Photo: Invader Off-Road Campers
Micro-campers designed as true Swiss army knives that explode in size at camp seem to be preferred by outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel small and enjoy all the comforts of home once they reach their destination of choice. One such camper is the Duo X adventure trailer from South African manufacturer Invader.
Founded by folks passionate about the outdoors and off-road adventures, Invader is a family-run business with more than 60 years of combined camping experience. The team understands adventurers’ need for exploration in a safe environment and strives to create reliable heavy-duty off-road campers that offer all the comforts of home, ensuring a glamping experience even in the harshest conditions.
The Duo X is a compact off-road worthy trailer with a squaredrop form factor that stands out with a sleek new design, extra-length queen-size bed, dual battery charging system, automated roof-lifting system, and large fold-out awning. It is designed to closely follow the towing vehicle over all kinds of terrain and allow adventurers to navigate anything from coastlines to rough and rocky off-road tracks. Once at camp, it slides and pops and flips to turn into a welcoming two-story safari lodge with a comfortable bed, a fully fitted kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
Photo: Invader Off-Road Campers
Aimed at modern campers, this new trailer promises the next level of camping, with the company hinting that the “X” in the name is synonymous with “Xtra comfort, Xtra style, and Xtra tech.” It is built tough, with a hand-laminated, color-impregnated fiberglass shell, specifically made to withstand the roughest and dustiest terrains, over a galvanized ladder frame chassis with a solid 2.5-ton Burquip brake axle. This construction also makes it impressively lightweight for easy towing in any condition. Since it’s specifically built for off-roading, a set of 10-blade leaf springs and 245/75 R15 all-terrain tires will soften up the bumps for a smooth ride on all terrains.
In terms of dimensions, it measures just 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) in length, 1.85 meters (6 feet) in width, and has a riding height of 1.85 meters (6 feet). In camp mode, it rises to 2.85 meters (9.35 feet) and offers 2.15 meters (7 feet) of headroom when set up.
In order to create a generous base camp that offers the space and luxurious comfort of a caravan without compromising on maneuverability or towing convenience, the manufacturer fitted the trailer with a myriad of panels and compartments that open up. The first thing adventurers need to do when reaching their destination is raise the trailer roof via the electro-pneumatic actuators.
Photo: Invader Off-Road Campers
The tent, which slides forward and extends over the trailer tongue, accommodates an extra-length queen-size bed with a luxurious layered foam mattress and plenty of head and elbow room inside, guaranteeing a good night’s sleep after a day of exploration. The tent also comes with plenty of window awnings that allow you to enjoy the views even from the comfort of your bed.
Unlike other trailers, where access to the sleeping space is made via a staircase or a ladder, Duo X boasts a proper 215-cm (7-foot) high entryway that is covered and allows campers to easily get in and out of bed. The design also creates a small front room with durable vinyl hard floors that integrates two seating areas, ample storage space, and an indoor bathroom with a hold/cold water sink and a hideaway portable toilet.
The Duo X also has a well-kitted-out multi-dimensional outdoor kitchen sheltered under a fold-out patio with reflective coating. It is basically a three-piece kitchen design centered around a slide-out that integrates a dual-burner stove, a sink, and two separate sink basins for washing and drying. Next to it, a hatch door drops down to reveal a couple of drawers with foam inserts that hold a complete set of crockery for four people. The hatch door serves as a worktop and comes complete with an inlaid bamboo cutting board.
Photo: Invader Off-Road Campers
A large nose box toward the front of the trailer is the final piece of the kitchen setup, as it houses a heavy-duty slide meant to accommodate a fridge up to 54.5 x 84.5 x 50 cm (21.4 x 33.2 x 19.7 in) in size. The kitchen also includes a cabinet with shelves for dry foods and spices.
On the exterior, you’ll also find storage areas such as the nose box where you can keep a 3-kg LPG tank, camping tables and chairs, and other camping gear. A 120-liter chassis-mounted freshwater tank and an outdoor shower unit are also part of the design.
Photo: Invader Off-Road Campers
The electrical system that allows campers to run all their gear and appliances in off-grid locations comprises dual 100-Ah batteries and reliable Victron components, such as a 375-watt inverter, 30Amp battery charger, and solar controller. A 10-meter (33-ft) charging cable and several 220-V, 12-V, and USB sockets complete the electrical system.
Overall, the Duo X is a great option for adventurous couples and is a true lesson in efficiency and smart space utilization. This compact yet mighty camper trailer retails for RR408,000 in Africa, which is approximately US $23,360 at current exchange rates.
published 2024-10-13 23:22:08
