AOR Sierra Review

After 4500 kilometers of mainly unsealed and unmade four wheel drive only roads in Australia's hottest and harshest outback in a brand new Australian Off Road Sierra camper trailer I provide an honest review of the camper. January temperatures exceeding 45' Celsius, more than 50mm rain in an hour and stuck in a blinding dust storm with winds exceeding 100kph travelling and camping in the Sierra was a real test. Hear what I liked and what let the camper down. An absolute must to see before buying a camper van.

[@kimberleyfleming6739]

A fantastic informative and honest video. Thank you

[@jcv551]

Great honest review as always.👍 thanks for sharing.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it. John

[@dorastewart3975]

Thanks for the good report.

[@nickdanne7270]

Great honest review

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Nick, hope it was helpful, John

[@spudboy1328]

Great honest review! The good and the bad!

[@spudboy1328]

Just finished watching to the end. Impressive build let down by a few things here and there. We've got a Mk5 TVan, and like the AOR it's not perfect, but it's pretty damn good.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi David , Thanks for watching. I must say those TVans look really good.!

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi David, Thanks for watching. I must say those TVans look really good!

[@Scott-ot7yl]

Good review! I don't own one but I am familiar with it. Personally I think airbags are a must! Having owned a few different trailers ( yes small offroad ones) over the years with them, I'd never buy a trailer again without them. Makes leveling a breeze. you got lucky with your level campsites:).

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Scott. Yep i probably don't know what I am missing. Good comment I cant disagree with you.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

Great review John; this has made me lean more towards Hitch Campers & paying the hefty price tag 🏷️

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi James, sorry bit slow getting back to you. Glad you found it useful and thank you for commenting. John

[@iandibley8032]

A comprehensive report John, I would take that ladder back to AOR and see what can be done they are quite reasonable to deal with.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Ian , will do.

[@Camh1968]

@@cannyoutdoors hi Can you please list the components you used to assemble that portable water outlet you made up? Cameron

[@shaneangelo3851]

Hi John, thanks the detailed and candid review. Generally I like the design choices made but my wife and I are a bit concerned about the comfort factor of the bunker. We haven't been able to see one due to shows being cancelled, so it's very difficult to get a feel for the size. I am 6ft and similar build to yourself, my wife 5'9 and we're fairly fit. What concerns us is how much of a struggle is it to get in and out (ladder woes aside), sit up in bed to read a book and to roll over and move about. My wife is concerned that the bunker style may be too claustrophobic for us. We do camp in cold environments that can get down to single digit negatives at night so the condensation is a concern for us. It would be great if you could do an overview of the sleeping quarters.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Shane, I understand your concerns, we had the same but were able to actually see one first. The mattress is standard double bed size 1900X1360 and very comfy. My partner insisted I have the wall side and neither of us have felt claustrophobic although I have used Swags in the past. We seem to be able sleep ok and roll over without too much trouble.The height seems adequate to sit up and read and get changed in a pinch but you and your wife are a little bit taller than we are (5'10 and 5'4'). We always leave the back door open,screen closed,and the rear window in the annex allows for an open feeling and better airflow.Also the annex is where we get changed (and the dog sleeps) I certainly wouldn''t worry about being cold, it is really well insulated more of a concern is the hotter weather. We struggled a bit on those really hot nights. As for access, it is the weak point. I have built a new ladder (I'll send picture) but its a bit of a struggle getting in and out, that's for sure. Specially if you need a visit to the loo at 3am! I can't comment on the condensation as we have only been in the warm areas but I think (in the cold) I would be putting a condensation mat underneath the mattress as is necessary in most RTT. In summary its cosy , its certainly safe if you want to lock yourself in but it is a camping experience so you have to climb in and out and it can be hot. So consider that and the double mattress size (you can't hang your legs out the side) and make sure you will be ok with that size before you commit. Hope this helps in your decision making. We do love ours. John

[@claytonharrison5707]

Gr8 review. Well done.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Clayton, much appreciated.John

[@TYZR4ME]

Great Video!!!

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Erick, Glad you enjoyed it I appreciate your comment. John

[@aussie_sol]

Hay mate just watched your video great info on the van. Reference fuel cartage try looking at a fuel bladder. We use a 150l one and it is brilliant less than 5kg when empty. I do not own an AOR. But I swap it between my vehicles and trailers

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks, great idea, I'll check it out. John

[@cannyoutdoors]

Great idea, I'll check it out. Thanks for watching the vid!

[@brucesmith5245]

Thanks for the great review, I have the ZR version with that same ladder! Like you its the only negative of the trailer + the fridge slide proximity to the door - I also strap it open. I will do a review one day as well, have the videos but haven't posted yet. Very happy with my purchase. I think the ladder will be used to make aluminum sinkers.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Bruce, Aluminium sinkers... good idea!!

[@Camh1968]

Hi Bruce. I have the ZR as well. Can you recommend any tips and traps for making this camper even better? Cameron

[@brucesmith5245]

@@Camh1968 Hi Cameron, congrats on the purchase. I think a lot depends on how you use the camper, by that I mean how long you are away for and how remote. If tripping for extended periods the additional water tank is a must. The shower / toilet tent would be handy addition as well. I have the swing out version ordered with AOR. I don't use the camper as much as Id like but if I was using it more and shorter stays I'd upgrade the roof top tent (RTT) to an electric one - like a Bundu Top. Expensive but the ease of set up pack up is fantastic. Ive added a mattress topper as the mattress that came with the RTT was just a bit too slim. Once set up there is heaps of room in the RTT. I was going to upgrade the 2.5m x 2.5m pull out side awning to a 270 degree Supa Peg, but have decided against that - I think they come too far forward so you either jack knife the tow vehicle or disconnect the trailer so you have room to drop the front peg, not a big deal I suppose. I have decided to buy a larger pull out awning - 3m along the vehicle and 2.5m pull out. This way the awning covers the fridge better + I've ordered 2 x side walls for it. This will give more shade as the sun moves around, I still haven't ordered the 3x2.5m awning, grey ones are hard to come by at the moment..... From memory the 270 degree awnings only come out 2m, which equates to about 1.7m from the side of the trailer. I don't think you gain much with these, plus they weigh more. I haven't done it yet, but the ladder will have to be replaced. I have purchased a 2kw inverter, not installed yet but on the list. Once again it depends on how you use it, so this may not be of interest. I would like to put a tap on the draw bar to wash hands, this would save opening up the kitchen door and sliding the sink out, may be one day. I do wonder if I should upgrade the jockey wheel, it looks like it wants to collapse when moving the trailer around. I'm not worried about the rear flimsy legs, I haven't actually used them. There must be too much weight at the front to tip up because Ive tried to tip it up and it didn't budge. Depending on the tow vehicle you might need towing mirrors, I'm towing with Jeep GC and next time I will get a pair. The first trip I did - about 4,000km I didn't use them and got by but won't do that again. I bought a gas hot water system, great for hot showers. I just put a stick in the box section below the roof rack and hang it off there. Next time it wont be so risque, Ill have the shower tent. I should up load my review as well, before my next trip. Any how Cameron, hope this helps. I'm interested to know how your rig is set up and how you have found it.

[@brucesmith5245]

I forgot to mention - I replaced the fridge slide with a smaller lower profile single one. The Bushman fridge I have wouldn't fit due to its height, no issues with the slide banging into the door anymore either.

[@Camh1968]

@@brucesmith5245 Thanks Bruce. Very thoughtful response. Thank you very much. I never thought about those issues with the 270 awning but you are dead right. That will now sway my thoughts into no longer pursuing one - but instead go down the same path you have with the straight pull out awning. Great idea on the small fridge slide out. I got the double slide out and now probably regret it for the same reasons you have highlighted :-(. I have not bought any HWS system (yet) but I bought the factory 'TACX' thing. Have not used it yet (nor the whole camper) looks cheap and nasty :-). But, I think it may have to come off any way for our planned installed of the bundutec RTT. We went full hog on the electrics with 2K inverter, 300 amph lithium batteries, etc. I hope it will come in handy one day 🙂 We did something unique on the kitchen pull out slide. We elected to not to have any cut out for the 'plastic sink' - and now have 1 x solid top piece of SS tray with the tap moved much further toward the side wall of the trailer. We think it will provide a much more workable footprint. I had the extended drawbar and the ARK 750 jockey wheel installed. I like those changes alot, although I am keen to learn just how much extra drawbar i got with the extra dollars I paid?? Do you have standard or extended drawbar? I got the second water tank. Chose my own wheelset (Bridgestone ATs). Too many scary stories on the factory cheapies... I also got all cupboard doors hinged by SS wire lanyards - great deck space. I have not yet fitted a fridge, still procrastinating on that one... I also got additional lighting for inside the kitchen space. I bought this camper with a very long term view and use it maybe when the dust settles on COVID and fuel, etc... so I'm in no rush to use it. Where are you based? Cameron

[@justin40009]

Hi mate great review I get mind in April how did you find the power? Did you upgrade your batteries 300 amps?

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Justin, Bet you can't wait. No I didn't upgrade for two reasons. Firstly I am not running anything other than the standard lights ,fan and charging points so I figured 150 would be plenty as I am more of a traveler than a 'camp in one spot' person so the car (so far ) has easily kept the charge up and I have not yet needed to use my 200w folding solar. Secondly, I figured upgrading is a fairly simple process if I need to , there is room for a second battery. Of course if you are considering an inverter (for whatever purpose) then an upgrade is probably necessary. Congrats on your purchase love to see a pic when it arrives. John

[@justin40009]

@@cannyoutdoors thanks mate 👍

[@kylemowbray8840]

Hey mate great video I work at AOR in the sierra bay would love a list of any problems they have changed a little bit but I can speak to Tom about making any changes

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Kyle, thanks for your comment on the video. It's a great

[@cannyoutdoors]

Its a great van and certainly well built. I find the two main problems are access via the rear ladder as discussed in the vid and there is a real problem in accessing the roof. I have been thinking about trying to solve this with some sort of purpose made ladder as I take my life in my hands scrambling up the front to get on the roof. I love the Sierra and other issues and improvements that I would recommend are minor (but probably important) and I would prefer to email those to you rather list them here. If you want to contact me via email (I'm sure AOR have my details)'I would be happy to provide my feedback on this great van. John

[@Camh1968]

Hi. From 9.28 - you describe the built up water tap assembly you constructed. Can you please list each component (with specification) so that I can replicate this tap assembly for my ZR? Thank you Cameron

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Cameron, I just posted a video on my channel on the details you wanted. Thought it was the simplest way. Hope its helpful. John

[@Camh1968]

@@cannyoutdoors thanks John

[@V8LC100]

you need to lift the stabiliser leg up slightly with one hand, and then pull the pins out with the other.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Yes you are spot on. Took it in for a service and that's the first thing they said. However in my case it still did not unlock. When i picked it up they told me to keep it well lubricated with Inox. I had resisted this thinking it might just attract more dust. The Inox seems to be working but soon heading outback to the dusty roads so that will be the test. Thanks for watching and your advice. John John

[@ausguy4385]

Some truck flaps on end of the stone guard pole is need they are too narrow for that ranger. The tyres are wider then rear bumper.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi, Thanks for your comment. Maybe Stone Stomper can make it to suit. John

[@markrockliff2742]

Could you make a dust cover for the jackes?

[@cannyoutdoors]

Good idea, I have seen some people just adding a rubber flap to the front. Just back from a big 5000km trip and didn't take the van off so didn't need them, but I dread to think how they would have been as it was so dusty. Check out the Grenadier videos. Thanks for your interest and suggestion, John

[@adamo2332]

How much did it cost?

[@cannyoutdoors]

I think they are about 50k these days, but need to check on their website , Thanks for watching, John

[@glenwillson5073]

Looks solid and well put together and I'm sure the suspension is very good and more than up to the job. But apart from that, it is very poorly designed for the price - even at half the price. No wind break for the stove. Sounds like the stove could be better quality also. 60 litre watertank on an outback camper - really? No external tap. (should always be gravity tap in case of electrical failure). No gerrycan holders. Hot, cramped, stuffy, almost airless interior. (I know it's a camper not a caravan but come on). Low opening boot lid. Weak shower set up (yes, there is at least one better one on the market). Poor quality ladder. Pod is an option - $$$$$? Rear window on pod, another option - $$$$$? For the price, everything mentioned in this review should be included as standard and be of high quality. It appears AOR really went out of their way to squeeze every last dollar of profit out of this unit by skimping on just about everything.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Thanks Glen, Yes, I can't disagree as I made all those points in the video. Be great if we could find the perfect one (or close to it) but it seems vans, campers and certainly vehicles all seem to be a comprise in today's world. I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching. John

[@garytaylor7041]

Great review but AOR are so over priced

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Gary, yes it seems hard to fathom at times the cost of these vans. But so far I seem to be getting my moneys worth. Seems unless we go for the imports we have to grin(grimace) and bear it! Thanks for your comment John

[@pauliboy2011]

Won't be buying one of these, not at the price it is.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Hi Paul, Yep there is a limit that's for sure.

[@zip-tv_]

Electric cooking way to go.

[@cannyoutdoors]

Yes, seems to becoming more and more of an option. Of course you can't beat the campfire but it's not always possibe. Thanks for your comment. John