The Austrack Campers Telegraph X is an off-road hybrid camper trailer designed for robust outdoor adventures, emphasizing durability and user-friendliness. It comes equipped with a range of features for comfortable and self-sufficient camping.
Function Description:
The Telegraph X serves as a mobile living space for camping, offering sleeping arrangements, a kitchen, and essential utilities like water and power. It is designed to be towed by a suitable vehicle and can be set up at a campsite to provide shelter and amenities. The camper is built to withstand off-road conditions, making it suitable for various terrains. Its primary function is to provide a comfortable and functional base for extended trips, with integrated systems for power, water, gas, and cooking.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5200mm (length) x 1900mm (width) x 1600mm (height).
- Weight:
- Tare weight (including tent): Approx. 1450 kg
- Registered: 2000 kg trailer
- Ball Weight: Approx. 140 kg (Note: Ball loading must not exceed 350kg or the maximum allowable load by the vehicle manufacturer or tow bar rating, whichever is the lowest.)
- Chassis & Drawbar: Fully welded, hot-dipped galvanized full RHS box drawbar (120 x 50 x 4.0mm) and full RHS box chassis (100 x 50 x 3.0mm).
- Hitch: ARK XO Series 3.5t Off-road Coupling, ADR approved rated safety chains, dual rear recovery points, and bike rack holder.
- Brakes: 6 stud 4x4 hubs, heavy-duty parallel bearings, and 12-inch heavy-duty electric brakes with mechanical handbrake.
- Suspension: Heavy-duty independent coil spring suspension with twin shock absorbers per independent arm.
- Jockey Wheel: Ark XO 750 Series extra heavy-duty swing-away dual-wheel jockey wheel.
- Electrical Connection: 7-pin round or 7-pin flat trailer plug (to suit vehicle) & 50 amp Anderson Plug wired to batteries.
- Electrical System:
- Batteries: 2 x 120Ah AGM batteries. These are designed to be maintained at voltages between 12.0 V and 14.4 V. Discharge below 12.0 V can lead to degradation.
- Solar: 200W free-standing solar panel with built-in regulator, plugs into Anderson plug on the drawbar.
- Inverter: Redarc 1000 W pure sine wave inverter, connected to internal and external 240V power points. Manual on/off switch.
- Charger: Projecta 12V 25A battery charger (240V charger, works with shore power). Features a recondition mode for batteries below 12.0 V.
- Outlets: Internal and external 240V outlets, multiple USB and accessory outlets.
- Lighting: LED Tail lights, LED tent lights, Indicators, Number plate lights.
- Mains Power Input: 15A input on the side of the camper, requires a specialized 15A extension lead or a 10A-15A adaptor with a safety switch. RCD safety switch for 240V circuits located on the outside end of the main bed.
- Stone Guard: Full modern aluminum checkerplate stone guard with embossed mud flaps.
- Setup: Front & Rear 725kg self-locking winches for easy setup, gas strut assisted opening and closing lid.
- Gas & Fuel: 2 x gas bottle holders (4.5 – 9kg bottles), 2 x 20L Jerry can holders.
- Gas Lines: Completely plumbed from gas bottles to the kitchen with a dual bottle change-over valve and gas certification. Additional bayonet connections for HWS and BBQ gas supply.
- Water Storage:
- 120L Foodgrade poly underfloor water tank with aluminum tank guard & 12V pump plumbed to kitchen.
- 50L Foodgrade poly underfloor water tank with aluminum tank guard & 12V pump plumbed to drawbar to service ensuite.
- Manual changeover valve to swap water tanks.
- Water Pump: Switched on via control panel, pressurizes the system.
- Hot Water System: Country Comfort portable LPG hot water system (standard inclusion), designed for use with gas and water fittings on the drawbar for an ensuite shower. Activated by water pressure.
- Kitchen: Slide-out stainless steel kitchen with utility drawers, large sink, AGA approved multi-burner stove, foldaway kitchen shelving unit, extension bench, large preparation bench, stainless steel wind break. Dimensions: 1500(w) x 550(d) x 230(h) (mm).
- Bedding & Dining: Queen size medium density foam mattress, dining area converts to another double bed, removable dining table with adjustable legs.
Usage Features:
- Easy Setup: The camper features front and rear self-locking winches and gas strut assisted lid opening for simplified deployment.
- Integrated Kitchen: A slide-out stainless steel kitchen provides a Dometic 3-burner cooktop, sink, and drying rack, making meal preparation convenient. The kitchen extends fully and locks into place, with support legs that can be lowered and adjusted for leveling. Gas is plumbed directly from the bottles to the kitchen.
- Hot Water On Demand: The Country Comfort portable LPG hot water system offers hot showers, connecting to the camper's water and gas fittings. It requires sufficient water pressure to operate.
- Power Management: The electrical system includes AGM batteries, a solar panel for off-grid charging, a 240V charger for shore power, and a 1000W inverter for running 240V appliances. A control panel allows monitoring and management of the electrical system. The inverter must be manually switched on/off.
- Water System: Two independent water tanks (120L and 50L) with a manual changeover valve allow for flexible water management. A 12V pump supplies water to the kitchen and ensuite.
- Load Distribution: Users are advised to load the camper evenly, placing heavy items low and over the axle, and securing all items. Ball weight should be between 8% and 12% of the total camper weight and must not exceed 350kg or the tow vehicle's limit.
- Campsite Setup: Recommendations include choosing a level spot, away from large trees and flood-prone areas. Stabilizer legs are for reducing movement, not for leveling, and should not be adjusted with power tools. The Ark XO750 jockey wheel offers height adjustments, but care must be taken not to extend it past the safe moving line.
- Gas System: Plumbed gas lines with LCC27 connections and a dual bottle change-over valve simplify gas appliance use. The external stove connects via a bayonet fitting. Gas supply must be turned off during travel.
- Canvas Tent Usage: The canvas tent should be set up taut but not tight to avoid overstretching and leaks. Mesh screens should be fully zipped when packing away to prevent damage.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Maintenance Schedule: The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule with recommended intervals (3 months/1,000km, 6 months/5,000km, 12 months/10,000km, etc.) for various components including:
- Battery condition, lights, switches, battery terminals/leads.
- Water pumps/hoses, gas hoses/outlets.
- Locks, hinges, seals.
- Brake cable, brake linings, chassis lube, hitch, jockey wheel, stabilizer legs, winches.
- Suspension bushes, wheel alignment, wheel bearings, wheel nuts, tyres, tyre pressure.
- Gas struts, shock absorbers, fridge fan filter, water tanks.
- Tasks include testing, inspecting, adjusting, lubricating, cleaning, and occasional replacement (e.g., wheel bearings).
- Battery Care: Batteries should be maintained between 12.0V and 14.4V to prevent degradation. The Projecta charger's recondition mode can help restore health to discharged batteries.
- Solar Panel Check: A circuit breaker for the Anderson connection (located in the rear cupboard) should be checked if the solar panel isn't charging.
- Water System Inspection: If the water pump runs continuously with taps closed, it indicates a leak that requires investigation. Water tanks have bungs and taps for easy draining and rinsing.
- Brake Maintenance: Electric trailer brakes require regular servicing and adjustment by a qualified professional.
- Handbrake Adjustment: The handbrake cable adjuster needs to provide enough tension for the handbrake to be 1/3 raised when unloaded. Wheel chocks and leveling ramps should always be used, not solely relying on the handbrake.
- Canvas Seasoning: Before first use, the canvas needs to be seasoned by fully setting up the tent, soaking it with a hose, and allowing it to dry completely, repeating 3-5 times to prevent leaks. Wax sticks can be applied to seams if leaks persist.
- Canvas Care: Avoid overtightening poles during setup to prevent overstretching. Ensure mesh screens and canvas coverings are zipped up when packing to prevent damage.
- Closing the Camper: Ensure the door is closed and locked for a good compression seal. Check that no material is caught between the camper edge and the compression seal to prevent water and dust ingress. Cushions should be laid flat, and poles fully retracted to avoid damage when closing.
- Wet Weather Camping: In wet or windy conditions, reduce the height of end poles and drop annex corners to prevent water pooling, which can stretch the canvas and bend poles.
- Condensation/Mould Prevention: Ensure sufficient airflow in the camper. Wipe up condensation daily. Use moisture-absorbing tubs, especially during storage, to prevent mould growth.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues related to electrical systems (not charging, no power, power dropping), inverter problems, water system issues (no water, pump not turning on/running nonstop), gas system problems (cooker not lighting, no spark, cooktop not staying lit), and fridge errors. It advises contacting the Service & Warranty department for further issues.