Having by now really embraced the camping and caravanning lifestyle, it was with the glee of two kids at Christmas that we eagerly handed over our ticket stubs at the doors of the 2019 Camp & Destination show earlier this year. Although we had explicitly agreed that this was purely research based and under no circumstances were we to buy anything, we both knew we each secretly harboured an ulterior motive: to convince each other to buy a new caravan.
See, we already knew that we wanted the new Invader Quattro and we had a plethora of reasons why we should trade in our 2009 Conqueror. Some of the more pressing issues on the list included not fitting into our standard garage, even if you let the tires down. It was darned heavy to tow and seemed to billow like a sail behind the car, which turned awesome road trips into harrowing nail-biting family affairs. It had suspicious bubbling under the paint that looked remarkably like the beginnings of rust. Added to this, my 6 foot 4 husband had to contort himself like a pretzel to enter the doorway and let's not mention exactly just how far his feet dangled off that rock-hard bed.
Armed with our list of ‘don’t wants’ the two of us swarmed the Invader stand trying to play it cool whilst peppering the salesmen with questions like “What does it weigh? How does it tow? What does it come with? What is the warranty? What are its measurements?”. We then proceeded to make ourselves at home testing out the beds, sitting on the seats and opening every available door. A process that we came back to repeat at least 4 times throughout the day, asking all the questions we had forgotten to ask the previous three times.
With its galvanized ladder-type chassis including auto reverse coupler with 2000kg rated run-in brake capacity, 10 Blade leaf sprint system, 1800kg rated solid axle, 3 x 15” 6 stud rims with 245xR15 a/t tyres, 250mm removable heavy-duty jockey wheel, removable lifting leg, 2 x quick release rear support struts, 100 litre chassis mounted water tank and 2 pole boxes this trailer was starting to tick all the boxes.
The body has a seamless and flexible laminated fibre glass with colour impregnation, including 2 Jerry can brackets, a large nose cone box with side doors and a fridge slider, a 3kg gas bottle and bracket, an exterior hot water shower, a slide out stove unit with a 2 plate stainless steel hob, a kitchen with a microwave & Teflon working surfaces with a slide out double basin.
The electrics include a 220v 3 point all weather exterior multi-plug and an interior 3 point plug with a 2 point euro socket, 2 interior 12 volt DC sockets and 3 exterior, 1 x 105 amp deep cycle battery, a 30amp PBE battery charging system, a solar charge regulator – solar ready, a pressure pump system, gas and electric geyser.
The interior cupboards are hot foil wrapped marine ply fitted with a vanity basin, beds included a standard double and a ¾ with high density foam mattresses, industrial wood finish flooring, 2 seating areas and a removable cassette toilet.
The canvas tent offers windows with mosquito netting and all-weather coverings, side awnings and zip on rear and front awnings, a reflector sheet and a large exterior patio area with side walls (added extra).
Measurements of 4450 length when closed, 5400 length when open, 1800 high when closed, 2700 high when open, 1880 wide, with a 1500 GVM, 860 Tare and 640 payload.
Right off the bat the Quattro eliminated some of the toughest concerns on our list: It was low enough and skinny enough to fit into a standard garage, my husband could access the inside without needing to stoop and it was going to be chalk and cheese when comparing weights and tow-a-bility.
We left that show as the proud owners of a new green Invader Quattro that we lovingly nicknamed The Hulk.
So now that we actually own one...Did it live up to all our lofty expectations? Yes, without doubt. Here is what the specs don't tell you:
This off road trailer turns into a very spacious caravan once setup. It is easy and quick to setup and take down - we are always the first of our friends to crack open a beer on day 1 and the first done with the tedious packing up at home time. It is bright and airy and has ample space inside for 4 people. The cupboard space allows each family member to have their own cupboard and still have loads of cupboard space left over for extras. There is more interior counter space than we know what to do with. The beds are genuinely comfortable and don't require a second foam mattress. The fridge space is huge so you won't need to downsize your fridge freezer combo that you love so much. The fridge opening is separated from the interior, so you don't land up with a gaping hole for creepy crawlies, mozzies and monkeys to use as a thoroughfare. The kitchen area is well thought out and offers ample lighting and counter space, there is a pantry and plenty of additional storage space. When towing we don't even feel it behind the car and it seems to fit within our slipstream - making road trips the relaxed and enjoyable affairs we always dreamed they would be.
Would we recommend the Invader Quattro? Without a doubt. Technically the trailer is outstanding and from an aftermarket and community point of view you cannot fault the Invader family.
Added to all that, it is with an extra ounce of pride that we setup camp each time amidst questions from curious onlookers who want to know "is it a trailer or a caravan?". We like to think it is a little bit of both.
