Spotlight on the Bruder EXP-7

We take a closer look at Bruder’s latest offering, the Bruder EXP-7, which comes in two different variants: the EXP-7 PT (pop top) and the EXP-7 GT (hard top).

Entirely Australian-owned and built, Bruder, who specialise in unique off-grid and off-road expedition trailers, not only provides the space to adventure for families travelling throughout the Australian wilderness but also to explorers in Angola, Mongolia, USA, South America, Armenia, Iceland, the Middle East and Europe. 

It’s hard to focus on a particular stand-out as there really are so many extraordinary features. As a result, the Bruder EXP-7 comes with a premium price tag that starts at AUD $258,500 (inc GST). Now, I’m not saying it’s not worth it because they really do stand out by a country mile in terms of off-road capability, comfort and cutting-edge technology. There’s nothing else quite like it or in its league on the market. But there’s no denying that this price tag will prevent most from moving from dreaming about it to reality.

Let’s talk about the chassis and suspension

12-inches of suspension travel. Yep, you read that right. That’s nearly three times more than its closest competitor. With a press of a button from inside your vehicle, the Bruder EXP-7’s patented designed air-sprung suspension can level out in terrain that other campers can only dream of. You can separately raise the height of the left and right of the vehicle, and it also provides the unique ability to calibrate to different vehicle heights. In fact, you can even adjust each wheel’s individual height, allowing you to get one wheel off the ground to change it without a jack.

Although this suspension has all sorts of obvious benefits for off-road driving, it also allows for a high level of stability and comfort on-road. 

When it comes to the chassis, a unique design is featured in all Bruder trailers.  Traditional trailer, RV or caravan chassis designs are flat, providing little wiggle room for the suspension to operate correctly. Bruder trailers follow a concept used in the automotive industry and have a large step up in the chassis design. Certified by both Australian and International standards to exceed offroad regulations, the Bruder EXP-7 can handle five times its maximum loaded weight. It’s so strong that if you need to in an emergency, you can raise a damaged wheel and drive on just two.

See the Bruder EXP-7 in action here:

The body

There’s no denying that the EXP-7 is a Bruder. They have a very particular ‘look’ about them, and once you’ve seen one, it’s instantly recognisable, even if it’s a different Bruder model. 

The body is hand made from from epoxy bonded close cell quad weave fibreglass composite (try saying that fast ten times), and with a thickness of up to 60mm, it provides a high standard of insulation in temperatures from -30 degrees to +60 degrees. Basically, the hottest and coldest places you can go on Earth. The body design is certified engineered and doesn’t rely on the chassis or internal framing to maintain structural strength.

Aerodynamically tested, the design is narrowish compared to some other brands, but this is a good thing as it sits within the range of the tow vehicle, allowing it to fit places that others simply can’t. 

Interior

The interior is also quite unique, with a two-way kitchen for the best of both worlds. It can be fully open for outdoor living with a slide-out 57L fridge, or if the weather is not too fun, make use of the 135L internal fridge. Both of these are in easy reach, along with a microwave and an induction cooktop.

The master bed features windows all around, allowing you to stargaze at night. Catering to both couples and families, you can convert into multiple sleeping layouts.

Perhaps the most unique feature is the double door system that allows instant access to the interior or direct access to the shower and wetroom. This allows you to get all the ‘adventure’ of your clothes and body before heading inside. After all, no one likes sand, red dirt or snow in their living and sleeping areas. 

Electrical

Up top is over 1200w of solar, which are tapered to allow for self-cleaning when underway and to prevent water pooling. This is backed up with a 48V electrical system, which can have over 15kWh hours of lithium battery power banks. 

The Bruder touchscreen allows for control and monitoring and is also phone app compatible. For peace of mind, there are backup systems and a manual override for worse-case scenarios. 

Extra features too good not to mention

At the risk of being too wordy, I better wrap this up. However, you can also expect a wood rack, full-width storage compartment for bulky items, various storage spots, access to a washing machine, the ability to source water from nearby streams, and even a front-mounted filtration unit that maintains interior pressure during dusty conditions.

The Bruder EXP-7 has been built with an eye to the future and could be upgraded to join forces with either a fully electric or hybrid tow vehicle. 

Basic specs on the Bruder EXP-7:

For more information, visit the Bruder website at www.bruderx.com

• Sleeps (PT): 2 + 4 
• Sleeps (GT): 2 + 2
• Solar: 1245w
• Battery: 10kWh lithium
• Water: 280L
• Tare: 2400kg
• ATM: 3500kg