AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES AND EXPERT ADVICE ISSUE Caravan · 1ssue 589 caravan world authentic adventures and expert advice issue 589 $9.95 (inc gst) issue 589 on sale july 04, 2019 still

1SSUE 589 Caravan

World

ISSUEAUTHENTIC ADVENTURES AND EXPERT ADVICE 589

$9.95 (INC GST)

ISSUE 589ON SALE JULY 04, 2019

STILL WATERS RUN DEEP

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AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES AND EXPERT ADVICE

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This great camp setup shot was taken by Bob Murray while staying at Shannon Campground in Shannon NP in WA. He'd been travelling on the South West Highway between Manjimup and Walpole. “Shannon is not your usual WA national park camp, as it features fl ushing toilets and hot showers, provided you are prepared to light the hot water system with the wood supplied,” writes Bob.

28 caravanworld.com.au

This month’s winner will receive a Purple Line Saracen Ultra Hitch Lock, valued at $189. Saracen Ultra is a highly visible, simple to use, compact, high security lock which works both hitched and unhitched to keep would-be caravan thieves at bay. It fi ts to most standard 50mm ball hitches on caravans, camper trailers, boat and car trailers, and even work trailers. For more information about this and a host of other vanning accessories, visit purpleline.com.au

Wayne and Susan Ford took this photo of their “home away from home”, the 2018 Sunseeker Mirage Sport 18ft, capably pulled along by their 2018 ISUZU MU-X on the way through Cameron’s Corner, QLD. After visiting their daughter and grandsons in Melbourne, they travelled for 5600km including 600km o� the bitumen on the way home to Noosa.“Our next trip is to Cape York,” they write.

Ueli Kneubuhler took this at a pit stop at the Caltex Twin Servo Northbound F3 in NSW, towing a 2018 Avan Aspire 555-3 with a Mitsubishi MN Triton.“Our fi nal destination was Mooney Beach just after Co� s Harbour where we had fi ve great days of relaxing,” Ueli writes.

Rosslyn North towed her New Age Classic with a LC 200 Sahara and stopped for a photo near the iconic Roebuck Plains Roadhouse, WA.“A magnifi cent boab and a great rig,” writes Rosslyn.

We shine the spotlight on caravanners, their rigs and their travel talesTRAVEL HAPPY

WIN!

MOREPICSPLEASE

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au 29

Phil and Pina Hammer were at the amazing Mt Augustus Tourist Park enjoying what WA has to offer,

travelling in their 2018 Galaxy Rover 190R.

It was “towed beautifully by our Isuzu D-Max,” Pina writes.

We shine the spotlight on caravanners, their rigs and their travel tales

Just email your most travel-inspiring picture (2-3Mb) of yourself, family and friends, with your rig along with a brief description to: [email protected] with ‘Readers’ Rigs’ in the subject line, or send a print to Caravan World Readers’ Rigs, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfi eld North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full postal address (not for publication). Photo submissions may also appear on caravanworld.com.au. HOW TO WIN

R E A D E R S ' R I G S REGULARS


IN BRIEF Has a 1560kg Tare

with 4.5m body length East-west bed with robe

and hide-away bathroom Highly innovative external

pod kitchen Offroad capable with

M/T tyres, airbag suspension and sharp rear departure angle


OFFROADER,MADE-TO-ORDER

Equipped for long stays off the grid and comfortable enough for you to

want to linger longer, the Trailblazers Stuart 5.5 sets the bar high for hybrids

S a m R i c h a r d s

Words

TESTEDT R A I L B L A Z E R S

S T U A R T 5 . 5

Pics Phil Cerbu


OFFROADER,MADE-TO-ORDER

Equipped for long stays off the grid and comfortable enough for you to

want to linger longer, the Trailblazers Stuart 5.5 sets the bar high for hybrids

S a m R i c h a r d s

Words


S T U A R T 5 . 5

Pics Phil Cerbu


According to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘Trailblazer’ refers to... just kidding. Trailblazers RV couldn’t give a stu� about conventions. The team has thrown them out the window

with their Trailblazers Stuart, which demonstrates originality par excellence.

This brand isn’t about selling one-size-� ts-all RVs; its focus is on developing a scaled-down number of high quality, individualised trailers. The team has put in the hard yards to make their hybrids customisable, by modularising components, such that they � t and slot into many possible combinations.

Despite this yogi-like � exibility, the Stuart we tested in the Victorian High Country was one set-in-stone, decidedly staunch hybrid with clear intentions: to get the user across tough terrain, sustain them while away from resources, and keep them cosy as a part of the bargain.

OPEN INSPECTIONThis 4.5m (14ft 8in) model utilises its space well, with all the moving around done in a simple rectangular section; there’s no narrow squeezes.

The interior kitchen includes two induction hotplates, sink, and easy access to the EvaKool 140L fridge/freezer and 25L Sharp convection microwave. Alternatively, there are two cupboard doors beneath the sink, both of which include extra space for

PROS

CONS

Aussie-designed and built Innovative

Rear departure angle

Off-grid power capacity

Unique pod kitchen

Hide-away bathroom

Small size of door Slightly awkward storage at rear

UPMEASURING

QUEEN BED

ROBE

FRIDGE

SHOWERTOILET

TABLESEAT SEAT

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN The Stuart is a neat unit that's tricked up to the eyeballs; unique Dometic slide-out kitchen centre; a sizeable rear steel mesh enclosure is ideal for stowing fi rewood


According to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘Trailblazer’ refers to... just kidding. Trailblazers RV couldn’t give a stu� about conventions. The team has thrown them out the window

with their Trailblazers Stuart, which demonstrates originality par excellence.

This brand isn’t about selling one-size-� ts-all RVs; its focus is on developing a scaled-down number of high quality, individualised trailers. The team has put in the hard yards to make their hybrids customisable, by modularising components, such that they � t and slot into many possible combinations.

Despite this yogi-like � exibility, the Stuart we tested in the Victorian High Country was one set-in-stone, decidedly staunch hybrid with clear intentions: to get the user across tough terrain, sustain them while away from resources, and keep them cosy as a part of the bargain.

OPEN INSPECTIONThis 4.5m (14ft 8in) model utilises its space well, with all the moving around done in a simple rectangular section; there’s no narrow squeezes.

The interior kitchen includes two induction hotplates, sink, and easy access to the EvaKool 140L fridge/freezer and 25L Sharp convection microwave. Alternatively, there are two cupboard doors beneath the sink, both of which include extra space for

PROS

CONS

Aussie-designed and built Innovative

Rear departure angle

Off-grid power capacity

Unique pod kitchen

Hide-away bathroom

Small size of door Slightly awkward storage at rear

UPMEASURING

QUEEN BED

ROBE

FRIDGE

SHOWERTOILET

TABLESEAT SEAT

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN The Stuart is a neat unit that's tricked up to the eyeballs; unique Dometic slide-out kitchen centre; a sizeable rear steel mesh enclosure is ideal for stowing fi rewood

WEIGHTS AND MEASURESOverall length 6.5m (21ft 3in)External body length 4.5m (14ft 8in)External body width 2.05m (6ft 7in)Travel height 2m to 2.1m (6ft 6in to 6ft 9in)Internal height 2m (6ft 6in)Tare 1560kgATM 2800kgPayload 1240kgBall weight 170kg

EXTERNAL Frame FibreglassCladding Composite panel

Chassis 150 x 50mm DuragalSuspension Cruisemaster XT AirbagCoupling AL-KO O� road BallBrakes 12in drumWheels Thunderer Trac Grip M/T 285/75R16 on 7.5 x 16 Primal Alloy rimsWater 160L fresh, 100L greyBattery 400Ah LithiumSolar 600W across four roof-mounted panelsAir-conditioner Reverse cycle air con be optioned onGas 2 x 4.5kgSway control NoKitchen Slide-out Dometic

kitchen centre with three-burner, sink and bench space INTERNALCooking 2 x induction hotplates Fridge 140L 12V EvaKoolMicrowave Sharp 25L ConvectionBathroom Hideaway shower and Thetford C400 cassette toiletWashing machine NoneHot water Endless instantaneous hot water system

OPTIONS FITTEDNo base model per se,

customisable; additional options include reverse cycle air-conditioning, ducted heating, diesel hot water service

PRICE AS SHOWN$95,000

MORE INFORMATIONTo enquire about this caravan, contact Trailblazers RV, 222 Governor Rd, Braeside, VIC 3195Ph: (03) 9588 0077Web: trailblazersrv.com

TRAILBLAZERS STUART 5.5


“This 4.5m (14ft 8in) model utilises its space well, with all the moving around done in a simple rectangular section”


S T U A R T 5 . 5


food items in hanging racks.Meals can be cooked and then eaten at the

dining table, which is attached to a runner on the wall for easy sliding back and forth between the soft, plush seats on either side that are secured with the stabiliser leg.

The shower unit is tucked away beside the dining area for exceptional use of space. The lid can be lifted, showerhead a� xed, and ceiling-mounted curtain extended for a hot, sudsy wash down. There’s also a Thetford C400 cassette john hidden within the space with its own lock.

But be mindful of water usage, as the hot water service is endless!

The Stuart is set up with a slumber-inducing queen-sized east-west bed, with Sirocco fans at the top and bottom of the bed; and easy access for rolling up the vinyl on the pop-top to let the air � ow through the midgescreen.

Thanks to LED lighting (with light switches on the lights themselves to avoid confusion) powerpoints galore, and liftable compartments on the top of the robe near the bed, this is a very comfortable space to live in and set up shop for quite some time.

Having a pop-top roof vastly reduces the travelling height of the Stuart, thus it compresses its door, but access and exit can be made via a recessed step and then via a mounted external step.

A KITCHEN UNLIKE ANY YOU’VE SEENThe pod kitchen outside is something a little di� erent to behold. At the front of the hybrid, near the drawbar, there is a ‘pod’, rather than a � at shape. After unlatching and with a push — or a pull using the handle on the entry side — it slides across on two runners, unfolding a pivoting arm that locks the kitchen into place.

Once the kitchen is perpendicular to the entry door, a cover can be lifted with the assistance of gas struts which doubles as an

“Ingeniously, the kitchen works as a massive windblock, with the cook fully protected ... But the real stand-out is its creative use of space”

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW Are two kitchens one too many? Nah, we don't reckon; brews kept cold; lift the lid to unveil the shower and loo; easy-to-access powerpoints

RATINGSVALUE FOR MONEY

“A little above average in price but you get what you pay for”

TOWABILITY

“Lighter than many vans, with o� road credentials too”

SETTING UP AND HITCHING UP

“A mix of electric and manual setup. Little e� ort needed”

SUITABILITYFOR INTENDED TOURING

“The Stuart aces the brief of getting you o� -grid”

LAYOUT

“Ingenious use of space and convenient living arrangements”

QUALITY OF FINISH

“Modern materials and a sleek fi nish. No issues here”

BUILD QUALITY

“Put together well and reliably so you can focus on having fun”

CREATURE COMFORTS

“It’s comfortable and accommodating, without

being luxurious”

INNOVATION

“There’s so much original thought on show here. Bucking trends has

never paid o� more”

X-FACTOR

“A unique aesthetic with unique abilities”

the concept when he realised that slide-outs that come from under the bed were often set too low and therefore take up much-needed under-bed storage.

Do you really need two kitchens in a van? Having two does add to the price, but the reality is, whether you � nd yourself on a nice calm day, or in wet, miserable conditions, with two you’ll never be uncomfortable.

OFFROAD ACESo far we could be in the backyard, gloating to envious mates. But the pedicured lawn lacks the o� road obstacles that will beset the Stuart when you start taking it down its namesake highway and beyond.

I didn’t get to tow the Stuart on our trip to the Victorian High Country, but I was able to observe its performance closely over several days of o� road driving in convoy — up steep

outdoor shelter. The underside of this cover has storage space for medium-sized items, underneath a criss-crossed elastic strap. However, the cover didn’t have a handle, which did make it a little di� cult to get your � ngers under the edge to lift it.

There is a Dometic slide-out (which comes out horizontally) with two shelves for storage space, a three-burner stovetop, moveable wooden chopping board, sink with a hot/cold tap, cup holder and bottle opener. In the recess to the back, there are extra powerpoints. The space above could be used for storage while cooking, while at camp, or (if packed wisely), during transit.

Ingeniously, the kitchen works as a massive windblock, with the cook being fully protected on two sides. But the real stand-out is its creative use of space.

Designer Phillip Richardson came up with



S T U A R T 5 . 5


food items in hanging racks.Meals can be cooked and then eaten at the

dining table, which is attached to a runner on the wall for easy sliding back and forth between the soft, plush seats on either side that are secured with the stabiliser leg.

The shower unit is tucked away beside the dining area for exceptional use of space. The lid can be lifted, showerhead a� xed, and ceiling-mounted curtain extended for a hot, sudsy wash down. There’s also a Thetford C400 cassette john hidden within the space with its own lock.

But be mindful of water usage, as the hot water service is endless!

The Stuart is set up with a slumber-inducing queen-sized east-west bed, with Sirocco fans at the top and bottom of the bed; and easy access for rolling up the vinyl on the pop-top to let the air � ow through the midgescreen.

Thanks to LED lighting (with light switches on the lights themselves to avoid confusion) powerpoints galore, and liftable compartments on the top of the robe near the bed, this is a very comfortable space to live in and set up shop for quite some time.

Having a pop-top roof vastly reduces the travelling height of the Stuart, thus it compresses its door, but access and exit can be made via a recessed step and then via a mounted external step.

A KITCHEN UNLIKE ANY YOU’VE SEENThe pod kitchen outside is something a little di� erent to behold. At the front of the hybrid, near the drawbar, there is a ‘pod’, rather than a � at shape. After unlatching and with a push — or a pull using the handle on the entry side — it slides across on two runners, unfolding a pivoting arm that locks the kitchen into place.

Once the kitchen is perpendicular to the entry door, a cover can be lifted with the assistance of gas struts which doubles as an

“Ingeniously, the kitchen works as a massive windblock, with the cook fully protected ... But the real stand-out is its creative use of space”

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW Are two kitchens one too many? Nah, we don't reckon; brews kept cold; lift the lid to unveil the shower and loo; easy-to-access powerpoints

RATINGSVALUE FOR MONEY

“A little above average in price but you get what you pay for”

TOWABILITY

“Lighter than many vans, with o� road credentials too”

SETTING UP AND HITCHING UP

“A mix of electric and manual setup. Little e� ort needed”

SUITABILITYFOR INTENDED TOURING

“The Stuart aces the brief of getting you o� -grid”

LAYOUT

“Ingenious use of space and convenient living arrangements”

QUALITY OF FINISH

“Modern materials and a sleek fi nish. No issues here”

BUILD QUALITY

“Put together well and reliably so you can focus on having fun”

CREATURE COMFORTS

“It’s comfortable and accommodating, without

being luxurious”

INNOVATION

“There’s so much original thought on show here. Bucking trends has

never paid o� more”

X-FACTOR

“A unique aesthetic with unique abilities”

the concept when he realised that slide-outs that come from under the bed were often set too low and therefore take up much-needed under-bed storage.

Do you really need two kitchens in a van? Having two does add to the price, but the reality is, whether you � nd yourself on a nice calm day, or in wet, miserable conditions, with two you’ll never be uncomfortable.

OFFROAD ACESo far we could be in the backyard, gloating to envious mates. But the pedicured lawn lacks the o� road obstacles that will beset the Stuart when you start taking it down its namesake highway and beyond.

I didn’t get to tow the Stuart on our trip to the Victorian High Country, but I was able to observe its performance closely over several days of o� road driving in convoy — up steep

outdoor shelter. The underside of this cover has storage space for medium-sized items, underneath a criss-crossed elastic strap. However, the cover didn’t have a handle, which did make it a little di� cult to get your � ngers under the edge to lift it.

There is a Dometic slide-out (which comes out horizontally) with two shelves for storage space, a three-burner stovetop, moveable wooden chopping board, sink with a hot/cold tap, cup holder and bottle opener. In the recess to the back, there are extra powerpoints. The space above could be used for storage while cooking, while at camp, or (if packed wisely), during transit.

Ingeniously, the kitchen works as a massive windblock, with the cook being fully protected on two sides. But the real stand-out is its creative use of space.

Designer Phillip Richardson came up with



S T U A R T 5 . 5

90 caravanworld.com.au90 caravanworld.com.au

ridges, around tight bends and through � owing water.

An AL-KO 3500kg ball coupling connects the tow vehicle to the 150 x 50mm Duragal chassis. With a Tare of 1560kg, the hybrid is pretty lightweight for its category, keeping petrol consumption reasonable and making towing easier. This respectable weight is re� ected in its performance uphill. On our trip, we encountered a steep muddy slope going into a river crossing. The way down was slow ’n steady thanks to hybrid’s 12in drum brakes, but the way up required more attention. After a failed � rst go, the LandCruiser ute towing the Stuart gave itself more of a run-up and then the trailer cruised up, without any need for recovery.

Helping to grain traction were Thunderer Trac Grip M/T 285/75R16 tyres on Primal Alloy wheels. Had one punctured, two spares were waiting. When rocks � icked up, the kitchen pod acted as a stoneguard and multiple layers of raptor coating protected the underside. On this underside you’ll � nd the rare but by no means endangered

Cruisemaster XT airbag suspension, which makes for smooth tracking and adjustability to terrain (in transit and while camping).

The canister for this suspension, and the grey water, are tucked underneath but protected with steel mesh, ensuring their safe travels. Behind the axle there’s another sizeable steel mesh enclosure for stowing � rewood. The separation of � rewood from the main storage keeps spiders and splinters out of your gear, but means the wood might cop some splashback, though mud� aps help.

Rather than having a � at back behind the axle, the camper’s tail-end slants dramatically up, giving it a radical rear departure angle. Even the most imaginative among us would struggle to dream up terrain that would in� ict damage to this section. Behind the wheels, the Stuart is basically invulnerable.

The ramp-over angle is also good, though less outstanding. This is perhaps inevitable with hybrids, given their length. On severely hummocky tracks we had to move along slowly and with care — which is to be expected and not a problem for most folks.

Huge props to the rails around the hybrid’s bottom edges, there to protect the body in case of ground contact. We didn’t need them this trip, but by all appearances they would preserve everything important in the case of a serious mishap. A bit like Eddie Betts sitting out the last quarter with his lightly twinged knee on ice when the Crows lead by 50 — that body is worth protecting. It is an all-composite, no-frame, interlocking creation and one of the cleverest, though less

obvious, innovations on the hybrid.The rails also round out the look.

Add them to the black, white and grey colouration, minimalist logos, straight lines and cutting angles and you arrive at a mean-looking but unshowy unit that lets its performance do the talking.

READY FOR A LONG STAYA quick and easy setup after crossing some Evel Knievel terrain ought to keep moods running high. To set up you put down the ARK Extreme O� road jockey wheel; level the camper using the airbag suspension; drop down four stabiliser legs; and hold a button by the door to raise the pop-top roof (a pressure sensor halts the process should you come into contact with any overhanging branches). That’s it; barely any time has elapsed and no frustrating manoeuvres have been required.

There’s also a Thule Omnistor awning, extending o� the top of the pop-top roof. Although the awning is manual, it’s straightforward and was chosen on the basis it performs better than electric in the wind. You fetch the awning pole from the rear storage compartment, connect it, and twirl it to extend the awning out, then pop the legs into � xtures on the camper’s side. It’s perhaps best to do so while the pop-top is down, in which position the awning is easier to reach.

In terms of o� -grid longevity, the Stuart is up there. Firstly, power. The Stuart has a 400Ah lithium battery. Lithium makes for quicker charging, solid output throughout

“It's a hybrid that takes the comfort more traditionally reserved for caravans and blends it with the off-grid, offroad capabilities of a camper trailer”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Take a shower between the dinette and kitchen; comfy queen-sized bed; easy to set up and enjoy

4.3”/ 5”/ 7” Monitor available

©2007-2019 Furrion Ltd. Furrion® and the Furrion logo are trademarks licensed for use by Furrion Ltd. and registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Get there, safely.Available in 2 monitor sizes with side and rear cameras and doorway security options. Furrion Vision S observation systems are easy to install on a RV, commercial truck or trailer. All cameras o�er a wide viewing angles and night vision while the motion detector and auto wake function adds extra security when the vehicle is stationary.The observation systems are wireless and feature a high-speed chipset which provides real-time high definition viewing at 24fps. The wireless signature digitally locks to the display (up to 90 meter) to prevent interference and lagging even at high speeds.

Available at Coast to Coast this June 2019.Visit www.coastrv.com/vision-s

Discover more at www.furrion.com

openings and slanted � oor might make it a bit awkward, but if used wisely — for camp chairs or the like — this compartment would prove very helpful.

Did I mention the included RV Wi-Fi and wireless Sphere stereo system?

THE BOTTOM LINEWho does this hybrid suit? Couples, who are willing to spend more for quality, who want to get away from it all without being limited in where they travel; but also tech-savvy lone

the battery’s cycle, and greater durability over time; and the 400Ah � gure — wow-ee! To be able to go out into the bush with 400Ah means you don’t have to be conservative with usage; other life essentials will run out � rst. Rejuvenating that battery when stationary are four roof-mounted 150W solar panels.

This solar and the battery operate all 240V appliances. There’s also, ahem, a battery of other goodies — both a Projecta 12V 45A DC three-stage charger and a Victron MultiPlus (12V, 3000VA, 120A) charger and inverter.

As for water, there’s 160L of fresh and 100L of grey. And gas: there’s two 4.5L bottles. This gas, stored in a hidden-away compartment, mightn’t last as long as the power, but then there’s always the induction hotplates inside (plus you can customise two 9kg bottles over the drawbar).

The other half of o� -grid living is being equipped. The 1560kg Tare gives you a 1240kg payload up to the ATM of 2800kg; that’s the long way of saying ‘bring the lot’. This payload is to be dispersed under seats, under the bed, in the kitchen pod, drawers, portable compartments and robe — not to mention the storage compartment on the back of the trailer, which is accessible from both sides. The smallish rectangular

wolves as well as, with some customisation, small families.

The Trailblazers Stuart does exactly what a hybrid should do. It's a hybrid that takes the comfort more traditionally reserved for caravans and blends it with the o� -grid, o� road capabilities of a camper trailer.

The Trailblazers Stuart is able to follow you all the way to the nooks and crannies scattered over Australia’s varied terra � rma, and then keep you there, for just about as long as you desire.


S T U A R T 5 . 5






90 caravanworld.com.au90 caravanworld.com.au

ridges, around tight bends and through � owing water.

An AL-KO 3500kg ball coupling connects the tow vehicle to the 150 x 50mm Duragal chassis. With a Tare of 1560kg, the hybrid is pretty lightweight for its category, keeping petrol consumption reasonable and making towing easier. This respectable weight is re� ected in its performance uphill. On our trip, we encountered a steep muddy slope going into a river crossing. The way down was slow ’n steady thanks to hybrid’s 12in drum brakes, but the way up required more attention. After a failed � rst go, the LandCruiser ute towing the Stuart gave itself more of a run-up and then the trailer cruised up, without any need for recovery.

Helping to grain traction were Thunderer Trac Grip M/T 285/75R16 tyres on Primal Alloy wheels. Had one punctured, two spares were waiting. When rocks � icked up, the kitchen pod acted as a stoneguard and multiple layers of raptor coating protected the underside. On this underside you’ll � nd the rare but by no means endangered

Cruisemaster XT airbag suspension, which makes for smooth tracking and adjustability to terrain (in transit and while camping).

The canister for this suspension, and the grey water, are tucked underneath but protected with steel mesh, ensuring their safe travels. Behind the axle there’s another sizeable steel mesh enclosure for stowing � rewood. The separation of � rewood from the main storage keeps spiders and splinters out of your gear, but means the wood might cop some splashback, though mud� aps help.

Rather than having a � at back behind the axle, the camper’s tail-end slants dramatically up, giving it a radical rear departure angle. Even the most imaginative among us would struggle to dream up terrain that would in� ict damage to this section. Behind the wheels, the Stuart is basically invulnerable.

The ramp-over angle is also good, though less outstanding. This is perhaps inevitable with hybrids, given their length. On severely hummocky tracks we had to move along slowly and with care — which is to be expected and not a problem for most folks.

Huge props to the rails around the hybrid’s bottom edges, there to protect the body in case of ground contact. We didn’t need them this trip, but by all appearances they would preserve everything important in the case of a serious mishap. A bit like Eddie Betts sitting out the last quarter with his lightly twinged knee on ice when the Crows lead by 50 — that body is worth protecting. It is an all-composite, no-frame, interlocking creation and one of the cleverest, though less

obvious, innovations on the hybrid.The rails also round out the look.

Add them to the black, white and grey colouration, minimalist logos, straight lines and cutting angles and you arrive at a mean-looking but unshowy unit that lets its performance do the talking.

READY FOR A LONG STAYA quick and easy setup after crossing some Evel Knievel terrain ought to keep moods running high. To set up you put down the ARK Extreme O� road jockey wheel; level the camper using the airbag suspension; drop down four stabiliser legs; and hold a button by the door to raise the pop-top roof (a pressure sensor halts the process should you come into contact with any overhanging branches). That’s it; barely any time has elapsed and no frustrating manoeuvres have been required.

There’s also a Thule Omnistor awning, extending o� the top of the pop-top roof. Although the awning is manual, it’s straightforward and was chosen on the basis it performs better than electric in the wind. You fetch the awning pole from the rear storage compartment, connect it, and twirl it to extend the awning out, then pop the legs into � xtures on the camper’s side. It’s perhaps best to do so while the pop-top is down, in which position the awning is easier to reach.

In terms of o� -grid longevity, the Stuart is up there. Firstly, power. The Stuart has a 400Ah lithium battery. Lithium makes for quicker charging, solid output throughout

“It's a hybrid that takes the comfort more traditionally reserved for caravans and blends it with the off-grid, offroad capabilities of a camper trailer”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Take a shower between the dinette and kitchen; comfy queen-sized bed; easy to set up and enjoy






openings and slanted � oor might make it a bit awkward, but if used wisely — for camp chairs or the like — this compartment would prove very helpful.

Did I mention the included RV Wi-Fi and wireless Sphere stereo system?

THE BOTTOM LINEWho does this hybrid suit? Couples, who are willing to spend more for quality, who want to get away from it all without being limited in where they travel; but also tech-savvy lone

the battery’s cycle, and greater durability over time; and the 400Ah � gure — wow-ee! To be able to go out into the bush with 400Ah means you don’t have to be conservative with usage; other life essentials will run out � rst. Rejuvenating that battery when stationary are four roof-mounted 150W solar panels.

This solar and the battery operate all 240V appliances. There’s also, ahem, a battery of other goodies — both a Projecta 12V 45A DC three-stage charger and a Victron MultiPlus (12V, 3000VA, 120A) charger and inverter.

As for water, there’s 160L of fresh and 100L of grey. And gas: there’s two 4.5L bottles. This gas, stored in a hidden-away compartment, mightn’t last as long as the power, but then there’s always the induction hotplates inside (plus you can customise two 9kg bottles over the drawbar).

The other half of o� -grid living is being equipped. The 1560kg Tare gives you a 1240kg payload up to the ATM of 2800kg; that’s the long way of saying ‘bring the lot’. This payload is to be dispersed under seats, under the bed, in the kitchen pod, drawers, portable compartments and robe — not to mention the storage compartment on the back of the trailer, which is accessible from both sides. The smallish rectangular

wolves as well as, with some customisation, small families.

The Trailblazers Stuart does exactly what a hybrid should do. It's a hybrid that takes the comfort more traditionally reserved for caravans and blends it with the o� -grid, o� road capabilities of a camper trailer.

The Trailblazers Stuart is able to follow you all the way to the nooks and crannies scattered over Australia’s varied terra � rma, and then keep you there, for just about as long as you desire.


S T U A R T 5 . 5






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