Whats a good first camper trailer?? [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

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newlandyowner

7th May 2012, 06:13 PM

tonic

7th May 2012, 06:29 PM

Having spent the past 4 years myself making up my mind on which one to buy I can agree about how they all sound the same.

For me it is about how long you intend to keep it, where you want to take it and weight.

If you want to tow one while doing hard core 4x4ing, then you want independant suspension, not leaf springs.

I do not like hard floors as they take up too much storage space but they are a bit better if you are packing up in the rain, only a bit.

I like alloy for weight.

Start doing a list of what you are going to do with it and work your requirments into that and that is why everyone will have a different opinion.

dswatts

7th May 2012, 06:51 PM

I would suggest getting a cheap second hand one or hiring a few different ones to see A, if you like camper trailers. And B, what configuration suits you. I recently bought a cheapie from gumtree. Love it, best thing we every did.

HTH

Dylan

scanfor

7th May 2012, 06:56 PM

We bought a camper trailer about 2 years ago at the Brisbane camping show.
It's basically an Oztrail camper tent on a high-sided box trailer.

Things about it that I like are that the tent is canvas, which is so much better than nylon both in summer and in winter, and it has a swing-away tailgate so I could mount an aluminium chequerplate box as a camp kitchen.
Apart from that, just make sure the trailer is sound for your intended purpose. I broke a leaf spring on mine after the first big run out the Cameron Corner, so the suspension has since been upgraded.

It cost around the $5k mark, and I've spent money on it as I go, upgrading to things like an onboard water tank, and solar panel/battery setup.
I think that for my budget at the time, it was a good buy - having said that if I'd had $10k to spend, I would have bought one with all the bits already done on it.

The best one to buy is one that you can use and use often - that's what it's about.

DT-P38

8th May 2012, 12:05 AM

We bought our first old (70's) jayco about 4 year ago for a couple of grand just to get going and work out what we actually want/need. Used it half a dozen times in the first 18 months then bought another not so old (80's) Jayco for 4 grand. Having tarted it up a bit while we had it. I sold the first one on e-bay for $4K. The second one will also go on the market soon as I am modifying an ex-army trailer to take a roof top tent and become our new off roading camper. I'm hoping it will also go for a bit more than I bought it for to cover the total cost of the ex-army one.

With 3 primary school kids and Mrs, we have used our campers approx. 4-5 times a year with total days use a year being around 20-25 days (average). That is the primary reason we don't want to spend anymore... anymore than a couple of grand sitting around in the drive is just wasteful IMHO. The secondary reason is that young kids tend not to recognise if something is nice and new or a bit old and faded when they are putting their lovely muddy boots, or texta's, or whatever, all over it!

Whatever you buy, you will modify it to some degree... just get started and you'll be happy working it out as you go. From what I have seen on e-bay and the like, there is generally no problem selling a tidy second hand camper of any type. The lower budget ones especially.

bigcarle

8th May 2012, 06:22 AM

we are first time camper trailer owner as well, we got a Castle Camper from Cleveland and are very happy with it. They have a new design in the tent now and should be in your price range. here is a link to their site

Camper Trailers Brisbane-Queensland | Campers fit for a King (http://castlecampers.com.au/)

cheers

Safari

8th May 2012, 07:03 AM

My brother in law bought the exact same camper from Melbourne and although there are a few issues he his very happy with the purchase for the price. A bit of research found that several others have bought them and spent around $200.00 changing all the chinese bolts "U" bolts etc for better quality steel. Will let you know in 2 months how good they are as he is taking his to Cape York.
Cheers Rob

wayneg

8th May 2012, 12:01 PM

Hi Guys
Looking at getting our first camper trailer.
I've had a look around but there is a lot on the market it starts to get abit repetitive.

I've found these in Perth, they look pretty good and suit our budget (5-7k)

4x4 OFF ROAD CARAVAN CAMPER camping trailer + tent WA | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x4-OFF-ROAD-CARAVAN-CAMPER-camping-trailer-tent-WA-/290707915812?pt=AU_Caravans_RVs&hash=item43af8ac424#ht_12093wt_1270)

Anyone know of any others worth a look at?

Cheers

I have just bought that exact trailer off e-bay. Having spent a year looking the price of these just cant be overlooked, especially as a first camper and if you win one of the no reserve auctions like me. I went and had a look first and all seemed well made, shown a mate in the know and he thinks its an unbelievable deal but only time will tell if the thing shakes apart. For me the Hard floor was an early decision as I want the super quick deployment they offer and the fact the floor is off the ground. I agree the storage available is not as good as the Soft tops but as I am going from a Tent and all the paraphernalia in the back of the car to this there will be plenty for my needs. Mine will be getting the full off road treatment so only time will tell if its a bargain or lemon. I pick it up on Thurs 10th, they are made / assembled to order. ( no doubt from a box of bits sent from China)
I had a look a campertrailers.org at all the info on there and these trailers seem to tick most of the should haves other more experienced owners recommend. I am optimistic this will prove a bargain buy

pop058

8th May 2012, 04:29 PM

I recently purchased a new complete camper top and fitted it to my trailer. If you already have (suitable) trailer, it maybe a cheaper alternative as your first one anyway.

This is where I got mine. Good value for money and great service.

Austrack Camper Trailers & Tents Incl. Off Road & Motorbike (http://www.austrackcampers.com.au/)

zulu Delta 534

9th May 2012, 08:50 AM

What do you want do with it? - besides the obvious answer; camp.
How many of you are there and are there likely to be more soon?
What are your priorities, take the whole house with you and stop in one place, or camp overnight and move on next morning early?
Have you been camping previously?
I ask all these questions because the answer to your initial question depends on all these things.
If you are a seasoned camper and intend on heading on a three week trek through the desert you will need an entirely different set up than if you are going to go to the local beach and set up a home away from home for a couple of weeks.
Many people buy camper trailers for completely the wrong reasons and live to regret their rash choice later on down the track so with this in mind I would tend to suggest you start out with the cheapest one you can afford to write off down the line, then go out and experiment.
Personally I prefer the rear fold type rather than the side fold because they are quicker and easier to set up and pack up in their basic (read overnight) form and especially in adverse weather conditions. (It happens, not all holidays are sunny all the time!). I can pull off the road and within a minute lift the lid of my camper, hop inside out of the rain, cook a meal on a camp stove and go to bed. Basic but dry.
On a prolonged stay of more than one night then the side fold type offer a lot more room and comfort, but conversely take a bit longer to offer to set up to a basic set up, and considerably more to set up fully, but as I said, a lot more comfortable than my basic setup.
I also don't tend to fit permanent things to vehicles such as second batteries, fixed solar panels, fixed water tanks etc as these items, although they are very handy to have are extremely limited in their use when fixed.
Take a fixed solar panel for example, to make it work you have to park your vehicle/trailer in the sun all day, personally I would rather park in the shade and put the panel out in the sun!
Fixed second battery? What happens if the car breaks down and has to spend a couple of days in a garage being repaired whilst you are camped out in a prime spot by the river. No power. I leave my spare battery in a carry case and connected to the car or trailer or solar panel by an Anderson plug.
Water tanks. When your water tank is empty and fixed under the trailer, how do you fill it without taking the trailer to the water source. Use a Jerry can I hear you say. Why carry an extra jerry can when it is in fact a portable water tank?
All these things, and a lot more, to think about before you buy an expensive trailer.
Your initial question cannot be answered properly until you work out what you need, (Notice I said "need" not "want".) so I suggest you do a lot of soul searching, then when you have done that, have the confidence to make your own decision based on your and your family's needs then post up a picture of what you have bought/made. Don't pay for something just because the manufacturer has added it, pay for it because you need it.
Regards
Glen

loanrangie

9th May 2012, 09:27 AM

There are a lot of good second hand aussie made campers out there for around 3-5K which would be better than a new chinese poorly made tent whacked onto a new flimsy trailer, quite often you will get lots of extra's thrown in.

Tank

9th May 2012, 01:37 PM

DBKDISCO

9th May 2012, 05:55 PM

Hi,

I was in the same position and ended up buying a basic cheap (1.5K)second hand camper trailer, with a big tent as I have 3 primary school age kids, not the best looking one going around but it got us started and dose the job, after 2 years with weekenders and 1 trip up the center (4 weeks) and another up to Broome (4 weeks), i am now starting to work out what I need and dont and the best way to do things, start of cheap see how you go or hire different models to see what works best for you,

I looked at a 10K cheap knock off the other day and my worn out 1.5K camper is better built and tent quality.

Good luck in looking around I am sure somethiong will turn up, check Gumtree

newlandyowner

9th May 2012, 06:06 PM

Cheers for the replies, its always good to get a lot of good opinions esp from people who have trailer experience etc.

Some very good points brought up by everyone. The water tank one is a good one Zulu Delta, wouldn't have thought about that, lots of things to consider.

Wayneg, I came across the PMX ones because I guy at work has one. He reckons they are great, esp since you can set them up in under a minute.

Decided to go with the list idea, spend a few more hours online and in show yards......annoy the Mrs even more, chicks just dont get camper trailers do they??

I had a look on gumtree and there is a lot of trailers advertised as being used a couple of times, I'll keep an eye on there aswell.

I'll definitely keep you posted on what happens, the old man keeps telling me to keep buying lotto tickets, that way he reckons I can get a new 110 or 130 and tow a Tvan trailer, then he said he'd join me on a trip somewhere haha.

Cheers

David Hawes

13th May 2012, 08:42 PM

Try "Blue tongue campers", I've just purchased one and after a couple of trips it has proven to be fairly good. They'll custom build the trailer in Australia and throw a Chinese tent on it. Mine was $6,500 for an off road trailer a few mods and 25 sq meters of tent. It's only got leaf springs and no water tankS as I agree with the previous writer and prefer jerry's.

Mick-Kelly

13th May 2012, 09:42 PM

I bought a Southern Cross branded second hand camper trailer last year for 3K. Its a 94 model and its in great condition with new kitchen attached to swing out tailgate. Watertank, electric brakes etc. fitted and its an off road model. Definately keep an eye out on the second hand market. Ive used mine a few times and i love it. I am midway through customising it with LED lights, deep cycle battery bank and solar panels.

Redback

16th May 2012, 04:06 PM

Here ya go a second hand Cavalier in WA from
Camper Trailers WA (http://www.campertrailerswa.com/html/used_camper_trailers.html)

Aussie made, can't go wrong.

Baz.

Pedro_The_Swift

18th May 2012, 04:41 PM

... anymore than a couple of grand sitting around in the drive is just wasteful IMHO.

gawd,, no caravans in your future then--:D

cruiser1

19th May 2012, 02:10 PM

If you are looking at campers you should check out the Conquerors - see Urban Escape Vehicles (http://www.conqueroraustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2)

These are serious off road vehicles - not the cheapest, but worth the money. Now if I could just get approval from the Finace Director I would be away!!!!

devilmanv8

20th May 2012, 04:59 PM

I chose a custom built aluminium trailer for my first.

Its for sale if your interested.

newlandyowner

20th May 2012, 06:30 PM

I've picked up a second hand 7x4 load star trailer that is rubber lined.Overall pretty good condition, licenced, put a couple of LED's on it, need to do the wheel bearings and only paid $600.
I'm now going to get a 7x4 tent and just bolt that on when we go away.

Prob end up putting some bigger wheels and jerry can holders etc on it. If we use it alot, I'll trade it in on a conqueror for sure. Saw one today being towed along.....just about spun my neck off my shoulders looking at it!

Thanks for the helpfull hints, I'll post some pics up when its ready to roll.