Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 burst onto the scene five years ago, winning Camper Trailer of the year in 2020. These days, a brand new Austrack Camper Tanami X13 goes for $57,990, but if you’re happy to purchase second-hand, a used Tanami X13 is not a bad idea either, with 2019/2020 models setting you back around $40,000 – $45,000.
Review: Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 Hybrid 2019
Words John Willis, Images John Willis and supplied.
I didn’t think I would ever get excited by another hybrid camper, but I’m happy to say I was wrong. The new Austrack Tanami X13 ticks every box in a hotly contested market. I’m happy to have had a long association with this brand, watching them grow from infancy with their exceptional attitude toward quality products backed by some real commitment to customer service and providing exceptional value for money with terrific packaging.
The X13 is only one model in Austrack Campers’ range of hybrids that spans from 10-15ft. Austrack has experienced enormous success with other models, including the award-winning Telegraph and Savannah forward-folds. We can’t forget the ripper little Simpson with it’s roof-top tent. But hybrid campers are the flavour of the year, and for very good reason.
My nephew bought a similar camper (not Austrack Campers) not long after they first hit the market. He, like so many other campers, wanted to step up from swags for trips with his very young family. Hence, he needed accommodation for two adults and two kids for adventures, including a sojourn from Melbourne to Cape York. He needed to carry enough supplies to keep the family fed, watered and clothed, plus carry all the necessary recovery gear and plenty of toys for young and old. Sound familiar?
I guess he’s a bit like his Uncle. He doesn’t put up with finicky, exhaustive set-up times at the end of a long journey. He also emphasised the need for solid security, which only really comes with a hard wall camper. Solid walls and simple set-ups also assist in keeping those horrid biting nasties out of the camper.
Chassis and suspension
Basically, Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 is an imported camper that is finished and distributed in Australia. But take a good look at the quality and inclusive packaging, and celebrate the fact that brand new it comes in at under $60K and for a 2019/2020 model, under $45K. I would personally be exceptionally happy to make the older Tanami X13 model my permanent travel companion.
The Austrack Campers’ 2019 Tanami X13 starts with a hot-dipped galvanised RHS 150 x 50 x 4mm drawbar and 100 x 50 x 3mm chassis, giving a very solid foundation. I was very pleased to hear that the box frame is welded aluminium with Royal silver aluminium composite panel, insulation and gloss black aluminium checker plate features, giving lightweight strength and longevity. The gas strut-assisted pop-up roof is easily erected and made from a reinforced fibreglass outer, an aluminium frame, and a gloss white inner alloy panel.
Austrack Campers’ adjustable independent trailing arm suspension with coil spring and twin gas shocks on either side has been proven as strong and reliable over time and trial. It rides on 265/75-R16 mud-terrain tyres and reinforced black alloy mags with six-stud 4X4 hubs, heavy-duty bearings and 12-inch electric brakes with breakaway and handbrake. It has a registered ATM of 2750kg but can be plated back to 2500kg if required for your towing requirements. However, with a tare of 2090kg, twin 120-litre food-grade Poly water tanks, and one 80-litre plumbed grey water tank, it won’t leave much safe loading capacity when full.
What else does Austrack Campers’ 2019 Tanami X13 offer?
The water tanks, plumbing and grey water tanks underneath are well shrouded against damage. However, the waste tank does reduce the otherwise excellent ground clearance. I guess that’s the price you pay when loading so much into so little.
Out in front is a 3500kg McHitch with double safety chains and an Ark XO Series heavy-duty jockey wheel. A black checker plate alloy tool/storage box with a bevel shape acts as a stone guard and deflector. The box contains dual gas bottle and jerry can retainers with tie rails on top for added flexibility. In addition, the front of the tub has a replaceable PVC wear covering.
Out back of Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 is a nice strong bumper with LED trailer lighting, plus a pair of spare wheels and engineer-rated recovery points. Quick as a whip, you can pivot down the bumper and fold out the rear extension, gaining valuable room inside. I must say that I was hesitant when I first saw this extended system. But it is very refined, well-weighted, strong, and very secure, and even has a large rear window.
It doesn’t matter what angle you look at the Tanami; it’s full of surprises. The passenger side has all of the usual van-style features with dual, double insulated and tinted windows and anti-mosquito mesh. Not to mention shade curtains, toilet cassettes, pull-out hot/cold showers, lockable water fillers, and 240V power fittings. However, you will simply marvel at the huge storage in the forward compartments. This one has large separated drawers, plus a huge full-width boot compartment above for all of your accessories and toys.
Outdoor living
Let’s face it, camping is about outdoor living and Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 makes it simple, easy and comfortable. The “living” side of the unit features a very large sliding fridge mount up front with an optional 95-litre Travelmate fridge/freezer in a well-sealed compartment with auto lighting, power and ventilation. The three-way security door has an electric fold-out step and illuminated handle and next to it a fold-out table for convenience.
Toward the rear is a large, pull-out pantry and a slide-out stainless-steel kitchen. This comes complete with a Smev three-burner cooktop, sink with mixer tap, utensils drawer, folding wind deflectors and large slide-out preparation bench with multiple storage compartments. Overhead protection is supplied by an electrically activated waterproof PVC awning with manual over-ride. In addition, the inclusive package also offers a fully enclosed canvas annex including roof, walls, floor, and draft skirt for those longer stays in an ideal campsite.
And of course it seems life isn’t complete without a 22in LED TV with interior and exterior mounts and connections plus a full CD/DVD/MP3/USB/RADIO entertainment system. If you’re looking for an external shower, there’s a hot/cold unit on the passenger side. It even comes complete with a slide-on shower tent.
Step inside Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13
The internal layout and finish of the Tanami are very good, packing in so much in so little. As you step up through the security door, there’s a good array of cabinet, drawer and wardrobe space both to the left and right. Plus some bench and removable table space in case you are restricted from outside living or maybe just for a cosy morning cuppa. Straight ahead is the ensuite, which is surprisingly roomy and features full head height, complete with an electric flushing toilet (external removable cassette), vanity sink with mirror, and fully adjustable shower rose. The hot water is supplied via a Truma Water Ultra Rapid gas/electric heater.
Austrack Campers has selected a chic array of internal finishes for the Tanami X13, including plush faux leather seating for the small dinette and bed ends, timber-look vinyl flooring and clean white internal panels with gloss ebony cupboard doors. There’s added storage under the dinette and multiple internal side pockets. When assembled, the folding 150mm inner-spring mattress quickly becomes a customised king-size, full-length bed that combines with good overhead clearance for taller campers.
Electrical and plumbing
There are three 100AH AGM batteries (the latest Tanami X13 Austrack Campers’ sport a Lithium set-up as standard), three 100W roof-mounted solar panels, plus the Anderson plug connection for plenty of power. Add to this a 2.0kW Sinewave inverter with a 65-amp inbuilt charger, a digital display amp and volt meter, plus multiple 240V USB and accessory outlets and you are set for extended adventure with plenty of charge.
There’s a very sensible array of LED lighting throughout. The gas lines are completely plumbed from the gas bottles to the kitchen, plus an external barbecue bayonet fitting with a dual bottle change-over valve and gas certification certificate.
Pros
Cons
Specs – Austrack Campers’ Tanami X13 (2019):
The verdict
Austrack Campers’ X13 Hybrid’s namesake, the Tanami Desert, was one of Australia’s final frontiers. It was not fully explored (except by Indigenous people) until well into the 20th century. Yet today, you can take on the rigours of such destinations with plenty of creature comforts with this camper.
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