Off The Grid Campers: Redefining Adventure, One Slide-On Camper at a Time.

When the call of adventure beckons and the open road awaits, Off The Grid Campers, the new player in the game, offers a unique blend of affordability and cutting-edge high-tech features in their slide-on campers. This is a game-changer for modern adventurers, promising thrilling off-grid experiences without breaking the bank.

Despite being a newcomer in the slide-on camper market, Off The Grid Campers is far from inexperienced. This innovative company leverages decades of expertise and, more importantly, real-world user insights to design campers that truly meet the needs of adventurers. These campers embody freedom, resilience, and comfort, making them perfect for long-term off-grid living.

Founder and Technical Director Brendon Falk recalls that a few years back, he noticed the market was missing a product that was a step up from the canopy with a rooftop tent. “At the other end of the market, you have $100K plus caravans, which is not affordable for everyone,” Brendon adds.

Economics of Camping

“They’re (rooftop tent) a pretty basic form of camping,” he says. “Sure, you can escape the rain and wind, but you’re crawling into bed. When it’s cold, you freeze and swelter in the heat. I saw the slide-on movement gathering increasing momentum, with younger families getting into truck campers because they were more affordable than larger caravans. We now see pre-retirement and 50-plus demographic wanting to do the Australia trip but being reluctant to do it in a caravan. Some don’t want the additional cost, and others don’t have the confidence to tow a caravan.”

“We are seeing the economics of camping changing too,” Brendon adds. “The waiting list to get a site at good caravan parks is extraordinarily long today, and some charge up to $100 per night. Likewise, you won’t get very good fuel economy when towing a caravan, so you have the rising cost of fuel and parks. Simply put, people want to get in their camper and go on holiday; they are not interested in booking months ahead. There is a definite trend towards free and low-cost campsites. However, to achieve this, you must be largely self-sufficient to stay at these off-grid sites for any length of time.”

Self-Sufficiency

It’s the philosophy of self-sufficiency that drives the technology built into our slide-on campers, setting them apart from others in the market. When people travel today, they expect the luxuries of home, like air conditioning, induction cooking, and hot and cold running water. Our campers not only meet these expectations but also ensure you’re not dependent on external resources, giving you the freedom to explore off-grid sites for extended periods.

“I come from an electro-tech background,” Brendon says. “Truth be told, I don’t believe the technology was at that level we required five years ago. But today, our tray slide-on campers have up to 900 AH of lithium batteries (up to 1200 AH for the truck body) charged by up to 880 Watts (up to 1110 Watts for the truck body) of solar panels on the roof. Even on a cloudy day or when parked under the shade of a tree, our solar system can put substantial charge into the batteries.”

Victron systems offer flexibility, with versatile integration and scalability allowing users to customise setups based on their specific needs.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is vital for maximising the use of limited solar and battery resources in off-grid settings, which is why all Off The Grid Campers slide-on models use premium Victron electrical components. Victron products, such as their MPPT solar charge controllers, DC to DC chargers, and smart inverters, optimise energy conversion and storage. This efficiency means campers can operate longer off the grid, making the most of Australia’s abundant sunlight and surplus charge from your vehicle when in transit.

“We like that Victron systems offer flexibility, with versatile integration and scalability allowing users to customise setups based on their specific needs,” Brendon explains. “Whether powering our smaller ute models or the larger truck setups, Victron’s modular components, such as MultiPlus inverters, lithium batteries, and Ekrano GX touch screen monitoring systems, can be scaled accordingly.”

Victron’s modular components, such as MultiPlus inverters, lithium batteries, and Ekrano GX touch screen monitoring systems, can be scaled accordingly.

“Victron Energy’s advanced monitoring systems, such as the VRM (Victron Remote Management) platform, enable users to track and control their energy usage in real-time. Our slide-on campers can monitor battery levels, solar input, and overall system health through mobile apps or online dashboards, ensuring our customers never get caught off guard while off-grid. This adaptability is particularly valuable in the Australian slide-on camper market, which has varied camping environments, from rugged bushlands to sandy beaches.”

By leveraging the advantages of 5052 aluminium-magnesium, Off the Grid can produce lighter, stronger, and more sustainable slide-on campers optimised for modern expedition style camping needs. Furthermore, aluminium is vibration and crack resistant, so it’s a better choice for off-roading.

Improving Vehicle Handling

“The 5052 aluminium is lightweight, offering a significant reduction in overall camper mass compared to fibreglass or composite materials,” Brendon says. A lower mass lowers the centre of gravity, improving vehicle handling and safety while significantly enhancing fuel efficiency. In addition, it reduces wear on brakes and suspension components. But best of all, without cracking, there is less chance of dust and water ingress. We also double seal all external camper doors to cut down on outback dust ingress.”

“Meanwhile, the magnesium content in 5052 provides exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and beach environments,” Brendon continues. “This is particularly valuable for campers exposed to harsh weather or salty conditions.”

Despite being lightweight, Brendon adds that 5052 Aluminium provides excellent mechanical strength, making the camper durable and capable of withstanding rough terrains.

“It is highly workable, allowing for precise cutting, forming, and welding during construction, and this versatility enables us greater innovative and aerodynamic designs.”

Highly Recyclable

“More and more consumers are demanding environmental options, and aluminium is highly recyclable, making it an environmentally sustainable choice compared to composite materials, which are often harder to recycle,” Brendon emphasises.

“Furthermore, because aluminium dissipates heat more effectively than fibreglass, it has better thermal efficiency, reducing heat build-up inside the camper during hot weather. Importantly, aluminium is easier to repair and maintain, as damaged panels can be replaced without extensive work, unlike fibreglass.”

“Honestly, when you start adding little things to a slide-on, it doesn’t take long for the weight to build up,” Brendon continues. “For instance, the 3mm rubber tray liner adds 5kg, unavoidably the air-conditioner weighs 30kg then fill up water tanks with 150 litres of water and there is another 150kg, so it doesn’t take a lot of kit to increase your payload significantly.”

“If you’re serious about off-road camping with a ute, then a GVM upgrade is a must,” Brendon adds. “Because trucks traditionally carry a hefty load, they don’t require the same modifications, but a 4×4 ute, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish.”

Whether you’re chasing remote horizons or seeking a weekend escape, it’s worth checking out the offerings from Off the Grid campers.

Sustainable Camping

“Our aim is to strive for 100 per cent sustainable camping and ‘net-zero’ grid use,” Brendon concludes. “However, current solar and battery technology combined with space limitations mean we are not quite there yet but will be in the coming years with amazing new innovations on the way.”

Off the Grid, slide-on campers offer a unique, sustainable camping experience by combining modern innovation with practical design. Their high-tech electronics ensure you stay connected and comfortable wherever your adventures take you, while the durable alloy construction guarantees longevity and resilience in even the harshest environments. Best of all, these slide-on campers are surprisingly affordable, making them an accessible option for those who crave the freedom of the open road without compromising on quality. Whether you’re chasing remote horizons or seeking a weekend escape, it’s worth checking out the offerings from Off the Grid campers.