ueror q · 130-litre clean water tank. if you are camped by a creek, water can be drawn directly...

CON UERORBlurring the lines between camper and caravan,

creature comforts and off-roadability.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY TISCHER

QHYBRID

CONQUEROR CAMPER TRAILER

mr4X4.com.au | Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 81

With a heritage based on trailers designed and built for the military environment in Africa, the Conqueror UEV-490 comes with a good pedigree. The Evolution version of the 490 is the company’s flagship model specifically designed for Australian conditions and Australian adventurers. It was great to see how it performed away from the showroom floor – with plenty of rocky creek crossings and corrugated country roads.

It’s hard to categorise this camper as it is really a hybrid sitting between a camper and a caravan. With an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of only 1,950kg, the Conqueror 490 Evolution can be towed by a wide range of vehicles. It has plenty of creature comforts to enjoy those places too difficult to get to with a heavier or larger trailer.

CHASSIS AND BELOWThe connecting point to the tow vehicle is important, and potentially marriage-saving. The DO35 off-road coupling makes hooking up the camper and towing off-road a pleasure rather than a chore. The drawbar chassis rails are upgraded on the Evolution – being Australian-made of heavy-duty galvanised RHS.

The wheel track and stud pattern can be matched with the tow vehicle, making the unit easier to tow in the rough stuff. The upgraded 12-inch electric drum brakes work well at slowing and stopping the camper when a ’roo decides it’s time to cross the track without a moment’s notice.

Suspension on the Evolution comes standard with Dobinson coil springs and Tough Dog shocks. When combined with the patented independent suspension setup, they make light work of potholes and corrugations.

Independent suspension, Dobinson coil springs and Tough Dog shocks make easy

work of even the roughest tracks.

Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures | mr4X4.com.au82

OPENING AND CLOSINGThe set-up is pretty simple and quick; although being tall will assist in extending the awning. Training is provided when the camper is first collected – making you confident for your first excursion into the bush. Breaking camp is even easier and can be completed quickly with a minimum of fuss.

Access to the inside of the camper is through sturdy metal doors on either side. Enter by simply undoing the key-locked latches, opening the door and dropping the stairs. The hinged at one end and insulated roof panel is extended – giving ample headroom between the doors. The doors are a set height and care is needed not to hit your head … particularly when exiting the camper. Personally, I had no problems with the door height.

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1 Two solar panels keep the dual 100Ah batteries charged.

2 Thick rubber door seals help prevent the ingress of dust while midgie-proof mesh keeps the bugs out.

3 The king-size bed is one of two internal beds provided.

4When not utilised as a king-size bed, a table with seating for around six people provides a good spot if the weather is not so wonderful outside.

5 Cutlery, plates and utensils all have their places.

6 The pull-out kitchen has water, stove, fridge and storage drawers all within easy reach.

7 Water can be drawn from nearby creeks with the supplied hose/float/filter.

8 The Webasto diesel hot water system provides hot water within minutes but it does take up space in the front storage bin.

9 A good-sized vanity slides out into the bathroom area on the off-side.

CANVAS AND AWNINGSShelter from the elements is important and the 490 Evolution has this covered in spades. A 270-degree Batwing awning is easily set up and it extends over the kitchen area and covers the double bed extension out the front of the camper. The bed extension can be kept dry (and will be cooler) as a result of the awning. This is enhanced by the bathroom awning, joining with the Batwing. There are walls available for both kitchen and bathroom awnings.

INSIDEThere is both a queen size and king size bed available when set up for sleeping. Depending on your length of stay, there is flexibility for different preferences in bed/table configurations. There is good ventilation with a large offside window next to the king bed/table, three windows next to the queen bed and three windows in the pop-up roof. All windows and doors have midgie-proof mesh to ensure biting insects are kept at bay. Two 12-volt fans ensure a breeze flows on still days.

Storage is abundant: There are 13 internal cupboards/shelving recesses with canvas doors. The use of canvas helps in keeping the weight down. There is also a pantry with dual internal/external access. On each door there are multi-pocketed canvas storage hangers.

The control panel near the table and bed houses the many switches and buttons needed to operate the electrical components of the camper. A REDARC battery management system monitors the two 100Ah batteries and the solar charging. Switches for the lights, water pump and power outlets are all within easy reach.

There is an audio system and a 12-volt TV mounted on the panel as well. The inclusion of a fan to circulate warm air from the diesel water heater is a nice idea for those cool camping locations.


KITCHENThe 490 Evolution sports a 90-litre National Luna fridge/freezer as part of the slide-out kitchen. There’s a two-burner gas stove and two drawers which keep your cutlery, plates, mugs and even wine glasses safe and secure ready for when you arrive at your destination. The kitchen slide-out is easily accessible for those lunch-time stops.

The gas bottles for the stove are kept in their own drawbar-mounted boxes and not plumbed into the stove. The reasoning behind this is to ‘keep it simple’ and to guard against gas plumbing issues in the future. It does mean that you have to connect the stove and bottles each time you stop.

Hot water is supplied by the Webasto diesel hot water system to the taps above the two removable washing-up tubs. A large table that forms part of the inside paneling can be taken outside – creating a large preparation surface and eating area.

BATHROOMAn offside shower (with great pressure) draws water from the 130-litre clean water tank. If you are camped by a creek, water can be drawn directly from the creek via a hose with float/filter before being heated by the hot water system. A good-sized vanity unit with water and sink slides out at the front; and there is further storage on the offside door. Walls for the awning are an option.

OUTSIDEThere are two large wet/dirty storage compartments behind the wheels and a large storage bin on the front (although much of this is taken up by the hot water system). A small axe and a shovel are located on the outside of the bin. On the rear of the camper are two jerry cans, the spare wheel and a firewood-carrying platform. The spare tyre cover also doubles as a fireplace.

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SPECIFICATIONSTYPE: Hybrid camper, hard shell with pop-up roof.

TARE: 1,550kg

ATM: 1,950kg

SUSPENSION: Independent trailing arms with Dobinson springs and Tough Dog shocks.

BRAKES: Off-road 12-inch electric.

CHASSIS/DRAWBAR: 50x100mm galvanised steel.

HITCH: DO35 V2 coupler.

ELECTRICS: 2 x 100Ah batteries with solar panels and REDARC BMS

PRICE:$81,950 on-road drive-away.

VERDICTThe Conqueror UEV-490 Evolution is a great hybrid camper which is both lightweight and feature-rich. It can be towed to the most difficult of destinations to reach. Once there, it would be time to enjoy a hot shower and a cold drink … and let the worries of the rest of the world dwindle away.

1 The rear of the camper stores the spare wheel, two jerry cans and a firewood shelf … while maintaining a great departure angle.

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ueror q · 130-litre clean water tank. if you are camped by a creek, water can be drawn directly...

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