Good things come in small packages, or so they say. But there’s no denying that one of the most appealing things about hybrid vans is the lateral thinking involved. Typically, they have a much smaller on-road footprint in comparison to a full caravan, and therefore the manufacturer is required to get creative in order to provide all the comforts and conveniences in a van of anywhere from 13 to 15ft, or even less. The Mars Campers 15 Premium is a good example.
With its 15ft length, this single-axle hybrid employs a couple of common tricks to maximise internal living space, while also offering a suite of useful storage options. The result: a compact van that punches above its weight in terms of living and storage space.
But that doesn’t mean it skimps on other essential features. In fact, the ‘Premium’ in the name refers to the fact this Mars 15 was fitted with the company’s top-end features pack for this van.
MARS CAMPERS 15: A WELL-BALANCED TRAILER
Now, this isn’t the highest-riding camper on the tracks. But as we discovered as we hauled it around our offroad track, which included undulations of varying sizes and a couple of hills with sharp drop-offs, the rear cutaway, while not too aggressive, made all the difference. The van may have scraped at the rear if not for that 23-degree departure angle. When it comes to offroad caravans, the rear departure angle is sometimes overlooked by manufacturers, so that alone is a tick in this van’s favour. It really does help.
Riding on independent coil suspension with Pedders shock absorbers and springs, the Mars 15 Premium appeared to be a well-balanced trailer. The DO35 coupling was certainly put to good use one some of the obstacles.
It shouldn’t take more than five minutes to do the basic set-up of this camper. If you haven’t seen this style of van before, the rear spare wheel carrier (two spares are included) drops down to give you access to the rear wall area. Simply undo some clips, lift the lid, lower the floor, and fold out the side walls. Each piece of aluminium locks together, creating internal room for the mattress. It isn’t a new design concept, but Mars does it well.
The nearside gets a lot of equipment. There’s a rear slide-out kitchen made of stainless steel. Complete with a four-burner cooktop and a sink with plumbed hot and cold water, the kitchen just requires you to fold out a couple of legs and it’s good to go. Further, Mars Campers has included a generous pantry system recessed into the nearside wall.
There’s a range of other decent storage options on the nearside, including a slide-out tray to suit a portable fridge. I particularly liked the storage system incorporating two side-out baskets – the locker door also acts as a fold-down picnic table – quite clever. On the drawbar, Mars Campers has included a generous storage system incorporating three separate compartments, one of which is for the gas cylinders.
Moving to the offside, you’ll find an external shower, but being the Premium model, Mars has fitted an ensuite tent which simply rolls up into its storage bag attached to the side when not in use. And yes, there’s also a shower indoors!
On the 12V front, the Mars Campers 15 Premium fares quite well. It has two 200Ah lithium batteries, 600W worth of roof-mounted solar, a 30A mains charger, a Projecta PM400 power management system, and a 2000W Enerdrive inverter. For the majority of travellers, that system should be adequate. Further, the water capacity on this camper is on part with what some full-size caravans offer: two 120L tanks for a total of 240L. A 75L grey water tank is provided too.
Built on a 6in hot-dipped-galvanised chassis with aluminium frame, composite alloy panels with a baked enamel finish, and a healthy supply of checkerplate, the Mars 15 Premium also has 12in brakes on 16in alloy wheels, rear recovery points rated to 4.75 tonnes, automotive seals on all external lockers doors, and even a couple of jerry can holders.
DECEPTIVELY SPACIOUS
The fold-out rear bed system is the key to making the interior work. The pop-top roof, which lifts in the usual way, obviously adds head room, but it’s the bed that makes the trailer liveable. Truth is, this camper feels significantly more spacious on the inside than what its physical dimensions might suggest. The layout for this style of camper is a little different too.
Obviously, there’s the rear bed. But the front incorporates a wrap-around lounge on a raised platform, while the kitchen sits amidships on the nearside. That leaves the angled bathroom cubicle, complete with cassettes toilet, shaving cabinet and hand-held shower hose, not to mention the very generous wardrobe system aft of it.
While there’s a version of this camper available in a 13ft format, this 15-footer provides that little extra space to allow for things such as a small internal kitchen with a two-burner stove and sink. That gives you the option to cook indoors and out – not always a given with hybrids, which often only provide external cooking options.
On that note, there is no internal fridge, so you will be relying on your portable unit, so get a good one of at least 80L.
Mars has centralised the various 12V controls and other switches in one overhead locker. As is often the case with hybrids, it gets a control panel that allows you to isolate the various 12V circuits and turn them on and off as needed. This is where you’ll also find things like the switch for the Truma UltraRapid hot water service, not to mention the sound system.
SUMMING UP
Is the Mars Campers 15 the best and most extensively equipped hybrid on the market? No. But it is a very good example of a value-for-money rig that covers all the bases and more. A good hybrid maximises living and storage space in clever ways, and Mars has definitely ticked that box with the 15 Premium. It has a terrific layout for a hybrid, and should manage well on offroad terrain (within reason, of course). It is definitely an interesting, appealing unit – no wonder it is one of the most popular models in Mars’ range.
WEIGHTS
Tare: 2450kg (approx)
ATM: 3000kg
Unladen ball weight: 200kg (approx)
