Top Camper Brands: Mars Campers
There’s a wealth of knowledge from the manufacturers in the RV industry, so we decided to go and pick some brains. First off the mark is Mars Campers
Mars Campers is well-known in the RV sector for on-road and offroad campers and caravans, but how did the brand get its start and then grow into what it is today?
From humble beginnings, Mars Campers began and imported our first batch of camper trailers from abroad in 2006. Lacking experience, we learnt the hard way these ‘cookie cutter’ products were sub-par and not representative of the needs of the Australian market.
With a good portion of capital invested in an inferior product, our CEO made the tough choice to withdraw all fully imported units from sale, instead displaying them in a corner of the original warehouse as a stark reminder. Not a single camper trailer from that first batch was ever made available for sale.
Applying the lessons learned, it became apparent that completely imported units were not going to cut the mustard for Aussie consumers, yet a wholly Australian made product would be expensive and out of reach for the average buyer.
We resolved to assemble camper trailers in Australia using locally sourced and imported components. It was challenging for the business as research and design schemes plus the implementation of training programs for existing staff aimed to push production and the supply chain to a level of efficiency it was not accustomed.
Fundamentally, our aims shifted from volume to value. It was no longer a question of how profitability, but what was the best product that could be manufactured for an affordable price, yet still keep the most discerning enthusiasts satisfied. This makes up the cornerstone of our philosophy: Make great products at affordable prices.
Over the time Mars has managed to grow into quite a successful brand, what do you attribute this success to?
We employ a large, multicultural workforce who are dedicated to assembly and build standards that display both quality and attention to detail. Focussed on delivering great products at affordable prices, we ensure our product range meet all relevant Australian design regulations and stringent international quality control.
Together with the careful combination of in-house design expertise, reliable partners, effective management of the supply chain and careful attention to customer service and feedback, we can ensure continued confidence in quality products at a competitive price.
As you’ve already said, quality is of the utmost importance to you, so how do you test your products?
We have an extensive research and development process where we explore all possibilities to bring the best campers that suit the Australian outback to the market.
Then once things are good to go we take them out and put them all to the test. We’ve gone on offroading trips across the nation, from Cape York to the Victorian High Country.
Across your range, which is your favourite staff product? And which is most popular with your customers?
We have so many favourite products, but one we are super excited about is our latest model, our Hybrid Camper, the Ranger X.
This is the V2, which we have relaunched with incredible features including:
• Truma 2400W reverse cycle aircon
• King size bed
• Hitchmaster DO35
• ARK XO 750 10” jockey wheel
• 3 x 100ah batteries
• Slide out stainless steel kitchen with 4 x burner stove, sink and dishrack
• And more!
For customers, we have found our Endurance and Endurance Lifestyle seem to be the most popular. In fact they were part of Camper Trailer of the Year 2020.
Which brand of components do you prefer to work with?
We use a variety of quality accessories in many of our models. A few we love Dometic, Thetford, McHitch, ARK & Truma.
Obviously the point of all of this is to get out and about on the highways and byways of Aus. What are your top camping tips?
Our biggest tip for camping is making sure your camper has been maintained. Camper maintenance is super important, as it’s your home away from home. Make sure you check: the wheel bearing, electrics, any canvas, that all the moving parts actually move, gas supply, and water supply.
We have a guide on our website to help: https://marscampers.com.au/5-maintenance-tips-for-your-camper-ensure-your-home-on-wheels-is-always-ready/
Finally, what is one piece of advice you give to both first-time and experienced buyers?
Do your research, buy something that suits your budget, and be open to the incredible memories and possibilities that a camper or caravan will bring you.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Mars Campers Model Range is:
Hybrid:
• Mars 15
• Mars 16
• Saturn 13
• Ranger X
Dual Fold Camper:
• Space X
Forward Fold Camper:
• Endurance
• Endurance Lifestyle
• Spirit 2 Pac
• Spirit Lifestyle
Rear Fold Camper:
• Rover
• Extremo
• Vanguard
Soft Floor Camper:
• Surveyor
• Titan
• Maven
For those wanting to get in contact or check out a camper, whereabouts are dealerships and showrooms located around Australia?
Victoria:
166-168 Bellarine Hwy
Moolap, VIC
• Monaghan Truck & Trailer Sales
504-510 Benetook Avenue
Mildura, NSW
• Blue Sky Swan Hill
Shop 4/5 McNeil Court
Swan Hill, VIC
• North Vic 4x4 Fabrications
245 Kennedy Rd
Picola, VIC
New South Wales:
• Houlihan’s Caravan and RV Centre
605 Ebden St
Albury, NSW
• Graham Betts Motors
125 Bridge St
Uralla, NSW
Queensland:
• Maks Caravan and Camping
36 Euston Rd
Toowoomba, QLD
South Australia
• Northern Caravans
37 Wandearah Rd
Port Pirie, SA
The Next Steps
A camper trailer could be what you need to add more adventure to your weekends, check out the latest offers from Mars Campers here.