LOTUS CARAVANS TROOPER OFF-ROAD REVIEWED

By Evan Spence 7 Min Read

Let’s be honest. Most of us when we head out bush accept the fact that living under canvas involves sacrificing some of the luxuries of life. Not that it’s a bad thing; many of us love the feeling of living ‘off the grid’ and enjoying the simpler things in life.

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However if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like living without a flushing loo, it doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. These days there are fully off-road capable caravans that, if I’m being honest, are nicer than any of the houses I’ve lived in. Take the Lotus Caravans Trooper for example. These things allow us to visit those off-road destinations we love so much without the usual compromises that come with camping.

I recently took one away for a weekend up at Wollemi National Park near the Hunter Valley in New South Wales for one of the comfiest trips I’ve ever been on.

 

EXTERIOR

I think it’d be fair to say that caravans and off-road ability don’t usually go hand in hand, they’re basically a house on wheels after all; but Lotus Caravans have apparently done plenty of R&D here to deliver consistent off-road performance from the Trooper. The chassis has been built by G&S Chassis in Campbellfield in Victoria, and offers plenty of protection without being overweight. The frame was actually built off a design concept that was specifically contrived for off-road use, and it works well. The Control Rider suspension swings off giant independent A-arms and is controlled by coil springs and Koni shocks, all of which are certainly deserving of the ‘heavy-duty’ moniker. 12-inch electric brakes are fitted to all four trailer wheels and provide plenty of stopping force both on-and off-road.
There is also plenty of tube and plate underneath to prevent against any knocks or bumps when driving the tracks, and there’s scrub bars that run right along the bottom corners of the van which are then linked back to the frame for additional support. The vitals are all nicely tucked up out of harm’s way too, a sure sign this thing has been designed for use in the bush.
The drawbar is nice and long which makes backing the big girl up a fairly painless process, and there’s a mammoth toolbox and room for the gas bottles behind the stone guard. A Hitchmaster DO35 coupling connects the trailer and tow vehicle together and allows for plenty of unencumbered movement when negotiating tighter tracks. There’s even an LED light for hitching up or ferreting around in the dark.

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Walking around the back end of the Trooper is equally impressive. There’s a spare mounted up nice and high along with two jerry can holders which are all linked back to the van’s chassis, so there’s no cheap rivets or body welds to rattle themselves to an early grave here. There’s even rated recovery points, again mounted to the chassis, for ultimate peace of mind.
Whilst the Trooper really wouldn’t be suitable for, say, the Old Tele Track or the big sand dunes of the Simmo, the increased ground clearance, flat floor pan, tough suspension system and excellent protection mean that places like the Gibb River Road, Cape Leveque, the Oodnadatta Track and the Flinders Ranges are all quite feasible with the Lotus Caravan hanging off the back of your 4X4. Given the luxury onboard, I reckon that’s quite an achievement.

 

INTERIOR
Straight up, the interior of this caravan is a lovely place to be. It’s built to a high standard and the attention to detail was obviously a priority in the design brief. It offers a modern take on the caravan living space without a wood panel or floral curtain in sight. Acrylic splashbacks, laminate benchtops and venetian blinds are complemented by glossy whites, black leather and plenty of stainless steel.

The centrally-mounted dinette, complete with trifold-out black table, makes excellent use of the available space and the kitchen is good enough to make you actually look forward to meal prep. Think proper oven, full-sized sink, microwave, three gas burners and an electric hotplate, massive 190L fridge, more LED lighting that a footy stadium, even a toploader washing machine… and you’re getting the idea.

You can even invite your travelling companions over for a dance-off with the Sony Fusion integrated entertainment system that takes care of CD/radio/iPod/DVD needs and even has a control panel for pumping the tunes outside – as well as setting up the huge Dometic awning and stacks of LED lighting.

Make your way up to the front of the caravan and you’ll find yourself in the spacious bedroom with drawers and wardrobe (that can swallow up a huge amount of personal belongings) along with under-bed storage. The mattress is a plush inner-spring number and the big windows have mesh screens to allow in as much, or as little, light as you like.
The other end has the ensuite bathroom, which features a ceramic toilet and sink as well as a spacious shower to supplement the outdoor shower (if you’re into being outside while soaping up – hey, I’m not judging). The bathroom just feels high-end. The glossy white vanity cupboard with stainless finishings is top quality without being gaudy.

The Lotus Caravans Trooper is available in sizes ranging from 16-22 foot and can come with a range of options to suit your individual needs. It has all the features you need (and some you probably don’t) for being on (and off) the road.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF SPECS

Words and photography by Sam Purcell


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