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South Australian camper trailer manufacturer Offline Campers has earned international recognition with their Offline Campers Good Design Award win. The company took home an Australian Good Design Award for Excellence in Design and Innovation in the Product Design category. The award recognises the company’s Solitaire Hybrid Camper, which the jury described as “camping versatility through clever packaging and thoughtful touches.”
The annual Australian Good Design Awards program is among the world’s longest-running design recognition initiatives. It celebrates products that exemplify innovation and functionality. This year’s theme, “Design for Better,” aligns perfectly with Offline Campers’ approach to creating campers that balance off-road capability with genuine comfort.
Why the Offline Campers Good Design Award matters
For a relatively young Australian manufacturer to win international recognition in a fiercely competitive market is significant. The Good Design Awards jury specifically commended the Solitaire for its material choices and space-saving layout. They praised its ability to combine genuine off-road capability with the comforts typically associated with much larger caravans.
“Overall, a clever all-round package and great example of Australian design and ingenuity in this very competitive market,” the jury noted in their assessment.
In fact, this isn’t Offline Campers’ first time in the spotlight. Since entering their first Camper Trailer of the Year competition in 2021, the company has consistently taken home awards for their Raker, Domino and Ryder models. These include Best Hybrid, Most Innovative, and Best Build Quality accolades.
The award-winning Solitaire difference
The innovation that caught the judges’ attention centres on Offline Campers’ integrated ensuite extension. Rather than permanently adding the bulk and weight of a fixed ensuite, the Solitaire features an electric-opening extension. This provides full internal access to both shower and toilet while maintaining a compact towing profile when on the road.
According to founder and designer Sam Reynolds, accessibility and practical design were key considerations. “The Solitaire has been designed to suit people of all abilities and ages, with simple assembly an important design feature to ensure equipment is easy to access at any time,” he said.
The system addresses one of the fundamental challenges in hybrid camper design: how do you provide caravan-level amenities without sacrificing the compact dimensions and light weight that make a camper genuinely capable off-road?
Built for Australian conditions
Manufactured entirely in South Australia using Australian steel and components, the Solitaire is engineered specifically for local conditions. The foundation is a hot-dip galvanised chassis paired with Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension. This provides the articulation needed for corrugated tracks and the compliance for long-distance touring.
Standard equipment includes 12-inch electric brakes, rear recovery points, and an ARK XO750 jockey wheel. Additionally, you can match your tow vehicle’s wheels up to 35 inches. The dry weight starts at 1,500kg for the 14-foot model and 1,700kg for the 16-foot variant. It’s within the capability of most modern 4WDs without requiring significant upgrades.
Notably, the Solitaire’s off-grid credentials include up to 800W of fixed solar panels. This is complemented by up to 600Ah of lithium battery storage and up to 340L of water capacity across main and drinking tanks. Three-point charging (solar, vehicle, and shore power) and intuitive dual-switch lighting systems come standard.
Inside the Good Design Award winner
The interior configuration focuses on practical layout rather than maximising bed count. A full-size queen innerspring mattress sits at one end, with a leather cafe lounge and multiple dining configurations available. The kitchen features a stainless steel construction with plumbed gas and hot water, a SMEV three-burner stove, and 95L fridge/freezer.
However, what sets the Solitaire apart is the attention to storage. Rather than generic cupboards, dedicated spaces exist for clothing, tools, kitchen equipment, and even a Weber barbecue. Under-bed drawers, kitchen pantry storage, and a 300L front storage locker provide genuine touring capacity.
Climate control comes from a Webasto diesel heater providing both cabin heating and hot water. This is supplemented by Sirocco fans and an optional reverse-cycle air conditioning system. Multiple cafe-style windows with blinds and screens maintain airflow while protecting privacy.
The ensuite solution
The integrated ensuite extension is where the Solitaire’s innovative design becomes most apparent. When deployed, the electrically-operated extension provides a 1.8m-wide space with full standing headroom. It houses either a cassette toilet or composting option. The shower delivers 10L per minute through a mixer tap, with grey water stored separately.
Specifically, when packed for travel, the entire ensuite retracts to maintain the compact towing profile. This avoids the weight and aerodynamic penalties of a permanently fixed bathroom. This approach allows the Solitaire to maintain genuine off-road capability while offering facilities normally associated with much larger, road-bound caravans.
From garage project to international recognition
Overall, the journey from garage-built prototype to award-winning manufacturer has been relatively rapid for Offline Campers. Founder Sam Reynolds, a chartered mechanical engineer with a defence background, started building campers for his own family in 2018. What began as evening and weekend work alongside his day job evolved into a full-time operation.
Reynolds’ engineering background is evident throughout the Solitaire’s design. Rather than simply copying existing layouts, the company approaches each model with fresh engineering analysis. As a result, this produces solutions like the integrated ensuite that challenge conventional hybrid camper limitations.
Furthermore, the company now operates from a purpose-built facility in South Australia. All manufacturing occurs here using predominantly Australian components and materials. This local focus extends to the company’s testing program, with each model subjected to extensive evaluation on Australian tracks before production begins.
Australian pricing and availability
The Solitaire is currently available in two sizes. The 14-foot model, with a 4,500mm body length and 6,100mm towing length, is priced from $132,500. The 16-foot variant, measuring 5,100mm body length and 6,700mm towing length, starts at $143,500 (pricing accurate as of November 2025).
Additionally, both models are built to order with multiple internal layout configurations and optional equipment packages available. Production lead times vary depending on current order books. Interested buyers are advised to contact Offline Campers directly for current wait times.
Moreover, the company offers a five-year chassis and suspension warranty, reflecting confidence in the platform’s durability. The Offline Campers Good Design Award validates the engineering innovation that went into the Solitaire’s design. Given the award recognition it’s now received, that confidence appears well-founded.
More information is available at offlinecampers.com.au
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