Time to Roam Magazine Issue 11 - October/November 2014 | Page 39

| tried + tested camper review trim you also get a 100Ah battery, a jerry can holder at front, Al-Ko offroad electric brake magnets and drop jacks, a checkerplate aluminium skirt around the base of the body, 16 inch alloy wheels and a few other minor additions, which also sees the camper riding 250mm higher for added ground clearance. The disappointing thing is that for an offroad camper Jayco still only provides for a standard ball coupling, with its limited articulation, a number of wires and hoses under the floor which are dangerously exposed to snagging on sticks, and no stone protection (other than that jerry can holder) at the front and a trip along somewhere like the Birdsville track would make a mess of that nice curved front bodywork. All of these shortcomings are not going to prevent these campers being very functional and practical for the majority of owners, who are really not likely to be undertaking such serious off-road treks. If you are serious about going outback, you can accessorise with relatively little effort. There’s a huge range of options for the Jayco range. You can add a side awning and a full set of walls, flies to shade the extended beds, bike racks, battery and water metre, stereo sound system, roof-mounted air conditioning, 120 watt roof-mounted solar, external slide-out barbecue, hot water service (dual gas/240V operation), external shower, extra water tank and more. You will never be able to say your trip wasn’t comfortable. They come with a 12-month warranty, 24 hour roadside assist for three years and are backed by over 100 dealers and agents around Australia -it’s a pretty good assurance that you’re never that far from assistance. Jayco’s Swan is a very good camper for those highway miles and with the addition of the new independent suspension has taken a great step into becoming a competent offroader. It’s not in the same league as the hardcore offroaders – not yet – but for the casual camper who simply wants to access some of those quieter camping spots in some of our national parks this is a great option that ought to be on the table when making decisions. Pros • Excellent finish • Quick set-up • Roomy interior • Great new suspension Cons • Lack of offroad hitch option • No front body protection • Exposed metal side steps for offroad conditions YOU MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER Coromal Navigator Coromal recently released an upgraded range of four campers, all built to offroad specs. Coromal’s campers have always been in that Jayco style, of a pop top roof with extendable beds that are pulled out from the ends. The Navigator pop-top comes with a one-piece floor, sandwich wall construction, one-piece roof and independent suspension on a full length chassis. All furniture is 12mm ply and has been CNC machine cut and the drawers are metal framed for strength. The laminated bench tops, higher than in most pop tops. The kitchen is equipped with a Dometic fridge and three-burner stove, and there are two queen beds on ball bearing slides for ease of set-up. The lounge is roomy, all the windows are tinted PVC. PRICE IS HIGHER RRP $29,490 Goldstream The Goldstream range of camper trailers provides for a similar combination of features to those of the Jayco range, with one totally enclosed model and four with pullout beds, all with multiple formats. The Goldstreams are built tough, with a range of full offroad options, including trailing arm independent suspension, full stone guard, full offroad hitch and other features that make them truly hardnosed offroaders. You pay for the extra strength and build detail but if that’s what you want you have the options. Easy and quick to set up - Winch assisted opening and closing Inside/Outside Kitchen | Internal table & chairs | Stainless sink/drainer Queen sized bed | Ensuite shower and toilet | Outside shower Large and spacious interior with seven big windows, all with fine mesh screens Removable solar panel | Upgraded inside and outside kitchen Large storage pod for outside table/chairs, fishing gear etc. On tray or free standing use | Dust sealed | Optional Annex & Space Heater FOR MORE INFORMATION & A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E T O D AY P: 0458 493 917 | E: [email protected] W W W. W E D G E TA I LC A M P E R S . C O M . AU Issue 11 Oct/Nov 2014 39