Patriot Campers set a fine example for the Australian Camper Trailer Industry. The original X1 hit the market with the force of a Patriot missile, leaving many opposition brands wanting. Their new X2 is set to rip and tear with a forceful explosion on a pinpointed target at a more accessible price point. Their standards are unquestionable, their marketing image is unique, and their devotion to constant development is most admirable.

When you meet the owners of Patriot, Justin and Sarah Montesalvo, you will understand their success. This talented couple is young, strong, and infectiously stimulating. Their passion and drive have created not only the award-winning range of products but also the motivation to take them to the limit. I’ve had mates like Justin before—you know them when you meet them—they’re on a mission, and God help anyone who gets in the way.

All Patriot camper trailers have a sleek and contemporary look with hard-tooled body panels

Camper Trailer of the Year

Patriot Campers have won Camper Trailer of the Year divisional awards for the last three years. Their X1, X1 Limited Edition and Toy Haulers wowed all of our judges on many occasions – and we now have a new offering to oogle over. They present terrific new ideas with outstanding componentry and premium manufacturing, but they also listen intently to their market and respond favourably to criticism, comments and requests. Hence, the development of their new baby, the Patriot X2, and my prediction is that it is destined for immediate success.

I jumped at the opportunity to test this new toy immediately after the Melbourne Caravan and Camping show. It is a pre-release model that will be formally offered in June. However, Patriot is currently accepting forward orders with the understanding of even further refinement for the full production model. Their business plan is admirable, and the design brief shows smarts. The new camper has all of the DNA of the highly successful X2 but with a slightly lighter weight, bringing it firmly into the realm of the smaller off-roaders such as the Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, or even a Jeep Patriot Sport. However, its very design, strength, and towing weight will also appeal to the maxi off-roaders who like a lighter-weight, more compact trailer in the rough and tumble. The brief also called for the new X2 to be specifically designed to come fully loaded in its standard configuration, be exceptionally user-friendly, and be highly price-conscious.

This X2 tourer is a welcome addition to the Patriot Campers range

Suspension

Once the size and approximate weights were established, the first mission was to find a suitable independent suspension system. The search took them all the way to Canada, where they found the Timbren axleless independent suspension system, which utilises Aeon single convoluted rubber springs.

Rubberised suspension systems are nothing new and have been utilised in many industrial, commercial and recreational applications for years. They are strong, simple, and work extremely well when properly matched to the towing weight. Rubber springs are said to be stronger than steel in many ways and more reliable in limited space requirements. They provide a self-dampening variable spring rate and often less travel requirement for increased load capacity. The Timbren steel construction seems immensely strong and very compact. They are extremely simple to fit with bolt-on bracketing, are direct to the trailer chassis, and have minimal moving parts. Essentially, they seem ideally suited to both on- and off-road environments.

The X2 features all-new steel wheels combined with progressive rate airbags and electric brakes

The Weigh-In

The tare weight of the entire trailer is a thrifty 700kg with an ATM of 1200kg. Overall length is only 3.00 metres, 300mm shorter than the X1, yet it has the same 1.85 metres width. On the road, you barely even know it’s there, and its compact dimensions certainly make it ideal for extreme off-road scenarios. The X2 sits nice and high on its 285/75 R16 Federal Couragia MT (Mud Terrain) off-road tyres and black Gecko steel wheels. The trailer has exceptionally good 40-degree entry and departure angles, even with the compact fitting of a 90-litre shrouded water tank and underside spare wheel at the rear. The chassis shows off Patriots' leading engineering prowess with strong galvanised tongue and groove welded construction integrated with a short drawbar with considerable reversing clearance for backing out of tight spots. The high-tech laser-cut toolbox gussets show true professionalism and a real sense of pride in their workmanship. Out front is the reliable DO35 coupling with handbrake, a strong removable jockey wheel, all the standard electrics, Anderson plug and rated chains. It is all most compact, yet well designed and easily serviced.

The X2 has a substantial nose cone to the front that has a tough outer coating to act as a stone barrier. The lid pivots upwards on gas struts to reveal quite a large tool box/storage area. We took along a small Honda generator to give a concept of the size, and there was still room for jerry cans, fire extinguishers and perhaps a good spot for recovery and clearance equipment such as axes, chainsaws and the like. Either side of the nose cone is another pair of containers, one suitable for protected storage of a 9 kg gas bottle, and the other makes a terrific container for some firewood on the way in, and rubbish on the way out.

The X2 has integrated a frame-style hard shell with a low towing requirement

Howling Moon

Some early Patriot offerings were criticised as they had swag storage or optional James Baraud rooftop tents. I still like the simplicity of such a configuration; however, the market called out for a larger soft floor camper on top, and Justin replied with a very good custom-made Howling Moon roof top tent option. It is a good tent that provides excellent protection from the elements, with tonnes of flyscreens, awnings, and even a tropical roof. Inside is an elevated queen-sized bed with a fold-out section and ladder access.

The tent's floor space isn’t huge, but it's certainly big enough for inclement weather protection. I reckon I would opt for the separate “child's” room that zips onto the large window awning, particularly if I were catering to a family.

The rooftop tent has dual entry access points, and integrated ladder and a large rear storage slide system

Whilst a protected sleeping area is a must, undercover shade is vital. Patriot has custom-fitted a 270-degree extendable awning over the cooking, fridge slide, and storage area on the passenger side and around the back of the trailer. This is really where the party begins. The unit gains its height from a pair of extendable arms with gas shocker lifting assistance, and unlike some competitors who have attempted similar ideas poorly, this construction appears almost bulletproof.

The brilliant simplicity of the kitchen's wet area, fridge compartment, and LED lighting suits an active lifestyle

Under the shroud on the passenger side, we drop a full-length door downwards to reveal a stainless steel inner surface as kitchen bench space. The full-length cavity behind the door houses a Bromic stainless steel twin burner stove with grill, a small pull-out pantry, considerable storage for pots, pans, and utensils, and a water and power supply module.

On the upper side of the compartment is a Redark 1215 BMS (Battery Management System) for the single 120-amp AGM battery (extra optional), switch panel, 12-volt ports, two USB charging outlets and a water supply indicator. Under the pantry and surrounding the wheel arch is a lockable water filler and pressure pump with an outlet to feed the hose/shower, which is also used for water to the sink. To the rear, on both sides, is an open mesh container perfect for carrying damp items such as wetsuits.

The Outback

As we travel around to the rear of the unit and still under cover from the awning we find a convenient pull out tray that is long enough to support an optional 50-60 litre fridge, a large pantry storage box, pull out bench extension with utensils storage under, as well as a further pull out mounting plate for a demountable plastic sink. Hence, all of the cooking and catering equipment is conveniently fitted on one side and under the same awning. Next to the pull-out slide is a massive 480-litre cavity storage that is big enough for a small inflatable boat and its motor! This terrific fully dust-sealed storage features strong compression latches and is ideal for tables, chairs and bulky items. Considering the trailer's total available payload of around 500 kg with the standard configuration, it can also carry some quite heavy items. The main body of the trailer is also pressurised to help keep that nasty red dust out.

On the driver's side, we find yet another fully sealed full-length storage cavity, accessible with or without the tent assembled. Overall, the X2 unit offers a massive 1400 litres of storage—impressive in such a compact trailer with many features.

The driver's side folding tent has a fully integrated a frame requiring very few guy ropes

On the open road you barely know the X2 is trailing along behind you. Even better, it will go virtually anywhere your 4x4 will take you off-road. In fact, we tried to drive our HiLux towing vehicle over the top of a very sharp ridge and found ourselves grounded on the vehicle's side steps, but the trailer cleared confidently. I would confidently recommend the Patriot X2 as entirely suited to the roughest off-road sojourn.

It features a large outdoor awning living space, a comfortable tent and bed enclosures, and the option for an extra “kids” room. The pre-release unit is offered with or without fridge or tent extensions, and there are a few other options to consider, such as hot water, sound system, inverter, and swing-away drawbar. 

The X2 certainly completes the intended design brief in a value-packed, strongly constructed, expertly engineered, well-finished and exceptionally tough off-road camper trailer. Its low purchase price and light weight bring the Patriot DNA into a completely new realm of the Australian market. I’ll choose a Patriot X2 to stand side by side with me when the going gets rough, but I also look forward to enjoying its warm comforts and facilities as we travel the delights of this great land.

The X2 has an efficient power management system with rapid DC charging capabilities for all your electronic devices

Measuring Up

Hits (Pros)

  • Perfectly targeted design brief

  • Lightweight yet strong

  • Compact dimensions

  • Terrific component selection

  • On and Off-road towability

  • Premium engineering standards

  • Price

  • Pressurised tub

Misses (Cons/compromises)

  • Small internal tent floor

  • Ladder access to the elevated bed

  • Foam mattress

Specifications - Patriot X2 – Pre-Release model

Trailer

Tare: 700kg

ATM: 1200kg

Suspension: Timbren axleless independent suspension system with Aeon single convoluted rubber springs

Brakes: 10” electric

Coupling: DO35

Chassis: 100mm x 50mm x 2.5mm Interlocked Galvanised

Drawbar: 100mm x 50mm x 2.5mm Interlocked Galvanised

Body: Lightweight Aluminium

Wheel/tyre: 285/75 R16 Federal Couragia MT (Mud Terrain) off-road tyres

Style: Black Gecko steel wheels

Dimensions:

Box Size: 1600 x 1850 mm

Length: (hitch to tail lights) 3.0 metres

Tent Size: 1600 x 3100 mm

Accessories

Gas cylinders: 1 x 9 kg

Water: 90 litres

Cooktop: Bromic stainless steel twin burner stove with grill

Kitchen: 304 stainless steel, small and large pantry, utensils drawer, stainless benches, slide-out fridge mount, slide-out plastic sink retainer, 12-volt outlets

Battery: 1 x 120-amp AGM

Cooler: EvaKool 60Ltr Fridge Dual Zone Patriot Spec

Manufactured by Patriot Campers, Molendinar, Queensland.

Ready for Adventure? 

Find your dream van online at OnlyVans.com.au!  If you liked this review, please check out the Patriot Campers for sale that are currently available here, or others from our wide selection of camper trailers.

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. 


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