Austrack Telegraph X Review

Queensland’s Austrack Campers have grown into major RV market contenders with their wonderful range of campers, hybrids, caravans, and adventure equipment. They now feature representation in almost all states and have forged an enviable reputation for excellence both in their product range, as well as their customer service.

There's an old saying, "When you're on a good thing - stick to it!" and that is the attitude attributed to one of Austrack's most successful models, the Telegraph X forward fold camper trailer.

I first reviewed the Telegraph X in 2017 and was immediately impressed with its function, general appeal, quality, and huge range of fittings and accessories for a very affordable price.

For travellers with a larger family, Austrack also produces the Telegraph X's stablemate, the Savannah X, which features an extendable living/sleeping zone. However, I far prefer the Telegraph X for its lighter weight and simplicity of erection.

The X-Series packaging was initially introduced into the Austrack range, featuring well-priced, comprehensive accessories packaging, and became so popular that it became the norm. The package has been enormously successful and offers a fantastic range of features at a competitive price. Plus, it looks just great!

The Telegraph X Foundations

The foundations of this camper remain unchanged from the beloved Telegraph X. It boasts a robust 100x50x3 mm chassis, complete with dual recovery points at the rear and a 120x50x4 mm drawbar that extends back to the suspension. The entire chassis is hot-dip galvanised for added durability.

This strong trailer rides on Austrack's independent trailing arm suspension with its dual shock absorbers, six-stud hubs, and the security of 12" electric brakes. The wheels are 16x8-inch alloys, fitted with 265/75 R16 mud-terrain tires (all-terrain tires are optional).

The rear bumper is formed from aluminium checker plate supporting the tail lights and includes a spare wheel mount and a large storage box with gas struts and carpet lining. The drawbar features a 3500 kg-rated McHitch Uniglide Platinum coupling with dual safety chains and a strong Ark XO jockey wheel.

The body is crafted from Zincanneal steel, offering a slightly deeper design that creates a larger internal volume. The exterior boasts attractive baked enamel metallic paint, complemented by polished stainless steel trim for a sleek appearance.

Underneath, a generous coating of underbody deadening protects the floor, chassis, and drawbar. Mud flaps, a checker plate aluminum stone guard, jerry can holders, and gas cylinder rings complete the front end. Bayonet-style gas fittings are located in the kitchen and at the front of the camper, and they can service an auxiliary barbeque or portable hot water service.

Forward Fold Tent

The main tent is assembled rather easily with assistance from gas struts, however there are manual winches supplied and fitter both front and back for further mechanical aid if required. The heavy-duty 16oz two-tone fine-weave canvas features both premium quality material, and manufacture, plus a full length tropical/safari roof pops up automatically. The X-Series kit features the full annex (4.5 x 2.4m), including the annex roof, walls, draft skirt, and floor, plus all ropes & pegs.

Inside, you'll find a privacy screen with midge screen enclosing the Queen-sized bed, along with internal window covers and gas struts on select tent bows to facilitate setup. All windows feature inner and outer awnings with midge-proof screens, and the tent side above the kitchen can be rolled up café-style.

One of the standout, and yet so simple features of the Telegraph X is the cleverly designed, colour-coded diagram located on the inside of the pantry door. This ingenious idea, which details poles and other components, has been so well-received that it's been adopted by many others.

The Essentials - Power & Water

The Telegraph X features an impressive array of powerful electronics, including:

• Redarc 1kW Pure Sinewave inverter

• Projecta 12V 25A battery charger

• 2 x 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries

• Bluetooth MP5 Stereo System

• HD TV

• 200W folding solar panel

• Digital voltmeter, amp meter, and battery management system

• Ample 12V and USB plugs

• 240V external input and output

Water storage is ample, with 170L split between two shrouded 1 x 120L + 1 x 50L foodgrade poly underfloor tanks. These tanks supply the kitchen and the camper's front, where you'll find the shower ensuite. The front box houses a large external fridge/freezer nestled in a fan-vented locker alongside two spacious pantry drawers. Options are available to customize the storage to your needs.

On the driver's side, a large, carpeted compartment provides dust-proof storage, with a divider that creates a shelf perfect for poles or fishing rods. A convenient drawer is also located within this compartment.

Attention to Detail

I simply loved the Austrack Telegraph X's attention to detail, noting features such as:

• Vinyl coating on the bottom of slide-out drawers

• Covers over restraining chains on doors

• Sturdy fridge restraints

• A convenient bottle opener on the inside of the fridge locker door

• Auto-sensing lights that illuminate when doors are opened

The stainless-steel kitchen is a true highlight, boasting:

• A slide-out bench area with bracing leg

• A three-burner Smev stove

• Gas plumbed kitchen, multiple gas outlets and dual cylinder change over valve (Fully Certified)

• A roomy sink

• Two drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils

• Flexible lighting and a stainless-steel dish rack

• Large External Fridge/Freezer

• Bonus kitchen shelving unit

Step Inside

The queen-sized bed is thoughtfully designed with a light strip and two convenient pockets for storing essentials like glasses, books, phones, and keys. All zips feature linen tags for effortless use. Additionally, a second LED light strip with a 5m lead is provided for the main tent area.

The convertible U-shaped dinette is a cozy spot to relax and easily transforms into a double bed. The dinette features a drop-down, portable table, and plush cushions. A HD TV with DVD and USB input is included for entertainment, with both internal and external mounting options.

Beyond its comfortable living quarters, the Telegraph X boasts an impressive array of features, including:

• A gas strut-assisted boat rack

• Porta Potti

• Wheel chocks

• Instant gas hot water service, conveniently located adjacent to the ensuite and shower.

For added peace of mind, the Telegraph X includes:

• Underbody deadener protection

• Dual rear recovery points

• Bike rack holder at the rear

• Digital display voltmeter, ammeter, and battery management system

• Water level gauges

All doors and hatches feature double pinch weld seals, and the Telegraph X comes with a gas certification certificate. Additional features include:

• Front and rear drop-down stabilizer legs

• Fire extinguisher

• T Spirit Level on the drawbar

• Tilt-down spare wheel bracket for easy removal

• Foldaway internal grab handle at the stairs

• Option for a dual spare wheel tailgate

• Aluminium Poles

• Portable gas Hot Water System

• Full annex lit (4.5 x 2.4m), including annex roof, walls, draft skirt and floor, plus all ropes & pegs

• Ensuite privacy room with port-a-loo

• Sand peg kit

*Bonus Inclusions do not make up part of tare weight

The Austrack X-Factor!

The Telegraph X is the ultimate camping companion, boasting an impressive array of features that cater to every camper's needs. While it may not be the lightest option, with a Tare weight of 1420kg and a ball weight of 140kg (empty), it offers a generous load capacity of 580kg.

The Telegraph X's weight can be attributed to its robust construction, heavy-duty canvas, and extensive list of inclusions – all highly sought after by campers. This camper is designed to provide tough off-road performance and unparalleled practicality and comfort, making it the perfect companion for your next great adventure – second only to your family, of course!

Hits & Misses

I Liked

• Great looking camper with terrific finishes

• Features and accessories packaging

• Easy assembly

• Robust off-road camper

• Good people!

• Power and water

• Boat rack

• Well-assembled package at a great price

I Would Have Liked

• Canvas side walls could be a little lighter

Specifications

Tare: 1420kg

ATM: 2000kg

Suspension:  independent trailing arm suspension with twin gas struts and coil springs

Brakes: 12” electric

Coupling: McHitch

Chassis: 100 x 50 x 3mm box section galvanised chassis

Drawbar: 120 x 50 x 4mm box section galvanised A-frame

Body: 1.6mm Zincanneal with baked enamel paint, stainless steel trim and fittings

Wheel/tyre: 16” MudTerrain

Style: alloy mag wheels 6 stud hubs

Dimensions

Box size:        2.1 x 1.8m unfolded

Length:          5200(hitch to tail lights) mm

Tent size:      4.2 x 2.4m plus 

Accessories

Gas cylinders: 2 x 4 – 9kg holders only  

Water: 120L plus 50L food grade poly underfloor water tanks with aluminium tank guard & 12v pumps.

Cooktop: AGA approved 3 burner Smev

Kitchen: Slide out stainless-steel kitchen, with draws, electric pump, tap, large sink, and a three burner Smev stove. Also has an additional water outlet.

Battery: 2 x 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries

Supplied by: Austrack Camper Trailers, Caboolture, QLD.

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