Spacious and expertly laid out, the Trakmaster Gibson Desert Platinum is the perfect addition to any offroad adventure.
With an ATM of 1990kg, the payload isn’t huge with all the fuel and water tanks full, but the Gibson Desert comes with all the bells and whistles so you only need your clothes plus some food and fishing gear, and off you go! Trakmaster also offers a suspension upgrade, including larger stub axles, larger coils and a breakaway brake system to bring the ATM up to 2250kg, allowing additional loading capacity. This option comes in under $500.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
The strong galvanised box frame chassis extends all the way to the rear of the trailer where it shapes upwards at a high relief angle. The rear bumper is welded directly to the frame for added strength and the spare wheel is recessed in the relief angle forming an extra barrier should you ever get into such difficult terrain that it drags its bum. The entire trailer sits high and proud and while Trakmaster has traditionally used Sugarglider independent coil spring suspension with an airbag option, this demonstration unit was fitted with Vehicle Components Cruisemaster suspension, a product well-known, tried and proven in the offroad market.
EXTERIOR
Out front, there is a fixed 120W solar panel, a large tinted pop-out window with aluminium awning for shade and protection from stones, as well as a large boot with plenty of room for your plumbing hoses, jack, handles, wheel brace and other essentials. On the offside are twin lockable water tank fillers, a mains pressure water connector, an external hot/cold shower and a full-width storage space, perfect for poles and fishing rods.
The rear of the camper has the very strong bumper bar with strong recovery points, but it also has twin jerry can holders, LED tail lights and separate clearance lights. Due to the high ground clearance, Trakmaster provides a portable step as a separate unit to the fold down step that leads to the entry door on the nearside. The door has a separate, lockable screen door and the head height for entry is very good for a pop-top.
INTERIOR
The lush grey upholstered finishes and a combination of roman blinds, block-out curtains and laminate surfaces, all work together to complete the practical and tasteful presentation. All the wiring is easy to track with plenty of 12 and 240V outlets, a Winegard Freevision TV aerial, Merritt plug and a Redarc BMS1230 battery management system for electrical monitoring. There are water tank indicators so you can keep an eye on life’s necessities and overhead is a Fan-Tastic vent that exchanges airflow both in and out of the camper ensuring good ventilation. Our unit had a JVC sound system with front USB input supporting both CD and your portable components.
Check out the full feature in issue #90 July 2015 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.
