Australian off-road camper trailer manufacturer, Patriot Campers, have recently released their latest offering in the ‘X’ range: The Patriot X3.
This highly innovative company has put its own spin on what a ‘Hybrid Camper Trailer’ should be. The X3 is the first-ever Patriot Camper that offers an internal living area.
Keep reading for our comprehensive Patriot Campers X3 Review.
Table of Contents
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE PATRIOT X3
While the new X3 may look a little different with its truncated rear quarter, there is no denying that the Patriot DNA runs deep in its veins.
The X3 is based on the same Rigilite galvanised chassis as the X1. It’s even got the same 40˚ departure angle. There’s no denying that this off-road camper trailer was born to tackle the tough stuff.
Patriot Campers have a reputation for building some of, if not the best and toughest off-road camper trailers in Australia. Those core principles have not been diminished in this new model.
Built tough and with the same rigorous attention to detail as those that have come before it, the X3 just adds a little more comfort.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE PATRIOT X3?
Firstly, and as already mentioned, the X3 is the first camper trailer from Patriot Campers that offers an internal living area.
This has come from a direct reflection in a shift in not only how the team from Patriot have changed the way they go about their camping, but also the buying public.
This internal living area can be set up depending on your own requirements. The X3 on review, was in the standard configuration, consisting of an ‘L-shaped’ lounge/seating area. This enables one of the lounge seats to fold up, converting the lounge to a single bunk for younger children.
Also in the standard configuration, a simple fold-up table can be used as a mobile office when on the road, a dining table at mealtime or for a quick game of cards.
If you have two smaller/younger children in your tribe, this table can be replaced with a second bunk bed.
To go with the new internal living area, the addition of an optional pop-up coffee machine and the ability to access the fridge from inside is pretty darn cool. If you opt to not go for the coffee machine, this space then offers up more internal storage.
While the ability to access the fridge and brew up a coffee from inside the camper is great, unfortunately, the lid design lets them down. Perhaps in future models, a gas strut could be fitted to keep them open and make the process that little bit easier.
Fitted from standard is a Webasto diesel space heater. The Webasto will keep you toasty warm, even on the coldest and wettest nights.
TOWING THE PATRIOT X3
While the weight of the X3 has increased slightly to a TARE of 1120kg, you certainly don’t need a 200 series LandCruiser to tow it. An ATM of 1600kg still gives you plenty of payload while still allowing most mid-sized wagons and dual cab utes to drag it behind them. Except maybe a Lada Niva!
HOW DOES THE PATRIOT X3 TOW ON ROAD?
Just like the other Patriot Campers that I have reviewed (including the X1 and the X1-N), my biggest issue when towing them behind my Patrol, is making sure that they are still there thanks to their lightweight and diminutive dimensions.
Previously, my side mirrors would have got a workout when going around corners or bends, checking to make sure the X3 was still there. Thankfully, now I have installed a canopy mounted reverse camera, which allowed me to keep an eye on the X3 camper trailer at all times.
The destination for our review of the X3 was Witheren Heights Bush Retreat, just out of Canungra in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This meant that there were a few hills and twisty sections of tarmac to be encountered before hitting the dirt.
Thanks again largely to the low TARE and a well-balanced trailer, the hills, twists and turns proved to be no problem for the X3 or the Patrol for that matter.
HOW DOES THE PATRIOT X3 TOW OFF ROAD?
There is no denying that Patriot Campers have built their reputation on being the manufacturer of the best off-road camper trailers in Australia, if not the world. That tradition continues with the X3. Thanks to the compact dimensions of the X3, it makes for an extremely agile and nimble package off-road.
When the going does get a little tough, you can rest assured that whatever you are about to put your trailer through, the R+D team at Patriot have probably done that, and then some!
Knowing that their trailers will get used in serious off-road situations, a DO35 hitch is used on the pointy end. The DO35 offers a full 360˚ range of motion for the absolute maximum of articulation.
During our test, we subjected the Patriot X3 to fast gravel sections, tightly forested tracks, ruts and holes. While not extreme, the X3 handled everything with ease.
Low TARE, compact dimensions and balance only make up part of what makes the Patriot X3 so good off-road. The suspension system is another.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
When it comes to fitting the best suspension system to your trailer, it’s hard to look past the range of suspension systems from CruiseMaster. Not content with an off-the-shelf product, the team from Patriot and CruiseMaster have worked together to create a custom airbag suspension system.
The X-Cruise airbag suspension fitted to the X3 does a tremendous job on the roughest of tracks at keeping the camper under control. As a bonus, the airbags also allow you to quickly level everything up at camp.
Complementing the suspension are 33″ mud terrain tyres wrapped around PCOR black allow rims.
SETTING UP THE X3
Thanks to the aforementioned airbag suspension, you don’t even have to be too fussy when choosing your camp spot for the night. This is just perfect for those quick overnight stops, or if you get into camp late at night.
SETTING UP THE OUTSIDE
If you are detaching the camper from the tow vehicle, remember that the single rear stabiliser leg will need to be lowered after the camper has been levelled.
After raising the awning, the rear steps of the X3 need to be lowered. These steps are a first for Patriot, and allow easy access to the internal living area of the camper.
With the steps down, the lid is unlatched and with a bit of a push, the lid hinges open as the gas struts do the heavy lifting for you.
Supporting the lid is a lightweight, aluminium ladder, which provides a second access point directly to the double bed. The second entry point allows for adults to stay up later around the campfire after the kids have been put to bed, while not having to climb over them.
SETTING UP THE INSIDE
Finally, after moving inside, three internal bows are adjusted to fully erect the canvas tent. Thanks to quick-adjust poles, this is an easy and painless process.
So you don’t have to make the bed up at the end of each day, a simple bedding retainer zips up to keep everything in its place.
SETTING UP THE AWNING
Another new addition for the X3 is the PCOR Awning. The awning is made from Hexacor fabric and provides a huge amount of shade and protection from the elements. Comprising a 180˚ awning to the front and 270˚ of coverage to the rear, the kitchen and rear access are fully covered.
The awning is a fully self-contained unit, except for the pegs. Each of the fold-down adjustable legs has a magnet inside them so they stay folded away in position until needed.
Even the guy ropes have been fully integrated into the new design. Cleverly, triangular pieces of material with velcro openings have been sewn into the corners of the awning. These little pockets are positioned just where you need them and store the guy ropes ready for use.
The awning can be fully enclosed with the purchase of an optional six-piece wall kit.
Compared to the other Patriot Campers that we have set up, the X3 was by far the quickest and easiest. Pack down was just as quick. and easy too.
ALL NEW KITCHEN
While bearing a strong resemblance to the kitchen from the X1, there have been a couple of major changes for the X3.
Firstly, the kitchen is around 30% larger than that of the X1. This has allowed for a lot more bench and preparation space and the ability to spread out a bit more.
Another major change has been the relocation of the pull-out pantry drawer to a higher position. This allows for the drawer to be opened without impacting on the bench and preparation space below.
The fridge compartment has also grown, now allowing for the fitment of the Waeco CFX75 75L fridge/freezer. This is the biggest fridge ever offered in a Patriot Camper.
As per the X1, the cutlery/utensil drawer, as well as the stainless steel sink, pulls out from beneath the fridge. The sink is ready to go with plumbed hot and cold water courtesy of the Webasto diesel heater.
A simple two-burner gas stove with an integrated grill will look after your cooking requirements. Alternatively, a Baby Q on a custom BBQ swing arm can be fitted as an optional extra.
Conveniently located on the left of the kitchen is the camper’s control panel. Housed in this panel is the Redarc RedVision TVMS (Total Vehicle Management System), the Webasto diesel heater controls, the gauges for the airbags as well as 12V and USB charging points.
PATRIOT X3 STORAGE
As with any Patriot camper, there is an abundance of available storage space, both inside and out.
INTERNAL STORAGE
With the new design of the X3 and its internal living area, new opportunities were presented.
During transit, larger items such as camp chairs or an outside table can be stored on the floor of the internal living area.
More internal storage is provided underneath the lounge seats and the padded back-rests hide a pair of pull-out drawers just perfect for your clothes.
EXTERNAL STORAGE
There really is a place for anything and everything with the new X3.
From up the front, there’s the man cave on the draw bar where you’ll find the BBQ and the Webasto, but there’s also more room to store tools, spares and hoses amongst other things.
At the rear on the passenger side quarter, there’s a spot for all of your wet or dirty gear. Also at the rear, the massive pull out drawer (which can also be accessed from inside under the lounge seat) provides a massive amount of storage.
On the driver’s side, a rear quarter storage box provides the perfect spot for your groundsheet or the extra awning wall kit.
Towards the front, and still on the driver’s side is a large storage locker fitted with a slide-out. This locker is perfect for either a small generator or a portable toilet.
THE EXORACK
Another new feature of the X3 Camper Trailer is the EXORACK.
The EXORACK has been designed to provide compatibility with not only your lifestyle but the huge range of accessories you may require. From mountain bike racks to a cradle for your kayak and more.
The supplied crossbars can be positioned to suit your own requirements, and suit a wide range of aftermarket accessories.
OFF-GRID CAPABILITIES OF THE PATRIOT CAMPERS X3
For all of the attributes of an off-road camper, its off-grid abilities have to rate pretty highly.
As far as I’m concerned, while it’s great to get away for a weekend, it’s when you have to live out of a camper for a couple of weeks that you really sort the wheat from the chaff.
So how does the X3 stack up?
WATER
Split over two tanks, the X3 can carry 130L of fresh water.
These tanks are mounted underneath the camper, and are protected by heavy-duty aluminium shrouds.
BATTERIES AND ELECTRICAL
Running out of power with the X3 should never be an issue.
Firstly, the Redarc RedVision system allows you to keep track of your power usage and battery capacity via an easy to use interface.
Secondly, in standard form, the X3 has a pair of 150Ah gel batteries, giving you a massive 300Ah of battery power. These are charged via the Redarc DC/DC charger, or via the optionally fitted 200W Redarc solar panel. Lithium upgrades are available upon request.
Keeping all of your accessories charged up are multiple 12V and USB outlets, as well as 240V power thanks to a 1500W inverter.
GAS
The X3 comes standard with a single 4.5kg gas bottle that runs the two-burner stove or the optional Baby Q.
While a 9kg gas bottle seems to be standard fitment to a lot of campers these days, I sometimes wonder if the extra weight is necessary.
If you feel a single 4.5kg bottle isn’t enough, there’s room for a second bottle provided.
FRIDGE CAPACITY AND FOOD STORAGE
As mentioned earlier, the X3 kitchen has been re-jigged and can now house up to a 75L Waeco fridge/freezer. Personally, my wife and I have been on two-week trips before with a 47L fridge and never had an issue with how much food we could fit in it. I don’t think you’re going to have an issue with a 75L model.
As for dry food, or pantry storage, once again, the larger kitchen enables more dry goods to be stored as well.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE PATRIOT X3
With the X3, the team from Patriot Campers have proved that you can have a hardcore camper trailer, as well as a little bit of comfort. Not only will this trailer follow you as far off-road as you are prepared to go, but it will do it in style and have enough off-grid capacity to keep you there.
The addition of the internal living area also allows for the X3 to grow with you and your families needs.
MORE DIRT LESS BITUMEN RATING
The Patriot X3 hits the jackpot and gets 5 out of 5 Battered Akubras!
HITS
MISSES
PATRIOT X3 SPECIFICATIONS
STANDARD FEATURES
OPTIONAL UPGRADES FITTED
PATRIOT X3 PRICE
CHECK OUT OUR WALKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE PATRIOT X3 CAMPER TRAILER
About the Author:
Hi, I’m Matt. I camp, four-wheel drive, explore the outdoors and get paid to take photos.
I’m happiest when I’m doing all four at once.
Occasionally, I’ll even tap out a couple of words on my keyboard.
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE…
Carnarvon Gorge Camping
For the majority of people visiting Carnarvon Gorge, camping is their preferred choice of accommodation. Luckily, for you and me, Carnarvon Gorge is open all year round, but the only place open for camping all year is Takarakka Bush Resort…..
Sundown National Park
Rugged and remote are two words that sum up Sundown National Park beautifully. Sundown National Park is a wild and mountainous area of steep gorges and sharp peaks, some of which rise more than 1000m above sea level. …
Leave a Reply