These days it isn’t common to see something get both better and less expensive, but Patriot Campers has managed to do that with their recently announced GEN3 X1, the latest incarnation of their flagship X1 camper trailer. Introductory pricing starts at $54,000 US ($57,900 AUS), down remarkably from the GEN2 base price of $73,000 US ($74,900 AUS).
Despite the significant reduction in price, there is a lengthy list of improvements available in the new model when compared to its predecessor. That list starts with a newly re-designed chassis and body. Both components were jointly developed, drawing upon their experience optimizing their Supertourer line, from which they developed their Rigilite chassis. Patriot has mated the next evolution of its chassis design to a structural aluminum body for the GEN3. The trailer is assembled with a weldless structural assembly process they’ve dubbed Aerojoin that cuts both weight and fabrication overhead while avoiding some of the structural shortcomings of heated welds.
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The new Trinamic Core suspension is a major departure from the previous generation’s dual-shock airbag design. The new system uses a triangulated radius-arm layout married to a set of coilover shocks providing 200mm of suspension travel, a design that draws heavily from off-road racing suspension. For those looking to push the platform further, Patriot Campers has an adjustable remote reservoir option as well. The trailer is designed to accommodate up to 35-inch tires.
With the top-down redesign of the camper comes a significant weight cut while retaining the platform’s off-road armor. The Gen 2 had a tare (dry) weight of 2,492 lbs. in its base configuration. The Gen 3 cuts that down to an impressive 1,973 lbs., correspondingly increasing its payload capacity to 1,323 lbs., a nearly 30% increase over its huskier predecessor.
At the top of the trailer is a structural lid that opens with an electrically operated mechanism that operates without manual force. The lid reveals a spacious tent that offers a full queen-sized high-density foam mattress. The tent has LED lighting, accessory ports, and large ventilation windows, in addition to an array of internal pockets for organizing your gear overnight. An optional diesel heater is available in addition to bot both a change room and a multi-room extension for additional comfort and flexibility.
On the hinge side of the clamshell tent structure is a large, LED-lit 270 awning that shelters the kitchen and barbecue area at the side and back of the trailer. The L-shaped kitchen includes a stainless-steel prep area, camp stove, sink, and a pantry storage area. The slide-out fridge is positioned around the corner. The trailer can be optioned with a Weber grill on a swing-away arm to provide more cooking options.
A 100-amp-hour lithium smart battery powers the trailer through an IQ100 battery monitor. The system can be extensively customized with an optional 400-watt solar panel, second battery, and inverter. All of the electrical components are readily accessible for servicing through a large access panel. A variety of thoughtful and utilitarian touches round out the trailer. The front of the trailer features a front wood rack for lashing firewood to the exterior, and the rear of the unit has a large storage slide that stores in the large, open body of the trailer for storing bulky equipment. Two small storage areas at the rear fenders provide a ventilated place to store wet items. Additionally, the trailer is equipped with a PCOR dust reduction system that actively provides positive pressure to the interior of the trailer to greatly reduce dust ingress.
The GEN3 X1 is available now in four colors, including the Wildfire Orange that has already become a de facto favorite.
