Mars Rover Camper Trailer Review

Exploring Australia's vast outback can feel like venturing into the strange landscape of an alien world. To tackle this unforgiving landscape, you need a reliable and rugged companion – the Mars Rover.

The Setup

As the largest rear-fold hard floor camper in Mars' range, this model has been perfected over 11 years of manufacturing. I personally prefer rear-fold over forward-fold campers for their ease of setup, particularly for overnight stays. The solid floor is easy to keep clean, and the slight step up gives it a cozy feel, mostly keeping creepy critters at bay, not to mention that red planet dust.

For those of us with trail-weary knees, the hard floor provides a solid base close to the ground, eliminating the need for stairs or ladders. While many may disagree, I stand by my preference for the practicality and comfort of rear-fold campers like the Mars Rover.

One of my life's philosophies is the old KISS principle - Keep It Simple Stupid! For that, the Mars Rover's removable annexe and quick-assemble design suit me perfectly.

Assembly is a breeze, taking mere minutes. The floor pivots on gas struts, and the 15oz poly cotton canvas tent springs into shape with minimal adjustment. The annexe roof can remain secured, saving effort for the next campsite. The Mars Rover offers terrific headspace, a queen-size inner spring mattress, and generous interior volume. The tropical roof, windows, and awnings help regulate the climate, making it an ideal choice for travellers.

Mars Rover's hard floor features practical and stylish faux parquetry vinyl. There is ample storage under the bed, including a pole cabinet and two large sliding drawers. The 'lunar command centre' houses AC and DC power circuits, isolator switches, and a battery management system. Standard features include a 100Ah AGM battery, 12V and USB outlets, and a 240V cut-off switch.

The DC control centre is solar panel-ready, and overhead LED strip lights provide ample illumination. The full-width step makes entering the bed easy, and the hinge mechanism is well-sealed with a strong PVC lining, meaning no sharp edges. The internal living space is comfortable, roomy, and inviting, perfect for both overnight and extended adventures.

Chassis & Fittings

The Mars Rover's rugged foundation is strong enough to traverse the stratosphere. Features include a galvanised chassis, a 50 x 100 x 4 mm A-frame drawbar, and an AS-compliant polyblock coupling with independent trailing arm suspension, twin gas shockers, and 16" alloy wheels to ensure a smooth ride.

Additional features include:

• Fully shrouded 125L stainless steel water tank

• Wind-down legs on each corner

• 12" electric brakes and handbrake

• Two recovery points

• Large tool box and corner stone guard

• Twin 9kg gas bottle holders

• Storage compartments, fridge slide, and pantry

• Luggage rack with firewood holder option

The Mars Rover is exceptionally well-equipped, with options for a boat loader and electric winch. Its robust design and features make it an ideal choice for adventurous travellers.

Kitchen Facilities

The stainless steel slide-out kitchen is a real showstopper. Tucked neatly into the front of the tub, it slides out easily to reveal a sink with cold water as standard, but can be upgraded to include a portable gas hot water supply. A 3-burner Thetford gas stove takes pride of place, while pivoting leg supports, three utensil drawers, a tea towel rack, and a full-length folding bench top make food prep a breeze.

Other standout features of the Mars Rover include a robust combination of steel and alloy checker plate panels, polished alloy edge trims, and a lockable water tank filler. LED trailer lighting illuminates the way, while the hot-dipped galvanised body is finished in sleek black hammertone enamel paint. Automotive seals and adjustable compression locks ensure a watertight seal.

For extended exploration, the Mars Rover's annexe and canvas accessories are a godsend. The 6x2.4m annexe comes complete with a full-length PVC floor, draft skirt, side wall kit, and an extra awning for the forward box sections – perfect for keeping your firewood dry.

Should you want to elevate to the next level, the Mars Rover Deluxe Upgrade includes:

• Silver-baked enamel paint

• A boat rack

• 120W solar panel

• Extra 60L water tank

• Wooden bed base

• Solar power controller

• CD player and speakers

• 1000W inverter

• Electric winch

• Portable hot water

• Portable toilet.

How Does It Handle?

We took the Mars Rover on a wild ride, tackling a lunar landscape that would put even the most seasoned space traveler to the test. Pits, troughs, wombat holes, wet mud, and thick bull dust – you name it, we drove through it, and then some. We added some grassy undulations, steep rises, and corrugations to the mix, just for good measure. But the Mars Rover took it all in stride, emerging unscathed and leaving us grinning from ear to ear.

With a dry weight of around 1350kg, 180kg ball weight, and 2000kg ATM, the Mars Rover is a featherweight in the world of camper trailers. And when you're towing it on the road, you can expect a smooth ride with a total weight of around 1600-1700kg. The low towing height is a bonus, too, reducing wind resistance and fuel consumption so you can explore the galaxy without breaking the bank.

The Mars Rover is a constellation of value, packed with features that'll keep you comfortable and entertained on even the longest intergalactic adventures. And the best part? It won't leave a black hole in your budget.

With factory outlets in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, plus a network of service and sales dealerships across the country, you can trust that the Mars Rover has got your back.

So why not get your little Klingons on board and take your family on an intergalactic adventure they'll never forget? The Mars Rover is the perfect vessel for exploring the vast expanse of Australia's great outdoors – and beyond!

Specifications

Trailer

Tare: 1350kg

ATM: 2000kg

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

Brakes: 12” electric

Coupling: 2000kg Australian Compliant Poly Block

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

Drawbar: 100mm x 50 mm x 4mm galvanised and painted RHS

Body: construction 1.6 zinc anneal with hammertone finish

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

Style: 16” Alloy mag

Dimensions

Box size  2220mm x 1860mm x 700mm

Length  (hitch to tail lights) 5300mm

Tent size 4200x1860mm, annex room 6000x2400mm

Accessories

Gas cylinders 4.5kg holders only x 2    

Water 125 litres stainless steel with shroud

Cooktop 3 burner gas Thetford Australian Standard Installed and Certified

Kitchen – cooktop, stainless sink, pressurised tap, utensils drawers

Battery – 100 AMP/HR AGM deep cycle

Supplied By Mars Campers.

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