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A Journal of our Travels

Aussie Swag Ultra (2005 - 2024)

In 2005, we made the decision to upgrade our camper trailer to the Aussie Swag Ultra model after three years with the Heavysew soft floor camper. Our requirements had evolved, and we sought a camper that was easy to set up, featured an external kitchen, had a separate kids' room (since they don't always accompany us), and was suitable for off-road adventures. To our delight, the Aussie Swag Ultra has exceeded our expectations, ticking all the boxes and providing us with everything we desired. We couldn't be happier with our choice.

Unfortunately Aussie Swag Campertrailers closed it's doors in early 2018 after 32 years of building awesome products.

Total nights spent in the Aussie Swag: 296

Bedroom

There is a double bed (1880mm x 1380mm x 100) which is made from high density foam with a layer of premium quality eggshell foam on top. Reading lights are fitted each side, and storage wells down the side of the beds. We use sheets (flannelette on those cold nights) and a doona rather than sleeping bags. We have a 12v eye citric blanket to pre-warm the bed when needed.

There is a reading light on both sides of the bed.

Kitchen

The kitchen on the Aussie Swag slides out and then folds back against the trailer. I think it is unique in this respect. There is a vinyl splash guard to protect the canvas. In addition, there is a fold up wind guard for the stove. The fridge is an 80 litre Waeco CF-80, with fridge & freezer sections. The water tank holds 130 litres, and is supplied through an electric water pump to the sink, or a gravity fed tap at the side of the trailer. A water gauge inside shows how much water is left in the tank. A 12v socket provides power to a fluorescent light hung above the kitchen.This is in addition to the light behind the sink. To see how we cook, go to Cooking.

Bathroom

We also have the side mounted shower room. A Primus Gas Hot Shower system was included with the trailer, but after all the problems we experienced, we changed to a Coleman Hot Water On Demand system. It runs off a small cylinder, or can connect to the 2nd gas bottle mounted on the front of the trailer. We also use it for heating washing up water etc, instead of boiling the kettle. We have now changed to a Smarttek6 gas water heater. A Porta Potti 165 completes the "bathroom"

Kids Room

The kids room was a big plus for us. It has plenty of room, and there is a 12v socket on the side of the trailer to power a fluorescent light. Two mattresses fit end on end, the tent being about 4m long and 1.6m wide. There are plenty of windows, and a door at the end which goes into the shower tent when erected. Note: As of December 2012, we no longer have the kids room.

Annex and Awning

There are two awnings, the large awning which can be fully enclosed with full fly screen walls and canvas covers for further protection. The smaller awning can be fitted to either side of the trailer, providing shade to the offside when the kids room isn't fitted. We have caravan annex matting for the floor (as sold by Clark Rubber). Keeps the dirt & dust out, and let's any water through. We have used in it heavy rain, and it worked a treat.

Electricals

Power for fridge, lights etc, is from 2 x 110AH Gel batteries charged by a  Xantrex TC40i 40 Amp charger and a Redarc BCDC25 Solar regulator. Charged from the car alternator while driving, solar when camped, and 240v charger when mains power is available.

For a schematic of the trailer electrics, go to the electrical schematic.

I am in the process of fitting Anderson 30A Powerpole connectors for all 12v supply inside the trailer, to replace the cigarette lighter style. The sockets on the exterior will remain, as there are no suitable weatherproof Powerpole connectors that I have found.

Trailer

There is a large slide out drawer under the bed, which can be accessed when the trailer is closed (very handy when packing). There is also storage in the fridge box at the front of the trailer.

The wheels and tyres were bought to match the Pajero ie 31x10.5R15 BFG AT on 7" Track 4 steel rims. As we have updated the tow vehicle, the wheel and tyres no longer match the tow vehicle.

Aussie Swag Articles

Trips in the Aussie Swag

Trip

Timeframe

Days

Total Km

November 2023

3

814

May 2023

8

2949

March 2023

7

1449

February 2023

3

618

January 2023

3

362

May 2022

2

750

April 2022

7

720

January 2022

0

124

December 2021

10

169

November 2021

3

169

April 2021

4

759

January 2021

4

0

December 2020

8

0

December 2020

0

0

December 2019

2

0

November 2019

2

0

October 2019

22

0

December 2018

8

2294

October 2018

0

0

September 2018

0

0

April 2018

3

0

March 2018

4

0

January 2018

3

0

April 2017

3

0

December 2017

3

0

June 2016

0

0

April 2016

3

0

April 2016

4

0

March 2016

3

0

December 2015

7

0

November 2015

3

0

September 2015

8

0

April 2015

4

0

January 2015

3

0

November 2014

3

0

September 2014

16

0

August 2014

2

0

February 2014

3

0

November 2013

2

0

September 2013

9

0

August 2013

2

0

March 2013

2

0

November 2012

2

0

October 2012

5

712

December 2011

8

0

November 2011

3

0

April 2009

4

437

September 2008

9

0

October 2007

3

0

September 2007

8

0

April 2007

0

675

January 2007

3

0

December 2006

10

0

November 2006

2

0

September 2006

7

0

May 2006

3

0

April 2006

0

0

March 2006

3

0

January 2006

0

0

December 2005

7

0

September 2005

3

0

Jun to Jul 2005

29

0

April 2005

3

0

March 2006

0

0

Still compiling list.