WORDS AND IMAGES: MAX TAYLOR
CONCEPT CARAVANS HAS DEVELOPED A RANGE
OF CAMPER TRAILERS. WE HITCHED UP THE
FORWARD-FOLD FX2 FOR A SHAKEDOWN.
Concept Caravans has long
been a highly regarded caravan
manufacturer. But it was
somewhat surprising to learn it
had developed its own camper
trailer range, the forward-fold
FX2 (reviewed here) and the
rear-fold RX1.
Unlike its caravans, Concept’s
new campers are built in China.
But that’s not something they
shy away from. Even the VIN
plate says Australian Camper
Imports. The difference, says
Concept co-founder Keir Smith,
is there are certain aspects
controlled from Australia, such
as gas installation. Keir is also on
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gorv.com.au
the board of RVMAP, a national
accreditation program that
seeks to ensure manufacturing
compliance of its members.
TOWING AND SETTING UP
The FX2 towed very well. On
the highway, at 100km/h, there
was not a hint of instability.
Opening the camper,
meanwhile, is a matter of
folding forward a steel base to
support the bed and winching
the closed camper lid open, up
and over, until it comes to rest
on the steel base. There are two
winches, one in the front and
one in the rear. Once you’ve
wound out enough slack,
the straps are clipped to the
opposing ends of the camper
lid. The idea is to lift the lid up to
vertical using the front winch,
and to gently lower it using the
rear winch.
Three extendable metal
‘hoops’ inside give the tent
section its shape. Simply extend
each hoop until the canvas is
taught. I did, however, struggle
with the door, specifically the
steps that automatically fold
down. Set-up on sandy soil, the
feet of the door kept slipping
out from under me. I suspect,
however, that on firm ground