Patriot Campers has been an iconic brand in Australia’s camper trailer industry for years, first launching back in 2013 with the X1 — which promptly won our sister-brand Camper Australia’s Camper Trailer of the Year competition held that year (CTOTY 2014). The brand has taken home several wins since then.
Patriot Campers has focused on building units that are compact and can go anywhere and has long been battling questions about when it would build a larger trailer. Well folks, the time has come, and Patriot recently launched the Supertourer ST5. Sitting at 5.2m long (17ft) and weighing only 1750kg, the Supertourer ST5 is not quite a true caravan, but this is the first time the brand has edged its way into the caravan industry and we won’t be surprised if it entices just a few people to give up the canvas.
Built to go anywhere
While the ST5 offers owners a few more van-life luxuries, it is still designed for offroad adventures. It has a hot-dipped galvanised steel Rigilite chassis and a combination composite and structural aluminium body. The water tanks, climate control units and space-saving spare wheel are all positioned within the steel chassis rails to optimise weight distribution.
The suspension is unique and inspired by Patriot’s decade of offroad racing experience. It’s a Trinamic suspension system that was purpose-built for the lightweight Rigilite chassis and has 250mm (9.8in) of travel. Despite being a custom system, Patriot’s partnership with leading suspension brands means that customers can still find parts at nearly 200 service centres throughout Australia.
The ST5 comes standard with PCOR wheels and 33in offroad tyres (35in are optional), which adds to the rugged look of the Supertourer.
The exterior
The ST5 is a pop-top, and its low-profile electric raising roof features solar panels as well as a 150kg rated Exorack for extra storage (think extra storage boxes, camping gear, kayaks or even a tinny).
The front looks similar to the current GEN2 X-Range camper, with a moulded composite mancave designed to deflect rocks away from your tow vehicle, a ladder to access the roof storage and two gas cylinder holders.
The ST5 has more than 1500L throughout the internal and external storage compartments. The right side of the ST5 has a 645L storage locker, and next to this is a separate service locker. This is the ‘nerve centre’ of the ST5 and every single serviceable component, fuse and schematic is routed back to this location. There’s a full trailer schematic printed on the inside of the locker door, meaning almost anyone will be able to troubleshoot and maintain their ST5 no matter how far off the beaten track they go.
Visually, the left side of the ST5 mimics the right, but tucked into the design are a discreet electric awning and hatch that opens up to reveal the outdoor kitchen facilities and large pantry.
At the rear is a vertically opening hatch which gives the trailer the rugged look Patriot is known for, aided by the second Exorack and Molle panelling for extra storage space (ideal for recovery equipment). Once lifted, the rear-entry hatch provides extra shade coverage and reveals the access door.
Power
Patriot and offroading have gone hand in hand since the brand’s first campers hit Aussie roads, and with that kind of off-grid lifestyle comes the need for appropriate power. In its standard form the ST5 comes with 480Ah of lithium battery power, 800W of solar and a 50A charger which allows charging from an Anderson Plug on your tow tug.
The electronics are managed by two electronic management systems, one for interior control and another for exterior. And if you don’t feel like using those, there’s always Bluetooth connectivity.
There’s a 3000W inverter and 240V/110V general power outlets (GPOs) for powering appliances, and USB-C charging points in all the normal places.
Water usage is covered with 160L and 40L freshwater tanks and a 50L grey water tank for stays in national parks.
Setting up
The ST5 is quick to set up, with a simple two-touch automation to open the low-profile roof and awning. The rear entry layout means that the ST5 has two distinct living areas and features the popular L-shaped kitchen layout that has been a success since the first X1 camper was released.
If a focus on external living is something you’re after in your RV lifestyle, then the Supertourer ST5 delivers. The ST5 is longer than its camper counterparts, which has allowed Patriot to include a 110L twin-slide pantry that slides out parallel to the fridge slide which includes a 95L dual-zone chest portable fridge and a cold sink. In front of this there’s a drop-down table and optional barbecue swingaway. The kitchen hatch folds down to convert into a large stainless-steel and scratch-resistant prep space and reveals kitchen pantry storage with drawers, partitions and a dual induction cooker.
When it comes to lighting, there’s external RGB strip lighting which is dimmable and can be customised, allowing you to create a cosy camp atmosphere, deter bugs or even get the party truly started with the ‘party mode’.
Inside
Heading indoors, the ST5 has a rather nautical feel, encouraged by the horizontal and rounded ‘porthole’ windows. The contemporary black/white/grey colours, strip lighting and soft fabric lounge and bed upholstery creates quite the cosy look.
Tucked in the rear right corner is the internal shower and bathroom, which includes a patented wet-dry, dual-stage floor system which folds over the composting toilet and creates a watertight shower while ensuring that the loo stays nice and dry. Black tapware, a ceramic above-counter sink (to the left of the entry door), non-slip flooring and enough a tall ceiling complete the ensuite.
There’s a club-lounge and folding dining table, which doubles as the support for the fold-down queen-sized bed (2m x 1.5m / 6ft 7in x 5ft). Patriot included a strap to keep bedding in place so that you don’t have to remake the bed every day, which is a nice touch. Growing families was part of the evolution that inspired Patriot to finally take the leap and develop the Supertourer, and so the ST5 has an optional folding bunk for kids (or a mate who doesn’t mind a smaller bed), which is added above the main bed.
Heading offroad?
If you want to extend your adventures even further, the ST5 has a whole range of optional inclusions and accessories, including:
- Extra Exorack bars for carrying an optional recovery board holder with Molle panels and a multi-table that also functions as a wood rack
- 1.6m (5ft 2in) kids bunk
- 24in television
- Reverse cycle air-conditioner
- Colour pack (the ST5 comes in white as standard) and PCOR wheel combination.
- 95L dual zone chest fridge
- Barbecue swingaway
- Carpet kit lining in the storage locker and internal compartments
- Batwing style awning (similar to the X-Range)
Find out more
The Patriot Supertourer ST5 is priced at $149,000, excluding on-road costs, registration and insurance (may be subject to change). To find out more about, head to the Patriot Campers website.
THE NEXT STEP
If you want to learn the latest caravan news, find the most innovative new caravans and camping gear or get inspired to plan your next road trip adventure to some of Australia's best getaway destinations, caravan parks and off-grid camps, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We promise to send you only the best content.
Related articles:
Prepare to go off-grid: A guide to power management
New Ford Ranger PHEV — Will it change caravanning?
Introducing the Patriot Campers Supertourer ST5