Overview
To Tough Tested, Arctic brings the Glacier 14 TS, jammed pack with comforts and automation, reflecting shifting trends the competitive hybrid market.
The Arctic Glacier 14 TS is a solid off-road pop-top hybrid caravan designed for two in a twin singles format seen here or with optional king size bed, delivering comfort and off-grid capability in a compact package.
| 🏜️ Sand Dunes | ⛰️ Rocky Climbs | 〰️ Corrugations | 💦 Water Crossings |
📍 Test Location: Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park, South Australia.
Is the Arctic Glacier 14 TS right for me?
The Arctic Glacier 14 TS suits adventurous friends or couples seeking individual beds in a compact off-road hybrid offering a low centre of gravity with ample comforts at camp.
They want to explore Australia’s punishing terrain with peace of mind with a simple set-up, off-grid capability and the flexibility to cook indoors or out.
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
The Arctic Glacier 14 TS’ comprises twin single beds at the front, a mid-ship galley kitchen and a full-rear bathroom.
Interior layout
One of our lighter vans on test, the Arctic Glacier 14 TS (Twin Single) offers an electrically operated pop-top and a frontloading washing machine within its compact 4.3×2.2m body.
Arctic still found room to fit a full-rear bathroom layout within the Glacier, including a toilet and separate shower plumbed to a Truma UltraRapid HWS. It also features a black square sink, mirror and a large shower rose that’s on a rail.
Twin gas hobs and a sink comprise a mid-ship kitchen galley setup complemented by a large external slide-out unit for extended cooking outdoors.
Two tables on articulating legs by the beds comprise the living and dining area in poor weather. For those willing to forgo interior dining, the Arctic offers a Glacier 14 with a king-size bed.
Comfort & practicality
Setting up with the Arctic Glacier is easy with no extra expanding spaces to negotiate aside from that electrically operated pop-top roof and the electrically operated awning.
Outdoors, a slide-out fridge, pull-out sink and a second two-burner cooktop and external pantry form a welcoming space under the awning. You’ll also find toggled bug lighting here protecting your camp against pests for tranquil sunsets.
You can also easily bring your own firewood to camp thanks to the stylish, functional toolbox.
Build, Features & Self-Sufficiency – Can it handle my adventures?
The Arctic Glacier 14 TS delivers rugged off-road credibility with coil sprung independent trailing arm suspension shod with foam cell Big Bore 4×4 shock absorbers.
🏕️ 💨 Sand & Corrugations Test
Objective
The Sand Moguls rigorously assesses suspension travel, body flex, and stability at speed.
Observations
Driver Brandon punts the Arctic Campers Glacier 14 over a course comprising large sand moguls and tight corners. Despite the heavily chewed up track turning into proper powder, Brandon manages to hit it pretty hard on the upward sections of the moguls, maintaining a relaxed and point-and-shoot approach.
| Sand & Corrugations Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: Just a couple of bent reflectors were noticed on the caravan after the test. Brandon plans to move them up in future builds. |
| Caravan Reaction: The van just followed the tow vehicle, and the combination was really good. The Glacier has passed the tough test. |
| Component Response: The van demonstrated a very rewarding feeling to watch pay off the hard work put into its design. It remained relaxed over the moguls. |
🌊 💦 Water Crossing Test
Challenge Start: (Water Crossing), (Moguls & Ruts)
Objective
The water crossing evaluates water resistance, clearance, and the operational integrity of electric brakes.
Observations
Winding down the windows, driver Brandon aggressively approached the deep water crossing receiving advice to ease off the throttle to manage the entry.
The Arctic Campers Glacier 14 on tow followed through the deep section smoothly. No visible damage was apparent on either the tow vehicle or the single-axle camper.
| Water Crossing Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: We found no discernible damage on the vehicle or the single-axle Arctic Campers Glacier 14 following the water immersion. |
| Caravan Reaction: The camper tracked straight and stable despite the rapid entry, demonstrating excellent directional adherence and overall composure. |
| Component Response: The waterproofing and clearance performed well, with no visible issues or operational failures after the high-velocity crossing. |
🪨 Moguls & Ruts Test
Objective
The Vantec Caravan Graveyard assesses departure angles, suspension behaviour, articulation, momentum, and track adherence.
Observations
Driver Brandon entered the Vantec Caravan Graveyard with confidence adjusting the electric brake controller for improved stopping power. The single-axle design of the Arctic Campers Glacier 14 was noted to be more nimble while navigating the series of challenging ruts and holes.
| Moguls & Ruts Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: The robust structure of the camper, described as a “good solid camper,” appears to have prevented any structural damage. |
| Caravan Reaction: The single axle proved nimble through the holes but tight turns proved a true challenge |
| Component Response: The strong structure maintained integrity under stress while Brandon adjusted the electric brakes for better control |
Objective
The NCE Abyss rigorously assesses traction, stability, and handling in soft sand.
Observations
Driver Brandon relies upon momentum to tackle the inclines and declines and soft powder. Brandon’s approach is to rely on momentum, putting a bit of power through the pedal since the soft ground means they just can’t stop.
| Moguls & Ruts Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: We found no component damage during the test |
| Caravan Reaction: Brandon pulled the van through the soft ground well, crediting the tow vehicle as making it “quite easy” and that it does it very well. |
| Component Response: The van successfully navigated the inclines and soft ground |
Chassis, Suspension & Build
With independent trailing arm suspensions almost de rigueur in the off-road hybrid scene, the importance of quality dampers are well under the microscope here.
And this year, the Glacier 14 TS sports Trak Ryders for our 2024 Tough Tested programme, powered by GUSTO, Vantec and NCE.
They’re teamed with 16in alloy rims shod with Chengshan LT muddies, a tough XO ARK jockey wheel and a DO35 up front.
Power & water
- To Tough Tested, Arctic packaged a neat off-grid pack, included standard on the Glacier 14 ST, including 400W solar up top, a 270Ah lithium battery (2025 spec now 300Ah) and a 2000W inverter.
- We also see Diesel heating, reverse cycle air-conditioning, 120L of freshwater storage and 70L grey water tank for sensitive campsites and selected national park stays.
4. Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & inclusions:
The Glacier 14 TS price is $59,990 and it includes an electric pop-top, a full-rear bathroom and a Projecta power management system.
Warranty & ownership
- 12 month Manufacturer Warranty
- 5 years structural, lifetime chassis/drawbar
- Dealer network or service access: Showrooms span half the country, from Caboolture to Tasmania
- Safety & compliance
- DO35 hitch, Reverse camera
5. Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The Arctic Glacier 14 TS is a compact, high-comfort, off-road hybrid pop-top featuring twin single beds, an electric roof, internal and external kitchens, a full-rear bathroom, and a sophisticated Projecta/lithium power system.
