We Need a Camper Like This! The Overachieving X2 Tourer Delivers What Was Promised

Folks, Patriot Campers is an Australian-born team that's actually been around for some time now. However, they recently started pushing their products onto the US market out of Las Vegas.

But, there's a bit of a catch when you're trying to push over-achieving machines onto a market that's used to something a bit lighter. As most of our readers know, machines the likes of what Patriot spits out tend to be a tad more costly than your average American camper simply because the Australian outback demands such a machine; high prices tend to push future buyers away.

Well, Patriot has come up with an answer and one that doesn't sacrifice any of the gusto this manufacturer is known for. For example, the X2 Tourer starts off at $42,200 (€39,200 at current exchange rates), and while some of us will still turn away even at this price, there are so many reasons why you should at least see what Patriot has done here.

Starting with the exterior of this unit, Patriot built the Tourer around the brand new-found looks and capability, something that gives rise to the Tourer brandishing a 36-degree departure angle, Rigilite hot-dipped galvanized chassis, and an X-Cruise independent suspension; go for the airbag suspension upgrade while you're at it.

From here, a composite and sheet metal blend is used to give rise to a rather compact and light shell built with no welds. Oh, did I mention that it comes in with a dry weight of just 850 kg (1,874 lbs) and offers 2,050 liters (541 gals) of storage space?

Yet, what I loved most about the Tourer is that it shows off the same compact magic as the other beasts in Patriot's lineup. While on the road, each camper is only 5.6 ft (1.7 m) tall, but once we finally arrive at our destination, wherever it may be, this bedroom on wheels explodes into a full-blown campsite.

Once you've stretched your legs and taken in the local sights, it's time to raise this unit's roof into place and reveal access to a two-person interior. If you have anything mounted to the roof of your towable, like some kayaks, now's the time to take those down, not only for safety and all that but also to expose two 120 W solar panels to the sun's rays.

Inside, there isn't much to see except a mattress, some electrical sockets, and a 270-degree view granted by three windows and entry points; good night. But, it's not an interior experience that the Tourer is designed for, but rather, true outdoor living.

You may have noticed all those panel sections tattered all over the exterior of each Tourer. Well, each one hides everything you need to survive off the land, including a slide-out galley, storage for tools and utensils, electric and plumbing systems, and anything else you may need on your trip.

At this stage, you'll unfurl that side awning, pull out the L-shaped galley, with its slide-out that houses the fridge and sink, then the cooktop and countertop at the rear, and maybe, if everyone's up for it, the swing-away BBQ found hidden in the nose-cone. The latter is an optional feature.

All this happens at the front and left side of the Tourer, while the right side is reserved for one large storage bay and access to your electrical systems, heating and cooling, and plumbing. Yet, the largest cargo bay is hidden at the rear of the Tourer, where yet another slide-out is in place, among other nooks and crannies for whatever your journey requires.

Speaking of electrical and whatnot, the Tourer is beefed up about as far as it can be with a RedArc RedVision BMS that's helping you keep an eye on 240 W of solar panel power, a 1,200 W inverter, and up to two batteries. Be sure to check out all the other options you can mix and match with the 150 l (39.6 gals) of fresh water.

The only apparent downside to a camper of this type is the fact that there's no bathroom, so you'll need to grab a privacy tent and a portable toilet. Don't worry; countless affordable options exist on the market.

Now, the Tourer is built for up to two people, but what if your kids just don't want to go to Grandma's this weekend; what then? While the tent bedding is only suitable for two adults, a plethora of options unlock tent annexes where the kids can easily stay out of your way or vice versa.

While I understand it's rather difficult to imagine what living out of an X2 Tourer may feel like, there are countless solutions to help you dive further. The first was this article; there's a video below, and luckily for interested North American buyers, Las Vegas is only a two-hour flight away.