the kitchen area, a mesh floor as standard and full enclosures are optional. There are three compartments forward of the axle with the first housing the Waeco 95L Fridge (CFX-95) on beautifully smooth stainlesssteel slides. Next is the twin stainless-steel drawer pantry with a tonne of room for life s necessities as well as your pots and pans. Mountain Trail has utilised the same deluxe kitchen as perfected in its EDX hardfloor camper that won its respective category at Camper Trailer of the Year in It s a slide-out stainless steel kitchen and fold-out bench with sink, three utility drawers and a three-burner gas stove. Diesel-heated water is plumbed to mixer taps at the sink, the internal shower and the external pull out shower on the driver s side. Heidi found some excellent folding chairs at BCF for entertaining at the fold-out bench-cumbreakfast bar. Other external features include LED lighting all round and flush-mounted weatherproof 30 31

Your own private apartment on wheels Camper Roomy enough for the generously proportioned 32 speakers for the Rockford Fosgate entertainment system (internal head unit with remote).

with individual fuses An inside cooktop can be added as an option 105Ah AM batteries, and a Winegard Sensar HD antenna for the entertainment systems.

The doorway is large and secure and even with my bulky proportions I found no difficulty entering in, nor did I hit my head, which tends to happen with shorter vans.

It s now you will appreciate the full headroom throughout, plus the insulation.

4 Your own private apartment on wheels Camper Roomy enough for the generously proportioned 32 speakers for the Rockford Fosgate entertainment system (internal head unit with remote). Electronics controls in the top of the kitchen compartment include 240V and 12V outlets, weatherproof six-way control panel with individual fuses, water level indicators and a 30A Redarc battery management system (AC/ DC/Solar). On the driver s side we find the pullout shower, mains pressure water inlet (with regulator) lockable water tank inlets, 240V inlet, two massive storage lockers and the cabinet for the heater/hot water system. Overhead and out of sight are two strong skylights with blinds and block out screens, two 140W moulded film solar panels providing constant charge to the pair of Weatherproof six-way control panel with individual fuses An inside cooktop can be added as an option 105Ah AM batteries, and a Winegard Sensar HD antenna for the entertainment systems. The Mountain Trail LXV has high ground clearance for offroad use so you ll need a pair of portable steps to jump in and out of the van. The doorway is large and secure and even with my bulky proportions I found no difficulty entering in, nor did I hit my head, which tends to happen with shorter vans. Once inside, you are presented with the facilities of a small apartment with chic trim that lures you in to stay and relax. It s now you will appreciate the full headroom throughout, plus the insulation. Mountain Trail has employed upholsterer s hailing previously from Malibu Boats, another Albury-based manufacturer of premium products and the quality of trim is simply superb. The decor is very light and airy yet cosy and secure with clean, washable and hard wearing surfaces. As we step in the doorway we find a premiumgrade laminate benchtop and cabinetry providing tonnes of storage including soft close drawers for all your clothes and internal needs. It has its own bench and power for those that can t survive without their morning coffee as well as the outlet for the optional air-conditioner below and heater outlets above. Mountain Trail can fit an internal cooktop as an option and not a bad consideration in my book, yet an electric kettle and frypan would suffice for the few times you need to cook inside. In the rear corner is a surprisingly large fibreglass shower cubicle with toilet, vanity 33

L I T IES I C A F D N A H T T REN S N I U ID H R D E H T F F ROUN O Y T O S TA C amper T TES y Off-road LXV Luxuerhicle v CTA SPECS MOUNTAIN TRAIL LXV LUXURY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAILER Tare

Components DO35 Chassis 150x50x3mm heavy-duty structural hot dipped galvanised chassis and drawbar construction Drawbar 125x75x3mm A-frame Body insulated composite fibreglass shell

One look at the queen-size pillow top innerspring bed up front and you just want to jump in for a cuddle and a long sleep.

You can invite the neighbours in from the cold for a drink and game of cards, if there are humans around your campsite, that is. Wombats don t play cards!

Fosgate sound ACCESSORIES as cylinders 2x4kg Water 1 x 125L and one 85L food grade plastic water tank plus a 55L grey water tank Cooktop Three-burner gas Kitchen slide-out stainless steel

Battery 2x105Ah AM batteries Mountain Trail Campers LXV Hybrid Off-Road Caravan $92,900 To enquire about this camper visit www. campertraileraustralia.com.

au Compare campers Dual 4kg as Bottle Holders Dometic 95Ltr Dual Zone Refrigerator Upper Pantry Slide 60Ltrs Lower Pantry Slide 148Ltrs Standard Webasto Diesel Hot Water System Internal

Category Dinette Lounge Tow Hitch Receiver Options 1. Spare Wheel Mounts 2. Motorbike Rack 3.

5 L I T IES I C A F D N A H T T REN S N I U ID H R D E H T F F ROUN O Y T O S TA C amper T TES y Off-road LXV Luxuerhicle v CTA SPECS MOUNTAIN TRAIL LXV LUXURY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAILER Tare 1860kg ATM 2680kg Suspension Mountain Trail EROK fully independent trailing-arm suspension with interchangeable stub axles Brakes 12in electric off-road with breakaway Coupling Vehicle Components DO35 Chassis 150x50x3mm heavy-duty structural hot dipped galvanised chassis and drawbar construction Drawbar 125x75x3mm A-frame Body insulated composite fibreglass shell Wheel/tyre All-terrain tyres (265/70 R17) Style Six-stud alloy wheels Bear collecting fodder for an all night campfire session and shower combined. One look at the queen-size pillow top innerspring bed up front and you just want to jump in for a cuddle and a long sleep. There s cavernous storage underneath and a convertible dinette with swivelling table for four people to dine in comfort. You can invite the neighbours in from the cold for a drink and game of cards, if there are humans around your campsite, that is. Wombats don t play cards! If you have never listened to the quality of Rockford Fosgate sound then you simply DIMENSIONS Box size 4670x2000mm Length (hitch to tail lights) 6490mm Awning 4000x2500mm Brilliant Rockford Fosgate sound ACCESSORIES as cylinders 2x4kg Water 1 x 125L and one 85L food grade plastic water tank plus a 55L grey water tank Cooktop Three-burner gas Kitchen slide-out stainless steel kitchen and fold out bench with sink, three utility drawers and a three-burner gas stove plus pantry with two large drawers compartment housing the Waeco 95L Fridge (CFX-95) on S/S slides Battery 2x105Ah AM batteries Mountain Trail Campers LXV Hybrid Off-Road Caravan $92,900 To enquire about this camper visit www. campertraileraustralia.com.au/spec or phone (02) campertraileraustralia.com.au Compare campers Dual 4kg as Bottle Holders Dometic 95Ltr Dual Zone Refrigerator Upper Pantry Slide 60Ltrs Lower Pantry Slide 148Ltrs Standard Webasto Diesel Hot Water System Internal En-suite With Shower, Toilet, Vanity, Mirror and Cupboard Custom built for when QUALITY counts > Razorback Forward Folding Campers > New Style Forward Fold Slide Out Campers Runners Up Open Category Dinette Lounge Tow Hitch Receiver Options 1. Spare Wheel Mounts 2. Motorbike Rack 3. Bumper Bar Swing Away Table 200mm Inner Spring Pillow Top Queen Mattress ENQUIRIES Ltr Storage Compartment Under Mattress 165Ltr Storage Compartment Under Body Spare Wheel PRICE AS SHOWN Video review 304Ltr Storage Compartment with Tent Pole Shelf Dual 20Ltr Jerry Can Holders Towable luxury Dinette Lounge Sink Stove Full Stainless Slide Out Kitchen Sink With Hot & Cold Water 3-Burner as Stove Access Door External Speakers Brushed Finish, Stainless Flip out Bench Rear Layout Options 1. Internal Kitchen 2. Closet/Cabinets/Storage 4.0 x 2.5 Metre Electric Awning facebook.com/ 41 South Pine Road, Brendale, Brisbane, 4500 t: (07) e: Paul@wildboarcampers.com 35

) The LXV has sensible LED lighting throughout including compartment lights, internal touch lights and individual reading lights above the bed, plus the light panels and trim are naturally bright

6 Camper haven t lived. We enjoyed its brilliance around the campfire well into the night well maybe the next morning, if the truth be told. The audio unit has Bluetooth connectivity for versatility but there s even a TV/DVD mounted high above the dinette on a swing bracket if you really can t help yourselves. (I hate TV!) The LXV has sensible LED lighting throughout including compartment lights, internal touch lights and individual reading lights above the bed, plus the light panels and trim are naturally bright throughout the day helped along by the skylights and large side windows. WRAP IT UP! I believe our friends at Mountain Trail have hit the nail fair and square on the head with their new Luxury Off-Road Vehicle (LXV). I was surprised with pricing under $100k as I predicted it would be considerably more. This is a unit for serious travellers on a mission to explore wherever their wanderlust leads them. It offers all the facilities to stay off the grid indefinitely, and the ground hugging strength to get you to that ideal campsite if remote offroad adventure is your thing. CTA adventure I hate it when you leave, but I love watching you drive away Air forced storage for 105l Trailblaza fridge/freezer Floating aluminium body; sealed and lockable Fully equipped side access pantry Quick kitchen side awning 4 x 20l jerry cans Solar Panel Chassis mounted spare wheel Rated recovery points Hi Lift jacking points Old Man Emu springs and shocks 90l + 70l undermount stainless steel tanks Quality mud terrain tyres born for Trailers may vary slightly from image. Some equipment listed is optional. Custom hardshell tent with ground fl oor room option Slide out kitchen with pumped water Outdoor capable twin burner cooker Huge internal storage with tie down Hitchmaster D035 coupling 2 x 110Ah AM batteries. Redarc 1230 BMS as Hot Water 2 x 4.5kg gas Hot dip galvanised military-style chassis Long travel independent suspension patent pending 36 d facebook.com/terratrekaustralia sales@terratrek.com.au

HOW KNOW REVIEW THE BLUE TONGUE OVERLAND XR IS COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO USE OUT ON THE TRACKS.

HOW KNOW REVIEW THE BLUE TONGUE OVERLAND XR IS COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO USE OUT ON THE TRACKS. KNOW HOW THE BLUE TONGUE OVERLAND XR IS COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO USE OUT ON THE TRACKS. WORDS DAVID COOK PICS MATTHEW FEHLBERG 56 campertraileraustralia.com.au The camper you want is now easier to find