The Trailer
The base is a Talon off-road trailer — a solid South African-built platform that gave us enough to work with. What came out the other side is a long way from what went in.
The goal was a fully self-sufficient unit: sleep, cook, shower, store, heat, and power — all from the trailer, without relying on camp infrastructure. It does all of that now.
The Build
Rear Door
The original rear door wasn’t big enough or strong enough for what we needed. It was enlarged, reinforced structurally, and the spare wheel was relocated onto it — freeing up space on the trailer while keeping the spare accessible. The door now handles the weight of a full-size spare without flex or drama.
Storage — 4-Drawer System
Four full-width drawers run the width of the trailer, two stacked on each side. Each pair opens from one side, giving clear and organised access to everything carried. No digging through bags, no repacking at camp — everything has a place and comes out in order.
Alucab Shower Cubicle
A dedicated Alucab shower cubicle is fitted to the trailer. Private, standing-height, and ready to use wherever you stop. Combined with the onboard water tank, a hot shower in the bush is no longer a negotiation.
Quick Pitch 2.0 Hardshell Tent
The sleeping platform is an Alucab Quick Pitch 2.0 hardshell rooftop tent mounted to the trailer. It opens fast, closes fast, and holds up in real weather. No fussing with poles or wet canvas in the morning — the hardshell keeps everything dry and ready to go.
Power — Battery System & 650W Solar
A dedicated battery system keeps the trailer’s electrical demands fed. 650W of solar on the roof charges it during the day. Running lighting, the Dewet heater, charging devices, and keeping the fridge going off-grid is handled without needing to run the vehicle or find a campsite with power.
Dewet Heater
A Dewet gas heater keeps the sleeping space warm through cold nights in the mountains and highveld winters. It draws minimal power and makes a meaningful difference on a Matroosberg trip in July.
Water — 40L Tank
A 40-litre onboard water tank supplies the shower cubicle and general camp use. Enough for several days of comfortable use between refills, and plumbed to be filled easily at a tap or from a jerry can.
Cooking — Double Plate Cadac Stove
A double plate Cadac stove handles camp cooking. Two burners, enough surface area to run a proper meal, and it packs away cleanly when camp breaks.
What It Carries
Tent — Alucab Quick Pitch 2.0 hardshell
Storage — 4 full-width drawers (2 per side)
Shower — Alucab shower cubicle
Solar — 650W panel
Water — 40L onboard tank
Heating — Dewet gas heater
Cooking — Double plate Cadac stove
Spare — Full-size wheel on rear door