Conqueror Commander S: Review

Conqueror is a brand founded in South Africa and its excellent model range is generally finished off in Australia, to ensure a standard that has started to bring even export orders.

However, to chase a price point of under $50,000, the Commander S has remained exactly as it came out of the factory in Africa, other than for its Australian electrical and gas fit-out.

Tare is 1350kg and ATM is 1800kg, giving you 450kg load capacity. The body of the camper is made from 40mm sandwich material for good insulation, while roof insulation is optional. The camper is accessible from doors on either side.

Interior

Internally, there is a dinette at the rear that will comfortably seat four and this can be converted to a double bed and left made up if desired. There is a lot of storage space around the walls which is quite segmented being broken up into 11 smaller spaces, two of which access the side pantry shelves from the interior, all closed by canvas doors with zips. The fridge can also be accessed from the interior.

Dust is kept out by a fan to pressurise the interior and there are pinchweld seals on all openings. Electrically, you get two 100Ah AGM batteries and a 20A mains charger, with solar as an option.

THE JUDGES’ Wrap Up

The Commander S is relatively easy to use and would work well in a light offroad situation for a couple or family of four. The quality of finish is very good throughout. It has some nice touches, like crockery and cutlery included.

It also has a curious mix of onroad and offroad components. The suspension looks like it would cope well offroad, yet the camper has a 50mm ball coupling. Underneath, the brake cables and plumbing are hanging a little too low for my liking.

It is well-specced for the price, but there are key items missing – no DC-DC charger, no offroad coupling and the wiring is not as thick as it could be. It also needs solar and another gas bottle to improve its self-sufficiency. This camper doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. With fewer features and a lower price point this could work.

Nonetheless, it comes with the quality National Luna fridge, hot water, cutlery, plates, etc. Not over the top, but pretty good. There is lots of canvas for extended stays and it would make a great base camp. There are also lots of pockets and storage, so everything can have a home. I like that you can access the pantry from inside or out, but making the bed each night could become a pain.

Conqueror Commander S Specs

Trailer

• Tare: 1350kg
• ATM: 1800kg
• Suspension: Trailing arm independent
• Brakes: 10in mechanical override
• Coupling: 50mm ball
• Chassis: Hot-dip galvanised
• Drawbar: Hot-dip galvanised
• Body: Powder-coated CNC panels, 40mm sandwich foam
• Wheel/tyre: 16in alloy wheels, 245/70 R16 Bridgestone STs
• Style: Hybrid

Dimensions

• Box size: 423 x2045mm
• Length: 4855mm
• Tent size: N/A

Accessories

• Gas cylinders: 1 x 4.5kg
• Water: 120L
• Cooktop: Two-burner cooktop
• Kitchen: Slide-out stainless steel
• Battery: 2 x 100Ah AGM

Check out the full review in issue #84 January 2014 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.