Recently we crossed Botswana in a Suzuki Jimny, towing a teardrop caravan behind it. The Jimny turned out to be a capable towing vehicle, despite some limitations.
When towing a lightweight teardrop camper, as we did, the automatic Jimny could maintain a speed of 110km/h but suffered from high fuel consumption, averaging over 13 litres/100km, due to its small 40-litre tank. This required frequent refuelling stops, especially when the auto transmission downshifted to third gear, raising engine revs. The manual version, however, performed better, achieving around 9.6 litres/100km due to its fifth gear, allowing smoother engine operation. It even achieved an impressive 6.8 litres/100km on our Botswana trip, nearing Suzuki’s official rating.
Extra gear on the roof, such as an OzTent, impacted aerodynamics, contributing to fuel inefficiency in the automatic. While both transmission types handled the 750kg trailers with ease, occasional trailer fishtailing highlighted the importance of proper load distribution.
Overall, the Jimny handles towing well, offering stable, planted driving on both highways and rougher surfaces. However, with its limited range, planning fuel stops is essential. Alternatively, investing in a long-range tank or carrying an extra jerry can could be worthwhile for extended journeys.
I was so impressed with how well the Jimny – which can legally tow 750kg – handled the task, that I started wondering what else could safely be hitched onto the little Suzuki in terms of small caravans and camper trailers. I was also interested to see how much you could actually load in such caravans and trailers, so I started searching the internet to see what is available in South Africa.
Vagabond Rogue
Price: from R275 000
The Rogue has a GVM of 750kg and there is about 190kg of load capacity and comes in a selection of colours to fit your Jimny, including red, Lime Green, Army Green and TLC Beige. It’s built on a galvanised chassis with an axle rating of 1.4 tonnes and a five-leaf suspension, allowing you to go a bit further off the beaten track. The Vagabond is both light and compact, making it a breeze to tow and easy to store away. A 1 400kg GVM braked option is also available for those longer trips where a little more packing is required.
Specifications
Outside
- Tare – 560kg
- GVM – 750kg
- Axle – 1 400kg
- Overall length – 4 600mm
- Overall width – 2 150mm
- Overall height – 2 100mm (to top of roof rail)
Inside
- Length – 2 200mm
- Width – 1 500mm
- Bed – 2 050mm (folds into a couch)
Standard equipment
- Aluminium cupboard frames
- Canvas cupboard doors
- LED lighting (white/amber)
- USB ports
- Victron smart charger
- 220v sockets
- Volt meter
- Canvas doors with mozzie netting
- Canvas window blinds with mozzie netting
- 9 x interior storage compartments
- Roof vent
- Door storage compartments
- Upholstered Interior
- Side opening windows
- 2 x large grocery compartments
- 16-piece crockery set
- Stainless steel basin
- 60-litre water tank
- Cutting board
- Stainless-steel removable tray
- 50-litre fridge/freezer
- Additional 12v Hella socket
- Gelcoat finish
- Powder-coated side checker plate
- E-coated and powder coated roof rails
- E-coated and powder coated side steps
- Removable nose cone
- Steel wheel arches
- Side-mounted spare wheel
More information: www.vagabond.co.za
Jetstream XT
Price: from R228 655
The Jetstream XT combines sleek design with practical functionality, making it a top choice for modern travellers seeking a stylish and efficient mobile home. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic profile make it easy to tow, even with smaller vehicles such as the Suzuki Jimny. Inside, the Jetstream XT is thoughtfully organised, featuring a comfortable sleeping area, a compact kitchenette, and clever storage solutions that maximise space without adding bulk.
Specifications
Outside
- Tare – 530kg
- GVM – 750kg
- Axle – 1 500kg
- Overall length – not availabe
- Overall width – not available
- Overall height – not available
Inside
- Length – not available
- Width – not available
- Bed – Extra-length queen size mattress
Standard equipment
- Industry-approved upholstery
- 4 x stacked headboard storage lockers
- 3 x overhead footboard storage lockers
- Plug point with two USB charge points
- Canvas with mosquito netting screens for doors and roof vent
- Drop-in double gas hob
- Fully insulated built-in cooler box
- Built-in wash basin
- 50-litre freshwater tank, chassis mounted (side-mounted water filler)
- Large under-counter cupboard
- 3 x closed food lockers
- Battery manager
- 70 Amp-hour deep cycle battery
- Shore power plug
- 1 x LED interior touch light
- 220V 10/15 Amp double plug with USB port (interior)
- 220V 15 Amp double plug (galley)
- 2 x 9-LED dim/bright side door lights
- Front stone guards
- Front & rear nudge bars and running boards
- Custom roof rack
- Powder-coated nose cone rack
- 195/R14 6-stud Trail Duster rims (15-inch rims and tyres optional)
- Front or side-mounted spare wheel
- Square reinforced fibreglass fenders
More information: https://jetstreamtrailers.co.za/
BunduWarrior
Price: from R229 000
The Bunduwarrior is a compact, lightweight option for adventure seekers who want the freedom to explore without the bulk of a full-sized caravan. Built with rugged durability and high-quality materials, it comes equipped with essential amenities, such as a compact kitchenette, ample storage, and a comfortable sleeping area – all cleverly designed to maximise space. Its compact size makes it easy to tow and manoeuvre, making it perfect for solo travellers or couples ready to hit the road and explore new horizons.
Specifications
Outside
- Tare – not available
- GVM – 750kg
- Axle – 1 500kg
- Overall length – 3 520mm
- Overall width – 1 930mm
- Overall height – 1750mm
Inside
- Length – not available
- Width – not available
- Bed – not available
Standard equipment
- 3 x 16-inch rims with all terrain tyres
- 1 500kg solid braked axle
- 2 000kg coupler
- 7-blade spring suspension
- 2 x shocks
- 1 x fridge drawer
- 3 x kitchen drawers
- 1 x 105aH battery
- 1 x Victron DC-DC charger
- 1 x fuse box (1 in and 6 out)
- 3 x Hella-type sockets
- 1 x USB socket
- 1 x LED light inside sleeping area
- 1 x 1.5m LED light strip
- 1 x 100mm HD mattress
- 1 x fitted sheet
More information: www.bundutec.co.za
Naledi Camper
Price: from R289 000
The Naledi Camper is a versatile, compact camper designed for adventure enthusiasts who want a reliable, all-in-one camping solution. Built with durable, lightweight materials, the Naledi is easy to tow and ideal for both on-road and off-road excursions. It features a cozy sleeping area, a functional kitchenette, and clever storage, all thoughtfully arranged to maximise space in a compact footprint. Its easy setup, durable construction, and well-designed interior make it a good choice to tow behind your Jimny.
Specifications
Outside
- Tare – 500kg
- GVM – 750kg
- Axle – not available
- Overall length – not available
- Overall width – not available
- Overall height – not available
Inside
- Length – not available
- Width – not available
- Bed – 100mm high-density foam
Standard equipment
- Roof rail for easy mounting of awning
- 1x 2mx2m pull out awning
- 1x 2mx2m pull out awning with drop down sides for privacy
- Steel construction cross members with laser cut sides, powder coated, or polyurethane paint coated
- 50-litre water tank mounted above the axle
- Rubex 750kg axle with shock absorbers
- 3 x 14-inch steel rims fitted with 185/14c commercial tyres
- 40mm jockey wheel with 150mm wheel
- 100 Amp/h lithium-ion battery
- 120W roof mounted solar panel
- Victron 220v 15amp charger
- Victron MPPT solar charge controller
- 12v and 220v DB board with camp site 2p+e plug inlet
- Roof mounted fan, multi speed with dual directional airflow
- Interior LED lighting system
- Interior cup holders for easy reach during the night
- Storage shelf/cupboard with doors
- 2 x lockable entrance doors, 1 per side
- 2 x side mounted 220v 3-pin plug point (1 on each side of cabin)
- 2 x side mounted 5v 2.1 Amp USB outlet powered from 12v supply
- Microwave
- Full set of crockery for 4 travellers
- 2 pots and 1 pan
- Kitchen utensils
- Single plate induction top
- Single burner gas stove (disposable butane canisters)
- Solid wood worktop with kitchen sink and tap
- 50-litre fridge/freezer from National Luna (nose cone mounted)
- Electric (220v) kettle
- Set of storage containers (coffee, tea, rusks, etc)
- Soft storage bags for goods in transit
- 2 x drawers for kitchen equipment with lock mechanism
- LED lighting system
- 2 x 220v 3-pin plug point
More information: www.naledicampers.com
