CAOS TOUGH TESTED Paramount Micro Outback
Paramount’s Micro Outback is packed tight with features for a family on the loose.
IT LOOKED like our expert driver Jamie Hazelden was having a fun, fat time swinging the Paramount Micro Outback around the time trial course behind the Chev. And, later, the bloke from Canterbury Caravans who brought it along, Ian Sadler, seemed to be smiling even more as he arrived between the finish-line flags after the dust, bumps, splashes and sand of the mega test! Smiles always bodes well for a rig’s stability and handling and in the case of the Micro Outback, it was stable and sharp.
Fit for four
Micro is not a term used too often around caravans but in this case, it’s a model name that evokes the space-efficiency that is a priority for many aiming for remote area travel. It’s even more surprising when mentioned in relation to a four-berth family rig.
“We’re really happy with how the layout is and the space this has got for a family,” says Sadler of the Micro Outback. “Many compact vans feel like you’re on top of each other.”
Stepping in from the front-mid door the main/double bed is to the left, with the two lucky kids’ stacked bunks in the off-side rear corner adjacent to the combined toilet/shower.
In between, of course, is the kitchen/lounge area equipped with travelling essentials of 3/1 burner stove and 190-litre Dometic compressor fridge and a bench seat/table combo… but we reckon one kid will ‘dibs’ mum ’n’ dad’s bed to sit on at dinner time!
Outside under the awning–predictably where most families will probably spend most of their time when travelling–there’s a slide-out three-burner BBQ unit, complete with cutlery storage and a handy second sink. Good stuff.
200Ah lithium
The Micro Outback is constructed from composite panels over a timber frame. The chassis uses a Cruisemaster XT Coil 2800kg independent assembly and this one was fitted with ALKO stability control. Off-grid hardware includes a Projecta-managed lithium battery pack, 190 litres of water (with 100L grey) and a simple old-school lockable storage box behind the two 9kg gas bottles on the drawbar.
Paramount appears to have done a good job with body and chassis protection with all-round chequerplate on the lower body sides, rock sliders at the body’s edge and a traditional front stone guard/mudflap frame.
On the Tracks
With the Micro Outback sitting pretty at onset, Jamie hit the gas on the Time Trial Track to come within striking distance to the Ezytrail’s Week 2 top score.
Similarly, Ian found the ride on the Mega Test Track so pleasing, he almost took a wrong turn! A quick stop and a time penalty later, he returned, settling for a more measured, confident approach to the crossing that later served him in the wombat holes. On the sand and in the hill climb, Ian picked up the pace. …was it the right decision? See for yourself the results below.
TIME RESULTS
Challenge Penalties TIME (tot)
TIME TRIAL 1:29
TEST TRACK +00:15s 8:30
DRIVER BANNER
Ian Sadler
Canterbury Caravans general manager Ian Sadler tows this new Paramount Micro Outback, designed for the Mega Test Track course. Ian’s new to off-road vanning but is certainly eager. Let’s see how he goes!
CONTACTS
Canterbury Caravans
Website: https://canterburycaravans.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyCaravans
Dimensions
Full length : 7800mm including extended A-frame
Body length : 5200mm
Travel height : 3100 including air con
Tare : 2190kg
ATM : 2800 kg
Ball weight : 160 kg at tare weight
Off-road
Body construction Composite cladding with Meranti timber frame
Chassis 6x2in with 2in Riser, galv. chassis, Rock Sliders
Suspension Cruisemaster XT coil 2800kg
Coupling DO35
Brakes 12in drum brakes with DSC stability sway control
Wheels/tyres 16in alloy wheels with 265/75 tyres
Stone guard Undercarriage pipe protection with front stone guard
A-frame gear Front tool box, stone guard & A-frame tap
Comforts
Cooking 3 gas 1 electric with grill
Ext. kitchen K3 slide-out kitchen with 3 gas, sink to hot & cold taps
Refrigeration Dometic RUC6408 190L compressor
Ablutions Shower-toilet combo
Bedding 2 bunks 6ft 2in x 2ft 6in and queen 6ft 2in x 5ft
Dining Straight lounge with table to bed Conversion
Hot water 28L Swift gas/electric
Climate 3 x Sirocco fans with Gree air conditioner
Rev. camera Safety Dave
Dust reduction system ARL dust reduction
Bike rack Grips Sports 2 bike carrier
Off-the-grid
Water 2 x 95 ltr fresh with 100 ltr grey water
Battery/BMS Projector PM300 with 500 Amp Shunt, 200 Ah lithium battery
Solar 3 x 180 watt solar panels
Gas bottle/holders 2 x 9kg gas bottles
Diesel optional
Jerry can/holders optional
Price (as shown) Drive away $109,990
