Bluewater Campers Xtraveller reviewed at Australia's Best Hybrids 2024 presented by Tough Dog 4WD Accessories

Winner — Best Value for Money

MALCOLM STREET — CARAVAN WORLD FIELD EDITOR

Build quality

Visually, the Bluewater Xtraveller is a very eye-catching hybrid. A little different to all the other ABH 2024 entrants, it stood out in the crowd. The Xtraveller is built on a hot dipped galvanised chassis, using 125mm x 50mm (5in x 2in) RHS for the drawbar rails and 75mm x 50mm (5in x 2in) RHS for the chassis rails. In both cases, Chinese Q345 4mm steel is used. It’s a low alloy, high structure strength steel. Some thought has been given to weight reduction of the chassis; some manufacturers seem to use 150mm x 50mm (6in x 2in) RHS as the default option. The chassis is proof-coated, and an underbody sealer is used. The fresh and grey water polymer water tanks set between the rails have alloy checkerplate protection. Ridepro's independent suspension with coil springs and twin shock absorbers ensures a stable ride on rough bush tracks. Timken bearings are used on the wheels.

The body structure is fully TIG welded aluminium. As a general comment, everything opens, closes and slides very smoothly. The structure includes a purpose-built box in the underbed storage area. It's been designed to accommodate the pair of 135Ah lithium LiFePO4 batteries in the required manner. It's a neat protective idea yet still gives easy access to the batteries. Like the bodywork, the pop-top roof is made from aluminium, and the gusset uses heavy-duty, close weave 440g/m2. All the YKK zippers are self-repairing.

A notable feature is a kitchen which slides out very easily. There’s not even the usual connecting up issue when setting up camp, as the snake track containing the plumbing, gas lines and electric cables keeps everything connected and ready to go — a straightforward but effective idea.

Overall, the Xtraveller looks to be a well-put-together hybrid. The general construction and fit out are quite impressive, especially considering the $41,990 price tag for the base model.

Customer care

Bluewater Campers has dealers in Pakenham (Vic), Moruya (NSW), Carrara (Qld) and Maddington (WA). That’s in addition to agents in Willaston (SA) and Wodonga (Vic). Bluewater Camper's warranty is quite well laid out on its website and there are various components to the warranty details.

There is a five-year warranty for the chassis and structural work, including the structural subframe and the drawbar. The upper tent is made of waterproof PVC material for peace of mind. The SEAFLO pumps used in all Bluewater campers are covered by an Australia-wide three-year warranty, as is the Ridepro suspension gear. Although that also has a 60,000km limit.

The respective original equipment manufacturers cover all other components — usually 12 months but sometimes two years. All warranties only apply to the original purchaser and don't apply if the camper is used commercially. Similarly, if servicing is not done as required regularly.

Also available on the Bluewater Campers website is a very detailed document that spells out care and maintenance details, servicing requirements and tips for keeping campers in good condition. In addition, all warranty matters are detailed, including what to do in case of a possible warranty claim. It’s quite comprehensive and required reading. 

ALLISON WATT — CARAVAN WORLD DEPUTY EDITOR

Innovation

The Bluewater Xtraveller boasts quite a few innovations that really make it stand out from its competitors. Firstly, it looks different with a very low profile of 2.1m that means it will fit easily into most garages and carports. It’s light grey in colour with tasteful blue decals and there’s no sign of black checkerplate anywhere.

Us judges were impressed by the external slide-out kitchen at the front of the van. The sink has a quick connect hose to the grey water tank — which is great for camping in national parks and the like.

The external three-burner stove is fully plumbed to the gas via a snake track with an automatic shut off when you close the lid, so you can leave the gas on whenever you are camped. This is the sort of safety mechanism that we see inside caravans, but it is the first we’ve seen in a hybrid. 

Staying outside, the external shower has a swing-out tent at the rear of the van, with a really long hose that would be handy for washing things like bikes and other sporting equipment, as well as people.

Another change that Bluewater has made to this model is the location of the dust reduction system, situated high on the driver’s side of the van where it has access to the cleanest air. 

Liveability

The Bluewater Xtraveller is a family van with a queen size north-south bed with lots of natural light from the windows, reading lamps, some shelving, USB points and optioned-on Sirocco fans. The bunks are located on the left just inside the entry door and the top bunk folds down to make an extra lounge bench during the day. 

There’s no bathroom inside the Xtraveller but located under a bench seat is a Porta Potti, which is also accessible from the outside, meaning you can easily move it to its preferred home in the shower tent. At a pinch, you could use it from inside, but I doubt many folks would.

There’s no internal kitchen in the Xtraveller but you don’t need it with the external kitchen comprising a slide-out with sink and three gas burner stove complete with windshield.

There are pantry drawers, built-in shelving and the option of a 95L EvaKool fridge/freezer (as seen in this van) and a Travel Buddy 12V oven.

A full annexe will cover the entire kitchen area and protect you from the elements while a flyscreen entry door with magnetic self-closure is great for keeping the bugs out. The roof is electric, so no heavy lifting.

The downside of the low profile of the Xtraveller is the limited internal storage, so if you are a family of four, you’ll probably want plastic tubs for clothes and the like which you can store under the gas lift bed (more than 600L of room), in the external storage or in the annexe at night.

JOHN FORD — CARAVAN WORLD EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Self-Sufficiency

As a business that lives the camping lifestyle, the Bluewater team has the experience to know how a hybrid should work properly and efficiently off-grid. This background shows, even on a compact model like the Xtraveller.

As standard, the 270Ah of battery power charged through 400W of solar will suit many for extended stays away from mains power. An external point for a mobile panel is standard. But adding the option for an extra battery to 405Ah and a 2000W inverter with pass-through technology takes the remote experience to a higher level. That's enough battery power through the inverter to run a coffee machine or an air fryer, so there's plenty of recharge for devices and computers.

The total 200L of water storage combine for extended bush camping with judicious use, and the 80L grey water tank allows stays in restricted council and national park sites.

An 8.5kg gas bottle has a 3.75kg backup supply, a sensible arrangement to save significant weight and plenty to run the kitchen for a month or more. So, too, the optional diesel heater is the most efficient way to keep warm in winter.

As reviewed, we rate the Bluewater hybrid as capably self-sufficient with ample power and water for remote camping with the proviso, as with most RVs, that the resources are sensibly used.

Towability

As you would hope, with such a compact rig on the back, towing is a pleasure with the little Bluewater. Hooked up to a Nissan Navara with a 2.3L turbo diesel engine, the Xtraveller rode smoothly on independent trailing arm suspension and Ridepro gas shock absorbers over our course. The designers achieved this thanks to a low centre of gravity, reasonable weight distribution and the 1850kg tare weight. The battery has been moved back in this latest model, and lighter furniture has shaved some kilos from the specs. It's relatively heavy for its size but will suit many mid-range 4WDs when loaded with a maximum 650kg payload to the 2500kg ATM.

A narrow 1.9m track lets the Bluewater sit neatly behind most tow vehicles, meaning you can get it down most tracks without damaging or scratching the duco, and you can get away with the standard side mirrors and stay legal.

Stopping power comes from 12in electric drums, and they worked well to bring us to a halt when needed. It's worth mentioning, too, that the travel height is 2.1m, so there's little worry about hitting overhead branches.

TIM VAN DUYL — CARAVAN WORLD CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Value for money

If you were looking for the straight cheapest trailer in its category, you’re looking at it. However, being the cheapest carries some negative connotations and that would be plainly unfair to the Xtraveller, which is the winner in the ABH 2024 Best Value for Money category.

Starting at $41,990 and as seen here tested at $48,440 (plus on-road costs), it was the most affordable trailer of its type at Australia’s Best Hybrids and, from what I have seen and reviewed recently, yet it comes with lithium batteries and 400W of solar running through a REDARC battery management system (BMS) as well as an enviable list of standard inclusions. What brings the price up to the as-seen price are the portable fridge, two Sirocco fans, gas bayonet for the barbecue, diesel heater, a third battery and an inverter and that's how I’d spec one too (unless I moved to the Sunshine State or warmer). 

There are some concessions with the Xtraveller, namely the external ensuite which is uncommon but there are also pluses to the compact design. It is low, at just 2.1m (6ft 9in), allowing it into most car-centric garages, and it weighs very little with a 2500kg ATM. On the balance of it, it represents outstanding value for money. 

Ease of use

Roof goes up, roof goes down, roof goes up, roof goes down. It's as hard as that to raise and lower the Xtraveller’s electrically actuated roof and that's good as it carries a lot of canvas with it and could take an optional AC unit. The kitchen is a breeze to set up with Bluewater's snake track removing the need to get on your knees to fiddle with a bayonet for the gas-fuelled cooktop or water plumbing. How others have not followed this design is bamboozling. Oh, and the kitchen and fridge are not cramped, they are separated with the fridge to the rear to help weight balance and the kitchen to the front so there will be no elbowing between the chef and the thirsty. 

As mentioned above, the ensuite is external to the trailer and although the portable toilet is stored inside and is accessible with the roof down, you're likely to want to set up camp fully including the ensuite and have the dunny out in the spacious shower cubicle over climbing into the lounge area to you know, go. 

Setting up the manual awning and ensuite is straightforward and no doubt, owners have tricks on what to do first and what guy ropes to use (shameless plug for Tiegear, my fave). It looks like it will take maybe five minutes if you are in a rush so not bad. 

Towing and storing the Xtraveller are two boons of the trailer. Its 2500kg ATM makes it an option for older utes and some modern station wagons and vans and its seriously low travel height will appeal to city slickers with low garage doors to contend with. 

X-Factor

There is a lot to like about the Xtraveller from the warranty support to the compact body’s construction, but if I were to put a pin in what makes it the one to have, it would be its low price, its inclusions, low ATM and low profile.

Starting at a bit over $40,000 is crazy these days and with a realistic driveaway price that includes some options of around $48,000, it is still a bargain. Coming with an electrically lifted roof as standard, a REDARC BMS, an excellent kitchen layout and a decent internal fit out, the Xtraveller is a great buy.

Then there is its low weight and small profile, both of which will keep your travelling costs lower. A lower weight means less fuel to lug it up hills and likely a cheaper tow vehicle. The same applies to its slender and low body. It will take less to haul the Xtraveller through the air, again lowering costs and keeping you on the road for longer.  

BLUEWATER XTRAVELLER SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Bluewater Campers Xtraveller price from $41,990

OPTIONS FITTED

• Diesel heater
• 2000W inverter 
• Extra 135Ah lithium LiFePO4 battery upgrade (total 405Ah)
• 95L EvaKool fridge/freezer
• 2 x Sirocco fans
• Gas barbecue bayonet

Bluewater Campers Xtraveller price as shown $48,440

MORE INFORMATION

Bluewater Campers

• 31 Commercial Drive
  Pakenham Vic 3810 
• 9 Indy Court
  Carrara Qld 4211
• 46 Stebbing Road
  Maddington WA 6109

P: 1300 594 000
E: sales@bluewatercampers.com.au

THE NEXT STEP

If you need help choosing your first caravan or are considering upgrading your existing one, check out all Bluewater Campers models available on TradeRVs today. 

The sellers will be happy to help and answer any inquiries you may have about the products advertised for sale.

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