Seven feet of headroom, auto-leveling chassis, and a pressurization snorkel to combat sandstorms are just some of the goodies packed into this mean-looking Aussie camper.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Nowhere is that more apparent than with the Bruder EXP-6 adventure trailer. Looking at this thing from the outside, one might assume it’s loaded with a blacksmithing forge or 1,000-pound silverback gorilla.
But one would be wrong. The EXP-6 trailer, for all its foreboding gunmetal-grey and sharp angles, was designed for one thing: comfort.
The $80,000 evolution of the family camper fuses luxury amenities into an overland-capable pull-behind.
Bruder EXP-6 Camper
Though the brand offers customization packages as aggressive as “military” uses, the basic form was constructed with family outings in mind. It stretches 22 feet long and is less than 6½ feet wide. That’s about the same as most SUVs, so this thing tracks fine wherever your car can fit. And Bruder claims its svelte profile means drivers won’t need extended mirrors to see around it.
The double-axle chassis is equipped with eight vertically mounted shock absorbers and a remote-operated independent air suspension system. This means you can lower it for highway driving without scraping any overpasses, and raise it up for off-road ground clearance.
The body is a 30mm-thick composite material Bruder touts is “up to 50 percent lighter than conventional constructions,” though it doesn’t state what the composite is. The base model EXP-6 tips just over 3,700 lbs.
It certainly isn’t the lightest camper we’ve seen, but given the size it’s not very heavy. And the brand markets the EXP-6 as compatible with any common SUV, including Land Cruisers and Audis.
Overland Glamping
The EXP-6 might even be more capable than the 4WD towing it. It has up to 12 inches travel between its wheels, a built-in Warn winch, and a pressurization snorkel for dusty environments. When activated the snorkel pulls in filtered air and creates positive pressure inside the trailer, forcing dust particles outside.
The chassis is also sealed airtight, keeping water, muck, and corroding agents out.
Once you’ve tackled the harsh environs and found the right camping spot, set the EXP-6 to “camping mode.” Push a button and the trailer self-levels, the rear hatch lifts to reveal external shower and main door, and the pop-top extends to allow up to 7 feet of interior standing room.
Inside, the bathroom contains a hot shower, retractable sink, and flush toilet. There’s also a second shower accessible from outside.
Bruder states the camper can sleep six. It comes equipped with a dedicated queen-size bed and a fold-out sofa that sleeps two in the “lounge” area. Bunkbeds for two more people can be installed near the ceiling as an add-on.
A stainless steel kitchen sink and diesel-powered ceramic cooktop are accessed from inside and outside the vehicle. And you can add an interior fridge-freezer.
A port-side hatch on the exterior reveals full kitchen storage and a small galley, complete with fridge-freezer pull-out drawer (units sold as an option). Potable, filtered water comes from three tanks that hold up to 200 liters total.
For power, a 260-amp solar power system is included. And 200-400-amps of battery power come standard. There’s also a Bose sound system, LED adjustable mood lighting, and windows on both walls and the ceiling.
Glampiest of all? You control all climate, suspension, and mechanical diagnostics remotely or through an app.
Bruder is taking orders now and it will ship units to North America. But there’s a 9-month waiting list so far. Check it out if you want to have your adventure and sleep comfortably through it, too.