Outbound Thunder Camper is taking South Africa by storm.

Staff Writer

The camper was designed, developed and manufactured to the highest quality standards and flaunts an independent suspension with coil springs and dual shocks that support the 15-inch wheels with aluminium alloy mags. According to Clive van der Vyver from Kempton Caravans, this robust unit was designed with the off-road adventurer in mind and is easy to operate, making it manageable on the campsite and stable on the road.

Setting up the camper is relatively quick and easy. Two people can open the lid manually, but if you are alone and need some assistance, it is a lot easier to use the winch. It also boasts a 1 000Nm gas strut, making life a whole lot easier. “It will not collapse because the gas strut catches the weight as it comes over. Once inside, the three u-frames need to be adjusted to push the tent up to its full position,” explains Clive. He adds that it is a lot easier to start with the centre one and then do the sides. As keen campers, one of our biggest considerations revolves around the available packing space and we were happy to learn that the Outbound Thunder Camper allows for ample space, securing its status as a market leader in its class. Upon entry there are two drawers and two cupboards on the left with under-bunk storage to the right, while the standard roof rack, rear toolboxes and the front nose cone provide additional storage space. The fridge drawer slide can take a 90-litre fridge and offers packing space in both the fridge and the two drawers in front of the drawer slide.

Additionally, the Outbound Thunder Camper offers a full stainless-steel slide-out kitchen with a side-mounted aluminium prep-table, stove with windshields and a basin. A great feature of this camper is that it makes provision for two 4.5 or 5kg gas cylinders and two 25-litre jerry cans upfront – all protected by a heavy-duty mesh stone deflector. It also has a rear bumper where a towbar for bike racks can be fitted.

When it comes to creature comforts – which, of course, counts quite heavily towards a positive impression of any camper or caravan – you can colour us impressed. As standard features, this product offers a gas geyser and a 100-litre stainless-steel water tank with an aluminium protection plate and a 12V pressure pump; as well as a shower housing on the outside, complete with a shower tent. The 1500W pure sinewave inverter/charger has an LED interface that looks after the 100Amp hour deep cycle battery feeding power to the fridge, lights and USB sockets. The LED strip lights are fitted with a rheostat, essentially making them mood lights. They are mounted in the sleeping- and dinette area and above the stove, basin and fridge. To ensure safety, the stepladder into the camper is also lit with LED lights. Furthermore, the Brad Harris plugs, USB sockets and cigar plugs are all placed in practical, easy-to-reach locations.

The camper comes with a large queen-size bed, and users can easily convert the dinette area into a bedroom for children. The sleeping area has amazing cross-ventilation windows with a privacy curtain, canvas flaps and mosquito netting on the inside and awnings on the exterior. The canvas of this camper is fitted with aluminium extrusion and is made of 340gsm polycotton – the highest quality – to ensure that temperatures are regulated. It is waterproof but also successfully withstand sun degradation. An added benefit is the silver flysheet that helps control the temperature. It reflects some of the sun’s heat while offering a shadow to the bottom, keeping the tent cooler in the summer. On the other hand, warm air gets trapped between the canvas and the silver flysheet for added insulation during winter.

Detailed video here

Side tent

Unlike other campers, this unit comes standard with a full side tent complete with aluminium poles and walls with well-ventilated windows and doors. Less obvious but unique features add value to the side tent, making it a stand-out in its class. These features include pole pockets at the foot of the mudflaps, which prevent the poles from shifting; Velcro, which keeps the canvas secured to the frame and PVC reinforcements to protect the canvas from pole friction caused by wind. Furthermore, it has additional support poles for inclement weather and pole socks with drawstrings which prevents mosquitoes from gaining access to the sleeping area.

Due to the tent’s design, users have the option to only use the roof with the three up-right poles, which is especially handy for a quick set-up when only camping overnight. For extended camping stays, one can add sidewalls, a front wall, and a draught skirt to ensure your tent is completely weatherproof. Another additional feature this camper provides is the Velcro-closed canvas flaps that protect every zip, allowing one to pitch the roof and fit the walls in a zip failure case.

The Outbound Thunder Camper is exclusively available from Outbound’s official agent, Kempton Caravans, at R319 900 (including VAT). The price includes a full side tent with a Velcro groundsheet, spare wheel, shower tent, geyser, a water tank and a roof rack.