RVDaily borrowed an opulent off-road hybrid camper, OPUS Campers‘ OP13, for an extended weekend to take a look at its options. Learn (and watch) our full evaluate right here.
OPUS Campers’ OP13 hybrid combines the total options of a caravan with the agility of an off-road camper trailer, bringing a contemporary tackle luxurious tenting. It is available in two format designs, one for {couples} and one for these with youngsters that includes further bunks. I acquired my arms on the couple’s format for 3 nights, and though I didn’t get to do any critical off-roading with it, I did take it down just a few gravel roads earlier than setting it up in my yard to discover its options.
Watch our video evaluate under (or, should you desire, preserve studying).
Arrange and first impressions
My first impression of OPUS Campers’ OP13 was that it was made to a high quality customary. Having owned and/or reviewed lesser high quality manufacturers earlier than, there have been quite a few issues that stood out, corresponding to heavy-duty hinges on the cabinetry, strong slide elements, fuel struts that really work like they need to, and only a strong construct total, indicating that the OP13 will not be going to disintegrate on the first signal of corrugations.
I used to be in a position to set it up alone fairly simply and in underneath 5 minutes. So, though this isn’t a walk-straight-in and go-to-sleep sort camper, it’s actually not an excessive amount of of a hassle when you be taught the steps.
Additionally, the pop-top is electrical. I by no means thought I might care about this function, however I don’t assume I can return now. There isn’t any winding of something, merely press a button.
Off-road functionality
As talked about earlier, I didn’t get an opportunity to take it wherever critical offroad, simply on just a few gravel/dust tracks. However what it does have provides me confidence that I might, that includes heavy-duty Ironman suspension, 320mm floor clearance, mud-terrain tyres, galvanised metal chassis and a DO35 hitch. The OP13’s spectacular rear departure angle means you’ll be capable to tackle tracks that different caravans wouldn’t try.
Off-grid functionality
OPUS Campers’ OP13 is constructed for critical off-grid adventures, that includes 3 x 100Ah lithium batteries, a 2000W inverter (although I by accident stated 200W within the video above), Renogy One Core Battery Administration System (BMS), and 500 watts of solar energy to maintain you powered up even in probably the most distant places. With 240 litres of contemporary water, 67 litres of gray water capability, and an entire ensuite, the OP13 ensures you may keep off-grid comfortably for prolonged durations with out compromise.
Inside
The within of OPUS Campers’ OP13 is the place you begin feeling the luxurious. It features a king-size mattress, plush leatherette seating round a moveable desk, loads of storage, tinted home windows offering a wonderful view, conveniently positioned charging factors and a kitchenette.
For comfort, the camper features a full ensuite with a Thetford rest room, bathe, and sink. You’ll additionally discover instantaneous sizzling water and air-conditioning with optionally available heating. It nonetheless provides off ‘hybrid vibes’ on the within because of the pop-top, however a pleasant colored doona cowl will shortly breathe some life again into the inside should you can’t get previous it.
Kitchen
As talked about earlier, there’s a sink and a little bit of bench area inside OPUS Campers’ OP13 for when the climate is unhealthy. Nonetheless, as with all hybrids, the principle kitchen is exterior on varied slides.
On the drawbar finish of the OP13, you’ll discover your fridge and slide and up the opposite finish, you’ll discover a slide-out kitchen that includes a sink, a four-burner fuel range and an additional extendable prep bench. In between the caravan door and the slide-out kitchen, you’ll discover a pantry on a slide and a lockable storage space in your plates, cups and different kitchen gadgets.
Towing
The towbar is just a little on the brief facet, so for these towing with a ute, chances are you’ll want an extender or to easily be conscious when reversing sharply. It towed pretty common behind my Triton MN. However let’s be trustworthy: the MN will not be constructed for towing and on condition that OPUS Campers’ OP13 has an ATM of two,700, it was almost at capability. As a result of I needed to verify, I additionally towed it with a Toyota Hilux SR and a Mazda BT50.
The Toyota was on the very restrict of its towing capability, so I might actually really feel it, and I didn’t really feel comfy in any respect. Nonetheless, the Mazda BT50 towed it properly, and it was onerous to inform that OPUS Campers’ OP13 was even there. A superb reminder that when pairing a tow automobile and caravan that you simply shouldn’t be towing at and even close to the automobile’s restrict, as a substitute aiming to be considerably underneath.
Different options
Different options of observe embrace a beneficiant quantity of exterior storage given its compact dimension and a water faucet on the drawbar.
What we love about OPUS Campers’ OP13
- Sensible luxurious (i.e. luxurious with out being excessive)
- Compact dimension for ease of towing
- Electrical pop-top
- It’s not ridiculously priced at slightly below $60K
What may very well be higher concerning the OP13
- The sink is a bit shallow (a typical downside with slide-out kitchens)
- The drawbar is a bit on the brief facet for these towing with a ute
- It’s a bit on the heavy facet for a hybrid
Specs:
- Physique work: one-piece partitions, ground and roof
- Field materials: aluminium body, aluminium composite physique with checker plate
- Dimensions (roof closed) mm: 6250(L) x 2200(W) x 2685(H)
- Chassis: 6″ sizzling dip galvanised chassis
- Trailer tare weight: 2350kg
- Ball weight (tare): 230kg
- ATM: 2700kg
- GTM: 2470kg
The decision
Priced at $59,999 plus on-road prices, OPUS Campers’ OP13 will not be ridiculously priced for the luxurious it affords, representing real worth for cash in comparison with others. The true enchantment of the OPUS OP13 is with the ability to see the wilder facet of Australia but nonetheless stay comfy. And whereas I can’t (sadly) declare to have spent six months on the street with this hybrid van for an intensive evaluate, I did discover within the three days that I had it that it seems to be solidly constructed to a high quality customary. If I had been available in the market for a brand new hybrid, the OP13 would undoubtedly be up there on the prime of the listing.
To take a look at the OPUS OP13 (and their different fashions), go to the OPUS Campers web site.
Learn subsequent: