Our recent Flinders Ranges excursion with three Hybrid Heroes was a ripper! We trekked through the rugged beauty of one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, taking in three assorted Aussie offerings, and marvelled at the raw beauty of a timeless landscape. We were in awe of the force that had been forged into the river canyons and rock formations, which had been carved over millions of years. Whilst the Bushranger Joey was the smallest of the three campers on tour,, it excelled in every task,, constantly taking the lead in front of far more expensive running mates.

There is certainly much beauty amongst the grandeur in the trip to the Flinders Ranges. The recent rains added fresh green life to the red and ochre landscape, and colourful blooms and wildflowers stood in stark contrast to the dry and mostly thorny flora of our dry continent.

Life abounds in this arid landscape, with its fantastic array of birds, mammals, insects, and other forms of animal life. We were reminded of the beauty of new life when the Rawnsley Park Station owners introduced us to their little orphaned Joey, as we enjoyed the hospitality of a local lamb barbecue. Grown adults turned to gooey mushpits as they patted the cute little creature. Still, that response was minor compared to the interest we continually experienced whilst travelling with the Bushranger Joey hybrid camper trailer.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the fight in the dog!

This was not my first introduction to this terrific little hybrid. I also followed it across, under, up and down the challenge of last year’s Camper Trailer of the Year Competition at Nundooka station, some 120 km north of Broken Hill, where it came out as a shining example of Australian design, construction and ingenuity at the same time delivering a high level of comfort from a most affordable package. The Bushranger Joey is as surefooted on rocky trails as its namesake, and has the off-road credibility to help you explore this great land in confidence and style.

My old travel mate, comedian and multi-media personality Tim Smith, said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the fight in the dog!” I thought it was a wonderful description of this worthy little camper that will strike a note with many a traveller. And perhaps best of all, when you arrive at your destination, there is minimal setup time, especially now that it features the added convenience of a "bat wing" style awning for extra shade and protection.

The convenience of being able to pull up at a roadside stop, or campsite, simply open the back door and jump into bed; or perhaps access your gear when you're on the road doing big miles is exceptional. There's an internal kitchen, and a pull-out gas stove externally, so the Joey caters for both a simple lunch break right through to an extended sojourn. You may even jump into the queen-size bed for a nanny nap if the long road takes its toll!

Big Features for Such a Small Package!

This wonderful little "hybrid" is full of great surprises. It's actually a tough little camper built on a very solid box-section, galvanised chassis with Austrack shock-absorbed, independent leaf trailing arm suspension that tracks beautifully on the blacktop. However, it excels when it leaves the bitumen carrying the loaded weight without fuss or bother. Its credentials are a pleasing 1140kg Tare, and 1450 GVM only leaving a 300kg payload, but that shouldn't be any problem even with full 2 x 60 litre poly water tanks.

I have taken this little Aussie ripper through swamps, wet and dry riverbeds, up steep slippery hills and down deep ravines with never a problem. This tough little Aussie begs for more! It features excellent ground clearance and a terrific rear recovery angle, thanks to its relatively short wheelbase, combined with a 2" suspension lift and 6” Hercules Terra Trax all-terrain tyres on attractive alloy wheels. Its relatively small dimensions make for compact storage in between adventures as well.

Out in front, the 100x50x3 m galvanised A-frame drawbar includes a flexible Treg off-road coupling for towing security over tricky terrain, and the turning clearance is surprisingly good. There is a hand brake with 10” electric brakes, and a removable jockey wheel for more extended stays when disconnected from the towing vehicle. Adjustable rear stands provide the Joey with excellent stability when set up, but you may decide not to worry about them if you're pulling over for the night, as we did in Mildura on the way home.

Out front, there is a mesh-style stone screen, twin 4.5kg gas bottle mounts, dual jerry can holders and the spare wheel mount. The entire base of the tub features checker plate surrounds and components for longevity and abrasion resistance. The lower section at the front also includes additional wear padding to reduce stone damage. The body shell itself features a 3mm Alumabond composite panel outer surface, 19mm of insulation, and 3mm Tuscan Dawn Timber internal panelling, providing excellent hot and cold weather comfort, especially when combined with the Truma Sapphire air conditioner heater.

There is a surprising amount of storage available, including checkerplate toolboxes, pole cabinets, and an enclosure for twin 100-AMP/HR batteries externally, as well as an extensive array of cabinetry inside the camper, under the bed, and other general storage options. The external kitchen features a Swift two-burner gas stove and BBQ plate, as well as another Smev stove top in the internal kitchen unit.  The Joey features hot and cold pressurised water from the Duoetto 12/240 volt unit, with a 10-litre capacity, running both the internal sink and an outside shower unit from two 60-litre poly water tanks tucked neatly under the trailer and shrouded to avoid accidental damage. The external features continue with a large fold-out table, as well as lighting and power inlets and outlets.

When setting up the Joey for a full campsite, it is a simple matter to pop up the gas strut-assisted roof to gain generous headroom. The homely interior is most inviting and beautifully trimmed offering a premium fit-out with a smart array of comfort, storage, features and accessories.

As you step into the van there is a smart little dinette utilising a storage area with a thickly upholstered seat on top facing a triple-fold table. It really works very well! The Sony sound system is also fitted to the seat box to provide a high-quality music ambience. It also provides access to the hot water system for servicing. Your friend or partner can also share the dinette by sitting on the inner sprung double mattress; it actually works very well in a compact environment.

Our demo unit even came with an optional 19-inch 12V/240V LCD TV/DVD player on an adjustable bracket that is visible throughout the whole interior living space, including whilst lying in bed. East-west beds can feel relatively small, but not in the Joey, so you can be assured of a good night's sleep after that long day on the road, or perhaps a tiring day enjoying your ultimate destination.

The internal kitchen unit is located on the right-hand side as you enter, combining a Smev stove, stainless steel sink, preparation benches, and plenty of cabinets. It also features a Waeco 80-litre upright compressor fridge, which really showed its worth in the 45-degree heat of Nundooka. Whilst on our Flinders Ranges trip, the outside temperatures varied from quite hot during the day to freezing at night. The Waeco certainly maintained our sustenance at a satisfying, even temperature.

Whilst the Bushranger Joey is very compact, it is far from claustrophobic. There are long, wind-out windows on either side, and more light through the rear door panel. All are provided with very appealing blackout curtains. There are also zippered windows in the canvas sections of the hinged pop top, complete with fine mesh fly screens for ventilation and bug protection. The roof is thickly insulated, and a permanently mounted 120W solar panel helps keep the power topped up, working in tandem with the Anderson plug and Projecta Smart Charge VSR battery charger/management system.

A Ventline roof hatch provides additional light and ventilation, and the overall quality of the cabinetry is impressive. The interior feels rich and warm, thanks to plush timber finishes, laminated timber edge benchtops, attractive upholstery, and carefully selected Manchester.

The layout is thoughtful and practical, making it an ideal setup for a travelling couple, or perhaps an adventurous single. The attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident throughout, creating a cozy and inviting space that's perfect for relaxing on the road.

A feature that makes the Joey appealing to many is its low travel height of only 2250mm, which means very low wind resistance for better economy on the road. Additionally, it will fit under many garages and carports for storage.

It can be easily towed by mid-range RVs, and it represents real value for money in a price range dominated by soft and hard floor campers that don’t carry most of the creature comforts provided by this Bushranger. You will be enjoying your chosen destination whilst others around you are still setting up, and you will undoubtedly be more refreshed for those long days cruising around our great country.

Furthermore, the Bushranger certainly stands up to deliver you safely to those secluded hideouts we only seem to find at the end of a challenging track. When you get there, you will most certainly find greater convenience, creature comforts and amenities than the likes of Ned Kelly ever did, even when visiting the Glenrowan Pub!

The Wrap

Bushranger Campers is a boutique-style family operation that provides a personalised buying experience backed by a 2-year manufacturer's warranty and recognised dealers. What could be more suited to your next Aussie bush experience than a Bushranger Joey?

Hits & Misses

I Liked

  • boutique-style

  • relatively lightweight

  • storage

  • level of comfort

  • compact

  • off-road ability

  • accessory selection

I Would Have Liked

  • Grill

 

Specifications

Tare: 1140kg

ATM: 1600kg

Suspension: Austrack independent shock absorbed

Brakes: 10” electric

Coupling: Treg off-road

Chassis: Full box section galvanised

Drawbar: 100x50x3mm galvanised

Body: Aluminium exterior, foam, timber composite

Wheel/tyre: 16” all-terrain tyres

Style: Aluminium mag

 

Dimensions:

Box size:       2900mmx 2050mm

Length:         (hitch to tail lights) 4500 mm      

 

Accessories

Gas cylinders: 2 x 4.5kg

Water:  2 x 60 litres poly

Cooktop:  Smev 2-burner internal, Swift 2-burner external

Kitchen:  Smev 2-burner stove, stainless steel sink with hot/cold mixer, Waeco 80-litre compressor fridge

Battery: 2 x 100 Amp/hr deep cycle Century

 

Manufactured By: Bushranger Campers, Pakenham, Victoria

 

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Camper or Van?

Check out our current selection of camper trailers for sale at OnlyVans.com.au. Look out for your own Bushranger Joey by refining your search at Bushranger Campers for sale.

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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