Camper trailer

[Mick Young]

Thinking of buying a Mars hard floor camper trailer, model Vanguard. Has anyone got one or know anything about them. I've never had a trailer before so this is new territory for me. It seems to be the cheapest I could find on the internet for a hard floor. Any info would be appreciated, cheers.

[Tins]

My son has that very model. He seems to be very happy with it, takes the wife and two boys away often. Had one issue where the bit that folds out hit on the gas bottle and popped all the screws or rivets, can't quite remember, but they fixed it no worries. Think they relocated the gas bottle. It was too high or something. If you want more info I'll ask him.
Made in Moorabbin or somewhere. I like that they're local. Trying to get it fixed when it's from China is a worry.

[Tins]

Apology. He has a soft floor. Apparently it has more storage space plus a bigger tent. But, as I say, he is happy with the package.

[Tins]

Quote from a message from him "That said with the ute and no kids I'd have gone the hard floor just keeps everything more comfortable and easier setup as well as not going to accidentally tear it." Happy to give you his email if you want more. He's a former member on this site, and you've met him, Winter Wombat about three years ago. He's gone over to the Dark Side, and found out that the Toyota thing isn't a legend, it's a myth.

[Tank]

Your intended purchase is exactly the same as my CHINESE camper trailer which I purchased in Melbourne for $5K a couple of years ago.
If the bloke that's selling you the trailer says it is manufactured in Australia, ask him to show you where they are building them and go and see for yourself.
I am totally happy with mine, I changed a few things, esp. the innerspring mattress, have had a few leaks, but nothing that you wouldn't get in any other C/T.
These trailers are imported from China in CKD form and assembled here, the welding and construction on mine is first class and I can't fault it.
A decent electrical system is needed, but can be added by you when funds allow.
My main Gripe is these Importers and retailers spruiking they are Australian, when all you need is a couple of blokes that can turn a screwdriver or spanner to build one.
A mate bought one (don't know who the retailer was) and apart from a nice fancy paint job and better electricals it is Identical, except he paid $26,000 for his around same time I bought mine.
These trailers are GOOD value under $10K with some good electricals, they handle well off road and if you **** the innerspring mattress off and replace all the extra steel poles for annex and such with alloy poles you will save around 100 kilos.
Please let me know if I'm wrong, Regards Frank.

[Tins]

Your intended purchase is exactly the same as my CHINESE camper trailer which I purchased in Melbourne for $5K a couple of years ago.
If the bloke that's selling you the trailer says it is manufactured in Australia, ask him to show you where they are building them and go and see for yourself.
I am totally happy with mine, I changed a few things, esp. the innerspring mattress, have had a few leaks, but nothing that you wouldn't get in any other C/T.
These trailers are imported from China in CKD form and assembled here, the welding and construction on mine is first class and I can't fault it.
A decent electrical system is needed, but can be added by you when funds allow.
My main Gripe is these Importers and retailers spruiking they are Australian, when all you need is a couple of blokes that can turn a screwdriver or spanner to build one.
A mate bought one (don't know who the retailer was) and apart from a nice fancy paint job and better electricals it is Identical, except he paid $26,000 for his around same time I bought mine.
These trailers are GOOD value under $10K with some good electricals, they handle well off road and if you **** the innerspring mattress off and replace all the extra steel poles for annex and such with alloy poles you will save around 100 kilos.
Please let me know if I'm wrong, Regards Frank.

My son told me his was CKD. I thought when he bought it it was local, so my bad. But, like you Frank he is very happy with his. It has no electrics other than lights and brakes but he has his fridge etc in the HiLux so no matter.

[Tank]

My son told me his was CKD. I thought when he bought it it was local, so my bad. But, like you Frank he is very happy with his. It has no electrics other than lights and brakes but he has his fridge etc in the HiLux so no matter.
All mine had as electrics was a slide out stainless draw with a Battery, charger, a couple of switches (I never did find out what they were for) a terminal plate with wiring for the water pump and the switch in the tap in the sink and slide out kitchen and a strip of LED lights above the bed.
I have found some water leaks in around the fold over hard floor.
I have installed 2 AGM Optima batteries, a C-Tek DC to DC charger and a 180 (amp/watts) Solar panel, so the batteries charge off the Disco when driving and off the solar when camping.
This is basically a good well built camper with many extras you would be paying big bucks for, like double seals (auto type) on doors and starage box, stainless kitchen and sink and stove, ease of assembly and pack down, light, mine is under 700 kilos now and it is exactly the same width as the disco, a good buy if under $10K, but some arseholes are claiming Australian made and charging over $20K, Regards Frank.

[Mick Young]

First thankyou all for your replies. They all made perfect sense. I found out that they make the Mars campers just near me on centre dandy rd at Springvale. So l'll go over and have a talk with them and hopefully have a look round. Thanks again for your interest. This has been a fantastic site to belong to. It's helped me no end with queries and problems l have had. Cheers, and l'll let you know the outcome.

[loanrangie]

Hop over to myswag forum and have a look around, there are a few trailers for sale in the markets section there.

[Mick Young]

Thanks for that but I need to be able to pay it off. Cheers.