I have to admit that I was sceptical about testing yet another hybrid camper, but I've been proven wrong! The Austrack Tanami X13 is a standout in a very competitive market. I've had a long association with Austrack Campers, watching them grow into a brand that prioritises quality, inclusive packaging,  customer service, and value for money with campers that have a rugged demeanour and present appealing RV eye candy.

The X13 is part of Austrack's hybrid range, which spans from 10 to 15 feet. The brand has experienced enormous success with forward-fold and “chuck-wagon” models, such as the Telegraph, Savannah, and Simpson, and has grown proportionately across Australia. Hybrid campers are popular for good reason, offering an excellent solution for families and adventurers who need space and comfort, while also boasting off-road touring credentials.

All In The Family

My own cousin and nephew have both recently purchased similar campers and have been enjoying extended trips around the country. Both love nothing better than to take it well into often remote and challenging destinations. My nephew needed a camper that could accommodate two adults and two young kids, with enough storage for supplies and gear, and my cousin and partner are simply an adventurous couple. Austrack's options accommodated both comfortably, and the solid walls and simple setup provide an insulated cocoon, premium security, and sealing properties to keep those annoying bugs out.

Bunk layouts are terrific for those with younger kids, but let’s face it, older kids will be happy in the annexe, a separate tent, or swag away from Ma and Pa, anyhow! (and so will ma and pa!)

The Austrack Tanami X13 offers exceptional quality and features at an affordable price. This makes it an excellent option for travellers looking to fulfil their dreams without breaking the bank.

Austrack Campers Hybrid Construction

The Tanami's construction is robust, starting with a strong, hot-dipped galvanised drawbar and chassis. The camper’s frame is made from welded aluminium with a Royal Silver insulated composite panel and gloss black alloy checker plate features, providing lightweight strength, security, and durability.

Unlike many competitors, the Tanami's pop-up roof is well weighted and very easy to erect. It features an aluminium frame, a gloss white inner surface, and a reinforced fibreglass outer skin.

The Guts To Go The Distance – And Back Again!

Overall, the Austrack Tanami X13 offers impressive, high-quality off-road capable features at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for serious travellers. Austrack’s suspensions have been proven, through time and hardship, to be strong and reliable. The suspension is adjustable and independent, with coil spring and twin gas shocks on each side. It rides on 265/75-R16 mud-terrain tyres with reinforced black alloy wheels and electric brakes. It features well-shrouded twin 120L water tanks and an 80L grey water tank, with all plumbing and electrical components well protected from damage to the underside. It has a registered ATM of 2750kg and a tare of 2090kg, so even with the tanks and gas bottles full, it still has a reasonable payload capacity catering for the large amount of internal and external storage.

The A-frame drawbar is at a good length and is set well to provide exceptional maneuverability on tight turns without jack-knifing. It is coupled to the towing vehicle with a 3,500 kg McHitch with double safety chains. I appreciate the added versatility of the ARK XO jockey wheel, and a little further back, the front of the checker plate alloy toolbox is bevelled at an angle to also provide stone deflection. Additionally, there's a replaceable PVC stone protector. Inside the tool/storage box are dual 9kg gas bottles, and twin Jerry can retainers, plus plenty of room for all the instant-access provisions often needed while on the track.

The tail end is well-designed and ruggedly constructed. The LED tail lights are mounted to a strong bumper bar, which supports the gas-strutted fold-down mounts for twin spare wheels. The fold-down allows the extenda to pivot and slide out, providing all that added room inside for the king bed etc. The design and construction all work very well and provide terrific security compared to canvas alternatives. There are thankfully twin engineer-rated recovery points at the rear, just in case you bite off a little too much.

No matter which way you look at the Tanami, it’s a camper packed with clever design touches and practical surprises. Along the passenger side, you’ll find all the comforts you’d expect from a well-appointed hybrid. There are double-glazed, tinted windows with built-in insect mesh and block-out curtains, a neatly integrated cassette toilet, a convenient pull-out hot and cold shower, secure water inlets, and external 240V power connections. What really stands out, though, is the impressive storage capacity. Up front, the large compartment is fitted with multiple divided drawers for easy organisation. At the same time, a full-width upper boot provides generous space for stowing bulkier gear, adventure accessories and sports equipment, or those extra camping luxuries I just can’t leave behind.

Outdoor Living

Let's face it, while it's nice to have indoor luxuries, camper trailers/hybrids are designed for those who enjoy outdoor living. The "living, or passenger side of the unit features a large sliding fridge mount, optional 95L Travelmate fridge/freezer, and a three-way security door with electric fold-out step and illuminated handle.

The kitchen is well-equipped with a stainless-steel sink, a Smev three-burner cooktop, and a large slide-out preparation bench. An electrically activated PVC awning provides overhead protection, and a fully enclosed canvas annex offers additional space.

The interior is impressively appointed, with plush faux leather seating, timber-look vinyl flooring, and clean white panels. The en-suite is surprisingly roomy, featuring an electric-flushing toilet with an external removable cassette, a vanity sink, and an adjustable shower rose.

The Tanami X13 sleeps two comfortably, with a customised King-size bed and ample storage throughout. Additional features include a 22" LED TV, CD/DVD/MP3/USB/Radio entertainment system, and a hot/cold external shower.

An Exceptional Camper Trailer/Hybrid Experience

Overall, the Austrack Tanami X13 offers an exceptional camping experience, with its comfortable interior, functional kitchen, and practical features making it an excellent choice for travellers.

The Austrack Tanami X13's electrical and plumbing systems are comprehensive and well-designed. The unit features 3 x 100AH AGM batteries, 3 x 100W roof-mounted solar panels, and an Anderson plug connection, providing ample power for extended adventures, even with the demanding requirements of travelling with the family.

The 2.0kW Sinewave inverter and 65-amp inbuilt charger ensure reliable energy conversion, while the amp and volt meter with digital display monitor power usage. Multiple 240V, USB, and accessory outlets provide convenient charging options.

LED lighting is used throughout, and the gas lines are fully plumbed from the bottles to the kitchen, featuring an external BBQ bayonet fitting and a dual-bottle change-over valve.

The Wrap

Overall, the Tanami X13 is a robust and feature-rich camper, well-suited for Australia's rugged outback, as its namesake suggests.

Its remote and quite hostile namesake desert, the Tanami Desert, was not fully explored (except by the indigenous people) until well into the twentieth century. Yet today, you can expect to take on the rigours of such destinations with plenty of creature comforts and essential supplies, thanks to this rugged and very complete contender. The packaging provides exceptional value for money – especially when you realise that it also includes an air-conditioner!

 

Measuring Up

Hits

  • Compact unit with all the bells and whistles

  • Good water and power

  • Easy setup

  • Tried and proven suspension

  • Big, cosy bed

  • Great outside living

  • Storage

  • Electric Awning

 Misses

  • A bit heavy – watch your GTM!

 

Specifications

 Tare: 2090kg (as displayed)

ATM: 2750 kg

Suspension: Austrack's own independent trailing arm with coil springs and twin shock absorbers on each side

Brakes: 12” electric with breakaway

Coupling: McHitch 3500 Kg uniglide platinum coupling with locking pin

Chassis: 100 x 50 x 3mm galvanised box section

Drawbar: 150 x 50 x 4mm galvanised box section

Body: insulated Royal silver aluminium composite panel

Wheel/tyre: 265/75/16” wheels with a six-stud bolt pattern

Style: black/chrome alloy mags

 

Dimensions

Overall: 6050 x 2180mm (hitch to tail lights)

Awning size:       3.5M x 2.5M

Extension: 876mm

 

Accessories

Gas cylinders:     2 x 9kg (retainers only)

Water: 2 x 120L Foodgrade Poly water tanks & 1 X 80L plumbed grey water tank and system

Cooktop: 3-burner Smev

Kitchen: Slide-out stainless steel kitchen with cutlery drawer, utility drawers, electric pump, hot/cold tap, large sink & AGA-approved 3-burner SMEV stove with windbreak. Drainage rack, large slide-out kitchen preparation bench with multiple storage compartments.

Battery: 3 x 100 amp AGM batteries

 

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Camper or Van?

Check out our current selection of camper trailers for sale at OnlyVans.com.au. You can also narrow your search to Austrack Campers for sale or even search just for Austrack Tanami X13 Hybrids.

If you're still in research mode, we have many other great deals on caravans for sale, including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale and pop-top caravans.

No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered.   


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