Ken & Marie's C190 Camperback

For the last 15 years we have been travelling in remote areas, tent camping and now that we are retired will be travelling further and for longer periods. Therefore we decided it was time to upgrade to something more comfortable, as well as quicker and easier to erect and pack away (and anyway the tent was worn out!).

We didn't fancy the idea of towing a caravan or trailer and as we have a Holden Rodeo 1 tonner, a tray back camper was the obvious choice. After looking at a few with soft floors such as Heaslip, and Kanga, we decided our top priority was a hard floor. We also looked at the Trayon, and other similar units, but didn't want to be going 'upstairs' all the time to the kitchen and living area, and found them a bit claustrophobic for our liking. We eventually decided the Camperback was the right one for us and our style of camping. It has all the features of a fold out, tent type hard floor camper trailer plus more.

 We were also impressed with the innovative design, high quality workmanship and attention to detail by Utility Campers, to say nothing of the very friendly, helpful service.

We optioned it up with the fully enclosed annex plus en-suite annex. It has 60 litre water tank, pumped to the tap at the kitchen sink and a stainless steel stove with permanent gas attachment. The bed is queen size and 'long ways' therefore no climbing over each other to get in and out. The storage area features several smaller shelved cupboards kitchen/pantry and a drawer and shelves for clothing. The kitchen can be opened and used when the tent is closed, so great for a lunch time meal by the side of the road. It can also be opened into the enclosed tent area (great for a cuppa in the middle of the night). The clothing shelves are also accessible from both inside and outside. All cupboards and drawer are key locked.

As Ken uses a CPAP machine when sleeping, adequate battery capacity is extremely important, so we had some modifications made to the 12v power supply to include 2 batteries and a solar panel fitted to a roof rack on the cabin of the truck. This solar panel will be able to be removed and left with the camper when it is taken off the truck and left on it's jacks. (We also have a generator for back-up.)

The roof rack and under-tray storage box were also designed and custom made for us by Stewart at Utility Campers as another extra.
 

words & photos by Ken & Marie Root

June 2007