Ground control to Major Tom, Red Alert! - Those tricky little men from Mars have been at it again, infesting the galaxy with the spirit of freedom gained from their terrific range of great-value camper trailers. Their latest temptation is the Mars Spirit Hammertone Forward Fold. This camper filled me with wanderlust as we traveled through the lush Victorian Central Highlands to touch down at ground zero beside a beautiful stretch of H2O. “Warning, Warning - Danger Will Robinson" - once infected with the Martian Spirit, you can never be cured and are condemned to a life exploring the galaxy in search of adventure and boldly going where no man has gone before - well, nearly!

Mars Campers is one of the largest camper trailer manufacturers in the country. Their growth has been astounding, with thousands of Aussies capitalizing on the value-packed range that sets the foundations for outback adventure. The Martian bug has certainly infected keen Aussie campers.

This one is a mere puddle, but the Mars Spirit has the credentials for Cape York river crossings and tele track

The relationship between manufacturer and customer is essential, and Mars Campers management highly values it. They listen to feedback and constantly strive to improve their range of offerings.

At 1300kg tare and 2000kg ATM, it's a reasonable weight to tow with plenty of payload, especially considering the long list of features. She rides on Mars's independent trailing arm suspension with dual shockers on each side and coil springs. There's still loading space available even when you fill the 120-litre S/S water tank, 2 x 4.5kg gas bottles, and add a pair of jerry cans.

The overall engineering looks solid, with an enamel hammer-tone external finish providing a dark but attractive appeal. Personally, I prefer lighter colours for increased safety on the road, but then again, I drive a red car—say no more!

The tough trailer leaves little doubt that the Spirit will handle any test or journey around Australia

Let's Hit the Track

The main chassis is fully galvanised 70 x 50 x 3mm RHS with a 100 x 50 x 4mm drawbar. Out front is an Australian Compliant poly block off-road coupling and chains rated to 2000kg, along with an Anderson plug, trailer lighting, and a hand brake for the 10" electric drum brakes. There is a heavy-duty removable 10-inch jockey wheel, which pleases me no end – I hate swing-up models! The drawbar is quite long with good reversing clearance and a strong stone guard, twin gas bottle, and jerry can holders. It also presents a good place to keep a pair of recovery tracks. She runs on 16” alloy mags with 265/70R 16 all-terrain tyres, and the spare on the back acts as a bumper stop where we also find ADR Approved LED tail and number plate lights. There are four stabilizer legs to secure the trailer when assembled.

The toolbox has plenty of room to store your bush essentials away from the dust

Many camper manufacturers, mainly importers, have come under fire for using internationally rated “Rip-stop” type canvas, and to be fair, it has its purpose for many people. It weighs considerably less than most of our “accepted” Aussie materials. Hence, the men from Mars offer the Spirit with a solidly constructed 15 oz close weave canvas for the 4160mm x 1740mm main tent and detachable 2.5-metre full-length annex. A separate tropical roof pops up automatically as it cantilevers open, and only a few poles are inside to tension the tent. Mars has stepped forward by utilising new internal plastic seals for its main internal stitching. It is most innovative and could easily become a new industry standard, ensuring waterproof seals around the construction.

Even Mum will be happy under this awning, and the kitchen has all the bells and whistles

The Set Up

A couple of people can lift the forward fold, but it is a little heavy even with the assisting gas struts. However, it is only sensible to use the 750kg manual winch to help pivot the roof forward, revealing the large tent over the main chassis. You can be set up for an overnighter in a matter of minutes, but as usual, if you want to put up the 4160 mm x 2500 mm annexe with its detachable walls and floor, it takes considerably longer. There are plenty of windows on canvas walls, and they all have both inner and outer awnings, quality zips, and fine mesh insect screens. I really quite like the way Mars and others are doing their external awning frames with adjustable poles! Simple but practical – that’s what camping should be.

The folding step allows easy access to the accommodation and internal dinette, which can convert to a second bed. You will love the large queen-size bed with its high-density foam mattress. The bedding area also has a privacy screen for sleeping at night or perhaps a daytime nanny nap! It’s not quite insect-proof, but it could be with some inventive use of Velcro or similar.

The dinette seats have tons of storage under the upholstered cushions. This is an inviting and civilized dining area, a place to work, an excellent spot for a game of cards or a board game, or just the spot for the kids to play with their mind-numbing electronic games. Our demonstration unit had lift-out carpeted floors; however, all new models will have more appropriate hard-wearing vinyl.

Quality Fittings

Many competitors at this end of the market fit very questionable locks, fittings, and seals, and their steel folding has sharp edges that leave plenty to be desired. Not our Martians! I was very pleased to find the premium fittings we expect from quality campers, but they have also spent considerable time and effort developing flush-fitting doors. These doors present a terrific finished product and are more likely to avoid damage in tight forests and off-road scenarios. The compartments house vital accessories, including a lockable water filler, a 100-amp AGM deep cycle battery, an isolator switch, a full house switch panel, a battery indicator, and more toolbox/storage up in front.

Most people just love snags on the barbecue whilst on a camping trip.

Let's Cook

The kitchen area is really inviting. The main unit slides out of the rear of the trailer very easily. It is a combination folded steel unit with a stainless top. The sink has pressurized cold water and a drain board, as your cooking is well catered with an Australian Standard Installed and Certified three-burner gas stove. I love the way you can open the entire side of the canvas tent above the kitchen area. It’s not a new idea, but it helps provide full flow for the living spaces as well as easy serving to the internal table and seats. I personally call it a “Do-nut van” servery curtain! More large compartments to the left of the stairs house the pantry/storage and a further pull-out fridge slide, yet a fridge is optional.  There are plenty of 12V sockets, USB ports, and internal LED lighting.

All you need to add is yourself, and maybe a campfire!

Value For Money

It is nice to see Mars backing their product with a 5-year structural warranty, giving buyers confidence in the products. I genuinely believe the Mars Spirit to be exceptional value for money, especially considering the heavy 15-oz canvas that will really make a difference when the pea soup hits the fan. It has a realistic towing weight with good load capacity and can even be top-loaded with push bikes, canoes, kayaks, and other toys to enhance your touring even further.

The 120-litre water tank will keep the family clean and refreshed for a good holiday period. The electrical system is quite basic; it is really only running the low-drawing LED lights, 12 V outlets, and water pump, so the 100-amp battery should last quite well. It can be topped up with an optional solar panel or simply connected to the vehicle through the Anderson plug.

I have certainly been infected by the Mars Spirit of Adventure, and I am sure that this model will find huge success in the market due to its quality, appeal, facilities, and price.

We enjoyed a terrific day out with the infectious Martian Spirit. We had a barbeque, went fishing, splashed through mud, crashed over tree stumps, challenged a few hills, had a few beers, enjoyed great company, and generally did all the things that off-road dreams are made of.

Meet my new friend – the Martian!

The Mars Spirit is good for almost any off-road task, put it on your bucket list

Hits & Misses

I Liked

  • Terrific value for money

  • 15 oz close-weave canvas

  • Sensible presentation of standard equipment

  • Suspension

  • Load capacity

 I Would Have Liked

  • Battery charger

  • Sealed bedroom divider

Specifications

Tare: 1300kg

ATM: 2000kg

Suspension: independent trailing arm suspension with dual shock absorbers and coil springs

Brakes: 10” electric

Coupling: 2000kg Australian Compliant Poly Block

Chassis: 70mm x 50mm x 3mm galvanised RHS

Drawbar: 100mm x50 mm x 4mm galvanised RHS

Body: construction 2mm steel with hammer tone finish

Wheel/tyre: HT 265/70R 16 inch tires

Style: 16” Alloy mag

Dimensions

Box size:       2100 mm x 1800 mm x 850mm

Length:        (hitch to taillights) 5300mm

Tent size      4200 x 1880mm

Toolbox Size: 1660 mm x 1180 mm x 560mm

Extended Drawbar: 2750mm

Accessories

Gas cylinders: 4.5kg holders only x 2    

Water: 120 litres stainless steel with shroud

Cooktop: 3-burner gas, Australian Standard, Installed and Certified

Kitchen: cooktop, stainless sink, pressurised tap, utensils drawer

Battery: 100 AMP/HR AGM deep cycle

Supplied by Mars Campers, Springvale, Vic.

Ready for Adventure? 

If you liked this review, please check out our great selection of camper trailers available online now!

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

Stop sitting around waiting for life to happen, plot your own course with a Mars Spirit camper trailer.


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