Despite rocketing fuel prices, hardcore campers cannot resist the call of the wild.
This is where a custom-designed Mahindra camper, built by South Africa’s Moremi Trailers and showcased at the kykNET Outdoor Expo in Windhoek, steps in.
While a Mahindra bakkie might seem an unlikely candidate for outdoor enthusiasts, Jan Venter of Moremi Trailers says choosing the Mahindra S6 4×4 single-cab was logical.
He says building an overlander – a modified off-road vehicle designed for long-distance travel through remote areas – requires balancing several factors.
“Some of them are driving comfort, fuel consumption and practicality. Running costs play a big role with the unstable fuel prices,” Venter says.
“The owner still needs to fork out additional money to upgrade the suspension for driving comfort, [but] the Mahindra’s suspension is sufficient to handle various off-road terrains and additional weight.”
The vehicle’s fuel efficiency speaks volumes. Even with all the boxes and gear on board, Venter says it uses up to 50% less fuel than more well-known brands, averaging 8.5km/l during his drive from South Africa to Windhoek.
This efficiency is particularly impressive given the inherently ‘boxy’ shape of a camper box, which creates significant wind resistance.
In addition, the Mahindra comes equipped with features like arm rests, reverse cameras, air conditioning and cruise control – refinements Venter notes are often missing in rival models, making it ideal for the outdoors.
The universal camper box, which can be adapted to most single-cab bakkies, was actually repurposed from Venter’s own Land Cruiser.
Moremi Trailers also designs and builds custom setups for various other vehicle models.
Built with the rugged camper in mind, the unit houses everything needed for a luxury outdoor experience without compromising storage space.
It boasts an internal double bed, built-in air conditioning, and a complete kitchen equipped with a fridge, a sink, and ample storage for cooking utensils and provisions inside and out.
For additional self-sufficiency, a roof-mounted solar panel generates enough power for all on-board appliances, and the vehicle carries two spare wheels.
After a long day on the road, campers can also use a collapsible hot-water outdoor shower.
Venter describes opting for the vehicle as a way to avoid being “penny wise, pound foolish” when budgeting for a rig.
“Any other bakkie in this class will cost you between N$600 000 and N$800 000, and the Mahindra is basically a down-sized [Toyota Land] Cruiser.
“It drives comfortably and, out of experience, I have had a few Mahindra bakkies and they all served me well,” he says.
The Mahindra brand has already established a footprint in the local Namibian market, where it is known for affordable, custom-built vehicles, including ambulances and comfortable game viewers.
