This hybrid is equipped with everything you'll need to leave sealed roads behind

The Scout-14 from Stoney Creek Campers was just one of many top-of-the-line models put through its paces at REDARC's Camper Trailer of the Year (CTOTY) 2021 competition — how did it measure up?

David Cook

Score: 62.5

With a tare of 2130kg, the Stoney Creek Campers Scout-14 is a reasonably heavy package, and that could reflect on its offroad capabilities in steep country or on soft ground — though the dual shock trailing arm suspension and solid hot dip galvanised chassis would at least provide assurance that if your tow vehicle was up to it, so was the camper. There were some exposed water lines underneath, which might be prone to snagging, and the use of poly pipe to plumb around the tanks was questionable, given the capacity of large stones to be able to smash shock absorbers into surrender.

I was also concerned about the spare mounted at the front, protruding well above the minimalist stone guard, as it would potentially be a source for rebound stone problems on rough tracks. The mud flaps were good, but they also looked lightweight.

The Scout's big selling point is comfort, with an internal ensuite that will appeal strongly to many. The swing-around stainless kitchen is another big plus, as is the air conditioner, though it would need bulk electrical storage or 240V access. The two Sirocco fans would help on those hot days or nights.

There was extensive storage, and the memory foam 115mm mattress felt comfy, though at king size it is hard up against the walls, which would create difficulties when making the bed. The kitchen had reasonable bench space at either end, though the cooktop requires a wind guard. There is also an internal sink, Truma gas hot water system, 85L EvaKool fridge, and the Aussie Traveller awning does provide a forward extension beyond the van for reasonable shelter for the kitchen from the elements, something most of the rollout awnings don’t achieve.

The Scout was easy to use, with the pop-top roof easy to operate. However, the rear roof latches can be a little challenging to reach for shorter people, and the provided steps were awkwardly placed. Everything else, down to the electrical steps, worked just as planned.

Glenn Marshall

Score: 63

The Stoney Creek Campers Scout-14 is being marketed as perfect for the mid-30s to 50s crowd who are still working, as well as those looking to upgrade from a camper trailer or downsize from a caravan. The model we judged was priced at just under $50k, a very attractive price similar to other imported hybrid campers; however, the quality is a little above most of those. 

This compact hybrid has a massive king-sized 115mm mattress and combo-ensuite, offering reasonable comfort, quality and self-sufficiency. Everything we saw was included in the price, except for the Weber Baby Q (BYO) and the Aussie Traveller Coolabah awning (option), as are all on-road costs, meaning you can drive away with no more to pay, a refreshing change. 

You’ll enjoy plenty of storage options inside and outside, a good-sized kitchen with plumbed hot water, and plenty of bench space. Power is taken care of with 200Ah available and a 1300W inverter that will allow you to run a coffee machine or any other medium-sized electrical equipment. There is plenty of water on hand with 200L available from selectable poly tanks. This camper will thrive on heading off-grid and staying self-contained, especially if you upgrade with the 75L grey water tank. 

The Scout-14 has been designed to take on the toughest tracks in Australia, but having driven many of those, I wouldn’t be towing a hybrid for the simple fact that the tracks are so closed in and bush pin-striping would be devastating. However, there are still some rugged adventures I can see this camper enjoying itself, such as Mitchell Plateau, the Gibb River Road, the Grand Central Road and the Plenty Highway just to name a few. While there isn’t much to crow about regarding X-Factor, the conservative nature of the Scout-14 is its strong point.

Kath Heiman

Score: 61

You can spot a Stoney Creek hybrid from a mile away by its distinctive branding, powder-coated aluminium composite panelling and black checker plate trim. The 150 x 50 x 4mm hot-dipped chassis and welded aluminium box-section frame give this camper strong foundations. To increase durability, the ply internal floor is treated with rubberised paint and has a vinyl core with galvanised sheeting underneath. The seals around doors and storage spaces are sound to keep outback dust at bay. The independent suspension coil springs and dual shocks are generic imports and may benefit from a once-over by your favourite mechanic if you’re preparing for serious off-grid time. 

The camper is supported by a Victron 70A inverter charger, a high-quality feature that feeds two 100Ah AGM reinforced by 300W of solar. This system would benefit from lithium batteries, which would take better advantage of the quick charge available. 

The Stoney Creek Scout-14 is well-appointed for those looking to leave the city lights behind. Outside, there’s everything you need to cook up a great meal, with a swing-out kitchen including a 3-burner Dometic stove, sink, plumbed water and adequate food preparation spaces. 

Supporting the kitchen, the 85L Evakool fridge and sensible pantry drawers will ensure your belly is well-catered for. With solar panels, two 9kg gas bottle holders, and two 100L water tanks to service the kitchen and internal ensuite/shower, no one should languish hungry, parched, or dirty. The Scout-14’s internal finish is fairly austere but there are quality inclusions such as a Thetford toilet and a 115mm memory foam mattress. 

The Stony Creek team is clearly focused on preparing the Scout-14 for extended time in the great outdoors. It does this competently and will appeal to a range of buyers who enjoy a star-filled sky with the conveniences of home.

 

Tim Van Duyl

Score: 68

We’ve been lucky enough to know Stoney Creek for some time now. They’ve entered CTOTY before and even brought two campers to this year's event, a traditional forward fold and this, one of their new Hybrids, the Scout-14. Jessie and Ryan made the trip to show us the ropes and, as users of the brand, were the perfect people to not only point things out but to demonstrate why these details add value to buyers. 

The Scout is a good-looking camper, being a manageable size and refreshing in the colours used. The chamfered tail gives it good clearance, and it has plenty of room for two plus kids. For a touring couple looking for ease-of-use, an internal shower and a good payload, the Scout-14 will appeal. Those buyers will also appreciate the water and power capacity and the factory-supplied BMS. I rate being able to get to the bathroom with the roof down or being able to pop it in less than two minutes for a quick nap. Really, the Scout is exceptionally well set up as a long-distance tourer.

Look deeper at things like the 1300W inverter, 300W of solar, and a well-placed ballcock valve between the water tanks to allow one to be dedicated to drinking and another for washing up and the grey-water tank, and the value piles on considering the take-home price is a hamburger under $50k. 

Regarding innovation, the design is not new, and the layout is pretty traditional with a north-south bed to the drawbar end, but the space use is good. There is a small internal kitchenette with a lot of bench space, and the storage layout is clever. There are some smaller, neat ideas like the external kitchen coming out and swinging against the side of the camper, which is fantastic. It gives way more weather protection than a traditional slide-out gets and makes the annoyingly hard-to-use awning a bit less important.

 

Specifications

Trailer

Tare: 2130kg

ATM: 2700kg

Ball Weight: 140kg 

Chassis: 150 x 50 x 4mm Hot-Dipped Galvanised 

Body: 3mm Aluminium frame with 3mm insulated cladding and full one-piece composite roof 

Style: Hybrid 

Tyres: MT 265/75 R16 on alloy rims

Brakes: 12in heavy-duty electric 

Suspension: Independent with coils and twin shocks

Coupling: DO35 hitch 

Dimensions

Width: 2100mm 

Length: 6600m 

Height: 2630m 

Standard Accessories

Battery: 2 x 100Ah AGM with Victron MultiPlus power management system  with 1300W inverter 

Fridge: 85L EvaKool 

Solar: 300W roof-mounted 

Hot Water: Truma gas/240V

Ensuite: Thetford cassette toilet and removable shower head, external shower 

Stove: Dometic 3 burner

Water: 2 x 100L poly tanks

Awning: wind-out awning 

Options

  • DCDC Charger

  • Aussie Traveller Coolabah awning

  • Greywater tank upgrade to 75L

Supplied by Stoney Creek Campers in Bundamba, QLD.

 

Ready to Explore the Great Outdoors?

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au! If the Stoney Creek Scout 14 Hybrid has inspired your next getaway, explore our current range of hybrid caravans for sale and discover other Stoney Creek Campers for sale.

We have great deals on caravans for sale including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans. No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered.

 

This article was written by Various, with photos by Matt Williams and Cam Inniss, and previously appeared at TradeRVs.com.au, now powered by OnlyVans.com.au.  


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