The Hardkorr Xplorer was already one of the smallest, most feature-packed off-road micro campers on the market, and now Hardkorr has made it even smaller. Or rather, it’s made it lower and lowered the overall ride height so the trailer can be easily stored in the average garage. While this does mean a slightly smaller overall cargo volume, the Hardkorr Xplorer 2.0 “Shorty” doesn’t miss a beat. It expands like a tactical multi-purpose vehicle in minutes, providing adventurers with a large off-grid kitchen, full electrics, hot running water, and a rooftop living area complete with ladder access.
The main aim behind the Xplorer 2.0 was to reduce the overall height of the trailer to comfortably below the average 210 cm (6.9 ft) high Australian garage door, and to allow the trailer to be stored away from the elements. Hardkorr wanted it low enough to be stored in even a small apartment garage, but without reducing its ability to serve as a reliable towable base camp in unfamiliar locations.
To help compensate for its lower height of 198cm (6.5ft), the Shorty is extended by 27cm (10.6in) over the original Xplorer, giving a total length of 4.1m (13.5ft) and is still a very short, manoeuvrable box. This helps the trailer carry the same level of specification, while losing just 450 litres of overall storage capacity, giving a still-plenty total of 3,450L.
Hardkorr Campers
The canopy-style Xplorer 2.0 comes with a pair of upward-opening doors on the left side, providing a full kitchen area for storage. The main kitchen slide-out compartment up front has a lightweight, fold-down pool sink sandwiched between the exterior countertop and the interior Dometic dual-burner cooktop. Above, the pantry area has several shelves and compartments for ample organization of cookware and dry goods.
The rear hatch features a refrigerator slide large enough for a 96-L refrigerator/freezer, and a secondary slide that adds a completely separate counter space. Next to the refrigerator under the same hatch, a command center provides monitoring and control over the electrical system, which comes standard with dual 100-Ah AGM batteries, 40-A DC-DC charger and solar connection. A 270-degree awning provides shade over the entire kitchen area on the left side, just behind the trailer.
Hardkorr Campers
The right side of the Xplorer 2.0 has two hatches that hold the batteries, saving a lot of space for luggage and equipment. This side of the trailer also features a retractable privacy tent for the outdoor shower, which is connected to the instant water heater that is also piped to the kitchen sink. Hardkorr includes both 100L and 70L fresh water tanks mounted underneath the trailer’s electro-coated aluminum body.
One of the key features of the original Xplorer carries over to the 2.0, and that’s the front chassis-mounted steps that lead up to the rooftop tent. The two large fixed steps combine with a retractable lower set that attaches to the chassis to create an entry ladder that’s easier to climb and descend than a ladder—a feature that’s sure to be appreciated when you’re having a late-night pee. Hardkorr says it’s filed a patent for this unique ladder design.
Hardkorr Campers
The retractable fabric tropical roof acts as a separate awning over the entryway, providing weather protection up to the tent. The tent itself features a spacious double-lift design around a 140cm wide (55in) double mattress.
The Xplorer 2.0 lives up to its “Hardkorr” name with a galvanized steel chassis, heavy-duty independent suspension with dual gas shock absorbers at each wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/75 R16 MT tires. It offers 50 cm (19.7 in) of ground clearance to the water tank, a 25.3-degree approach angle and a 59-degree breakover angle. Dry weight is measured at 1,300 kg (2,866 lb), leaving 900 kg (1,984 lb) of payload.
Hardkorr Campers
Hardkorr launched the Xplorer 2.0 last year and is selling it for the same AU$35,990 (about US$23,400) base price as the original Xplorer, which is still available. So the only question is, do you need to fit your off-road adventure camper into a 2m garage or not?
Good news for American RVers: Hardkorr announced its intention to sell campers in the U.S. at last year’s SEMA Show, bringing both the Xplorer and Xplorer 2.0 Shorty. The company already has a presence in the market with a variety of off-road lighting, camping, and power products and accessories, and its trailers would certainly be an interesting addition to the market, joining companies like Track Trailers and Kimberley Kampers that have made the jump from Australia to the U.S.
You can take a closer look at all the details of the Xplorer 2.0 Shorty in the clip below.
Xplorer 2.0 | Freedom on the road. Safe in the garage
Source: Hardkorr Campers