quite heavy and there are no handles or grips
this is awkward, especially as the lift required
we measured at 22kg. The effort required on
the winch is substantial and would be beyond
some people until the lid is up a bit, after which
itwindsupeasilyenough.
It’s when it gets to the vertical that the biggest
surprise is evident as it comes crashing over at
an alarming speed. Everyone would have to be
kept well clear of this to avoid injury. How this
might impact the long term life of the camper is
uncertain. All of this would be fixed by stronger
gas struts to assist in the lifting and take the
weight as the lid comes down, and possibly a
lighter weight lid.
Closing the body is a reverse of the process
–andtheproblems-exceptthattheliddoes
notcrashbackagainstthebodyasthecanvas
buffers the landing. However, the rear winch is a
concern in that it is displaced to the driver’s side
and the handle projects well clear of the side of
thecamper,threateningtocatchtrees,scrubor
unwary people. A folding handle or relocation of
the winch would cure this.
When setting up internally, the Explorer
requires the insertion of four spreader bars and
twofrontuprights,andtheadjustmentofthe
main tent centre hoop, two radial spreadersindependent suspension with 12in electric drum
brakes and six-stud 15in steel rims with mud
terrain tyres – on a $15k camper – wow!
At the front is a laced stone guard, behind a
polyblockhitch,withmudflapstohelprestrict
stone damage on dirt tracks. Behind the stone
guardaretwojerrycanholdersandaringtosuit
asingle9kggasbottle.ThebodyisZincannealin
construction, with checkerplate aluminium at the
front and over the top and stainless steel trim
over the wheel arches and along the bottom and
rear corners of the main body. It looks smart and
well presented.
Thebodyformatisthestandardforforward
fold designs, with a large front box to house the
fridge, poles and other items, and over which
the forward folding bed rotates off the top of
therearlivingsection.Thisisoneofthoseareas
where we struck our first issue.A TWO PERSON JOB
To open the camper requires undoing six over-
centre latches. The bed base/top section is
surprisingly heavy and can’t reasonably be lifted
over by hand; you must use the winches at the
frontandrear.However,thesepullhorizontally,
so you’ll need someone to lift the lid up to about
afiveto10degreeanglefirst.GiventhetopisWhile there’s not a lot of optional
extras the basic inclusions make sure
you have everything you need“TO CELEBRATE THE COMPANY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY, THEY HAVE
ATTEMPTED TO FOLLOW THE SAME ROAD TO SUCCESS...”
black – but the basic inclusions ensure you don’t
miss out on too much. However, this is a camper
that would benefit from a little fine tuning.
The camper is built around a hot dip
galvanised 70x50x3mm chassis with a sturdy
100x50x3mm drawbar that is long enough
to give you plenty of easy manoeuvrability in
forward or reverse. Those with barn-door type
tow vehicles (Prado, Pajero, etc.) will find rear
vehicle access a problem as the brake handle
limits opening. This all rides on dual shock