It took only one lengthy overland trip to Namibia for the Potgieter family to realise that they needed an off-road trailer. Their ideal option? The Conqueror Conquest.
Having spent 21 days in Namibia with only a dome tent to protect us from the elements, we realised that we needed a different camping solution. While searching for an off-road trailer, we spotted the Conqueror Conquest and loved it, but we eventually opted for the Conqueror Compact. After about two years, though, we upgraded to the Conquest. We haven’t looked back.
If you’re an adventurer at heart and enjoy travelling way off the beaten track, the Conquest is perfect for you. It is still compact, which makes it easy to tow, but it offers a surprising amount of space. Moreover, it handles rough terrain like a dream. It feels indestructible.
When you start preparing for your first trip, you might not necessarily think that it offers a lot of space, but you’ll soon realise just how spacious it actually is. We’ve found that it can easily swallow a large fridge and eight ammo crates. And then it also has room for your odds and ends.
Whenever we stop at a busy campsite it doesn’t take long for the other campers to saunter over to have a look at the little trailer. They can’t believe that such a compact unit can mushroom into such a large set-up.
If we plan on spending only a day or two at a particular campsite, we just use the tent. It’s quick and easy to raise. You simply unfurl it, secure the four tent pegs, and you’re done.
If we’re going to spend more time at a particular site, we also open up the awning, which creates a 2m-wide “veranda” right around the trailer. If the weather turns nasty, we attach the awning’s sides, creating a cosy enclosure.
A great feature of the Conquest is that it doesn’t require constant packing and unpacking. The different compartments and packing spaces ensure that everything is easily accessible, including cutlery and cooking utensils. All you need to take out when you reach your destination is your chairs, charcoal, table and, of course, the meat.
What we love most about the Conquest, though, is that it is incredibly tough. With a solid axle, 15-inch rims and heavy-duty shocks, the trailer can go anywhere. The chassis is hot-dipped galvanised, meaning that salt water won’t damage it. Industrial-strength door seals keep dust and moisture out. The awning is made from rip-stop material that is tough and impressively waterproof.
A deep-cycle battery provides power when the campsite can’t provide it, and 12V plugs allow you to charge all your electronics. The rear door hides a fridge that can also be run off a 12V plug.
Right at the back of the trailer is a spare tyre – a must-have when travelling off road. The spare wheel cover doubles as a braai grid – a very nifty invention.
Peer inside and you find a large 2,1m x 2,1m double bed with a high-density mattress. If it’s a hot night – and in Africa it usually is – you can open the window to let some cool air in. The Conquest’s attachable tent is also large and airy – perfect if you need some extra accommodation.
So far the Conquest has been a wonderful travelling companion. It hasn’t disappointed once.
Our next trip will be to Mozambique, and we can’t wait to hit the road with our dependable Conquest in tow.
For more information, visit: http://www.conqueror.co.za