Patriot Campers Launches Finke Edition Supertourer at SEMA 2024
Built for Adventure with Race-Bred Engineering and Off-Road Excellence
Patriot Campers has unveiled their all-new Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition on the Toyota USA booth at SEMA 2024. This special edition off-road camping trailer was inspired by Australia’s iconic Finke Desert Race and designed to conquer the most challenging terrains. With a decade of off-road racing and touring expertise behind its development, the Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition combines rugged performance, cutting-edge engineering, and
Patriot Campers Partners with Automotive Leader
Patriot Campers has partnered with Toyota USA, a leading global powerhouse in the automotive industry, to launch the Finke Edition at SEMA 2024. This partnership not only highlights the innovative spirit of both brands but also emphasizes the significance of debuting a product of this caliber on such a prestigious platform. Justin Monteslavo, CEO & Founder of Patriot Campers spoke on how this partnership with Toyota USA all came about. “I needed a catalyst to get this project started, and the invitation from Toyota USA provided just that. It was just, all hands on deck to make this creation happen. And once again, the pride in the business, to be put on the worldwide stage with a brand like Toyota USA and to get that recognition from the global industry, I think that sums up what this design is really all about.”
THE “FINKE EDITION” CONCEPT
According to Montesalvo, the connection between off-road touring and racing has shaped every aspect of the company’s approach to designing their trailers. “The synergy between off-road touring and off-road racing has always been clear to me,” says Montesalvo. “Whether I’m travelling with a Patriot Camper or racing my 800-horsepower trophy truck through the desert, the feeling of remoteness and adventure is the same. Both activities test your limits and your gear in equal measure.” For Montesalvo, the turning point in his passion for both off-road touring and racing came during his first experience at the Finke Desert Race , an annual event held in the Northern Territory. “That trip out to the desert changed everything,” he recalls. “I was in my twenties, and it was my first time seeing the vastness of the outback coupled with the raw power of off-road race cars blasting through the desert. That’s when my passion for remote touring and racing collided, and from that, Patriot Campers was born.”
ENGINEERING INNOVATION INSIPIRED BY RACING
The Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition is the culmination of everything Patriot Campers has learned from their extensive involvement in off-road racing. Montesalvo describes how the lessons learned from racing have been applied to the trailer’s design: “We’ve faced the same challenges in our race cars that we face with our campers – keeping dust out, preventing chassis cracks, and maximising suspension performance. What we’ve learned from the track directly informs what we build for off-road touring.”This limited edition trailer incorporates advanced suspension and braking systems , designed in collaboration with leading off-road companies like Fox Racing and Method Wheels . The suspension, developed with Fox Racing, provides 150mm of travel and features adjustable compression for fine-tuning the trailer’s ride based on the terrain. “You can stiffen the valving when you’re on the highway, and then soften it for more articulation when you hit the rough stuff,” Montesalvo explains. Wilwood disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power, ensuring the trailer performs as well when slowing down as it does when tackling difficult terrain. “Braking is crucial, especially in tough conditions, and the Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition offers the best braking performance in the industry,” says Montesalvo.
DESIGN THAT FUSSES FUNCTION AND LUXURY
While the Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition excels in performance, it also delivers on luxury and design. Inside, the trailer features premium materials typically reserved for high-end sports cars. Black Alcantara lines the interior, chosen not only for its lightweight properties but also for its durability and sleek appearance. “This material has been on my wish list from the start. It offers the lightweight, race-inspired look we were after while maintaining durability,” Montesalvo adds. The exterior of the trailer is finished with the classic white and green colour scheme , a nod to Patriot Campers’ roots in off-road racing. The wrap is designed to accentuate the aerodynamic lines of the trailer, while real carbon fibre details add a sophisticated edge. “Every element, from the decals to the use of carbon fibre, has been chosen to reduce weight and improve performance without compromising on the rugged aesthetic that Patriot Campers is known for.”
LIMITED EDITION CRAFTMANSHIP
The Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition is not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of Patriot Campers’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in off-road camping. Montesalvo believes this model represents the pinnacle of what the company can achieve. “This is the ultimate expression of everything we’ve learned over the past decade. The Finke Edition isn’t for everyone – it’s for those who want the best of the best. It’s a statement piece, both in its performance and its design.”
Production of the Supertourer™ ST5 Finke Edition will be limited, with the first model set to be displayed at SEMA and in the Patriot Campers Las Vegas showroom in the United States for 12 months before being returned to Australia. “Build number one is coming back to my garage,” Montesalvo says proudly.
ABOUT THE ST5 SUPERTOURER
The Patriot Campers Supertourer™ ST5 is a 5.2-metre, 1,750kg off-road camper that combines lightweight construction with advanced off-road technology. Featuring the revolutionary Trinamic™ suspension system , the ST5 offers 250mm of travel and is equipped with 33” off-road tyres, expandable to 35” for those seeking maximum capability.
The ST5 includes a luxurious interior with a fold-out Queen-sized bed , an indoor bathroom , and an outdoor kitchen inspired by Patriot’s award-winning X Range. The camper is designed with more than 1,500L of storage , including a roof-mounted Exorack system and a service locker that houses all serviceable components in one easy-to-access location.
With 800 watts of solar panels lining the automated roof, and 460Ah of lithium batteries to power all onboard systems, the ST5 is designed for off-the-grid adventures. The wet-dry bathroom system , ample storage, and beautifully appointed interior make it not only functional but incredibly comfortable.
Like all Patriot Campers, the ST5 is built for extreme conditions, offering off-road performance without sacrificing the comfort and style expected from the brand. Whether you’re tackling Australia’s toughest terrain or embarking on long-haul adventures, the ST5 Supertourer™ is the ultimate camper for those who demand the best.
