Balancing Form And Function

GT Campers was founded in 2012 by MJ and Elmien Fitchet after they could not find an off-road trailer that fulfilled their camping vehicle wish list.

What MJ and Elmien finally created is an off-road trailer concept that was never before seen in South Africa.

The biggest design element which sets the Libra (and it’s smaller brother the Spider) apart from traditional off-road trailers, is the roof that folds open to form a hard floor for the tent area, which is permanently attached to the trailer.

The combination of an interior with a luxurious feel and the rugged go-anywhere exterior provides a good balance between comfort and capability. So it’s maybe very appropriate that the trailer is called Libra – the seventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, which is symbolised by the scales.

SETTING UP

GT Campers says the trailer can be set up in less than two minutes, which is probably true if you are familiar with the vehicle and have someone to help you.

Once you’ve parked your Libra in the resort (or anywhere in the bush, since it’s a fully off-road-capable unit), you start by moving the spare wheel that’s situated at the back of the trailer on an arm, to the side.

Lower the front of the trailer as far as possible with the jockey wheel to lift the rear, which ensures that the corner steadies will not hit the ground when opening the trailer.

Release the four latches on the sides and lift the trailer roof to the back of the unit, which is easy to do, thanks to gas struts.

As the roof flips open, it creates your interior floor, and starts propping up the tent.

Now you have step on the rear end of the floor (in the middle) until the rear legs touch the ground. Once the tent is open, but not yet fully set up, it’s a good time to wind the jockey wheel up until the trailer is level and all the corner steadies are firmly on the ground.