Which Metalian Trailer Is Right for You? Genie vs Bowhunter vs Parthian vs Maxi

roxy9050
2 days ago
7 min read

Updated: 24 hours ago

Comparing the Metalian Genie, Bowhunter, Parthian and Maxi? Discover the differences in size, weight, GVM, storage and camping capability to find the right Metalian trailer for your next adventure.

Choosing an off-road trailer is about more than finding the biggest, toughest or most feature-packed option. The right trailer depends on your vehicle, how much equipment you carry, how many people you travel with and, most importantly, the kind of adventures you want to have.

We offer four off-road trailer models: the Genie, Bowhunter, Parthian and Maxi. While all four share Metalian's focus on durability, practical design and off-road capability, each model is designed around a slightly different camping style.

So, which Metalian trailer is right for you?

In this guide, we'll compare the Metalian Genie vs Bowhunter vs Parthian vs Maxi to help you understand the differences and choose the model that best suits your vehicle, lifestyle and next adventure.

Genie vs Bowhunter vs Parthian vs Maxi

Model	Best suited to	Approx. tare*	GVM	Standout feature
Genie	Lightweight, compact adventures	450–500 kg depending on specification	Under 750 kg	Smallest and lightest Metalian
Bowhunter	Couples wanting compact capability	±650 kg	1,250 kg	Compact size with more capacity than the Genie
Parthian	Couples and small families	±650 kg depending on final specification	1,600 kg	Balanced size, capacity and capability
Maxi	Families and longer trips	±850 kg depending on final specification	1,600 kg	Maximum storage and packing capacity

*Trailer tare weights can vary depending on the final specification and selected options. Always confirm the exact specification and towing requirements for your individual vehicle before purchasing.

Metalian Genie: Best for lightweight and compact adventures

The Metalian Genie is the smallest and most compact trailer in the range. It is designed for adventurers who want the benefits of an off-road trailer without towing a large, heavy unit.

The Genie is particularly appealing if you drive a smaller vehicle or simply prefer to keep your camping setup lightweight and uncomplicated. We specifically suggest it as a companion for Suzuki Jimny owners and for people with a Code B licence.

While the Genie is our smallest trailer, it can also be configured with a range of practical options, including a fridge nosecone, roof rack or load bars, drawers, kitchen equipment, water storage, electrical equipment and a rooftop tent. The fridge compartment can accommodate a 60-litre fridge, while the optional water system uses an 85-litre tank.

The Genie is ideal if you:

Drive a smaller towing vehicle
Want a lightweight off-road trailer
Prefer a compact setup
Usually travel as a couple or on your own
Want to keep your camping equipment to the essentials
Want a trailer that is easy to manoeuvre
Are particularly concerned about towing weight
Want to explore with a Suzuki Jimny or another appropriately rated vehicle

Think of the Genie as the “pack light and go” Metalian trailer. Small, but mighty.

Metalian Bowhunter: The compact all-rounder

If the Genie sounds appealing but you want a little more space and carrying capacity, the Metalian Bowhunter could be the better choice.

The Bowhunter was designed to sit between the Genie and the larger Metalian models. It remains compact and relatively lightweight, while offering additional capacity for camping equipment, a fridge, water, kitchen equipment and a rooftop tent. Its current specifications list a tare of approximately 650 kg and a GVM of 1,250 kg.

The Bowhunter is minimalistic, making it particularly suited to adventurers who want capability without moving into a larger trailer.

The Bowhunter shares the same overall length as the Parthian but is shorter in height. This means the two trailers can occupy a similar footprint while offering a different balance of compactness and capacity.

The Bowhunter can be equipped with a National Luna 60-litre fridge slide, water system, kitchen, rooftop tent, awning, electrical system and other accessories.

The Bowhunter is ideal if you:

Want something more capable than the Genie
Still prioritise a compact trailer
Travel as a couple
Want additional storage without moving to the largest models
Want space for a rooftop tent and camping equipment
Prefer a minimalist but well-equipped camping setup

The Bowhunter is still compact, but it has additional capacity. If your priority is keeping your trailer as light and small as possible, start with the Genie. However, if you want a little more room and flexibility while retaining a compact footprint, the Bowhunter may be the better fit.

Metalian Parthian: The balanced choice for longer adventures

The Metalian Parthian is positioned as the intermediate model in the range. It is larger than the Bowhunter but remains relatively compact, making it an attractive option for couples and small families.

Its current standard specification lists a tare of approximately 650 kg, dependent on final specification, and a GVM of 1,600 kg.

The Parthian is designed around the idea of balance. You get more capacity and flexibility than the smaller models without stepping up to the size of the Maxi.

The trailer can be fitted with a 60-litre National Luna fridge, a 136-litre water system, hot water geyser, kitchen equipment, electrical system, solar panels, rooftop tent and a variety of storage options.

This makes it particularly well suited to people who want to spend longer periods away from home or who need more equipment than a more casual weekend setup allows.

The Parthian is ideal if you:

Travel as a couple or small family
Take longer camping or overlanding trips
Want more storage and payload flexibility
Need additional water and electrical capacity
Want a balance between compactness and comfort
Regularly travel off-road
Want a versatile trailer that can grow with your camping setup

Think of the Parthian as the balanced, do-a-bit-of-everything trailer. The Parthian is your everyman kind of trailer. In 2019, the Parthian won the Camper Trailer of the Year in Australia, earning some well deserved international recognition.

Metalian Maxi: Best for families and maximum capacity

At the other end of the range is the Metalian Maxi.

As the largest of the four models, the Maxi is designed for people who need more storage and carrying capacity, particularly families preparing for bigger or longer adventures.

The current standard specification lists an approximate tare of 850 kg, depending on final specification, and a GVM of 1,600 kg.

The Maxi is the only Metalian trailer that was designed with a larger fridge in mind. The fridge slide was designed around a 90-litre fridge. Its optional water system can include two 68-litre tanks, making it particularly useful for extended trips where additional water capacity matters.

The Maxi can also be equipped with a rooftop tent, kitchen equipment, an electrical system, solar panels, storage drawers and other camping accessories.

The Maxi is ideal if you:

Travel as a family
Carry a lot of camping equipment
Take longer trips
Want maximum storage capacity
Need more room for food and supplies
Want a larger fridge
Prefer comfort and flexibility over minimum size
Want a trailer that can accommodate a more comprehensive camping setup

If the Genie is about travelling light, the Maxi is about taking what you need without leaving the essentials at home. It is the ultimate Home away from Home overlanding trailer.

So, which Metalian trailer should you choose?

The easiest way to narrow down the four models is to start with your camping priorities rather than the trailer itself.

Choose the Genie if...

You want the smallest and lightest possible setup.

The Genie makes sense for solo travellers, couples, smaller vehicles and people who don't want their trailer to become an obstacle to adventure. It is particularly attractive if you are looking for a lightweight off-road trailer or are considering towing with a vehicle such as a Suzuki Jimny.

Choose the Bowhunter if...

You want compactness with a little more room to work with.

The Bowhunter is a good middle ground for people who like the idea of the Genie but want additional capacity for equipment, water, refrigeration and camping accessories.

Choose the Parthian if...

You want balance.

The Parthian is a strong option for couples and small families who want a trailer that can handle longer trips while remaining relatively compact. Its higher GVM and broader range of available equipment make it particularly versatile.

Choose the Maxi if...

You want maximum storage and family-friendly capacity.

The Maxi is the better choice for families, longer adventures and campers who would rather have extra space than worry about packing everything into the smallest possible trailer.

What about towing?

Your towing vehicle should be one of the first things you consider when choosing a Metalian trailer.

It is important not to look only at the trailer's tare weight. You also need to consider its GVM, your vehicle's rated towing capacity, the loaded weight of the trailer and the applicable licensing requirements.

For example, the Bowhunter has a registered GVM of 1,250 kg, while the Parthian and Maxi have GVMs of 1,600 kg.

The Genie is different because its GVM is under 750 kg, making it particularly relevant to people looking for a lightweight, code B licence-friendly setup.

Before choosing a trailer, always check your vehicle manufacturer's rated towing capacity and ensure that your licence and vehicle combination meet the relevant South African requirements.

If you're unsure, start with the question:

“What Metalian trailer can my vehicle safely and legally tow?”

Which Metalian is best for families?

We don't think that there's a 'gold standard,' for family camping trips. However, if you're looking for more space the models worth comparing are the Parthian and Maxi.

The Parthian is an intermediate trailer suitable for a small family, while the Maxi is specifically designed around maximum capacity and family adventures.

A small family that values a more compact setup may prefer the Parthian. A larger family or one planning extended trips may appreciate the additional storage of the Maxi.

The Metalian difference

Whichever model you choose, the four trailers share a number of characteristics.

Our design philosophy means that choosing between the Genie, Bowhunter, Parthian and Maxi isn't really about choosing between “basic” and “premium” trailers.

Instead, you're choosing the size and capacity that best matches your adventure.