The Dingo is fairly heavy at 1440kg tare (1990kg ATM), but that doesn’t mean it can’t cut it on a rough and rugged road with the best of them. This camper took everything in its stride, its independent coil sprung suspension with shocks and 16in tyres walking over the gnarled rocks and deep, water-filled holes we encountered with cautious ease. The galvanized chassis is strong, and is backed up by a five-year structural warranty. The 360-degree McHitch off-road coupling handled the articulation well, while the camper’s excellent clearance kept the business end high and dry.
It may be optional, but we appreciated Skamper’s easy-use Touring Awning, which looked the goods above the kitchen. This awning is a three pole set-up that zips easily onto the side of the camper – a process that takes only minutes – or can be left attached and flipped over the canvas roof during pack-up. It’s so simple to use and an options box I’d highly recommend ticking.
Beneath the awning, the kitchen is comprised of three slides: one containing the sink, stove and working bench space; another for a fridge of up to 90L (we were running a 60L Engel on this trip) and a third for pantry storage. The Dingo doesn’t come with a fridge, which of course helps keep the price down and allows you to make use of an existing fridge, should you happen to have one.
The majority of the interior is taken up by an enormous, U-shaped dinette that would comfortably seat four or more adults. This folds down to become a second bed, sort of a square-shaped double that would comfortably sleep two or three kids. The sidewall between the dinette and kitchen outside then rolls up to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living area, facilitating conversation between whoever is cooking and the rest of the party - a nice touch in our opinion.
There may not be too many bells and whistles, but for a camper of just $18,000 the Dingo has a surprising air of quality about it.
The Skamper Kamper Dingo is priced at $18,000.