There's quite a revolution overtaking serious, hardcore off-road adventuring with the latest range of compact camper trailers. The innovations just keep on flowing out of experienced designers and manufacturers, creating new designs and products for our keen Aussie market that simply can't get enough of the opportunities. One very serious contender is the Hard Korr Overlander GT, and to be honest, this tough little nugget is genuinely an exciting contender.

The Overlander GT is far from a modern "chuck wagon." Its criteria are to provide a rugged trailer that is both compact for tight bush negotiations, yet capable of carrying a large payload of equipment, accessories, and personal goods, while also providing comfortable shade, shelter, and sleeping facilities for extended trips into the never-never. It may appeal to an adventurous family, but it is also perfect for a lone wolf explorer or touring couple.

Hard Corr is proud of their strong reputation for providing a wide range of off-road, 4WD and marine products and accessories through both their Yatala, Qld showroom and through some of the largest stockists in the nation, including BCF, Super Cheap and Auto One stores. They are specialists in the camping and outdoor market, especially for their vast range of electrical components and accessories.

To say I was impressed with their first venture into the camper trailer market with the Overlander GT is an understatement. Its demeanour and appearance cry out modern manufacturing skill and off-road ability. Added to that is the striking display of appeal through its colour scheme and coatings, laser-cut trims, appealing decals, and neat, compact design.

The passenger side of the Overlander GT is the living side with a whole lot on offer.

We headed off into the hinterland Never Never, finding the little Hard Korr nugget tracking beautifully down corrugations and over a series of moguls as only a true compact off-road equipped trailer can. Its overall dimensions and construction strength team well with its recovery angles and high ground clearance, creating a true Aussie bushranger.

Dedicated bush specialists will be the first to appreciate this Overlander GT. Many devotees of the forward and rear fold set should consider the advantages of this trailer, which is 1-5 to 2 metres shorter overall than most. With a minimal tare weight of only 1150 kg, it can be towed into critical environments with far less restriction. It also makes it an ideal weight for smaller to mid-range 4x4s, as well as adventurous family vehicles looking for an inclusive base for their camping holidays. Additionally, it can be easily stored due to its low clearance height and compact overall footprint, allowing it to be maneuvered into even the most limited positions.

The Overlander's weights and measures also stack up for a fully loaded and equipped bushranger with its high 1800kg ATM, combining with a cavernous 3,300 litres of storage compartments, including functional drawers, pantry and dedicated fridge space, plus there's 200 litres of freshwater storage underneath in twin stainless steel, fully shrouded tanks providing the essentials for the whole platoon.

The Overlander GT was very surefooted as we traversed some steep hinterland tracks, and I suppose that this ability would only be heightened if we had filled the water tanks, which would add to the balance by lowering the centre of gravity. The independent trailing arm suspension felt very strong and suitably balanced, assisted by dual shock absorbers and coil springs on both sides, allowing a standard ground clearance of 450mm. It rides on 235/75/15 AT tyres with striking steel mag wheels and pulls up well with 10" electric brakes.

The strength of the 150mm x 50mm x 3mm galvanised chassis is very obvious, especially where it extends to the A-frame drawbar at the front of the trailer where we find a polyblock off-road towing coupling, Anderson and 12-pin electrical plugs, an ARK jockey wheel and a strong mesh screen protecting the full width of the trailer. The drawbar also supports a large, well-sealed, and lockable toolbox that is spacious enough for a variety of road-accessible equipment, such as a Baby Weber BBQ or generator. Additionally, it features a handy 20-litre water tank with a manual pump, a jerry can holder, and a 9-kg gas bottle container.

The rear of the Overlander GT is exceptionally functional. The spare wheel is mounted to a swing-away bracket, which exposes the access hatch to the fridge cabinet. The cabinet features strong fridge slides and makes it all very accessible, whether needed for a wayside stop or a longer campsite. The rear of the trailer also features large LED trailer lighting, twin fully engineered recovery points, and a slide-in attachment for accessories such as bike racks. The bumper/chassis extension even doubles as a handy rear step.

Set Me Up

The standard Overlander GT setup from Hardkorr complete with its huge deluxe chef's kitchen and stainless steel sink.

I was most amused that it actually took longer to choose the site than it did to fully assemble the camper, complete with its 270-degree Darche "bat wing" style awning that significantly increases the livable footprint. (The fact that the manicured, parkland lawn was right next to a very welcoming pub possibly sped up the process!) The extensive slide-out kitchen and the rear fridge are both protected by the folding awning.

The Overlander GT features an electric water pump, battery monitor, USB outlets and plenty of bench space.

I just love a kitchen with plenty of bench and pantry space, and this Overlander features both.  It features an easy-to-use sliding and folding mechanism for setup and includes a two-burner gas stove, a stainless sink with a hot/cold mixer tap, and a utensils drawer. Most importantly, there's plenty of storage in the twin drawer and sliding pantry, and everything flows smoothly. Behind the kitchen is the electronics compartment, complete with multiple accessory power outlets (USB and cigarette lighter style), LED lighting options, a solar controller, and a battery management system (BMS) incorporating a single 100 Ah deep-cycle battery. You can opt for extra batteries as an add-on; however, I think you will be surprised by the capabilities of the standard system, provided you aren't overly dependent on coffee makers and addicted to TV.

Hard Korr's Tony Taylor had the unit set up in a jiffy complete with its PVC floor.

You will be absolutely amazed at the vast amount of storage supplied in the roadside of the Hard Korr Overlander GT. There are three main compartments that are well dust sealed and feature compression locks enclosing functional drawers and trays for all your touring essentials and goodies.

Soft Floor Fold Out Tent - Living Quarters

The Overlander GT could be your first camper, or maybe your last. Notice the large windows and easy access.

I was pleasantly surprised by the size and quality of the soft floor, fold-out tent that erects very easily, unfolding from the driver's side of the trailer. As it folds, a full safari roof extends with it, enhancing insulation and protection. The material is a lightweight, yet high-grade rip-stop 420gsm canvas, and the frame has easily identifiable sections for easy selection.

The Hard Korr Overlander GT provides plenty of room with or without the kids room and ensuite additions.

The standard soft floor foldover style tent features a queen-size innerspring mattress with telescopic ladder access, along with a spacious 3 x 2.2 metre floor area that's large enough for some kids' bunks and more. It never feels enclosed, thanks to its high 2.4 metre headroom. I was also surprised to find that the package includes a further, easily detachable kids/storage extension plus a handy ensuite, making a massive living area for a more extended stay.  

This is one spot I'd rather be. This Hard Korr offroad camper suits me down to the ground. Why spend more?

15 Minute Set Up

This demonstration proved Hard Korr's claim of a very minimal 15-minute setup for the standard overnighter package, complete with a Darche awning, basic tent, kitchen, and more. That is a vast improvement on many of the forward and rear folding campers that I have experienced. It is a small climb up the ladder to get into bed, which will be an obstacle for those campers with diminished mobility; however, I'm sure it will appeal to the majority.

The living area is most inclusive and inviting and features a sewn-in floor, inner and outer awnings, high-quality zips and midge-proof flyscreens. I discussed the possibility of hinging the uprights for the Darche awning to keep it less exposed to overhanging branches and within the towing width. I’ll bet Hard Korr will have come up with an option by the time this goes to print.

Wrap It Up! 

We set to and packed the whole camper up in a jiffy, and I was particularly pleased that the tent packed back into the zippered case with ease! (Why do so many campers, awnings, swags, etc get that so wrong?)

It was a great pleasure to test this Hard Korr Overlander GT - it is a true testament to Australian camper design brilliance and shows true evolution of the off-road camper trailer ideal. It comes complete at a terrific package price that reflects the fact it doesn't have many of the flash oddities fitted to many competitors that most campers don't need!

You will be first to the top of the mountain with a Hard Korr Overlander GT! 

 

Hits

  • Tough

  • Compact

  • Storage capacity

  • Water capacity

  • Construction

  • Aesthetics

  • Off-road ability

 

Misses

  • Needs hinged awning support

  • Roof-top tents aren’t too good for my bad knees

  • Given its off-road ability, I would opt for a DO35 coupling

 

Specifications

Tare: 1150 kg

ATM: 1800 kg standard can be upgraded to 2000kg

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

Brakes: 10” electric

Coupling: Poly-block

Chassis: 150mm x 50mm x 3mm galvanised

Drawbar: 150mm x 50mm x 3mm galvanised

Body: Zinc-coated steel with three-process 2-pack enamel paint

Wheel/tyre: 235/75/15 15 All-terrain tyres fitted to attractive steel mag wheels.

Style: black studded steel mag

 

Dimensions

Box size: 2200 x 1800 mm plus toolbox

Length: 4150 (hitch to spare wheel) mm

Tent size: 6800 x 2200 mm Fully set up

 

Accessories

Gas cylinders: 1 x 9 kg

Water. 200 litres in 2 tanks, plus 20 litres on the drawbar

Cooktop: 2-burner gas

Kitchen: Slide and fold out kitchen and twin drawer pantry with two burner stove, h/c mixer tap, utensils drawer, extendable bench and fridge slide at rear

Battery: 1 x 100 amp AGM with BMS

Supplied by: Hard Korr Campers, Yatala, QLD.

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Camper, Caravan or RV?

We have a huge range of camper trailers for sale at OnlyVans.com.au. We can even offer a choice of Hard Korr campers for sale! If you wish to compare other products, we've got deals on many other great caravans for sale, which include used caravans and vans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale and pop-top caravans.

When adventure calls, we've got you covered! 


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