CAMPER TRAILER VS HEAVILY LOADED 110

[voltron]

I have been looking at some camper trailers out of curiosity and some of the offroad ones are very nice and simple making life a little bit easier when out camping. I don't really need one as my 110 has got all the accessories I need, but the simplicity a trailer provides is definately a bonus.

I have a bit of an issue with towing which is why I dont like the idea of a trailer, but I am not sure if towing a trailer is any less safe then a vehicle that is carrying all that extra weight in gear and accessories. I like the freedom not having a trailer provides but you don't get the simplicity with having a car full of gear and setting up a tent etc.

Has anyone bought a hard floor camper trailer or something similar and not really enjoyed the experience because of the towing factor? It is a large fincancial outlay compared to a tent to realise you didnt like it.

Cheers

[Jacko44]

I have a trailer nowadays, love it, but still go lightweight when long weekending r79090

[Spencer72]

Nice set up Jacko. Im off to Coral Bay with the 110 towing a Jayco Outback. Sits on 100km/hr easy but when you come to the hills it slows down and I dont rev the hell out of it.
Uses quite a bit more fuel though. Interesting to see some posts on this matter.
Enjoy having the space in the 110 as I have 4 kids.

[PAT303]

I find it easier with my cub,all the bedding,most of the camp gear go in the camper leaving my 110 for a bag of clothes and the food.Towing can be a PITA but keep it simple and have fun,I cannot understand the people who tow 3T vans but whatever floats your boat. Pat

[austeve01]

I have been looking at some camper trailers out of curiosity and some of the offroad ones are very nice and simple making life a little bit easier when out camping. I don't really need one as my 110 has got all the accessories I need, but the simplicity a trailer provides is definately a bonus.

I have a bit of an issue with towing which is why I dont like the idea of a trailer, but I am not sure if towing a trailer is any less safe then a vehicle that is carrying all that extra weight in gear and accessories. I like the freedom not having a trailer provides but you don't get the simplicity with having a car full of gear and setting up a tent etc.

Has anyone bought a hard floor camper trailer or something similar and not really enjoyed the experience because of the towing factor? It is a large fincancial outlay compared to a tent to realise you didnt like it.

Cheers

We bought a hard floor camper (Ultimate camper) & have never regretted it. Wherever our disco goes we've never had a problem with the camper behind. Dry weight is 850 kg just tows like a dream & loads of space in the gull wing locker (1350 ltrs). Basic setup in around 7 mins. Internal kitchen & billy's on within 10 mins. For us, we've never looked back. Total length hitch to tail is 4.2mtrs .. nice & compact.

Regards.

[Drover]

I think I've had all the combo's available....

Hard floor CUB Drover XTD...sold

Aus Tent RV4.....(retained)

Coromal 5.5m full off road van....sold

And now gone back to a camper trailer.

Tented across the Simpson and up to Cape York both 6 week trips and was after something easier and quicker set up. For us the camper trailer is the best of both worlds, convenience without losing the camping experience, as Pat said have it set up, grab clothes and food-hook up and go.

The new UEV440 weights in at 1050kg and 440cm long.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/583.jpg

[Leigh 110]

keep an eye on the quality on the trailer, some are made in china/india, and assembled in Australia, so the sales person will tell u its made here, but infact it is NOT!!! buyer beware.........my 2 cents:o:o

[DiscoDan]

Don't have but maybe one day a Defender,

However I have had a few other Land Rovers.

I have three children and loaded up in my Rangie in the early days the load made the car wallow more than normal, after a couple of times doing this, I started towing a box trailer.

I changed to a Disco 1 and still had to tow a trailer. Went through the High country with it, including the staircase and towed up Hearn Spur out of the valley. We then up dated to a camper trailer. The Tdi didn't like the biggewr trailer but still towed it around.

On to the D2, towed the trailer a lot better but now the kids are starting to leave and I have been able to get back to tenting (with a roof rack i don't have the room of a Defender)

Things to note, a roof rack causes drag, but now where as much as a 1.5 ton trailer. Where I used 3/4 tank before with the trailer it is now under a 1/2 tank. I haven't done per lt/100km figures.

The trailer allows for a more comfortable camp, with less set up and unpack at home. I can get the tent up quicker than the camper but the camper has an 8m x 3m annex plus an inner spring mattress etc etc.

I haven't had too many issues towing but I also tend to take my time and think things out. We did have an issue in the high country where my mate had to drop his trailer for a recovery. But again it only slowed us down maybe 15 minutes longer.

Some of my views
Danny

[oldyella 76]

After tenting for 30 odd years with a good quality canvas tent that I had to throw up on the roof rack on my defender, we have now got a cub Daintree LE. It is great, not long to set up, the bed is made and the kitchen takes only a couple of minutes also to set up. Weighs about 850 Kg empty with 80 litres of water. Have towed it with a td5 defender and now a puma. We get about 12.5 l/per 100 ks providing you don't flog it. The only negative is when you get to a town, you have to think about parking ect. It has been to the west of the Cape and to Cape Melville, Forest and Plumridge lakes and Walkers Crossing/ inside track with no problems in towing, It is great to set up in stony or rough areas as you are off the ground and it makes selecting a camp much easier. The landy is not loaded as much and we have a lot more room in the vehicle.
Still love the tent though.
Lindsay

[whynot]

we have had a number of campers with our Defender(S), but have upgraded to a van.

Convenience of a camper is fantastic - can still tour without lugging everything with you... will pretty much go anywhere you can get to!

Good Luck
happy hunting..

cheers
Andrew

[DiscoMick]

We love our Aussieswag hardtop camper for most trips, but will be leaving it behind when we go to the Simpson in September. The D1 tows it OK, but slows up hills. Its nice to be able to set up camp separately to the vehicle. We can trn urs into a three room camp.

Sent from my D1 using overweight hamsters.

[Sitec]

Hi Voltron.. You've many options here as already talked about... but to help with options, we could do with knowing a little more.. You have a 110... with all the gear.. Is it just two traveling, or a family? Is your current tent a roof mounted setup, or one you erect once at you're destination? I've also been thru this and am kinda there again.. My last Land Rover was a 130, onto which I'd built a custom tray with detachable camp body. The idea was great, but the reality was an overweight slow pain in the arse! The box took too long to detach, the roof tent worked well, but would have been handy if easily detached, and the vehicle was always overweight.. My resolve was to have a simple easy setup, which we now have with the 101... The bed is a full sized double set up across the vehicle with boxes etc slid underneath. I am tho considering building a simple camp trailer on the same size wheels with everything built into it, freeing up the vehicle so I don't have to strip it every time I come home!!! My suggestion to you is similar... Instead of spending big on a fancy trailer, why not buy a simple 6x4 trailer (which you specify Land Rover wheels to match your 110), also specify a frame above it to carry a roof tent. This frame can then be canvas covered with access points where you choose. The frame under it could also be meshed if you are worried about security.. With the trailer space, you can then mount/stow all your camp kit. All up it would weigh very little, be simple and relatively cheep to build, and leave the 110 free and not stressed for touring, and using more easily when home! You could then add awnings, pull out kitchens, leisure systems etc as the budget/need arises.. Just my thoughts! :)

[Jacko44]

I agree with Sitec a simple 6x4 with rack and roof tent is a good option, go Aussie built. Most local trailer manufacturers will make something to your spec. Can bling up as desired. I think multiple options are good swag under side awning (fishing for one!) oztent for long weekends and camper trailer for bigger trips with cook and kids. Pro and cons with all of it, when i did the kimberley recently I swaged it, so easy!!!!!!!

[Samblers]

Why not rent one for your next trip and see how you get on?

My thoughts:

Family of 4 - I've thought long and hard about trailers, but still just cant justify owning one. Decent quality fully-kitted out off-road trailers are $$$, are awesomely convenient and comfortable, leave more room in the car, but would only get used once or twice a year on longer trips... but need storing at home for the other 50weeks when not in use.

So now we rent for longer trips and use an Oztent RV5 for weekenders. Still not perfect but no ongoing/maintenance costs or storage problems the rest of the time.

Cheers, Sam

[Samblers]

I think I've had all the combo's available....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/583.jpg

Jees Drover that is one helluva camper trailer! :eek:

[harro]

We tow a KK Platinum with our td5 110 and once you are moving you hardly notice it is there.
Having most of your gear in the camper gives you more freedom to tour around locally once your camper is setup and towed weight is better than a top heavy truck IMO.
Pretty quick to set up and certainly more creature comforts than a tent, swag etc. although we still go that way for weekenders sometimes.

Certainly wouldn't go back to a tent.
KK is around 1tonne dry.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Lennie_4]

I had a T Van for years and now a complete campsite. Towed all around the country including cape York, Kimberly, high country with no problems. Can't beat the comfort and convenience of a quality camper especially with wife and kids along, however I still use a swag under the awning when it's just me. If you can afford it you won't regret the purchase and a good one will hold its value if you ever decide to sell.

[pannawonica]

Great thread I am looking at a complete campsite exodus at the moment. It is a hard floor camper. :D

[Sue]

Has anyone bought a hard floor camper trailer or something similar and not really enjoyed the experience because of the towing factor? It is a large fincancial outlay compared to a tent to realise you didnt like it.

Cheers

I tow with my 90 all the time.. I tow both camper trailer and caravans but admit that for some people the stress of towing outweighs the positive of a little home on wheels. If you are unsure about how you will like it why not hire a camper trailer for a couple of weekends and see how you go. There are lots of camper trailer hire places out there. :)

[Lagerfan]

Just two of us so 90% of the time our 90 is plenty big enough, but for longer trips and when you want to stay somewhere for a few days (packing up RTT everyday is a drag) the trailer option would be a winner.

We've been looking into Stockman PODs to tow behind the 90. They're very light and seem to get good reviews but I haven't seen one in the flesh yet. Not thinking of the whole camper setup but just an off-roada or extreme trailer setup with our existing RTT on the top would do us and go wherever the Deefer can.

[noogie]

I think I've had all the combo's available....

Hard floor CUB Drover XTD...sold

Aus Tent RV4.....(retained)

Coromal 5.5m full off road van....sold

And now gone back to a camper trailer.

Tented across the Simpson and up to Cape York both 6 week trips and was after something easier and quicker set up. For us the camper trailer is the best of both worlds, convenience without losing the camping experience, as Pat said have it set up, grab clothes and food-hook up and go.

The new UEV440 weights in at 1050kg and 440cm long.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/583.jpg


They are a nice camper trailer.
Got a wine rack too for your red wine too.
I'm tipping that's why you bought it.

[weeds]

we are still set up with all the camping gear and well as camper, gives us options..........i prefer the camper now that we have one

[Drover]

They are a nice camper trailer.
Got a wine rack too for your red wine too.
I'm tipping that's why you bought it.

It may have been the deciding factor......

You squeeze a bottle of Bundy in wine rack with a little persuasion ..... lol

[Drover]

Great thread I am looking at a complete campsite exodus at the moment. It is a hard floor camper. :D

I checked out the Exodus before buying the UEV, very nice well built, great quality control and thoroughly thought out. Only gripe was it's just toooooo heavy !

[DiscoMick]

The Patriot X1 camper, which only weighs 700kg, might be worth a look.

Patriot Campers: Off Road Camper Trailers. Best camping experience (http://www.patriotcampers.com.au/)

[voltron]

Thanks for all the input guys. The X1 and Drovers Trailer look awesome and what I was hoping for. In saying that and sounding a little schizophrenic, I saw a Iveco Daily 4x4 yesterday around Newcastle and got me curious again;) It was a beast of a vehicle and I couldnt stop drooling with it's endless options it provides.

Cheers.

[Drover]

A friend is currently checking out options for his slide on camper, with the Iveco at the top of the list.

But ..... At $78,000 for base 4x4 cab/chassis it's a bit exxxy !

[pannawonica]

I checked out the Exodus before buying the UEV, very nice well built, great quality control and thoroughly thought out. Only gripe was it's just toooooo heavy !


Yes you are quite right, however you can get bunks within for the kids and can regulate the heating/cooling. It will be a little while before I make my final decision.

[Leyland1980]

Has anyone ever looked at or even imported one of these? They look awesome and the price seems incredible!

Metalain Trailers (http://www.metalian.co.za/)

[gusthedog]

Has anyone ever looked at or even imported one of these? They look awesome and the price seems incredible!

Metalain Trailers (http://www.metalian.co.za/)

Are they available in Oz or do you have to import by yourself.

[PhilipA]

I have towed my 1997 camp'o'matic for 8 years now and am currently almost home after a lap including the GRR.
My D2 2002 TD5 does 12 l per 100 Kim's on the flat.
My camper is a simple hard floor with no battery etc and weighs 500 kg tare.
I have towed it up the OTT with no problems.
My hard floor camper has limited space for gear as it only has a couple of small boxes in front.
Pros are quick setup, 30 seconds for overnight without awning, warm compared to tent,so light SWMBO will drive no problem,kitchen with water stove and sink,off the ground if downpour causes flood. Awning adds 3poles and say 5-8 minutes.
However not all comper trailers are equal. I would recommend a pre 2004 Camp'o'matic as the bloke who built them was a fanatic for quality.
Cons are bloody towns with angle parking everywhere,closing when wet if not opening next day.( mine has been reproofed but has original canvas and the bed doesn't get wet even if the outside is soaking.)

Hard floors have limited storage and mine is smaller /shallower than many. I have built up the car with fridge slide, and racking for food, grog, clothes,spares,etc. we are just finishing a lap over 3 months,so need emergency food and summer and winter clothes as well .
Regards PhilipA

[Leyland1980]

r
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leyland1980 View Post
Has anyone ever looked at or even imported one of these? They look awesome and the price seems incredible!

Metalain Trailers (http://www.metalian.co.za/)



Are they available in Oz or do you have to import by yourself.

Not sure, hence the question - anyone fancy a Group buy? I could be convinced by a nice red Mini!

[PhilipA]

From my one visit to RSA , Namibia, Botswana , and Zambia,I found the dirt roads to be much better than Oz,with grading every few weeks.
I therefore wonder if their suspensions are good enough to stand Oz outback conditions.
I was told by a Conquerer rep that they toughened up their trailers for Oz.

So I wouldn't be rushing to buy what is really a very basic suspension. I am an independent fan after 8 years with no problems except new shocks needed.
Regards philip A

[Lagerfan]

Not sure, hence the question - anyone fancy a Group buy? I could be convinced by a nice red Mini!

Seems to me there is a gap in the market for small/light basic off-road trailers like this in Oz. Patriot or Mission are a good size but way pricey with too may bells & whistles, only others I've come across are the XMT/A1 and the PODs.

So ... I could be convinced too.

[weeds]

Has anyone ever looked at or even imported one of these? They look awesome and the price seems incredible!

Metalain Trailers (http://www.metalian.co.za/)

Mulgo does something similar.....

[bushrover]

Hi Voltron.. You've many options here as already talked about... but to help with options, we could do with knowing a little more.. You have a 110... with all the gear.. Is it just two traveling, or a family? Is your current tent a roof mounted setup, or one you erect once at you're destination? I've also been thru this and am kinda there again.. My last Land Rover was a 130, onto which I'd built a custom tray with detachable camp body. The idea was great, but the reality was an overweight slow pain in the arse! The box took too long to detach, the roof tent worked well, but would have been handy if easily detached, and the vehicle was always overweight.. My resolve was to have a simple easy setup, which we now have with the 101... The bed is a full sized double set up across the vehicle with boxes etc slid underneath. I am tho considering building a simple camp trailer on the same size wheels with everything built into it, freeing up the vehicle so I don't have to strip it every time I come home!!! My suggestion to you is similar... Instead of spending big on a fancy trailer, why not buy a simple 6x4 trailer (which you specify Land Rover wheels to match your 110), also specify a frame above it to carry a roof tent. This frame can then be canvas covered with access points where you choose. The frame under it could also be meshed if you are worried about security.. With the trailer space, you can then mount/stow all your camp kit. All up it would weigh very little, be simple and relatively cheep to build, and leave the 110 free and not stressed for touring, and using more easily when home! You could then add awnings, pull out kitchens, leisure systems etc as the budget/need arises.. Just my thoughts! :)

+1

Slight thread hijack. I am considering building a light weight trailer as suggested. Will use independent suspension and not sure whether I will use coils or airbags (but then i will have to carry a spare or two and add weight) Also weight in the 110 will generally be lower and suspension can be set up to be more comfortable when unladen.

Rick.

[tonic]

We have a Camel Beachcomber, selling, soft floor. Been to Fraser twice with it and a few weekends and a week at park on a river. Great thing. If we didn't have a young bloke I would have gone Cub or similar hard floor. The big advantage I see with a soft floor is under bed storage. The bigger hard floors have good storage but have a good price too.


We have just gone for a Jayco Outback Hawk, wont go into reasons, just suites us and perhaps sets up a bit quicker. We also tent it when we have time. We will taking the Hawk to Fraser this year. The camel has GVM of 1020 kg, the Hawk 1320.


I tow all the time at work, box trailers, low loader, so towing doesn't bother me. On that note, I would rather spread out the weight and have a well braked trailer over driving a top heavy vehicle, but that's a personal thing, whatever you are comfortable with.


I like Australian made for parts etc. The Camel is fully made in Brisbane, and the Jayco is made here too, with standard caravan parts you can get at caravan shops or Ebay.

[Leyland1980]

From my one visit to RSA , Namibia, Botswana , and Zambia,I found the dirt roads to be much better than Oz,with grading every few weeks. I therefore wonder if their suspensions are good enough to stand Oz outback conditions. I was told by a Conquerer rep that they toughened up their trailers for Oz. So I wouldn't be rushing to buy what is really a very basic suspension. I am an independent fan after 8 years with no problems except new shocks needed. Regards philip A


I would be interested to know how Conquers were hardened up for Aus. What do they change? The surely don't re engineer the suspension do they?

The simplicity/ basic nature of the Metalain suspension is obviously not as sophisticated as the patriot x1 but then neither is the price! Which will I notice more?

[Jacko44]

79251 love my x1.79252

So easy to tow, super79253 rugged

[Jacko44]

7925479255

Defo look close at x1, workmanship is tops, you could never build one for the price using the components they use

[PhilipA]

I would be interested to know how Conquers were hardened up for Aus. What do they change? The surely don't re engineer the suspension do they?

The simplicity/ basic nature of the Metalain suspension is obviously not as sophisticated as the patriot x1 but then neither is the price! Which will I notice more?

Their website says they are all independent in Oz.
Regards Philip A

[Drover]

I would be interested to know how Conquers were hardened up for Aus. What do they change?


The only change made to to actual suspension on the UEV range are upgrades to taller Dobinson Springs, Tuff Dog shocks and 33" tyres.

The independent suspension on the 440 (SA Companion) and 490 (SA Commander) really are a massively over engineered. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

[Leyland1980]

I would be interested to know how Conquers were hardened up for Aus. What do they change? The surely don't re engineer the suspension do they? The simplicity/ basic nature of the Metalain suspension is obviously not as sophisticated as the patriot x1 but then neither is the price! Which will I notice more? Their website says they are all independent in Oz. Regards Philip A

But how does that differ to the Africa Conquerer models?

From my experience in Africa some of the gravel is very good ( southern Namibia) some off the tar is very bad ( eastern cape) and my experience in aus is that the gravel roads here are much the same as African ones if perhaps on average a little better. I suspect it is highly possible that differences between Aus spec and SA spec might actually have more to do with the market ( the legislation, the expectations of consumers, availability of components and the availability of more sophisticated maintenance and or repair providers) than with the environment in which the product is expected to operate.

As a non trailer user can anyone tell me how much difference in dependant suspension would actually make on a ~600kg trailer?

[weeds]

As a non trailer user can anyone tell me how much difference in dependant suspension would actually make on a ~600kg trailer?

I also wonder about this as well esp one a single axle trailer.

At slow speed all the articulation is done at the tow ball....high speed I'm guessing it's aways the leaf v coil argument for a smooth ride.

And he's me running defender stubs, hub and callipers using electric over hydraulic actuator.

[Vern]

I have both, leaf and independent, (well just sold leaf one), I can't tell the difference with towing, only in the slow rutted you can tell, the independent articulates through the rutts and potholes better.

[Drover]

The independent suspension on the 440 (SA Companion) and 490 (SA Commander) really are a massively over engineered. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

As pictured the trailing arms on the Conqueror UEV 440's & 490's are massive !

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/266.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/267.jpg

[voltron]

Wow Drover that is a beast of a trailer. If only I had the money to buy a 4x4 Daily and whack that trailer on the tray. I would be set I think.:cool:

[Drover]

Wow Drover that is a beast of a trailer. If only I had the money to buy a 4x4 Daily and whack that trailer on the tray. I would be set I think.:cool:

That would be the ultimate off road touring set available ! Comfortable and Capable...

[Sitec]

Independent Suspension on a 'single axle' trailer is an expensive gimmic IMO... Your trailer is effectively a tripod.. The tow point and each wheel. It would have a purpose of a twin axle trailer but serves no purpose on a single axle trailer. The trailer chassis has to be beefed up so much to carry the suspension arms etc, the wheels have to be tracked, the list goes on. Save you're money and buy a rigid axle trailer with decent length springs that have some flex, and not the short thick solid 'Off Road Springs. Just my opinion having re welded several I.S trailers. :)

[weeds]

Independent Suspension on a 'single axle' trailer is an expensive gimmic IMO... Your trailer is effectively a tripod.. The tow point and each wheel. It would have a purpose of a twin axle trailer but serves no purpose on a single axle trailer. The trailer chassis has to be beefed up so much to carry the suspension arms etc, the wheels have to be tracked, the list goes on. Save you're money and buy a rigid axle trailer with decent length springs that have some flex, and not the short thick solid 'Off Road Springs. Just my opinion having re welded several I.S trailers. :)

You summed up my thoughts.

[JamesB71]

What would be considered a good length spring?

[Sitec]

I'd go for a Series Rear Spring. Prob even a LWB spring with the heavy helper leaf, so you can load the trailer up and still have a soft ride, but the heavy leaf is there if needed. With a multi leaf spring you then have the option of removing leaves to suit the weight you are carrying. Wou can use all std off the shelf bushes etc, and we all know what a flogging a Land Rover spring will take before it breaks. I am planning a trailer build to go behind the 101 in the not too distant future and will use 101 springs.. They match the tow vehicle and ride like a coiler with a bit of weight on board. The key thing then is to have decent shockers that suit leaves. Again, just my opinion, but certainly the way I'd go. :)

[DiscoMick]

We've had no problems with our leaf spring Aussieswag. Independent might give better articulation in some situations, but it hasn't been an issue for us.

Sent from my D1 using overweight hamsters.

[PhilipA]

My impression has always been that IS main advantage is stability over corrugations, and not stepping sideways, particularly on really rough corners, where a skipping trailer could unbalance the car.

I must admit I have NO experience in towing solid axle trailers on corrugations, but in 8 years of towing my camp'o'matic it has never skipped sideways.

I have been in many situations where not skipping is very important such as approaching a very rough grid.

I have also seen many solid axle trailers broken,with broken main leaves, centre bolts, shackles,u bolts. I have never personally seen a broken IS. Maybe the leafs were under specified but who knows?

I don't think articulation is at all important for a trailer as long as the coupling can rotate.

Regards Philip A

[gusthedog]

Independent Suspension on a 'single axle' trailer is an expensive gimmic IMO... Your trailer is effectively a tripod.. The tow point and each wheel. It would have a purpose of a twin axle trailer but serves no purpose on a single axle trailer. The trailer chassis has to be beefed up so much to carry the suspension arms etc, the wheels have to be tracked, the list goes on. Save you're money and buy a rigid axle trailer with decent length springs that have some flex, and not the short thick solid 'Off Road Springs. Just my opinion having re welded several I.S trailers. :)


IMHO independent suspension on a trailer is brilliant. I have owned a Tvan with independent suspension and a kanga camper with Alko torsion bars. I have also towed extensively with leaf sprung trailers. The Tvan stuck like poo to a blanket in every single situation: fast dirt, slow articulation, sand, big ruts etc - you name it. Springs were never as good and Alko torsion bar is an abomination. The kanga spent more time in the air than on the road, stepped out on corrugations, was shocking in ruts, you had to skulk drag it through sand etc. My wife and I joked that the Kanga was named after the suspension! And yes, I tried different tyre pressures, weights in the trailer, driving slower, faster etc. All I ever had to do with the Tvan in comparison was tow it and only drop pressures on sand. The suspension soaked everything else up with aplomb. Left my laptop on the bed going along some rutted tracks in Tassie. Was still there at days end. That would never have happened in the Kanga.

In real world use, you almost forget you are towing a properly set up independent trailer in nearly all instances. At least I knew the Kanga was behind though I suppose as on nearly every road surface except bitumen and graded dirt it would appear in one mirror.... And then the other. And repeat :D

[Leyland1980]

I am more able to see the benefits of IS on a heavy caravan or larger trailer but on a 500-700kg trailer I cannot see it actually being very independent in operation.

Anyway i dont have IS on the front two axles so why on the towed one?!

[Jacko44]

I have towed many trailers (not campers) but horse boxes, car trailers and large plant trailers. My patriot with IS is beautiful to tow compared to anything before, its quite scary because with the electric brakes set correctly it is like its not there. Did 140km on corrugations 3 weeks ago, again, smooth as silk.

[Shingleback]

To answer your question, yes we have bought a camper trailer and have just sold it due to reasons you suggest. I don't believe people when they say "you don't know it's there" or "it will go anywhere your vehicle will". Ours was good camper, a Trak Shak at about 700kg loaded, but you notice it when the going gets rough, fuel economy suffers, parking in town is a pain, and stopping half way up a snotty hill becomes fun no matter how good you are at reversing a trailer.

Everyone has different needs but for us we like the freedom to explore any track to find remote campsites off the main tourist routes.

I am now about to start building a slip on camper for the back of our 130 which hopefully will be not too heavy (using composites), sleep our family of five with plenty of room, be quick to set up, and be able to detach from vehicle quickly thanks to the air suspension. Will post details when under way if anyone interested.
Cheers,
Andrew.


I have been looking at some camper trailers out of curiosity and some of the offroad ones are very nice and simple making life a little bit easier when out camping. I don't really need one as my 110 has got all the accessories I need, but the simplicity a trailer provides is definately a bonus.

I have a bit of an issue with towing which is why I dont like the idea of a trailer, but I am not sure if towing a trailer is any less safe then a vehicle that is carrying all that extra weight in gear and accessories. I like the freedom not having a trailer provides but you don't get the simplicity with having a car full of gear and setting up a tent etc.

Has anyone bought a hard floor camper trailer or something similar and not really enjoyed the experience because of the towing factor? It is a large fincancial outlay compared to a tent to realise you didnt like it.

Cheers

[87County]

........

I am now about to start building a slip on camper for the back of our 130 which hopefully will be not too heavy (using composites), sleep our family of five with plenty of room, be quick to set up, and be able to detach from vehicle quickly thanks to the air suspension. Will post details when under way if anyone interested.
Cheers,
Andrew.


I look forward to reading about Andrew :)

[Sitec]

I am now about to start building a slip on camper for the back of our 130 which hopefully will be not too heavy (using composites), sleep our family of five with plenty of room, be quick to set up, and be able to detach from vehicle quickly thanks to the air suspension. Will post details when under way if anyone interested.

Yes, I'd b interested... I went down the same route when I had the 130.. and regretted it on the first decent trip! I made the frame of my box out of 25x25x2 RHS and then covered it in Alli. The roof was the 5mm thick composite panel.. Once everything was loaded in, inc tent, jack legs, Webber, chairs, food boxes etc etc etc etc etc it was way too heavy, and 100kph was the best we could do. Removing the box became a fad.. That was the reason the 101 arrived! Loads of room... a good reason to fit a ridiculous engine, and designed to tow!! If you do build one, consider these two things.. 1, Make it slide on and latch not drop on like I did. (Had to get the box very high to get it off), and 2, Consider rear air bags, so you can fit the legs, then hit the button and drive out! Good luck!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/172415-detachable-camp-body-build-130-a-5.html

[Shingleback]

Yes, I'd b interested... I went down the same route when I had the 130.. and regretted it on the first decent trip! I made the frame of my box out of 25x25x2 RHS and then covered it in Alli. The roof was the 5mm thick composite panel.. Once everything was loaded in, inc tent, jack legs, Webber, chairs, food boxes etc etc etc etc etc it was way too heavy, and 100kph was the best we could do. Removing the box became a fad.. That was the reason the 101 arrived! Loads of room... a good reason to fit a ridiculous engine, and designed to tow!! If you do build one, consider these two things.. 1, Make it slide on and latch not drop on like I did. (Had to get the box very high to get it off), and 2, Consider rear air bags, so you can fit the legs, then hit the button and drive out! Good luck!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/172415-detachable-camp-body-build-130-a-5.html
Thanks for the tips, I have seen the photos of your old 130, mine will be similar. I'm determined to make it easily removable as everyone seems to not bother removing them often as it is a bit of mucking around. I already have a full airbag system front and rear which will make it easy like you said. This will also save a lot of weight as I won't need those big heavy steel jack legs, I'm using alli scaffold tube. Still a few months off starting but getting there.

[123rover50]

As pictured the trailing arms on the Conqueror UEV 440's & 490's are massive !

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/266.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/06/267.jpg

Just caught up on this.
Notice the suspension is made by Vehicle Components right here in Brisbane.
They do outstanding stuff.
For those that dont know this business was founded by Arthur Goddard who back in the late 40,s was the engineer for Land Rover in the UK and is considered the Godfather of Land Rover.
He is in his 90,s now and still shows up at work.
He is also the Patron of SLOw on this forum.
http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vehiclecomponents.com.au%2Far thur-goddard&ei=C96pU5KHIMbSkAWl1oHoBw&usg=AFQjCNHBsDc0MSphwYfG7IeSfRDcY9pCiQ&sig2=Mk-jPgwvV5lAUWVrlGPKCw

Didiman

[Jacko44]

The suspension and hitch on the patriot camper is also made by vehicle components

[malsgoing130]

I made the plunge and switched to a camper trailer. Did a huge plunge and bought a Conqueror UEV 390. 600kg dry (about 1.2 ton fully loaded, good for 12 days travel) tows like a dream and sets up really fast- this was key really.

Basic set up no awning 5 min tops, with awning add 15 min. I think that the ability to chuck some cloths in the back and a bit of food really enhances the camping experience. I save the 5-6 hour pre trip set up of the Defender, with RTT, extra drawers etc etc and really weigh it down. On the down side, I had to take the plunge and buy the BAS upgrade as overtaking and hills were driving me nuts.

As far as the suspension goes- I've driven all over Southern Africa, true the roads in Namibia (dirt roads) are good but there are some in other parts that equate or are worse than here in Western Aus. I believe in the KISS principle, just makes it easier to fix if the ...... hits the fan. My trailer has got over run brakes, beam axle leaf springs with shocks- simple! The over run brakes are an ALKO contraption that does not exist here, that worries me a bit.

Camper trailer :BigThumb:
cheers Mal

[Drover]

Just caught up on this.
Notice the suspension is made by Vehicle Components right here in Brisbane.
They do outstanding stuff.
For those that dont know this business was founded by Arthur Goddard who back in the late 40,s was the engineer for Land Rover in the UK and is considered the Godfather of Land Rover.
He is in his 90,s now and still shows up at work.
He is also the Patron of SLOw on this forum.
http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vehiclecomponents.com.au%2Far thur-goddard&ei=C96pU5KHIMbSkAWl1oHoBw&usg=AFQjCNHBsDc0MSphwYfG7IeSfRDcY9pCiQ&sig2=Mk-jPgwvV5lAUWVrlGPKCw

Didiman

Only the electric brakes and associated part are made by VC. The suspension is made Conqueror in Sth Africa. Springs are Dobinson, shock are Tuff Dog.

[voltron]

6 months later and I have narrowed this down to the Conqueror 440 and TVan. Now just waiting for the suppliers to get back from their xmas holidays.:twisted:

Drover, I need your help.