Slide-ons are a misunderstood category of camper that have had a chequered history of popularity in NZ. Slide-ons are hugely popular in the USA and Canada where big pick-ups are common.
Think of Slide-ons as the halfway between a caravan and a dedicated campervan. Slip the slide-on into the tray of your ute, lock it down, hitch the boat or toy trailer and you’re off adventuring. Arrive at your special place; you can choose slide off the slide-on [using its jacks] and use your vehicle independently.
Extreme OutDoorz Capsules are being introduced to the Kiwi market by Ron Hodgson. Now for those of you that don’t know who Ron is, he’s been in the industry for 35 years. His primary business is auto glazing, specialising in custom windows for RVs and custom vehicles. He’s also the man who did all the windows on NZMCA1. Check out NZ Mobile Motorhome & Caravan Glazing HERE
The issue with older slide-ons is their weight. A classic Hylite Stag will weigh you down 1200 kgs dry [TARE if you want to be technical]. That’s OK for an old 6 cylinder Holden HQ ute, which is what they were made for. Not so great on a modern ute that only has a payload of 900-1100 kgs. [You can of course improve your suspension with a GVM kit].
Extreme OutDoorz Capsules go a long way to solving all the issues associated with slide-ons. They tap into racing yacht composite technologies and are glass-fibre/ply clamshell construction. They weigh in at a mere 450-500kgs with a fit out installed.
The clamshell design makes for a super strong construction with superb sound and temperature insulation. Ron will be making Extreme OutDoorz Capsules available as turn-key ready, or DIY fit out options. The DIY version comes with all the basic electrics, windows and standard external fixtures. Ron; “We can customise just about anything, you visualise the combinations of colours and wrapping/signage. These days the possibilities are near endless.’
At this early stage Ron is expecting the first shipment of 11 Extreme Outdoorz Capsules in August … subject to what happens with Covid 19. The ballpark estimate for the Standard [DIY interior] is mid 30’s and the fully fitted out turnkey will be mid 60’s. We’ll keep you updated as more info comes to hand. And you can drop Ron an email at extremeoutdoorzcapsules@gmail.com