Africampers

RUBBISH - STAY LOCAL WHICH HAVE USED LOCAL COMPONENTS WHICH ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND SO IS TECHNICAL SUPPORT. THERE ARE OPPORTUNIISTS OUT THERE THAT MAKE WILD CLAIMS AND SELL FOR A VERY SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNT OFF COMPARABLE PRICES FOR LOCALLY BUILT STUFF. THERE IS ENOUGH LOCAL STUFF CLAIMING MILITARY STANDARDS BUT HAVE NOT SUPPLIED THE MILITARY FOR OVER 10 YEARS. BEWARE OF CLAIMS!. YOU TAKE YOUR CHANCES. I HAVE A FRIEND WANTING TO CHANGE HUBS ON AN IMPORTED HEAP OF CRAP AND NO SUPPORT AT ALL. STAY LOCAL AND YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED OTHERWISE GIVE IT AWAY. LET US KEEP JOBS IN AUSTRALIA AND SUPPORT OUR INDUSTRY.

Tony,

they piqued my interest at one of the recent caravan and camping shows so I had a good look over them. They appear solid enough and have quality workmanship. My only concern is that they appear a bit tizzie to set up. There is a certain ease with the Kimberley where as the conqueror has bits and bobs popping out of everywhere. It is a smaller and lighter beast though and that is a consideration. Have not see or heard about one on the track. Have however seen a lot of KK's out and about this year. Admittedly all behind pristine looking Prados and Pajero's and on bitumen although I did come across one on the Canning at Durba Spring in 2007.

Gouger does make a point, and one that is worth "SHOUTING" about in my view. Always good to go Aussie made.Kimberley put a lot of their units on the road and you can probably be confident that their products have been tested in the Australian Environment. At their price, you would also expect good quality, warranty and aftersales back-up. All much easier with a home grown product and major considerations in my book. Then again, $10K buys a lot of fuel.

Cheers Mick

Sorry Willem - you are correct of course! Wish I was new! - bought first computer in 1985 - just stupid in old age! Hope you took in the content however.

yeah I wish just now I was surfin' porcupine grass ,Willem.
I suspect we are both right - but me only in pricipal as the flat earth economists set us on the trail to destruction in the early '70's and the job is nearly finished.I recall the farmer lobbyists telling me their input costs were too high meaning they could buy imported inputs and be competitively globally. they have all the cheap inputs they can get get now but are they any better off - the short answer is no because of government subsidies their competitors get paid. We could continue forever on this one - sorry again for "shouting" but nice to make yours and Sahaker's aquaintance via this site. If I hadn't have shouted I wouldn't have had this discussion.All the best in your travels sounds as if you know what you are about.

kind regards

Gouger

Hi Tony & Lesley,

I have an obvious interest in this topic, and as certain statements have been made would appreciate the right of reply and to state the direction for Africampers and Conqueror in Australia.

Africampers is a wholly owned local business with the prime purpose of supplying Conqueror products - it is our sole reason for existence. Conqueror Australia has been formed to manufacture Conqueror's locally to suit local conditions and with full manufacturers warranties.

Conqueror South Africa has been in business for more than 20 years - 15 of which to manufacture trailers and vehicles used in combat by the South African Army - a fact that can be verified. They have been manufacturing Conqueror off-road campers and caravans for the last 7 years. Their products are extensively being used by off-road rental companies and have travelled throughout most of Africa - where the road conditions are at least comparable to what Australia can offer.

As to suitability as on off road camper - the Commander on display at Belmont has already travelled more tha 5,000km off-road - including areas such as the Flinders, Arkaroola, Strzlecki, Innamincka, Cameron Corner, White Cliffs an up the Darling. It will shortly be covering Goog's Track as well. You've seen the condition the Commander is in, and the fact that it can be shown as a display model should be testament of it's durability.

As to the price - and not wanting to draw a direct comparison with Kimberley Karavan - the price for a Kimberley Karavan was about $40,000 more than the Commander the last time that I enquired - not $10,000.

As to setting it up - for an overnight stop, travelling with 2 people, it can be set up within a matter of minutes by just popping up the roof and sliding out the kitchen unit. If required, it can be left fully closed and attached to the vehicle for an overnight stop in the middle of a city after returning from the theatre.

I totally understand that there is some reluctance to invest in a concept new to Australia - therefore am keen to provide you with as much information and demonstrations as required. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you want a more detailed discussion of the features or direction for Conqueror in Australia.

Regards,
Anton
Africampers