Automotive History, Off-Grid Flair, and a Hot Price Are Traits of the Walkinshaw Camper

Folks, the name Walkinshaw may not ring a whole lot of bells if you live outside of the UK or Australia, but this automotive engineering, manufacturing, and racing group has been active in the industry for decades. But, a recent collaboration has sparked the rise of a camper, one designed to handle the unforgiving Australian outback.

At this time, Australia's New Age Caravans (the brand responsible for the camper itself) is proud to brandish the statement that they are "the only ones in the world that feature a Walkinshaw hot dip galvanized chassis." How is this puppy different from most others on the market? Well, one feature is that it's crafted as one continuous piece and uses a rolled, not welded, A-frame.

From here, New Age throws on a tried and tested suspension system that has proven its worth in countless other brands and units, a Cruismaster XT with twin G40 shock absorbers, according to images found on New Age's website. What more could you want? Mud flaps? DO35 hitch? Bumpers and stabilizer legs? All of it's there, so don't worry.

Once you've trekked across forbidden landscapes, you'll finally reach your destination and begin to unravel all that is a New Age camper. Note that this crew has been on the Australian market since 2004, so they've had time to perfect their units.

With that in mind, take note that the Walkinshaw is a pop-top camper, and that means quite a bit for you and your experience. First of all, there's the whole improved mileage you'll get from pulling along a camper that's half its livable size, not like a massive fifth wheel or hardshell campers. But, there is a drawback.

Because units like these often rely on a tent canvas or other composite materials to create a flexible wall, it also means a harder time fending off the elements. But, fear not, the Australian outback has taught New Age how to craft a wicked machine, just don't expect to be camping during the colder months in this thing. Luckily, you won't have to break a dang sweat to send this unit into full bloom; just press a button, and the roof lifts without you burning a single calorie.

Once the roof is in place, it's time to unfurl the rest of this magic. To do so, you'll need to extend two platforms in order to create two bedrooms inside the unit. Those are to be positioned at the outermost edges of the camper, and smack dab in the middle, a massive dinette, a lounge, and a galley block. In short, everything you need to survive out in the middle of nowhere. OH, and it's even suitable for up to six people, made possible by those two beds and modular seating.

However, that interior also hides an array of features and gear designed to keep you comfortable, happy, and ready for adventure. There's a gas cooktop, 105 l fridge, microwave, smart TV and DVD player, countless safety systems, and a BMS, too, not to mention LED and reading lights, power sockets, and countless others. Regarding a toilet, you'll need to grab one on your own, and don't worry about storage; the exterior is ready beyond belief.

If you have any idea how they like to do things down in Australia, then you have some idea of what to expect from the rest of this unit. If you don't, let me just point out that the Walkinshaw, like most other Aussieland units, is aimed at outdoor living. With that in mind, I need to point out a few important exterior features.

First off, two 80 l (21 gals) water tanks ensure you can survive out in the wild for a few days, and yes, there's an outdoor shower in place too. Hidden in those lockers tattered around the unit will also be a 100 Ah lithium battery, space to bring along more than just the standard 200 W New Age throws in, and maybe, just maybe, another outdoor galley set up on a slide-out (not a standard feature).

With all that at your disposal, and then some - consider a bike or kayak rack - and what do you have? one hell of a capable and outdoor-ready unit. Just imagine you riding around the local woods on an e-bike in the morning and coming back around noon to a unit that's just waiting to help you rest your bones, feed yourself and the group, and rest up for sunset kayaking on the lake nearby. Heck, external speakers will even help you enjoy your favorite jam as you do all of the above. Extend the awning and pitch an outdoor dining set.

Now, there's a bit of a catch I need to let you in on. New Age is an Australian brand that, at the moment, doesn't seem to be shipping outside of that country. That means that you'll need to go down there and get one yourself. Oh, and when you do, you've got to make sure it is suitable for roads in your home country.

Nonetheless, if we consider that these babies start at a price of just $58,000 Australian, which is roughly $38,200 American, there's definitely some wiggle room. So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket and fly over to the land down under for one wicked off-grid machine.