RVDaily borrowed an opulent off-road hybrid camper, OPUS Campers‘ OP13, for a protracted weekend to take a look at its options. Learn (and watch) our full evaluation right here.
OPUS Campers’ OP13 hybrid combines the complete options of a caravan with the agility of an off-road camper trailer, bringing a recent tackle luxurious tenting. It is available in two structure designs, one for {couples} and one for these with children that includes further bunks. I bought my fingers on the couple’s structure for 3 nights, and though I didn’t get to do any critical off-roading with it, I did take it down a couple of gravel roads earlier than setting it up in my yard to discover its options.
Watch our video evaluation beneath (or, in the event you favor, maintain studying).
Arrange and first impressions
My first impression of OPUS Campers’ OP13 was that it was made to a top quality customary. Having owned and/or reviewed lesser high quality manufacturers earlier than, there have been a variety of issues that stood out, reminiscent of heavy-duty hinges on the cabinetry, strong slide parts, gasoline struts that truly work like they need to, and only a strong construct total, indicating that the OP13 just isn’t going to crumble on the first signal of corrugations.
I used to be capable of set it up alone fairly simply and in underneath 5 minutes. So, though this isn’t a walk-straight-in and go-to-sleep kind camper, it’s actually not an excessive amount of of a hassle when you study the steps.
Additionally, the pop-top is electrical. I by no means thought I’d care about this characteristic, however I don’t suppose I can return now. There is no such thing as a winding of something, merely press a button.
Off-road functionality
As talked about earlier, I didn’t get an opportunity to take it anyplace critical offroad, simply on a couple of gravel/dust tracks. However what it does have offers 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.Â
Off-grid functionality
OPUS Campers’ OP13 is constructed for critical off-grid adventures, that includes 3 x 100Ah lithium batteries, a 2000W inverter (even if I unintentionally 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 essentially the most distant areas. With 240 litres of recent water, 67 litres of gray water capability, and a whole ensuite, the OP13 ensures you’ll be able to 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 superb view, conveniently positioned charging factors and a kitchenette.
For comfort, the camper features a full ensuite with a Thetford bathroom, bathe, and sink. You’ll additionally discover instantaneous sizzling water and air-conditioning with non-obligatory heating. It nonetheless offers off ‘hybrid vibes’ on the within as a result of pop-top, however a pleasant colored doona cowl will rapidly breathe some life again into the inside in the event you can’t get previous it.Â
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. Nevertheless, as with all hybrids, the principle kitchen is outdoors on numerous 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 gasoline 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 a bit on the quick facet, so for these towing with a ute, you could want an extender or to easily be conscious when reversing sharply. It towed pretty common behind my Triton MN. However let’s be sincere: the MN just isn’t constructed for towing and provided that OPUS Campers’ OP13 has an ATM of two,700, it was practically at capability. As a result of I wished 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. Nevertheless, the Mazda BT50 towed it properly, and it was arduous to inform that OPUS Campers’ OP13 was even there. A superb reminder that when pairing a tow car and caravan that you just shouldn’t be towing at and even close to the car’s restrict, as a substitute aiming to be considerably underneath.
Different options
Different options of notice embody a beneficiant quantity of exterior storage given its compact dimension and a water faucet on the drawbar.
What we love about OPUS Campers’ OP13
What could possibly be higher concerning the OP13
Specs:
The decision
Priced at $59,999 plus on-road prices, OPUS Campers’ OP13 just isn’t ridiculously priced for the luxurious it affords, representing real worth for cash in comparison with others. The true attraction of the OPUS OP13 is having 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 a radical evaluation, I did discover within the three days that I had it that it seems to be solidly constructed to a top quality customary. If I have been out there for a brand new hybrid, the OP13 would positively be up there on the high of the checklist.
To take a look at the OPUS OP13 (and their different fashions), go to the OPUS Campers web site.
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