The thing I enjoy most about the camper trailer industry is the amount of smart ideas and innovation. It's challenging and satisfying, with loads of very smart people designing all sorts of terrific inventions.

A while back, our editors asked all the testers, "What camper would you buy personally?" I probably came off as a bit cheeky when I answered, "I haven't designed it yet," yet I was being completely honest. I don't mind admitting that some recent additions to the camper trailer market have left me a little frustrated.

I love most rear-folds and the simplicity of their setup times. Forward folds are the latest craze and are most appealing, yet some require quite strenuous setups. Others can be tedious with their intricate pole structures, especially when you add the extra length of the latest extenders and slides to the mix. Those that know me understand that I don't do tedious well, and the last thing I want at the end of a day on the road is a long setup time balancing canvases and poles – and tempers!

Hence, you can understand my joy in finding the all-new Air Opus by Purple Line. I am reminded that the most straightforward answers generally solve so many difficult questions. The Opus campers combine a forward fold with a rear fold, but not with a multitude of poles to construct a traditional gable tent; instead, they use a curved structure such as an old pram hood or traditional boat canopy. Me, with my boating background, and the answer was in front of my face all this time!

Successful Innovation

Opus introduces an absolutely distinctive concept mounted to an aluminium tbb and galvanised steel chassis

Opus has been very successful with their model range until now; however, get ready for the onslaught, as my prediction is that the new Air Opus is bound to break all records. This terrific camper has an air-activated tent construction that eliminates setup difficulty. It can be ready for an overnighter with a strong, secure tent, fridge and kitchen assembled and two double beds made in around two minutes – now that's talking my language. Furthermore, it's a very comfortable camper with tough off-road credibility, plenty of power and water, and a sensible list of standard features and options at a very competitive price. Add in some downright good looks, and I am sure we have found a major contender for next year's Camper Trailer of the Year Awards!

Our beautiful Goulburn runs strong through Victoria's Central Highlands' rolling hills, creating magnificent camping destinations. We met early at the Yea Bakery for a terrific Aussie breakfast with the bright orange and black trailer attracting plenty of attention from the townsfolk and tourists alike. A quick visit to the local butcher for a selection of homemade sausages to test the cooking facilities at lunch, and we were off to a private farm complete with an old quarry, dirt tracks, mountain climbs, mud and magnificent campsites on the edge of the inviting river.

Off-Road Performance that Impresses

The Opus Team presented their test camper without its air beam annexe, but we still loved it.

The Air Opus camper trailer proved its mettle on a challenging off-road adventure, tackling everything from corrugated terrain to steep hillside tracks and rubble-strewn quarry roads. The trailer tracked smoothly and true throughout the test, following the 4x4 with ease. The centre of balance is impressively low, particularly with the 80-litre stainless steel water tanks set into the chassis, filled and properly shrouded with alloy checker plate.

The batteries are mid-mounted under an internal cabinet, keeping the drawbar weight at a respectable 100kg, depending on the load. The trailer's design incorporates features like a 9kg gas bottle facility and twin jerry can holders, protected by a stone shield, to enhance balance and stability.

A Rugged Camper with Clever Details

A fully galvanised chassis with independant trailing arm suspension, twin shocks and polyblock offroad coupling.

The fully welded box-section chassis and 100 x 50 x 3mm RHS "A-Frame" drawbar are galvanised and powder-coated for durability. The robust suspension system features independent trailing arms with twin gas shockers and coil springs. A locating lug for a Kojack jack is also included. While the underside plumbing is generally neat and secure, I noticed that the water tank outlets could benefit from solid elbows for added strength - a minor criticism the company representatives were happy to address.

The Air Opus camper trailer rides on 15/75/235 All-Terrain wheels and tyres, paired with attractive alloy mags that add to its rugged yet modern aesthetic. The 12" electric brakes, with a separate hand brake, are well-suited for the trailer's tare weight of 1200kg and ATM of 1800kg, allowing for a payload of 600kg. Even with the full water tanks, jerry cans, and gas bottles, you'll still have around 400kg of added capacity.

The Air Opus features breakaway brakes for added safety, despite not being a legal requirement. The drawbar has an articulating poly block off-road coupling, a swing-up jockey wheel, and an Anderson plug connection with regulator, making it easy to hook up and charge additional accessories like solar panels.

Composite Construction for Durability and Style

The main tent on the folding camper is a ripper and the alloy wheels look great too.

One notable feature is the tub's aluminium frame with composite panel exterior, which adds strength, durability, and insulation is available in a colour range including black, grey, blue and orange as displayed. The trailer's total length is 5100mm, comparable to other campers, and the spare wheel is mounted at the rear, adding 500mm to the overall footprint without compromising the recovery angle.

To top off my obvious pleasure with this camper, the boys from Purple Line fitted the demonstration unit with an optional e-Go Titanium remote trailer moving system, which completed an excellent package.

We decided on a beautiful little campsite right on the river's edge. We used the remote to safely disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle and steer it easily into our selected position. It really is a treat to use.

Easy Camping Setup in 3 Minutes

Just flip the switch and the air compressor inflates the tent frame. Pull out the slide out kitchen and you're camping.

Jason put the trailer into position and set it up single-handed, ready for an overnighter in under three minutes! The boys tell me it can be done in less time, including pulling out the kitchen and fridge slide and setting up the stairs.

You open the electrical panel next to the kerb side stairs, turn on the main isolator and compressor main switch, and press the inflation switch just inside the stairwell. The compressor starts to inflate a series of arched support tubes which in turn erects the tent whilst you wind down the stabilizer legs, pull out the fridge drawer (capable of carrying an 80 litre Waeco) and slide out the stainless steel kitchen complete with its four burner stove with wind deflectors, sink with pressurized cold water, utensil and implement drawers and bench extension.

The overall setup is that simple, and the 14-oz canvas tent is tensioned beautifully, ready to protect you from harsh elements.

Opus use premium tent material, LED strip lighting and both front and rear beds in the large internal space

The boys have been plagued with questions about the tent's suitability in windy conditions. Still, when you inspect the construction properly, I believe it to be stronger and more forgiving than the pole framework of their competitors. The air tubes will only fill to the desired amount before a pressure switch turns them off automatically, ensuring you won't suffer a blowout. The inflatable frame is very tough and has an outer canvas; however, should the unthinkable ever happen and you suffer a puncture, the segments can all be isolated with individual taps to continue regardless. The problem can be fixed with a simple puncture repair kit. Seriously, though, I can only personally see a problem should my wife miss when she throws the carving knife at me, and then I'd probably deserve it!

Clever Power Setup and Interior Features

Setting up the tent is just like inflating a jumping castle, plus theres cold water with electric tap and an electric pump

The electrical box is a highlight, featuring easy-to-read voltage and amperage meters, a 40-amp circuit breaker, and individual water tank indicators. All switches, including lights, 12-volt power, fridge, and compressor, have resettable circuit breakers, adding safety and convenience. The camper is well-equipped with 12 and 240-volt plugs in sensible positions and dimmable lights, annexe lighting, and LED strip lights.

As you step inside, you'll be struck by the feeling of space – 6.5 x 2.1 meters of living area under the tent footprint, with a roof height of 3.5 meters and clear view skylights. Having a double bed at each end of the trailer suits a range of travelers/campers and each is enclosed with flyscreens, black-out curtains and clear awnings. The enclosable capsules provide excellent insulation and protection from the elements, while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. The canvas is high-quality, with plenty of windows, ventilation, and clever design features that allow you to transition between indoors and outdoors seamlessly.

The large U-shaped lounge converts into a dinette, and with the collapsible table, the seat cushions transform into another double bed, increasing the accommodation capacity to six people. The upholstery is thick, luxurious, and incredibly comfortable, making the dinette a perfect spot to relax. I predict this trailer will become the social hub of any campsite, especially when the sun goes down and the fire crackles to life.

Just inside the main door, we find a recessed fire extinguisher and the head unit for the entertainment system with CD/DVD facility and two speakers permanently fixed inside the camper. (TV not supplied as standard) To the left is a porta potti enclosed in its own cabinet, a very nice feature even though it may be slightly awkward with the hinged front panel, but who's complaining when ya gotta go! There is plenty of storage under the rest of the compartments and seats, including mounting positions for two 100 amp AGM batteries, a PC2100 Projecta 21 amp, 7-stage charger; isolator switch, compressor and switch gear for the trailer mover, plus twin water pumps.

Outside is a cold water pull-out shower, yet Opus does not offer a standard hot water system. There is a mounting bracket that would be suitable for hanging one, yet the Air Opus wisely leaves that option up to the customer. I personally like the simplicity of a separate shower/toilet tent with a portable HWS fed by a hose from the camper. It's simple, efficient, easy, inexpensive and private. Unfortunately, the camper I tested was a prototype, and the inflatable annex hadn't arrived in time.

You will feel safe doing river crossings with very low water ingress from dual seals.

Final Verdict on the Air Opus

To say I was impressed with the overall Air Opus package is an understatement, especially when you consider the easy setup. Due to the gas struts, even tilting the lids is almost effortless, let alone inflating the tent. The Air Opus can also carry a boat rack or an added load, such as kayaks and sporting accessories, on the top panels.

Need I say more than yes, I'd buy one! I loved it, Mr Opus, you have built it better than I ever imagined! Yep, I'll have my snag now please Steve!

It's all simple and pretty straightforward with the dual fold creating plenty of room.

I Liked

  • Easy assembly

  • Sensible array of features and options

  • Off-road capability and weights

  • Manufacturing quality

  • Price

I Would Have Liked

  • Elbow on water outlets

Specifications

Tare 1200kg

ATM 1800kg

Suspension Independent trailing arm with twin gas shocks and coil springs each side

Brakes 12" electric with breakaway

Coupling poly block off-road

Chassis full welded, galvanised, and powder-coated RHS

Drawbar 100 x 50 x 3mm A-frame

Body aluminium insulated composite panel on aluminium frame

Wheel/tyre 15/75/235 All Terrain wheels and tyres

Style Alloy mags

Dimensions

Overall length 5.6m

Trailer width 2.1m

Travel height 1.45m

Accessories

Gas cylinders 1 x 9 kg retainer only     

Water 2 x 80-litre stainless steel

Cooktop 4 burner gas with quick connect fittings and wind deflectors

Kitchen Manufactured from stainless steel featuring a sink with pressurised cold water (hot optional) utensil drawers, LED lighting and a very handy retractable bench

Battery 2 x 100 amp AGM

Supplied by Purple Line, Braeside, Vic.

Your Adventure Starts Here!

Find the camper that's right for you and your family online at OnlyVans.com.au! If you'd like something similar to the Air Opus from Purple Line we have an excellent variety of off-road campers for sale and camper trailers for sale from dealers and private sellers.

And if you are still researching your options, we have plenty of great deals on caravans for sale, including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. We also have heaps of great motorhomes for sale if that's more your style. No matter how you like to travel or your family size, we've got you covered. 


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