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The Kerfton is an Innovative Automotive Styled Camper Trailer

There is something familiar about the Kerfton camper trailer, it reminds us of a certain Japanese brand of 4WD pickup, which may very well have been the inspiration behind the design. And why not? Form follows function. As we all know, Australia produces some amazing camper trailers and in just the last year, we have featured the Patriot Camper Gen 2, the premium Bruder XP7, the Tuff Track Escape and the Wedgetail 22 camper. The Kerfton trailer, which could sleep two adults and up to four small kids while offering plenty of packing space and an exterior kitchen, is yet another attractive Australian camper trailer and is one of those designs that may not appeal to everyone but will no doubt be perfect for some.

According to the manufacturer, the “exterior delivers automotive styling combined with off-road ruggedness. The only camper trailer that complements the look of modern vehicles. A Kerfton looks great whether it’s parked in your driveway or pounding the corrugations of an Outback highway.”

 

Essentially, the Kerfton is a hard-sided trailer sitting on a set of 285/75R16 tires which blooms into a large canvas tent with an external kitchen. When setting up camp, the Kerfton will only become quicker and easier with practice, with a sub-four-minute set-up time possible. The bedding stays neatly arranged when the camper is folded down, much like many rooftop tents, enhancing the overall ease of use.

The exterior of the Kerfton boasts a fusion of automotive flair and durability designed for off-road exploration, with an interior offering a large and tall living space. The cupboards feature a high-gloss finish and are equipped with seamlessly integrated handles, offering both an appealing appearance and easy maintenance. Notably, the kitchen and fridge carrier feature a distinctive combination of stainless steel, and both the kitchen and fridge can be set up whether the camper is fully deployed or not, making it great for a lunch stop. The kitchen is fully equipped and plumbed with hot and cold water as well as gas, ensuring that cooking is a convenient experience without the need for hose connections. Additionally, every Kerfton is equipped with a generously sized table and bench seats, providing an ideal setting for roadside lunch stops. The table and seating are readily accessible as soon as the tailgate is opened, allowing for quick breaks during your journey.

Storage solutions are plentiful within the Kerfton, with six interior cupboards and two drawers. The kitchen area offers a spacious pantry section and both large and small drawers, ensuring that everything you need is within arm’s reach. The fridge carrier accommodates fridges up to 78 liters, while the front storage boot offers ample space for a portable barbecue, a chemical toilet, and all your camping gear. Additionally, the top of the forward boot can serve as an extra storage area, maximizing utility.

The trailer was designed around the size of a queen-size master bed, adhering to Australian standard measurements. Single beds cater to sleeping bags, and the interior configuration places all beds within the trailer, safeguarding occupants from insects (and dingos!) and providing peace of mind for families with young children. For larger families, the single beds are generously sized, accommodating top-and-tail sleeping arrangements for smaller children. The addition of a heater ensures a cozy interior during chilly evenings and early mornings, a welcome feature in the absence of an outdoor campfire.

The ample interior height allows for standing comfortably while changing clothes, and the table can also be used indoors, creating an interior dining area or serving as a hub for family activities before bedtime.

The entry steps offer comfort and user-friendliness, with a full-height door that eliminates the need to stoop when entering the tent. This proves particularly advantageous when accessing the camper multiple times throughout the day. The design of the steps’ tread height and spacing adheres to domestic staircase standards, resulting in a natural and intuitive experience for users.

On paper, this trailer ticks a lot of boxes and will likely be an excellent home on the road. The starting price is a relatively affordable $33,500 (USD) for the base model, and the high-spec, feature-packed model is $40,000. Unfortunately, while there are plans to bring the Kerfton to the United States, no distributor has yet been appointed.

kerfton.com

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Graeme Bell is an author and explorer who has dedicated his life to traveling the planet by land, seeking adventure and unique experiences. Together with his wife and two children, Graeme has spent the last decade living permanently on the road in a self-built Land Rover based camper. They have explored 27 African countries (including West Africa), circumnavigated South America, and driven from Argentina to Alaska, which was followed by an exploration of Europe and Western Asia before returning to explore the Americas. Graeme is the Senior Editor 4WD for Expedition Portal, a member of the Explorers Club, the author of six books, and an Overland Journal contributor since 2015. You can follow Graeme's adventures across the globe on Instagram at graeme.r.bell